Author: Debbie Roberts


  • Next Generation Hoosier Educator: Kayla Sankey

    Helping Others, One Student at a Time Kayla Sankey has always found joy in helping others, and now she’s bringing that passion to the classroom. A proud native of Waynetown, Indiana, Kayla is heading to Ball State University to major in Elementary Education with a concentration in math, ready to begin her journey toward shaping […]

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  • Next Generation Hoosier Educator: Madelynn Brown

    A Steady Presence in the Classroom and Beyond For Madelynn Brown, becoming a teacher means becoming someone students can count on, just like the teacher who once inspired her. A lifelong Muncie resident and soon-to-be Ball State Cardinal, Madelynn will major in Elementary Education, with dreams of not only supporting her future students, but also […]

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  • Next Generation Hoosier Educator: Maya Sells

    Creating Safe Spaces for Learning and Growth For Maya Sells, becoming an educator means more than teaching lessons, it means building a classroom where students are safe to learn, feel, and think freely. This Waterloo, Indiana native is heading to Ball State University to major in Elementary Education, with a minor in Religious Studies, and […]

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  • Next Generation Hoosier Educator: Elizabeth Buchs

    Inspiring Through Words and the Stage For Elizabeth (Lizzie) Buchs, the classroom is where creativity, connection, and transformation come to life. This Waterloo, Indiana native is heading to Ball State University to major in English Education, with plans to potentially minor in theatrical directing. Her goal? To inspire students the way her own teachers inspired […]

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  • Next Generation Hoosier Educator: Charles Schackow

    Shaping Students and Strengthening Communities For Charles Schackow, education isn’t just about academic growth, it’s about helping students discover their passions and become productive, empowered citizens. The LaGrange, Indiana native and incoming Ball State student is majoring in Social Studies Education, with the goal of inspiring future generations in and beyond the classroom. “While teaching […]

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  • Next Generation Hoosier Educator: River Fritz

    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 […]

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  • Next Generation Hoosier Educator: Sophie Gernand

    Believing in the Power of Encouragement For Yorktown native Sophie Gernand, becoming a teacher is about more than academics, it’s about support, encouragement, and helping students believe in themselves. As she prepares to study Elementary Education at Ball State University this fall, Sophie is already thinking about the kind of classroom she wants to create. […]

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  • Next Generation Hoosier Educator: Delia McClain

    Creating Confidence in the Classroom Delia McClain knows that math can be intimidating—but she’s on a mission to change that. A soon-to-be Ball State Cardinal from Berne, Indiana, Delia plans to major in Mathematics Teaching (Secondary School Concentration) and build a classroom environment where students feel confident, supported, and empowered. “I’m passionate about math and […]

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  • Next Generation Hoosier Educator: Kenneth Denny

    Proudly Educating the Next Generation For Kenneth Denny, education is about more than teaching content—it’s about building community, sharing passion, and shaping the future. A Social Studies Education major at Ball State University, Kenneth is entering his sophomore year in Fall 2025 and is already committed to making an impact in Indiana classrooms. “I want […]

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  • Next Generation Hoosier Educator: Makayla Robles

    Committed to Connection—and to Making a Difference Makayla Robles knows firsthand the powerful influence a teacher can have on a student’s life. That’s why she’s studying mathematics education at Ball State University—to become the kind of educator who cheers students on and helps them grow. “I can’t wait to make a big impact on my […]

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