August 26, 2026
When Armond Hauge was born 100 years ago, no one could have predicted how he would transform hundreds of lives decades later. As we approach this anniversary, the Greater Denfeld Foundation is spotlighting some of those whose futures were made brighter by his extraordinary gift.
While some scholars follow a straight and narrow path after graduation, others need space to explore, pivot, and discover where they truly belong. For Amaya Wayne (Class of 2019), Mr. Hauge’s generosity provided a safety net that allowed her to do just that—giving her the freedom to step away from the wrong path and find her true calling in the classroom.
Finding the Right Path
After graduating from Denfeld in 2019, Amaya began her higher education journey exploring healthcare—first studying sonography at Chippewa Valley Technical College, and later pursuing an associate degree in nursing at Lake Superior College.
However, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amaya realized nursing was taking a heavy emotional toll. Leaving the program left her feeling uncertain about her next steps, but she knew deep down how much she loved learning. When she decided to pivot toward a career in education at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, the Greater Denfeld Foundation team was right there to support her transition, working with her to resume her Hauge scholarship when she needed it most.
At UWS, everything clicked. Amaya discovered a genuine passion for teaching, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (with a minor in Instruction) in December 2024.
“When my original plans fell through, it was nice to know I had help to keep educating myself,” Amaya shares. “The Hauge scholarship helped me feel like I had a chance. It opened up my options so I didn’t have to keep pursuing a career path that was stressful and panic-inducing. I was able to leave that path debt-free, with the security of knowing I still had a scholarship to try again.”
The Power of Flexibility
For many students, changing majors or transferring schools leads to mounting debt or forces them to remain in an ill-fitting field. Because the Hauge Scholarship offered flexibility and financial security, Amaya was able to explore different avenues without overworking herself or taking on heavy financial strain. She completed her university degree completely debt-free, giving her the peace of mind to throw her whole heart into becoming an educator.
Today, Amaya is fully licensed to teach elementary education in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Having completed her rewarding first year of teaching 5th grade in Cromwell, MN, she is excited for the future as she looks for her next teaching role closer to home.
A Legacy That Grows Teachers
Armond Hauge believed in investing in the potential of young people, and Amaya’s story is a powerful reminder that finding your path is a journey worth taking. By giving scholars the room to learn, adapt, and grow, Mr. Hauge’s legacy now lives on directly in local classrooms where educators like Amaya inspire the next generation.
“I made friends and found a flexible, diverse career in teaching,” says Amaya. “I am proud of my journey, my career choice, and my first year of putting my degree to use.”
Happy 100th Birthday, Mr. Hauge—thank you for giving Denfeld scholars the second chances and financial peace of mind needed to thrive.
Were you supported by the Armond Hauge Scholarship? Join us in celebrating Mr. Hauge’s 100th birthday milestone by sharing your story! Visit our Hauge Scholarship Reconnect page to submit your Hauge scholarship story.
Check out additional Hauge Scholars stories celebrating this important milestone!