The David Knight Endowment for International Experiences Scholarship was awarded for the first time this semester to Barbara Ritchie, a senior from West Jefferson in the department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
The David Knight Endowment for International Experiences was started by a donor who was very passionate about education, and in particular, the impact international experiences have on students. She named her scholarship in memory of her brother David, who passed away as an infant. She herself traveled quite a bit through her life and spoke extensively about what she learned and loved about the places she visited. Her home was filled with photos and items she collected while traveling abroad.
It is fitting then that the first scholarship was awarded to a future educator. “As a senior this year, my heart is set on pursuing a major in Spanish education (k-12). This has been a dream of mine since I graduated high school and I will continue to work hard,” said Ritchie.
Ritchie will use this scholarship toward her student teaching at Gutenbergschule in Karlsruhe, Germany in the Spring of 2018.
The Office of International Education and Development awards more than $50,000 each year in study abroad scholarships provided through donations to Appalachian State University.
“I am very thankful that there are donors willing to support students like me, especially at such a critical time in our lives,” said Ritchie.