Thirty-three of the 200 high-achieving high school and college students who were awarded a Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education will be attending Ball State University in the fall.

The next Ball State winner we are highlighting is Katherine (Katie) Hartnett.

Name:

Katie Hartnett (She/Her)

Hometown:

Fortville, Indiana

High School: 

Mt. Vernon High School

Katie Hartnett Graduation

HS Graduation Date:

May 27, 2022

Did you participate in any extracurricular activities in high school?

During high school I was the class secretary of Student Government from my freshman year to junior year, and then executive secretary of Student Government my senior year. I was also a member of National Honors Society (completing 40 volunteer hours), Marauder Mentors (which involved being a mentor to incoming freshmen), a member of French Club, a member of AfriCan, and a member of Book Club.

What are you planning on studying at Ball State?

I am planning on majoring in Elementary Education.

What makes you want to become an educator/teacher?

I want to become an educator/teacher as I enjoy spending time with little kids and I want to have a positive impact on their lives. My mother is currently an educator, and seeing the effect she has on all of her students inspires me to do the same. I want to not only educate my future students, but also to be a kind and approachable figure in their lives that they feel they can trust and talk to.

What made you choose Ball State?

I chose Ball State as I have heard amazing things about the education program. My mother went to Ball State to get her master’s degree and said she had extremely positive experiences. Also, the campus is breathtaking, and all of the people I encountered when I visited were so friendly and welcoming.

When you think about heading to college in the fall, is there something you are most excited about/looking forward to?

When thinking about heading to college in the fall, I am most excited about the new experiences that college brings. I am looking forward to gaining some independence, as well as meeting new faces. I am especially excited to learn more about being an educator, and improving and sharpening my skills so I can succeed in life. I also want to be involved in numerous campus activities as well as clubs.

Katie Hartnett Horse

Do you have any hobbies? If so, what?

I am a big reader, so I would say that is my biggest hobby. I particularly enjoy fantasy and historical fiction books. I also love to be creative, so doodling and calligraphy occupy some of my time as well. To stay active, I enjoy riding horses and have ridden since I was 7 years old.

Fun fact about yourself:

When I was 5 years old I swallowed a quarter! Apparently the goal was to “polish it” – it’s safe to say that money has stayed far away from my mouth since then!

Congratulations Katie!