Hendricks County students receive educator scholarship

STATEHOUSE (May 19, 2022) – Hendricks County students preparing to become teachers are among this year's recipients of the state's Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to local lawmakers.

The scholarship program, established in 2016 through legislation supported by State Reps. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis), Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) and Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon), awards $7,500 per year to 200 high-achieving students. Recipients must commit to teaching in Indiana for a minimum of five years after graduating college. Current high school seniors or college students are eligible to apply.

"Keeping our top students in the state is a must if want to ensure a strong pipeline of teachers," said Behning, chair of the House Education Committee. "Since this scholarship started, it's been encouraging to see how many talented young Hoosiers have used it to pursue this essential and rewarding profession."

More than 600 students applied, and these local students are among this year's 200 scholarship recipients:

• Audrey Harper, Plainfield High School, selected Ball State University;
• Brooke Elliott, Plainfield High School, selected Purdue University West Lafayette;
• Caecey Franz, Plainfield High School, selected Ball State University;
• Emily Howell, Brownsburg High School, selected Ball State University;
• Hannah Ridenour, Plainfield High School, selected Ball State University;
• Julia Diagostino, Tri-West Senior High School, selected Indiana University Bloomington;
• Katie Kern, Danville Community High School, selected Purdue University West Lafayette;
• Mackenzie Gillespie, Brownsburg High School, selected Ball State University;
• Madelyn Dickerson, Tri-West Senior High School, selected Indiana University Bloomington;
• Rain Minartz, Greencastle Senior High School, selected Ball State University;
• Ryan Nattress, Avon High School, selected Ball State University; and
• Sophia Notter, Covenant Christian High School, selected Indiana Wesleyan University.

"There are so many high-achieving students in Hendricks County who are dedicating themselves to teaching," said Thompson, a retired teacher and member of the House Education Committee. "I look forward to seeing what they can do to prepare our young Hoosiers for future success."

Those qualifying for the renewable scholarship totaling up to $30,000 must graduate in the highest 20 percent of their high school class, earn a score in the top 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT or have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

"Congratulations to these local students who worked hard and will now save thousands dollars as they prepare to launch a teaching career," Steuerwald said. "As they head off to college, we wish them continued success."

To learn more and apply for the next round of scholarships opening in the fall, visit LearnMoreIndiana.org/nextteacher. Questions may be directed to NextTeacher@che.in.gov.

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State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 91,
which includes portions of Hendricks and Marion counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) represents House District 40,
which includes a portion of Hendricks County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) represents House District 28,
which includes portions of Hendricks and Boone counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.