Local alum proposes 'Keiko Travel Award' for Trotwood-Madison seniors

Kayla Coleman, a 2013 Trotwood graduate and founder of Keiko Bridal Agency, asked the Trotwood-Madison City School District board on June 16 to host a pilot "Keiko Travel Award" for graduating seniors beginning in 2027. Coleman said the program would select three students, award a 4-day, 3-night international trip as the grand prize, and include second- and third-place recipients who would receive smaller (potentially domestic) travel awards.

"My business, it really is about curating affordable travel experiences for everyone," Coleman said, describing the initiative as a way to expand students' cultural exposure. She outlined eligibility criteria she proposed: a 3.4 GPA average for the year, acceptable disciplinary standing and attendance, a faculty endorsement, and 20 hours of community service. Coleman said the winning student must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and that the program will include a pre-departure orientation, travel insurance with 24/7 support and registration in the U.S. Department of State's STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program).

Coleman told the board the program is a pilot and that Keiko Bridal Agency will handle the travel logistics and lead fundraising: "All of the logistics and traveling will be done by us," she said, adding that she will contribute to the fund personally and seeks community sponsors. She estimated the budget for the grand-prize trip at about $4,000 ("$2,000 for the student, $2,000 for the parent," she said) but told the board the award will proceed even if outside fundraising falls short.

Board and staff questions focused on safety and logistics. A board member asked what safety procedures would be in place for international travel; Coleman said she has personally visited the proposed destinations (Grenada, Barbados and Jamaica), that excursions would be vetted, emergency contacts would be provided in an emergency packet and that the insurance plan covers medical transport and passport/document loss. She confirmed the selection process would use an application essay and a rubric; committee members (including Coleman and district-appointed staff) would each grade applicants and select winners by combined score.

District staff and board members expressed support for the idea and offered to promote the opportunity through district communications and social media. The superintendent said staff would discuss operational details and a district point of contact; no formal district funding was requested and, as Coleman noted, "it is at no cost to the district unless they want to contribute." The board did not take a formal vote to approve the program at the meeting; staff said they would follow up with logistics and share next steps with senior families if there were no objections.