Rushville Consolidated High School’s 11th and 12th grade English teacher Emily Kaster is making a difference in students’ lives both during and after school hours. Like most teachers, Emily spends a considerable amount of time taking on extra duties at the school to make sure Rush County students have great opportunities. Aside from volunteering for school events, Emily also donates to Arlington Christian and Park Chapel churches and The Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic in Indianapolis. This amazing organization helps provide legal services for people who cannot afford them, and they advocate for people who may not be native to the United States.

Emily is motivated to give to these organizations and her students because of the personal connections that tie her to them. She is very encouraged to donate her time or money to causes that people tell her about, especially if these causes help people through difficult times or situations. Emily’s time with Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) also motivated her to become philanthropic. YIP, or Mayor’s Youth Council as it was called when she was a member, taught her that small, fun things can make a huge difference. She especially remembers the simple park clean-up project the council did around Christmas time and how fun it was. 

Lastly, now that Emily is a teacher, she realizes how incredible it was to receive an RCCF scholarship for college. This realization has made her more motivated to recognize all the great volunteer work going on in the community and how many people are involved in giving back, especially through the community foundation. RCCF is happy to have been able to help Emily with college, and we are so glad she is teaching and leading the future generations of Rush County!