Batesville, IN — The Batesville Community Education Foundation (BCEF) is pleased to announce the selection of two Batesville High School (BHS) students as recipients of Andy Koors Study Abroad Sponsorships for 2023, announced executive director Anne Wilson.
To be considered for financial support from this BCEF-specific program, students must first qualify for the Indiana University Honors Program in Foreign Language (IUHPFL), which sends students to other countries for the summer to further their study of a foreign language by being immersed in another culture.
BHS juniors Ian Carpenter and Elena Kuisel will each receive $2,500 from BCEF, which will cover more than one-half of their program fees for IUHPFL.
The BCEF Andy Koors Study Abroad Sponsorship Program is named for the former BHS German teacher and Class of 1976 alumnus who passed away unexpectedly in February 2017.
He had made arrangements for BCEF to receive the proceeds from one of his life insurance policies upon his passing.
The BCEF board of directors created the Andy Koors Legacy Fund in his honor, managing it to promote initiatives that foundation board members believe reflect the values displayed by Koors during his life, such as his dedication to the study of foreign languages and his generosity to students.
This sponsorship program is one of those initiatives, along with a donation toward the multi-purpose Bulldog Center at BHS.
“We are thrilled to be able to continue this program in Andy’s honor,” Wilson said. “He was known for taking money out of his own pocket to help students in need. This program continues his legacy and fosters experiences that stretch students’ capabilities. That’s what BCEF loves to provide.”
Both students will be sharpening their grasp of the Spanish language in Spain. Programs last between five and six weeks, and students pledge to only speak the host language during their entire stay.
“The Andy Koors Study Abroad Sponsorship Program is one of our most popular programs in the community,” Wilson added. “We’re looking forward to receiving reports from these students when they return. Thanks to Andy’s foresight, these two BHS students will be able to experience travel abroad with fewer out-of-pocket costs. Even though he is no longer with us, his donation is still allowing our students to explore the world.”
Donations to the Andy Koors Legacy Fund are always being accepted.
Information about the Andy Koors Legacy Fund and the donation portal can be found at https://batesvilleeducationfoundation.org/programs/andy-koors-legacy-fund/.
(Batesville Community Education Foundation press release)
