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JWC Experiential Leadership Program
In memory of John W. Chapman II, his family and the Viking Legacy Foundation have established an experiential leadership program in his name to inspire and propel future leaders, scholars, and athletes. John served the Holmen community for decades as Village President and Village Board Trustee, invested heavily in the futures of all Holmen residents, and had an unmatched energetic belief in those he loved most. It was this fervent belief that propelled two kids from Holmen to the Naval Academy. The JWC Experiential Leadership Program gives rising Holmen High School Seniors a taste of life at the Naval Academy. This program enables one student per year to experience world class academic, athletic, and leadership training at the #1 Public University in the United States. Award recipients must exhibit academic achievement, strong leadership skills, and a desire for continuous self-improvement. The Chapman family plays a pivotal role in the selection process and connects the recipient with mentors from the local area and across the Nation.
Our Inaugural year: NOW OPEN TO CLASS OF 2026!
Naval Academy Summer Seminar
Week-long sessions throughout June, this opportunity provides a glimpse of life at the Naval Academy to rising Seniors who will experience world-class academic, athletic, and leadership training.
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How is the Letter of Nomination different from a letter of recommendation for other scholarships?The Letter of Nomination levels the playing field and gives our selection board a glimpse into who you are “off paper.” The selection of the annual Legacy Scholar involves a ‘whole person’ evaluation and therefore requires a “beyond paper” impression of the applicants. The Letter of Nomination is an endorsement of the candidate by the writer, signaling their belief that the applicant is a high character, service-oriented student who has potential to become a change agent in the community and an admirable ambassador of Holmen High School.
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Who should I ask to write my Letter of Nomination?The best writers are people who know you well, who interact with you often, and who have been responsible for evaluating your performance.
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Who can write my Letter of Nomination?Any coach, advisor, teacher, employer, or military leader can write your Letter of Nomination.
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Is there a minimum GPA requirement in order to be considered?No, there is no minimum GPA requirement to apply.
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Is there a minimum ACT score in order to be considered?No, there is no minimum ACT score requirement to apply.
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What if my nomination writer has not submitted their letter and the deadline is approaching?We strongly suggest that you contact your nomination writer early in the process to maximize the time they have to submit the best letter possible. If absolutely necessary, we suggest you find a backup nomination writer if the deadline is approaching and you have not heard back from your original writer.
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If I am selected as a Viking Legacy Scholar, when will the award funds be available?Funding will be given via check following the presentation of the scholarship at Senior Recognition Night in May.
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When is the application due?The 2024 application is due Friday, March 1st via email. Please email all included documents to vikinglegacyfoundation@gmail.com
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Do I have to use the template for my application?Yes, all applications must use the given application template. The template is available on the Apply page.
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When can I expect to hear about the status of my application?The winner will be announced at Senior Recognition Night in May.
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Are the essays for this application different from the Standard Application?Yes, there are four required 250-word essays. They involve your passions, your envisioned impact, your strengths, and your commitment to the Holmen community. Please note: the Viking Legacy Scholarship application does not follow the Standard Application. The application is completely separate. The only two items that carry over from the Standard Application are the activities resume and transcript.
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What if I have not yet been accepted to a school or am unsure of my future plans? Can I still apply?Yes, if you are awaiting acceptance, unsure of which type of schooling you desire to pursue, or awaiting enlistment in the military you are eligible to apply.
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Are students planning to attend a 2-year community or technical college or a trade certification program able to apply?Yes, any student who is pursuing a form of post-secondary education is eligible to apply.
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What if I plan to live outside of Holmen after I graduate? Am I competitive for this scholarship since I will not be actively involved in the Holmen community day-to-day?Yes, all Holmen graduates are imbued with the Viking Way and our goal is that the Viking Legacy travels outside the Village of Holmen. Our founding aim for the Viking Legacy is to identify leaders from Holmen who, through their pursuit of education, will remain connected to their Holmen roots in any way they envision and make positive impact wherever they go in life.