This scholarship was established in 2012 by the family of Ellen Schmeling (1941-2007): her husband, Dan, and her children, Carrie, Mark, and Cathy. Ellen served her Lord as a wife, a mother, and for 31 years as an elementary school teacher and church musician. Her family established the scholarship because they are grateful for the Christian love and concern for children that she modeled in their home and in the classrooms in which she taught. They pray this scholarship will assist and encourage future teachers of young children to lovingly share the gospel of Jesus with their students.
Winners of this scholarship are seniors majoring in early childhood education who demonstrate a special interest in and ability to nurture and evangelize young children whose parents are unchurched or non-WELS. Priority is given to graduates of area Lutheran high schools. Financial need is not a primary concern.
