Salina Education Foundation
Salina Education Foundation has selected its 2022 Loan Initiative for Future Teachers (LIFT) recipients.
LIFT recipients receive up to $5,000 in forgivable loans, renewable annually after completion of their freshman year in college. Upon becoming certified teachers, they are eligible for hire to teach in USD 305 schools. Loans are forgivable for each year they teach in Salina public schools. The LIFT program is supported by charitable donations from individuals, local charitable foundations, and Saline County businesses.
The following eight recipients comprise the largest group of future teachers ever selected in a single year. They were selected by a committee consisting of Salina Education Foundation Trustees, USD 305 staff, and community members.
Lauren Allen - Lauren is a graduate of Southeast of Saline High School and attends Oklahoma Baptist University. She is majoring in Elementary Education and will graduate in 2024. Lauren shared in her application essay, “my creative nature and love of music and art will be an asset in connecting with my students.”
Madisyn Ehrlich - Madisyn will graduate from Sacred Heart High School in May, then attend Kansas Wesleyan University and major in Elementary Education. Madisyn shared that she believes, “there is no better way to have a positive influence, and no great responsibility, than to be a teacher.”
Diana Geist - Diana graduated from Salina South High School. She attends Emporia State University and majors in Elementary Education. Diana stated, “I currently work at the Early Childhood Education Center at ESU and in the summers I work at the Salina YMCA. I love working with kids and watching them grow and develop into wonderful people.”
Megan Householter - Megan graduated from Salina South High School. She is majoring in Secondary Education with an emphasis in History at Fort Hays State University. Megan says, “I plan to teach middle school history because I enjoy looking at the past to see the connection to the present and future.”
Hannah Kipp - Hannah is a graduate of Salina South High School. She attends Kansas State University and is majoring in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English & Journalism. In her application essay, Hannah shared, “I found my passion for teaching while attending a Journalism Education Association (JEA) Conference in Washington D.C. I currently volunteer with the JEA organization and assist with the High School conferences held in different U.S. cities each year.”
Paige Musselwhite - Paige graduated from Salina South High School. She currently attends Kansas State University and works as an Instructional Assistant in USD 305. Paige shared, “teaching is an opportunity to help kids realize they can have fun while learning.”
Zac Salas - Zac will graduate in May from Salina South High School. He will attend Bethany College in Lindsborg and major in Music Education. In his application essay Zach said, “I have always had an affinity for helping others and teaching younger students, especially when it comes to playing an instrument. This semester I have been able to assist my band director with middle school band.”
Kamryn Sitton - Kamryn graduated from Salina South High School. She currently attends McPherson College and majors in Elementary Education. Kamryn said, “I believe a person’s childhood forms their entire life and how they view the world. Teachers can have a huge impact on a child’s life and what they choose to do with themselves.”