This week’s Waukesha Patch Whiz Kid is Mikayla Holzem, an 18-year-old senior at Waukesha North High School. Mikayla plans to attend Arkansas State University in Jonesboro to major in accounting and minor in Spanish.

Whiz Kid’s Name: Mikayla Holzem

Whiz Kid’s School: Waukesha North High School

Whiz Kid’s Accomplishment: Mikayla is being honored by U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl on Sunday to receive a $1,000 initiative scholarship.

Whiz Kid’s Key to Awesomeness: “Initiative scholarship recipients, chosen by their schools, have demonstrated exceptional initiative in the classroom and have shown strong promise for succeeding in college and beyond, but have not yet received other academic-based scholarships,” a news release from Kohl’s office states.

In Mikayla’s Words: “When I was told by my guidance counselor that I won this award, I was so grateful. Out of all the kids in my school, I was chosen and it sort of gave me a sense of relief that scholarships really go to those who work their hardest.
“For other students going through this process, I would say never give up. I know, especially in rough situations, that it can be hard to push yourself, but you have to remember that you can control what happens in your life. If there's something you want, nothing can stop you or hold you back.”