One $500 scholarship is awarded each year in honor of Ermal Garinger, a long-time leader of the association and dedicated member of the profession, who touched many lives through his teaching and service at the University of Kansas.
The candidate must be an outstanding Kansas high school senior who will enroll in a language class their freshman year at an accredited college or university OR a graduated former student who is currently a freshman and enrolled in a language class at an accredited university. The candidate must be nominated by a Kansas Language teacher. At the annual KSWLA Conference, the organization will present a $500 cash scholarship to the award recipient. Complimentary meals will be provided to recipient and parents at conference luncheon. Nomination Process: The student's teacher fills out the online nomination form (button below), and the student sends a one-page written narrative explaining why they desire to continue language studies to the KSWLA Past President. Deadline for nomination is June 1st.
For more information, contact the KSWLA Past President (kswlapastpresident@gmail.com).
TO THE NOMINATING TEACHER: When you click on the submit a nomination, your nomination is only HALF complete. Remember that the student must submit to the Past President a one-page written narrative explaining why they desire to continue language studies. Do not hesitate to contact the KSWLA Past President with any questions. Students who do not send the narrative by the June 15th deadline will NOT be considered for the scholarship.
Rubric
| Motivation | Perserverance/Growth | Rationale for Continuing Language Study |
Exceeds Expectations | More than 3 examples of self-motivated language development, i.e. leadership in the classroom, reading outside of class, seeking opportunities to engage in the language, study abroad, language-related extra-curricular involvement, etc. | At least 1 example each of student’s ability to overcome obstacles in language development AND evidence of growth in the language AND reflection of that growth and perseverance. | Explanation includes more than 2 examples of how they will benefit from continued language study. |
Meets Expectations | At least 3 examples of self-motivated language development, i.e. leadership in the classroom, reading outside of class, seeking opportunities to engage in the language, study abroad, language-related extra-curricular involvement, etc. | At least 1 example each of student’s ability to overcome obstacles in language development AND evidence of growth in the language. | Explanation includes 2 examples of how they will benefit from continued language study. |
Approaching Expectations | 2 examples of self-motivated language development, i.e. leadership in the classroom, reading outside of class, seeking opportunities to engage in the language, study abroad, language-related extra-curricular involvement, etc. | At least 1 example of student’s ability to overcome obstacles in language development OR evidence of growth in the language. | Explanation includes 1 example of how they will benefit from continued language study. |
Below Expectations | 1 or no examples of self-motivated language development. | No examples of obstacles or growth. | Explanation includes NO examples of how they will benefit from continued language study. |
Previous Recipients
2023: Wren Callstrom, East High School
2022: Yareli Ortiz, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2021: Matthew Murphy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
2020: Alondra Aguilera, Wichita High School East, Wichita, KS and Porter Richards
2019: Naomi Galindo, Circle High School, Towanda, KS 2018: Zach Sterner, Wichita North High School
2017: Susan Lam, Wichita Southeast High School 2016: Molly Ptasznik, Wichita East High School and University of Kansas 2015: Kaley Powers, Andover Central High School 2014: Sarah Newstrom, Blue Valley North High School, Overland Park, KS 2013: Noah Trapp, Ellsworth High School; and Henry Janzen, Newton High School 2012: Alma Velázquez, Shawnee Mission South High School 2010: Annelise Masters, Burlington High School 2009: Casey Dye, Gardner-Edgerton High School, Garner, KS 2008: (no nomination) 2007: Linzy Kirkpatrick, East High School, Wichita 2006: Timothy Haynes, Lawrence High School, Bethel College, and Baker University 2005: Jeffrey Reece, Larned High School and Fort Hays State University 2004: Adam Hamor 2003: Brandon Weckbaugh, Topeka West High School and Baker University 2002: Manasvi Ravichandar, Wichita East High School and Wichita State University 2001: Jamie Gritz, Eureka High School and Butler County Community College 2000: Tiffany Pankratz, Wichita East High School and Wichita State University 1999: Laci Franklin, Beloit High School and Fort Hays State University 1998: Anne Wallen, Smoky Valley High School and Kansas University 1997: Ben Marsh, Halstead High School and Kansas University 1996: Gina Goheen, French, Beloit High School and Kansas University 1995: Meagan Crough, German, Abilene High School and Baker University 1994: Laura Clark, Spanish, Wichita East High School and Kansas University 1993: Jennifer Kuhn, German, Topeka West High School and Kansas State University and Stephanie Morrell, Spanish, Beloit High School and University of Kansas