Future Educator Benefits From Scholarship

Esther Showalter Deal ’53 has focused her life on serving others, from teaching, to working at summer camps, to volunteering. Now in her 80s, she enjoys being close to the Goshen College campus after relocating to Goshen in 2007, where she continues to help others. Her scholarship fund, established to benefit education majors at Goshen College, was first awarded in the spring of 2011.

“During my years at GC, my professors’ emphasis on service led me to feel that my life should be focused on helping others,” Esther recalled. “I decided to make a scholarship available because of my deep appreciation for Goshen College and faculty members, and because I want to support students who have a passion for education.”

Paige Davis ’13, an elementary education/special education major from Bourbon, IN, met with Esther Showalter Deal over lunch. Esther shared about her life experiences, and listened to Paige talk about her life as a student and a Maple Leaf basketball player. Esther has further supported Paige by cheering her on at her home basketball games, and was even able to meet Paige’s mother, which she says was “a real thrill!”

Paige writes, “I was honored to receive the scholarship for elementary education . . . Your support in helping others further their education is a very humble and noble act. This scholarship will help me in pursuing my college education and future career goal of becoming an elementary teacher.”