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Photo of Lionel and Debra D'Luna endow scholarship fund

July 2024

In June, we told you about a new scholarship we’ve made available through the generosity of Ben Davis High School alumn Debra Lopossa D’Luna and her husband Lionel. The scholarship will assist MSD of Wayne Township employees of color who want to seek education degrees or teaching certifications.

The first recipient of this scholarship is Monica Ingram, a paraprofessional at Chapel Hill 7th & 8th Grade Center who is working on a special education degree. We asked Monica to tell us more about why she wants to become a teacher, and how this scholarship will help her achieve that goal

What prompted you to become a paraprofessional and do the work you do at Chapel Hill?

What prompted me to become a paraprofessional is, I was doing family and community engagement work for Indianapolis Public Schools and I felt that I wanted to do something more meaningful and fulfilling. I have always felt my passion is to teach but I wanted to make sure that my impact was more meaningful and with a population that truly needed my services.

What do you find most fulfilling about the work you do?

What I find most fulfilling about the work I do is knowing that when I come to work that I have the chance to make a difference in my student’s life. Whether it is from him learning a new concept, or him identifying a body part, him learning a new tactile sign, to him communicating his wants and needs. I know that I was able to help him get to that point so he can have a better understanding of what is around him.

Why do you want to further your education and become a special education teacher?

I want to further my education and become a special education teacher because working with my students I have realized that I am more fulfilled with this population and it is more rewarding to see my student achieve the goals that are set out for him. It is fulfilling to be able to help him reach those goals and I feel my purpose is to be in the special education setting to make sure they get the proper education they need. I love to advocate for the students and to be able to teach them the things they need to learn to be successful productive citizens.

How is the scholarship you’re being provided through WTEF making a difference in being able to pursue your special education degree?

This scholarship I have been provided has and will make a huge difference in me pursuing my special education degree by me being the first generation in my family to attend college. I am able to set the example for my children and grandchildren to be able to achieve anything they would want. I will be able to obtain my degree quicker than if I had to fund it on my own. I will be able to concentrate more on my school work and not have to work a second job to pay for my education.

Is it particularly meaningful for you to be working in Wayne, and to receive a scholarship through WTEF, given that you attended Ben Davis High School?

Yes it is definitely meaningful for me to receive a scholarship through WTEF. I have always gone by the motto “Once a Giant, Always a Giant.” That motto meant everything to me. Wayne Township schools let us know that we will always have a place back in the district when we know our career path. And for me to be able to come back to the school system that helped me build my character and helped me to become a productive person to pass down the values and mission of the district means a lot to me.

ABOUT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Wayne Township Education Foundation (WTEF) provides community leadership to enrich, engage, and stimulate teaching and learning in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. WTEF accomplishes this by supporting school programs and resources, while recognizing excellence among students and staff. To learn more about WTEF and/or establishing a named, designated fund, call 317-988-7966, visit wtef.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @WayneTwpEdFound.