This fall, Kaiden Petty will begin his journey at Ball State University as a Vocal Music Education major and a recipient of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. A graduate of Eastern High School in Greentown, Indiana, Kaiden is excited to turn his lifelong passion for music into a career that will inspire future generations of students.

Kaiden is the first student featured in a new Teachers College series highlighting Ball State recipients of the prestigious Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. Awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the scholarship provides up to $10,000 annually to high-achieving future educators. This year, more recipients chose Ball State than any other university in Indiana, reflecting the University’s continued leadership in preparing future educators.

Three pairs of high school students perform on stage during a show choir performance. Each pair features a boy dipping a girl in a choreographed dance pose. In the foreground, Kaiden Petty is in focus, smiling toward the camera as he supports his dance partner in a deep dip. The boys wear black collared dress shirts, black dress pants and shoes, along with vests and ties featuring green glittery swirls on a black background. The girls wear matching dresses made from the same patterned material. Each girl has one arm wrapped around her partner’s neck for support and the other arm extended outward with fingers spread in a jazz hand pose.Finding a Calling Through Music

For Kaiden, the decision to become an educator was shaped by an experience that many students remember fondly.

“I realized I wanted to be an educator after participating in the Spring Musical my freshman year,” he said.

That experience, combined with the encouragement of an influential teacher, helped solidify his career path.

“My choir teacher, Karol Evenson, has been one of my biggest influences in choosing a career path. The kindness and skill she showed in her position were truly inspiring.”

Those experiences sparked a desire not only to continue making music but also to share that passion with others.

Kaiden Petty performs with his show choir on stage, wearing a black collared dress shirt, black dress pants and shoes, along with a vest and tie featuring green glittery swirls on a black background. He stands in the foreground while several other participants are visible on risers in the background wearing matching outfits. Kaiden holds both hands in fists down to his left side in a choreographed dance move that is mirrored by the performers behind him. His mouth is slightly open, suggesting he is singing or has just finished singing, and he looks toward his right.Choosing Ball State

When it came time to choose a university, Ball State stood out for both its nationally recognized teacher preparation programs and its opportunities to stay involved in music.

“The great education program and the extracurricular music activities!” were what made Ball State the right choice for him.

As he prepares for his first semester, Kaiden is especially looking forward to becoming part of the campus music community.

“I’m most excited to participate in the University Singers show choir this semester!”

A photograph captures a stage scene from a high school musical theatre performance with a Western theme. Seven performers appear on stage, though five are clearly visible. The performers wear Western-inspired costumes, including pants, shirts, sport coats, and hats. Three performers stand on a wooden wagon, including Kaiden Petty, who is holding a shovel above his head. The other performers hold props including a rope, blanket, garden rake, ax, and rifle, while also carrying blankets. The group appears to be posing at the end of a musical number. The stage backdrop is painted to resemble the staircase of an old saloon or Western building and includes a large “WANTED” poster with a drawing of a person.Looking Ahead

After earning his degree, Kaiden hopes to teach middle and high school choir, helping students discover the same love of music that has shaped his own life.

“I have always been very passionate about music, and I want to share this passion with the next generation of students.”

During his time at Ball State, he hopes to continue growing both personally and professionally by developing the knowledge, skills, and relationships that will prepare him for a successful career in education.

Kaiden Petty plays soccer during a high school game, wearing a dark green Eastern Comets uniform with yellow details, white "Eastern Comets" lettering, yellow numbers, tall black socks, and white cleats. He is stretched out on the ground after making a feet-first slide tackle, with both feet on the soccer ball. The lower half of an opposing player is visible nearby, wearing a white uniform with blue stripes and blue numbers, with one foot drawn back as if preparing to kick the ball before Kaiden's challenge. Out-of-focus trees and a black chain-link fence fill the background.A Well-Rounded Student Leader

Kaiden brings an impressive record of involvement and leadership to Ball State. During high school, he participated in varsity soccer for three years, serving as team captain during his senior year, and was also a member of the Men’s Volleyball Club.

His love of music extended beyond the classroom through his participation in show choir, where he served as an officer for three years and as vice president during his senior year.

In addition, Kaiden was senior editor for the Yearbook Club, participated in Drama Club and the spring musical throughout all four years of high school, and volunteered annually with the Favors’ Free Christmas Dinner charity, where he served as a kitchen lead.

Pursuing a Dream

Receiving the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship has made it possible for Kaiden to pursue his goal of becoming an educator with greater confidence.

“Receiving the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship has meant so much to me. I have always worried about how I would be financially able to pay for college, and this scholarship has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to pursue my dream.”

Three Eastern High School soccer players compete on a soccer field. Two players are fully visible, while the arm of a third player appears in the background. They wear dark green uniforms with yellow details, white “Eastern Comets” lettering, yellow numbers, and tall black socks. In the foreground, Kaiden Petty runs toward the ball, preparing to kick it with one foot raised behind him. His arms are extended for balance as he looks down at the ball with a focused expression. Out-of-focus trees are visible beyond a black chain-link fence in the background.Beyond the Classroom

Outside of school, Kaiden enjoys singing with friends, playing guitar, and staying active through pickleball, soccer, and basketball. He also has an unexpected interest that surprises many people.

“I love the weather, and I have a passion for meteorology.”

As he begins this next chapter at Ball State, Kaiden remains grateful for the people who have encouraged and supported him every step of the way.

“I have an incredible group of supporters, including my family, friends, teachers, and coaches. Everything I’ve been able to achieve is thanks to their unwavering support.”

As one of the many Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship recipients who chose Ball State, Kaiden is joining a community dedicated to preparing outstanding educators for Indiana and beyond. Teachers College is proud to celebrate students like Kaiden who are already demonstrating the passion, leadership, and commitment needed to make a lasting impact in the classroom.