Logan Byrd stands beside a fence at the edge of a pond, smiling at the camera. Behind him is a large topiary resembling Te Fiti from Disney’s Moana. Logan is leaning against the fence and wearing a blue T-shirt and gray pants. The setting appears to be a Disney amusement park.This fall, Logan Byrd will begin his journey at Ball State University as a Secondary Education major with a focus on mathematics. A graduate of Eastern High School in Greentown, Indiana, Logan has had education in mind since elementary school and is excited to turn his love of mathematics into a career helping high school students succeed.

Logan is the next student featured in a Teachers College series highlighting Ball State recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. Awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the scholarship provides up to $10,000 annually to high-achieving students pursuing careers in education.

A Passion for Teaching

For Logan, the idea of becoming a teacher has been part of his plans for much of his life. Education first came to mind in third grade, and throughout elementary, middle, and high school, he continued to find inspiration in his educators.

“I have loved how they are passionate for what they do and how they care so deeply for every single student.”

A choir sings the national anthem in a packed gymnasium during a graduation ceremony, with choir members standing in two rows and their director facing them with his back to the camera. The bleachers behind the choir are filled with spectators, many with their hands over their hearts. Logan Byrd stands on the far left of the back row, wearing green graduation regalia with yellow and white accents. Of the 14 visible choir members, six are wearing graduation regalia.Those examples have motivated Logan to pursue a career where he can have that same kind of impact on his own students.

Making Mathematics More Engaging

Logan plans to teach high school mathematics, a subject that comes naturally to him. He hopes to use that strength to help students who may not share his enthusiasm for math, particularly those who are taking the subject because it is required.

For Logan, teaching mathematics is an opportunity to use something he enjoys to help others succeed. He hopes to bring his knowledge of the subject into a classroom where students can feel supported as they work through challenging concepts.

At Ball State, he is especially excited to meet other future educators and build relationships with classmates who will be preparing for their own careers in education.

Logan Byrd is one of 10 people posing for a photo in a family room. He sits on a couch with a pillow on his knees, his hands folded in his lap, and smiles at the camera. Two girls sit beside him on the couch, while three girls sit on the floor leaning against it. Another boy sits on a chair behind the couch, and two girls sit on and beside a nearby recliner. One or two additional people are partially visible in the background. Family photos and other household items are visible throughout the room. Everyone is casually dressed in T-shirts and comfortable clothing, wearing socks but no shoes.Finding Community at Ball State

When choosing a university, Logan was drawn to Ball State’s combination of community and strong education programs.

As he begins college, he is looking forward to connecting with fellow future educators and taking advantage of opportunities that will help him grow. He also hopes to build friendships and professional relationships that will continue well beyond his college years.

“I am beyond excited to meet other future educators and create bonds with them as we go throughout college together.”

Logan Byrd is one of five high school-aged young men posing in front of a wall of square windows, likely in a high school. All five wear black pants and dress shoes with dress shirts, vests, and ties. Logan, standing on the far right, and three of the other young men wear black shirts and vests with a sparkly green looping pattern and matching neckties. The fifth young man wears a white dress shirt with a shiny red vest and red bow tie. All five hold up medals they appear to have recently won, and Logan smiles widely at the camera.A Commitment to Achievement

Logan enters Ball State with a strong record of academic achievement. He graduated from Eastern High School as salutatorian and was one of the youngest students in his graduating class.

His accomplishments are particularly meaningful to him because they reinforce a message he hopes others will remember: age should not determine someone’s potential.

“This isn’t meant for bragging, but to show that age shouldn’t play a role in your success of life, love, or opportunities.”

At Ball State, Logan hopes to continue challenging himself academically while pursuing his goal of earning a 4.0 GPA and graduating among the top of his class.

A Creative Side

Logan Byrd performs on stage with a young woman, both appearing to be high school students. Logan stands behind her, singing and wearing a vintage-style tan shirt, mustard-yellow vest and pants, white apron, and bowler hat, appearing to portray an old-fashioned shopkeeper or butcher. The young woman wears a dark red dress with black accents, a black bonnet, and a tan shirt underneath, evoking early 20th-century attire. They perform in front of a black stage curtain.While mathematics is an important part of Logan’s future, creativity has also played a significant role in his life. During high school, he participated in concert choir, show choir, drama club, and choral musical productions. He also managed the girls tennis team and was a member of National Honor Society.

Logan’s love of performing extends beyond the stage. He enjoys singing, dancing, baking, and spending time with friends. He has also recently discovered a passion for writing poems and songs as a creative way to express his emotions.

One of his most memorable experiences came when he was in sixth grade and became the only sixth-grade student cast in a musical production that typically featured high school students.

Pursuing a Future in Education

Logan Byrd stands on the sidewalk of a small-town street, smiling at the camera with his hands folded in front of him. He wears a dark red T-shirt, gray shorts, and white sneakers. A stoplight and crosswalk are visible in the background, along with a beautiful purple and pink sunset.Receiving the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship is an important milestone for Logan as he begins his college career. He sees the scholarship as recognition of the work he put into his high school education and an encouragement as he takes the next step toward becoming a teacher.

“Receiving this scholarship is such an honor and it makes me realize that I have been successful enough in my high school career to receive such an award.”

As Logan begins his Ball State journey, he brings with him a longstanding commitment to education, a love of mathematics, and a desire to help students find success in a subject that can sometimes feel challenging. Teachers College is proud to celebrate Logan as he takes the first steps toward becoming a mathematics educator and making a difference in the lives of his future students.