FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kohler Foundation Awards $1 Million+ in Scholarships, Including Top HVK and RDK Honors

June 5, 2026 – Sheboygan, Wis. – The Kohler Foundation announced scholarship awards totaling $1,010,000, including $340,000 awarded to three outstanding Sheboygan County students through the prestigious Herbert V. Kohler (HVK) Scholarship and Ruth DeYoung Kohler (RDK) Scholarships for Artistic Excellence, along with HVK Incentive and Leadership Scholarships, an RDK Merit Award, and Kohler High School scholarships across thirteen schools.

The HVK Scholarship, awarded to one student demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and community impact, was presented by David Kohler to Brennan Nickel of Plymouth High School. Brennan received $150,000 and will attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison to study mechanical engineering. He has served as FBLA President, NHS Vice President, and varsity soccer captain, while actively participating in student leadership and service organizations.

Two students received the Ruth DeYoung Kohler Scholarships for Artistic Excellence, which recognize exceptional artistic talent and a commitment to pursuing a career in the arts. David Kohler presented Alaina Arnold of Plymouth High School with an $80,000 award; she will attend the University of South Florida to study dance. Laura Kohler presented Levi Ruona of Cedar Grove-Belgium High School with a $110,000 award, and he will study music education at Lawrence University. Both students have demonstrated outstanding artistic achievement, discipline, and dedication to their craft.

For more information about Kohler Foundation scholarships and programs, contact (920) 458-1972 or visit KohlerFoundation.org.

Kohler Foundation is a private, non-profit organization supporting arts, education, and art preservation initiatives in Wisconsin.

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Photos:

Brennan Nickel, Herbert V. Kohler Scholarship recipient, Plymouth High School with David Kohler

Alaina Arnold, RDK Scholarship for Artistic Excellence recipient, Plymouth High School with David Kohler

Levi Ruona, RDK Scholarship for Artistic Excellence recipient, Cedar Grove-Belgium High School with Laura Kohler