Hendricks County legislators: Local students receive education scholarship from state

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 6, 2026) – Hendricks County students studying to become teachers are among more than 300 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. This year, more than 1,000 students applied, representing over 300 high schools in 90 of Indiana's 92 counties.

"Indiana's future is shaped in our classrooms every day, and the teachers leading those classrooms play a critical role in preparing the next generation of Hoosiers," said State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville), who serves on the House Education Committee. "These scholarships recognize students who have excelled academically and encourage them to use their talents to make a difference in the lives of others."

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

• Kayla Bloomer, Danville Community High School;
• Callista Clark, Plainfield High School;
• Molly Dean, Tri-West Senior High School;
• Grace Eads, Brownsburg High School;
• Ian DeGeeter, Plainfield High School;
• Liliana Ruffner, Avon High School;
• Raeley Shilling, Plainfield High School; and
• Whitney Smith, Cascade Senior High School.

"Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping our future leaders and continuing to make Indiana a great state," said State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon). "I always appreciate seeing local students earn this scholarship and dedicate themselves to educating our children."

State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) 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.

"Congratulations to all of the hardworking students who received this scholarship this year," said Haggard. "Choosing to teach says a lot about them, and schools across Indiana will be better off because of their hard work and dedication."

"It's essential that those leading our classrooms have strong academic skills and demonstrate a dedication to teaching future generations," said State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton). "This program has helped so many students achieve their education goals and made our schools stronger."

Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarship applications for the 2026-27 school year will open in November. Click here to learn more about the program.

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State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) represents House District 25,
which includes portions of Boone and Hendricks 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. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) represents House District 57,
which includes portions of Hendricks, Johnson and Morgan counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

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

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