CRIVITZ – As a part of the ongoing celebrations for America’s 250th birthday, the Patriot Games are being held to recognize inspiring young leaders amongst high school athletes from across the country.
A male and a female student were recently selected to represent their home states on a national scale for the chance to win $250,000 in scholarships. One of the two Wisconsin representatives is Millicent “Millie” Kosir, a Coleman High School student from Crivitz.
“I first heard about this when [President Donald] Trump gave his address to everyone about it. I saw a video on social media explaining what it is and its been in the back of my mind,” Kosir explained.
She gave the Patriot Games much consideration over the next six months, until the application process opened and she could officially begin working towards it.
As a part of the application, Kosir was asked to make a two minute video introducing herself and why she should be the female representative of Wisconsin. In the video, she discussed her many achievements and interests both in and out of school, including serving as class president for the past two years, playing the trumpet, participating in volleyball and track and field as well as mentoring younger participants within her local water ski team.
“I want to participate in the Patriot Games because I want the opportunity to represent my home state of Wisconsin on a national level. I also would love the privilege to compete amongst my peers from across the country while celebrating the 250th anniversary of the country I cherish so much,” she shared.
“I submitted that video, and then a few weeks later they sent a notification saying that I made it to round two,” Kosir explained.
Next, she completed short essay questions providing more information about herself and why she deserved the opportunity. From there, the exciting news came with an email announcing that she had secured the spot.
She recounted getting the notification, “I was in complete disbelief. Like, out of everybody in Wisconsin, it was crazy that I got picked. I was super excited.”
Kosir will meet the other 99 students selected during arrivals on Aug. 7 and Aug. 8 at the host location of SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio. The games will be held from Aug. 9 to Aug. 11, with a variety of different games and physical activities taking place each day.
According to a welcome packet Kosir received, the first day will unite everyone with teambuilding exercises like kickball and dodgeball. The second day will involve more individualized events, including the Presidential Fitness Test and military-style obstacle course — which Kosir said she is excited for the most. Finally, the games will close with Pop-A-Shot and tug of war as well as a surprise final challenge.
As the Patriot Games approach, she has been busy completing the required physicals and background checks while also finding fun ways to prepare.
“My parents took me to Green Bay and we went to the NEW Zoo and I did the obstacle course there. Also, we went to Dave & Buster’s and I did lots of the little basketball games there for Pop-A-Shot. So, I’ve been trying to get those skills a little bit better in preparation,” Kosir explained.
Her skills will be put to the test for the chance to win $250,000 in scholarships. These funds will be awarded to one male and one female competitor overall.
For Kosir, winning such a scholarship would make a large impact on her future education plans to earn her bachelor’s degree and attend dentistry school with the ultimate goal of becoming an orthodontist.
“The scholarship would really help contribute to my future and let that be possible.”
The Patriot Games will be streamed live on the ESPN app on Aug. 9 to Aug. 11, followed by a one-hour ABC special on Aug. 13. To support Kosir and join her journey, follow milliek.wi on Instagram.
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