September 26, 2025

By Lane Kimble

For a kid wanting to pursue a career in politics, 17-year-old Isaac Pedersen found himself in the right room Thursday.

Pedersen listened as WTBA Board President Dan Zignego rattled off the list of guests and topics ahead of the WTBA Fall Meeting in Madison.

That included names like Gov. Tony Evers, State Representatives Alex Dallman and Tip McGuire, and State Senators Mark Spreitzer and Patrick Testin.

Before any of them would speak, though, the crowd would celebrate Pedersen himself.  The senior from Menomonee Falls received a $500 scholarship check for successfully completing WTBA’s Work Zone Safe Wisconsin online course.

“My dad actually told me I should do it,” Pedersen admitted.  His father is an engineer with EXP.  “It sounded like a unique opportunity to learn an important skill when regular drivers education courses do not teach this principle.”

Pedersen is one of nearly 3,000 young drivers who have passed the free program since its launch in April 2024.  The Wisconsin County Highway Association generously sponsors the monthly scholarship checks.

“I really liked the emphasis on the fact that there is a face and a family behind every flag and flashing light,” Pedersen said.  “We all play a major role in protecting the lives of those who work tirelessly for us on the roads.