Mrs. Heidi Kensinger, Mt. Vernon High School (MVHS) Reading Specialist, has been selected as one of the distinguished Indiana educators to receive the Lilly Endowment Inc. Teacher Creativity Fellowship. This prestigious program awards up to $15,000 to a select group of Indiana teachers, enabling them to pursue meaningful projects that foster personal growth and enhance their impact in the classroom. The fellowship supports innovative experiences designed to renew educators’ passion for teaching and enrich students’ learning.

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the Harry Potter series, Kensinger plans to travel with her family to England, Scotland, and Ireland to visit iconic filming locations, including King’s Cross Station, Leadenhall Market, and Lacock Abbey. The Harry Potter books were among her childhood favorites, cherished not only for their storytelling but also for the way they brought her family, especially her and her brother, closer together. 

Kensinger shared, “As soon as I read the first book, I fell in love with Harry Potter. Not only did I fall in love with JK Rowling’s writing, but I fell in love with the time my family spent together reading these books.”

After her brother’s passing in 2024, this journey holds special significance as a meaningful way for her family to honor his memory and feel connected to him through an experience they all loved.

Throughout the trip, Kensinger plans to document her experiences through photographs, videos, and a family memory book. She hopes to bring these stories back to her classroom and inspire her students.

“Traveling to England, Scotland, and Ireland will also expand my cultural awareness and empathy, which I can bring directly into my teaching. By experiencing the nuances of language, tradition, and daily life in these countries, I will model for students the value of curiosity, open-mindedness, and global thinking,” said Kensinger.

Kensinger’s creativity, aspirations, and dedication are all factors that contributed to obtaining this incredible achievement. The Mt. Vernon students and staff are looking forward to the stories she will be sharing about this experience. Congratulations, Mrs.Kensinger!