What's New
Thiesen Scholarship Recipient
Every year, CEAI awards a $1,000 scholarship to a mission-minded student preparing to be a public school teacher. We are excited to announce this year's winner:
Megan Keul of Geneva College!
Presenting the CEAI Ray and Joanne Thiesen Scholarship to Ms. Keul are Dr. Yvonne Trotter and Dr. Adel Aiken of Geneva College.
I thought you might appreciate reading a little from Megan’s scholarship application:
As Christians, we have this mindset that we can only do Kingdom Work if we are pastors and missionaries. Oh, how far this is from God’s truth! After all, did He not use fishermen and prostitutes to do His work? This is my attitude towards teaching….Our public school system needs teachers who love unconditionally…Our public school system needs the power of Jesus to restore and bring healing…America’s public schools are not safe for Christian teachers, but this is the mission field that God has called me to.
This scholarship is made possible in part by the generosity of Ray and Joanne Thiesen. Ray was a long-time CEAI member who served in public schools as a 4th/5th grade teacher, school counselor, and elementary school principal. He also founded Tulare County (CA) Christian Educators, a chapter of CEAI, to encourage educators in his community.
Ray passed away this year on May 2, but before he died, he endowed this scholarship, leaving a lasting legacy of encouraging missional Christians to serve in our public schools.
Ray intended this to be a matching scholarship, meaning that his endowment matches other contributions we receive. Rather than giving away one scholarship per year for $1,000, wouldn’t it be amazing if we could support many more passionate teacher candidates like Megan? Would you consider helping us increase these scholarships?
So proud of you Megan!