2025 Grow Your Own Grant Recipients Continue ‘Hometown Hero’ Legacy at Westminster College

“Hometown heroes” is a term used frequently to describe Westminster’s education majors, many of whom graduate from the College with the sincere, noble intention of serving rural communities.

Senior Annette Ramirez and junior Charlotte Kurtz are two students who will do just that with the help of a Grow Your Own grant they officially received during the College’s year-end education awards ceremony on April 24.

The grant is made possible by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Fulton Public Schools Board of Education.

Through Grow Your Own, junior and senior education major recipients are placed in student teaching positions in the Fulton Public School District. Recipients also are awarded a $12,000 scholarship: $6,000 from the grant and $6,000 matched by Westminster.

Grow Your Own students commit to teaching in Fulton schools for four years after completing their student teaching.

Dr. Chris Hubbuch, Assistant Superintendent of the Fulton Public Schools, said that on behalf of the district, he is excited to continue partnering with Westminster. He added he is also grateful to the Board of Education for creating additional sustainability for the program through the new $6,000 scholarship.

A true believer in the program, Hubbuch went on to say that the program benefits the student as much as the district.

“It [Grow Your Own] provides early access,” he explained. “Many of our recipients are able to teach summer school between their junior and senior years, and they also have access to professional development throughout their senior year.”

Established in 2022, Grow Your Own rewards teacher preparation programs such as Westminster’s for turning out well-prepared, enthusiastic educators like Kurtz and Ramirez.

Kurtz will begin student teaching during the spring of 2026 in English classes at Fulton Middle School, while Ramirez will student teach for a second grade class at Barley Elementary School next fall.

“Fulton has become my second home,” reflected Ramirez, who is a student-athlete from Reeds, Missouri. “I came here, fell in love with the area and really think this will be a great spot to step into my journey of education.”

Education majors from Westminster typically receive job offers well before graduation because of their strong educational foundation and classroom preparation skills. Learn more about the College’s education program on Westminster’s website.