4 local students named recipients of Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 12:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

Four Marshall County students pursuing careers in education have been named recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Representatives Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) and Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty).

Local students awarded this year include Brynn Berndt of Culver Community Middle/High School, Mia Hartley, Marisa Langfeldt, and Mary-Jane Ward, all of Plymouth High School.

The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, established by the Indiana General Assembly in 2016, 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 commit to teaching in an eligible Indiana school for five years after completing their education. This year, more than 1,000 students applied from over 300 high schools in 90 of Indiana's 92 counties, making the recognition a significant achievement for each recipient.

To qualify, students 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 maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

"These students have put in a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication as they prepare for careers teaching young Hoosiers," said Rep. Jordan. "I have no doubt classrooms across our state will continue to be great learning environments thanks to their efforts."

Rep. Teshka, who serves on the House Education Committee, echoed that praise. "Having an outstanding teacher who goes above and beyond in the classroom can positively change a student's life," he said. "These scholarship recipients show that our schools will be in great hands in the future."

Applications for the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship for the 2026-27 school year will open in November.