The selection committee for the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Fellowship Program announced that Jennifer Mesko, a speech therapist at West Bend West High School, has been selected as a recipient of the 2016 Herb Kohl Fellowship.

The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Fellowship program rewards teachers who have demonstrated superior ability to inspire love of learning in their students, have motivated others, and have provided meritorious service both inside and outside the classroom. The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation will award Mesko a $3,000 grant, and an additional $3,000 grant will be awarded to West Bend East High School.

“Throughout my career as a speech therapist, I have known that I am in the field of educating to make a difference with some of our most challenging students,” Mesko said. “I have continuously pursued trainings, courses, and seminars that have facilitated a greater understanding of trauma, poverty, and behavior/truancy challenges. I truly believe in the power of connecting with students. Building relationships is the foundation of education. Without that foundation, many students struggle to connect, struggle to be intrinsically motivated and struggle to succeed.”

Fellowship recipients are selected by a statewide committee composed of civic leaders, and representatives of education-related associations and the program’s co-sponsors: The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools (WCRIS), and regional Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESA).

The Kohl Foundation Scholarship and Fellowship program was established by Herb Kohl, U.S. Senator (Retired), in 1990. To date the foundation has awarded more than $8.2 million to Wisconsin educators, students and schools. “Education is the key to the future of Wisconsin and our nation. I am very proud of the accomplishments of these students and teachers, and look forward to the great contributions they will make in the future,” Kohl said.

Senator Kohl will present the award to Mesko at the regional luncheon on Saturday, April 16 at Kimberly High School.