MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), in partnership with Edvest 529, Wisconsin’s direct-sold 529 college savings plan, and the Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt (DebtSmarts), today announced this year’s Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest recipients. Sixteen Wisconsin high school seniors will receive a scholarship, in the form of a $1,000 contribution to a new or existing Edvest 529 account, for their winning essay submission on how they plan to finance their college education and career training. Seven of the 16 scholarship recipients are first-generation college students.
Please join the DFI, Edvest 529, and DebtSmarts in congratulating this year’s scholarship recipients:
- Noor Abuayyash, Oak Creek High School, Oak Creek
- Madison Bennett, Joseph Craig High School, Janesville
- Brianna Bray, Luxemburg-Casco High School, Luxemburg
- Rosy Gupta, Oak Creek High School, Oak Creek
- Cortland Johnson, Milton High School, Milton
- Sophia Krueger, DeForest High School, DeForest
- Evan Malueg, Johnson Creek High School, Johnson Creek
- Tyler Martin, Waukesha West High School, Waukesha
- Carly Martinez, New Lisbon High School, New Lisbon
- Pariya Mirzaei, Muskego High School, Muskego
- Jozlin Puente, Southwest High School, Green Bay
- Ethan Reeths, Appleton High School, Appleton
- Brody Stratton, Burlington High School, Burlington
- Tatym Travis, Greenwood High School, Greenwood
- Jacob Wiegmann, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac
- Johann Wolf, Mauston High School, Mauston
“We are thrilled to recognize the scholarship recipients for their outstanding essay submissions, which reflect their thoughtful and strategic plans for funding their college education and career training,” said DFI Secretary-designee Wendy K. Baumann. “These students have demonstrated impressive financial acumen and foresight. Their commitment to enhancing their financial literacy is commendable, as it sets a solid foundation for their future endeavors. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to supporting them on their academic journeys through this scholarship, empowering them to reach their goals and excel in their chosen fields.”
Members of DebtSmarts reviewed and scored the 212 essay submissions they received based on how well the students had estimated their higher education costs, identified funding sources for paying for those costs, including explaining how the financial aid process works, and formulated plans for managing their finances, schoolwork, and any job responsibilities while staying focused on their academic and career goals.
“The submissions revealed not only the students’ critical thinking and realistic planning skills but also their remarkable awareness of the financial responsibilities that lie ahead,” said DebtSmarts Executive Director Carole Trone. “Each essay reflected a commitment to their future and offered innovative strategies for navigating the complexities of higher education financing. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their thoughtful submissions and commend the winners for their outstanding efforts in articulating a vision for success. Their determination and foresight inspire us all as they embark on their exciting higher education journeys.”
The Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest is a part of the Money Smart Wisconsin financial literacy awareness and education campaign, taking place this week, April 6-12, 2026.
“Money Smart Wisconsin Week is the perfect time for Wisconsinites to start or continue saving for college and career training with the Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program and its two college savings plans – Edvest 529, a direct-sold plan, and Tomorrow’s Scholar, available through financial advisors and fee-only planners,” said DFI Financial Capability Director Jessica Wetzel. “Starting early and making consistent, even modest, contributions to an account over time can really add up, helping students and families avoid an overreliance on student loans down the road.”
Wisconsin taxpayers have until April 15, 2026, to contribute to an existing Edvest 529 or Tomorrow’s Scholar account, or open and contribute to a new account, to be eligible for the 2025 state income tax deduction. To learn more about saving with the Edvest 529 plan, register to attend a free webinar.
Sponsors of the scholarship contest include: Ascendium Education Group, DebtSmarts, the DFI, Educators Credit Union, Edvest 529, SecureFutures, Summit Credit Union, and UW Credit Union. For more information, review the 2026 Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest webpage or send an email to MoneySmart@debtsmarts.org.
