A story of how one teacher can make a difference in a student’s life is unfolding on the Tri-State University campus.

A student who plans to become an elementary teacher is this year’s recipient of the “Realizing the Dream” scholarship. Ashley Light, a sophomore at TSU, will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Lilly Endowment to use toward her education. In addition to receiving a scholarship, the Bellmont High School graduate was able to choose a teacher from her past to receive a $1,000 grant. Light chose Mrs. Kathy Foster, a fourth grade teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School, as the recipient.   

“She is just somebody that really encouraged me to always do my best,” said Light of Foster. “As a teacher, I want to be like her. She was always willing to give extra time in order to help.”

According to Light, it was Foster, who inspired her to go into elementary education.

Light and her two sisters, who happen to be twins, are the first members of their family to attend college, which is a stipulation of the scholarship. “My parents just wanted us to have better opportunities than what they had,” explained Light as she noted that her other sister, Angela, has become an occupational therapist, and Christin, has become an elementary school teacher.

Light’s parents, Eric and Carolyn Light, will attend the “Realizing the Dream” ceremony in Indianapolis on Saturday, Oct. 28 where she will receive the esteemed award. Tri-State University will be represented at the ceremony by Scott Goplin, Vice President
Enrollment Management.

Aside from having a 4.0 GPA, Light also participates in softball and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society on campus. She has been recognized on the President’s List each semester of her college career for her academic achievement. After graduation, she would like to return to her home town to teach at a local elementary school.