Teshka, DeVon: St. Joseph County students receive educator scholarship

Posted by: Allison Vanatsky  | Monday, June 7, 2021 11:30 am

STATEHOUSE (June 7, 2021) – Local students preparing to become teachers are among this year's recipients of the state's Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Reps. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) and Dale DeVon (R-Granger).

The scholarship program, established in 2016 through legislation enacted by the Indiana General Assembly, awards $7,500 annually to 200 high-achieving students who commit to teaching in the state for at least 5 years after graduating college.

"We want the best and brightest leading our classrooms, and we’re fortunate to have so many young people who want to serve Indiana communities as teachers," said Teshka, a member of the House Education Committee. "College is a huge financial commitment, and the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship allows students to cover some of the costs of their education, so they can focus on their futures."

More than 400 students applied, and these local students are among this year's 200 scholarship recipients:

  • Gillian Chartier, Penn High School;
  • Hannah Cussen, Penn High School;
  • Brianna Hooton, New Prairie High School;
  • Benjamin Malinowski, Marian High School;
  • Rory Sullivan, Clay High School;
  • Thomas Walatka, Riley High School; and
  • Emma Welch, Mishawaka High School.

"So many of us have a teacher who changed our lives and those are the people we want leading our classrooms," DeVon said. "Teaching is a rewarding career, and by helping instill a love of learning early on, these future educators can have a positive impact on our kids."

Those qualifying for the renewable scholarship totaling up to $30,000 must graduate in the highest 20 percent of their high school class or earn a score in the top 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT.

To learn more and apply for the next round of scholarships opening in the fall, visit LearnMoreIndiana.org/nextteacher.

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State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7, which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.

Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5, which includes portions of St. Joseph County.

Click here to download a high-resolution photo.