The Carmel Christkindlmarkt team and the Indiana German Heritage Society (IGHS) Kulturecke committee have chosen the winners of the 2024 Kulturecke Docent Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Indiana German Heritage Society (IGHS).
The first-place winner and recipient of the $1,000 scholarship is Ellen Rozmaryn, Carmel High School, Class of 2027.
Rozmaryn developed a love for German culture as a child living in Munich. A third-year high school German student in Carmel, she has excelled academically and earned a gold medal on the Level 2 National German Exam. She actively participates in local German cultural initiatives, such as volunteering on the new Carmel-Seiffen Sister Cities Committee. Her essay focused on the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Indianapolis, highlighting its connection to German immigrant contributions, its significance as a symbol of freedom and unity, and a special place for Rozmaryn’s family during the holidays.
The second-place winner and recipient of the $500 scholarship is Abiola Olutayo, Fishers High School, Class of 2027.
Olutayo became passionate about German culture during a trip to Germany, which inspired a love for Christmas markets. She has volunteered for the Carmel Christkindlmarkt docent program and is the leader of her school’s German club. She plans to pursue a German major in college. Her essay focused on specific German celebrations in Indiana. She took a special interest in local-specific foods, music, and art expressions at these events, reflecting the immigrants who founded these communities.
The third-place winner and recipient of the $250 scholarship is Sam Vrtismarch, Carmel High School, Class of 2025.
Vrtismarsh is a Carmel High School IB German student in his fifth year of German study. He has participated in two exchange programs in Germany, and his family has hosted a German exchange student in Carmel. Sam’s essay explored the role of beer brewing in Indianapolis, highlighting its historical significance and recent resurgence, and analyzed the impact of prohibition on German-American culture.
The Kulturecke Docent Scholarship Program is an opportunity for high school and college students to get involved in the Carmel Christkindlmarkt and partner in bringing history and cultural awareness to the city. In addition to the scholarship prizes, docents will attend special appearances requested for various events around the Market throughout the season.
Background
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt partnered with the Indiana German Heritage Society to bring guests the Kulturecke in 2019. A space to explore Indiana’s rich German-American history, this museum allows guests to learn how German immigrants contributed to the State of Indiana through business, education, architecture, and Christmas traditions.
As part of this experience, the Kulturecke Docent will be present in the hut to welcome visitors and provide helpful and interesting facts found in the Kulturecke.
2024 Essay Question
German immigrants have significantly contributed to the culture and traditions in the State of Indiana. In 500 words, describe a German cultural tradition that you see alive in the state today and why you think it has remained an impactful part of Hoosier living history.
Click here to learn more about the Kulturecke Docent Scholarship Program.
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