Mary Rohrscheib Teaching Scholarship Winners

We are excited to announce that the Mary Rohrscheib Teaching has officially come to a close. This year we received dozens of applications from all over the central Illinoi region, making the selection process extremely difficult. 

The Mary Rohrscheib Teaching Scholarship was created to help celebrate and encourage our next generation of teachers, and we believe that our two winners exemplify all the qualities that make teachers so special. Continue reading to learn more about these two fantastic students.

2024 Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to the 2024 Mary Rohrscheib Teaching Scholarship Winners Brooke Clark, Marissa Hagler, Lilian Kelly, and Alison Turner!

To apply, each student wrote an essay about a special teacher who made a big impact on their life.

Meet Brooke

I’m Brooke Clark, a graduate of Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond High School and a current student at Eastern Illinois University. Inspired by my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Rhodes, I am pursuing a career in early childhood education, carrying forward her lessons of presuming competence and genuine kindness. Volunteering in a kindergarten classroom during breaks, I aim to model her sincerity, flexibility, and commitment to making a positive impact on students’ lives.

and the teacher who impacted her

“Mrs. Rhonda Rhodes is an exemplary teacher and an ongoing source of support to her students, their parents, and her fellow educators. My desire to work in Early Childhood Education was shaped by her example and I hope to become half the teacher that she is.”

Meet Marissa

I’m Marissa Hagler, a graduate of Normal West High School and a current student at Illinois Wesleyan University. Inspired by my middle school math teacher, Mrs. Bruce, I am pursuing a career in education to make a positive impact on students’ lives, just as she did for me. With a passion for teaching and a commitment to supporting students’ mental health, I strive to be an encouraging and inspiring educator who nurtures confidence and self-belief in every child.

and the teacher who impacted her

“The teacher who impacted me, Mrs. Bruce, provided me with a safe space I never knew I needed. She inspired me to pursue a career in education to provide a safe environment for my students to be themselves unapologetically!”

Meet Lily

I’m Lily Kelly, a recent graduate of Champaign Centennial High School, and I will be starting at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign this fall. I am passionate about creating a welcoming and engaging classroom environment that supports students both academically and emotionally. As a swim instructor, I have learned the importance of building trust and adapting to each child’s unique learning needs, and I plan to bring these skills into my future career as an elementary school teacher.

and the teacher who impacted her

“My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Warren, influenced my choice to become an elementary school teacher through her comment that, ‘I would be a great teacher someday’. In addition to that comment, she demonstrated how to make learning interesting, engaging, and fun, while also showing she cared for every student.”

Meet Alison

I’m Alison Turner, a graduate of Lincoln Community High School, passionately pursuing a career in early childhood education. Inspired by my high school teacher, Señora Gilbert, I aim to be a positive role model and make a significant difference in the lives of my future students. As the National Honors Society President and Student Body Vice President, I have developed essential leadership and communication skills, which I plan to bring into my teaching career.

and the teacher who impacted her

“Señora Gilbert, had the greatest impact on my education. She was always there to help and push me when I needed it. When things got tough, she knew exactly how to get me back on track and encouraged me to rise to the challenge. Even now, I hear her voice in my head when I struggle, keeping me focused. I hope to be that same encouraging voice for my future students.”

---

Click here to learn about our past recipients.