Local students receive educator scholarships

Jul. 25—Area students studying to become teachers were among those to receive the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship.

According to State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville), the Indiana Commission for Higher Education recently announced more than 300 scholarship recipients this year.

A record-breaking 945 students applied, which is 58% more than the previous year.

The program, established in 2016 and expanded in 2023 through legislation supported by the Indiana General Assembly, provides high-achieving high school and college students interested in pursuing a career in education the opportunity to earn a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 each year for four academic years. In exchange, students agree to teach for five years at an eligible Indiana school or repay the corresponding, prorated amount of the scholarship.

Area students receiving scholarships include:

Morgan Cain, Greensburg Community High School;

Maliki Clarkston, Union County High School;

Madison Eversole, Franklin County High School;

Josephine Guerrero, Decatur Central High School;

Madison Hauger, Connersville Senior High School;

Sydney Hazelwood, Decatur Central High School;

Kaydence Hoyt, Greensburg Community High School;

Kylie McPherson, Franklin County High School;

Kaitlyn Sarringhaus, Batesville High School; and

Gracey West, South Ripley High School.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must either graduate in the top 20% of their class, score in the 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT, and earn at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA. They must maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete at least 30 credit hours per year to keep their scholarship.

"Congratulations to these local students," Patterson said. "I look forward to seeing you lead Hoosier classrooms in the future."