Lake County lawmakers: State awards educator scholarship to local students

STATEHOUSE (June 30, 2025) – Lake County students preparing to become teachers are among this year's recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to local lawmakers.

The scholarship program, established in 2016 through legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly, awards a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 per year (up to $40,000 total) to high-achieving high school and college students who agree to teach in an eligible Indiana school for five years. A record-breaking 1,091 students applied for the 2025-2026 Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, with nearly 300 scholarships awarded.

"Indiana is always looking for new talent to lead our classrooms," said State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron). "This scholarship program is just one way our state continues to encourage young students to follow their education dreams."

This year, these local students were among the scholarship recipients:

• Emily Bantsolas, Illiana Christian High School;
• Claire Benton, Lowell Senior High School;
• Myah Donovan, Hebron High School;
• Charles Ganske, Hobart High School;
• James Hairston, Hobart High School;
• Tionna Hall, Merrillville High School;
• Alexandra Magallanes, Bishop Noll Institute;
• Miles Verpooten, Crown Point High School; and
• Joshua Wooge, Lake Central High School.

"Teachers play such an important role in shaping our young people and future leaders," said State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). "Congratulations to these students for stepping up to guide the next generation of Hoosiers." 

State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) said those qualifying for the scholarship must graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class, earn a score in the 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT, or have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

"A scholarship like this recognizes the hard work and dedication of our future teachers," Slager said. "I commend their decision to pursue this critical role in the state of Indiana."

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. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes a portion of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.