Frye: Ripley County students receive educator scholarship

Must graduate in the highest 20 percent of their high school class

STATEHOUSE (May 20, 2022) – Ripley County students preparing to become teachers are among this year's recipients of the state's Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg).

The scholarship program, established in 2016 through legislation supported by Frye, 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.

"Teachers can be some of the most important people in a child's life, and we need talented individuals to pursue this rewarding career," Frye said. "This scholarship encourages some of our brightest students to pursue teaching the next generation."

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

• Emma Newhart, Jac-Cen-Del MS/HS, selected Franklin College;
• Jessika Thomas, South Ripley High School, selected Purdue University West Lafayette; and
• Olivia Raab, Batesville High School, selected Purdue University West Lafayette.

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.

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.