Mary Rohrscheib Teaching Scholarship Winners

Every year, the Mary Rohrscheib Teaching Scholarship gives us the opportunity to celebrate students who are preparing to shape the future through education. This year’s application cycle brought in an outstanding group of candidates from across Central Illinois, making the selection process especially competitive.

After careful consideration, we’re proud to introduce five aspiring teachers whose passion and commitment stood out. Learn more about this year’s scholarship recipients below.

2026 Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to the 2026 Mary Rohrscheib Teaching Scholarship Winners Aubrey Stewart, Emilie Bazer, Emily Mullen, Jacoby Lane, and Natalie Ellars!

As part of the application, students wrote about a teacher who inspired and influenced them.

Meet Aubrey

My name is Aubrey Stewart, and I recently graduated from Maroa-Forsyth High School. I am so thankful to be a recipient of the Mary Rohrscheib Teaching Scholarship. In the fall, I will be attending Illinois State University and majoring in Family and Consumer Science Teacher Education!

My Agriculture teacher, Mrs. Cassie Crouch, played a big role in forcing me out of my shell during my first few years in high school. With Mrs. Crouch’s encouragement, I not only succeeded in high school but also excelled in the classroom and in FFA. Mrs. Crouch also showed me how rewarding the field of education can be and motivated me to pursue education while I felt discouraged by others.

Meet Emilie

Hi! I’m Emilie Bazer and I will be going to Illinois State University to become a secondary education biology teacher. I love my cats, plants and hanging out with family and friends.

My mom, Mrs. Bazer, is the reason I am going into teaching and is also who I wrote my essay about. She has been teaching since 2004 and is a high school biology teacher at Clinton High School. Not only did I watch her teach from an outside perspective while at school, I also had her in one of the dual credit college classes she taught. It made my appreciation for her teaching increase and really set in stone my decision in my career.

Meet Emily

My name is Emily Mullen, I am thrilled to be a recipient of the Mary Rohrscheib Teacher Scholarship. I just recently graduate from Heartland Community College and will be attending Illinois State University this fall where I will be studying Elementary Education.

Teri Wilson, my education pathway teacher at Normal Community West High School played a big role in shaping my future career. Mrs. Wilson gave me the opportunity to step into the classroom as a junior and senior in high school. Through the classroom observations, hands on teaching experiences, and valuable mentorship, she helped me gain a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and rewards of a teaching career. I am incredibly grateful for Teri Wilson, the opportunities and the support that helped me shape my passion for education.

Meet Jacoby

I’m Jacoby Lane, an incoming student at Millikin University, where I’ll be pursuing a degree in Physical Education while playing basketball.

The person who had the greatest impact on me was my high school basketball coach, Aaron Ennis. He taught me that coaching is more than simply teaching a sport, it’s about leadership, character, and service. His dedication to building relationships with his players, investing in them beyond the court, and leading through service left a lasting impression on me. I hope to carry forward what he’s taught me by creating the same environment where every student feels valued and capable of success.

Meet Natalie

My name is Natalie Ellars. I am a graduate of Unity High School and a current student at Illinois State University, where I am pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with a subsequent endorsement in Early Childhood Education. Outside of school, I am involved in several student organizations including College Mentors for Kids, where I serve as Vice President, and Aspiring Educators. I am also a Golden Apple Scholar.

The teacher who has had the greatest impact on me was my 7th grade math teacher, Mrs. Hancock. She taught me that effective teaching is more than simply knowing and teaching a subject. Her passion for teaching, dedication to her students, and willingness to help anyone left a lasting impression on me. As I pursue a career in education, I hope to carry forward what she has taught me by creating the same kind of supportive and inspiring environment for the students I will one day teach.

Click here to learn about our past recipients.