Empowered by Purpose, Inspired by Impact
For River Fritz, a future special education teacher from Roanoke, Indiana, a moment of kindness helped define a lifelong calling.
As a student at Huntington North High School, River participated in peer tutoring, supporting classmates with IEPs and 504 Plans in a Severe Intervention classroom.
“One day, a student I worked with very frequently told me I made her so happy when I was there,” River recalls. “That solidified my decision to become an educator.”
River will major in Severe Intervention Special Education at Ball State University this fall as a recipient of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship: a renewable award of up to $10,000 per year for high-achieving students who commit to teaching in Indiana for at least five years after graduation.
From Backstage to Frontline Support
Throughout high school, River thrived in tech theatre, working all four years behind the scenes and eventually serving as student stage crew manager and light board professional. River also volunteered with Life Church Kids in Huntington and was inducted into the National Honor Society for their academic excellence and service.
“All of my favorite teachers went to Ball State,” River shares. “That definitely helped make the decision easy.”
Now they’re ready to begin their own journey at Teachers College, where they’re especially excited to gain independence and “build connections.”
Creative Energy, Entrepreneurial Spirit
When River isn’t in class or working with students, they’re busy creating.
“I love to draw and paint. I’ve also started sewing stuffed animals,” they say. “I create and sell resin earrings… and I do all of this with a show or movie on in the background.”
In fact, River runs a small business selling their handmade jewelry, and is always up for chatting about dogs or showing off their leopard gecko.
A Future Rooted in Care
Driven by empathy, experience, and creativity, River is ready to make a difference in some of the most critical and compassionate classrooms in the state.
Comments: