PERHAM- Perham High School senior Dresden Wegscheid was one of eight students awarded
the prestigious Presidential Scholarship from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
MSUM’s Madison Ziegler surprised Wegscheid on Friday, Feb. 20, with the news of him
receiving the award.
During his time at MSUM, Wegscheid will receive a total of $48,000 to cover tuition, assist with
housing, and provide professional development funds over four years, according to Ziegler, an
Admissions Representative at MSUM.
Wegscheid, the son of Kelli Wegscheid, was surprised to learn he was receiving the award.
“It feels great. It doesn’t feel real that I got it,” Wegscheid said. “I was very fortunate that I had
the opportunity to interview for this scholarship. I still can’t really comprehend that. I did not think
it was real.”
For a student to be considered for the Presidential Scholarship, they must have maintained a
high academic record during their time in high school and apply to participate in the Honors
Program at MSUM, according to Ziegler. Qualifying students are then invited to participate in an
interview process as part of our Honors College Scholarship Days on campus, which were held
in the winter.
“We are excited for our Presidential Scholarship recipients this year, as well as for all incoming
Dragons, who participated in the Honors College Scholarship Days,” Ziegler said.
Wegscheid received a tour of the campus and participated in a sit-down interview with members
of the staff at MSUM.
“It was a very cool experience that I was able to do,” Wegscheid said. “MSUM was definitely my
top choice. It was really the only thing on my mind.”
Wegscheid said it was the culture at MSUM and the school’s proximity to home that set it apart.
He said the campus felt comfortable and familiar, much like being back home in Perham.
Wegscheid has not yet decided on a major but is considering studies in business or finance.