Carmel Christkindlmarkt announces 2024 winners of Christkind scholarship program

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt team has chosen the winners in the 2024 Christkind Scholarship Program, sponsored by Wallington Asset Management.

The first-place winner and recipient of the $1,000 scholarship is Hannah Cooper, Ivy Tech Bloomington, Class of 2021.

Cooper’s grandfather emigrated from Germany as a young adult. Her family has strong ties to Indianapolis’ German culture through their involvement in the Liederkranz at the German-American Klub. As the Carmel Christkind, she said she is excited to share the warmth, joy, and rich traditions of the Christmas season with the community, embodying the spirit of kindness, and bringing the magic of this cherished cultural figure to life.

The second-place winner and recipient of the $500 scholarship is Amelia Myers, Carmel High School, Class of 2027. Myers lived in Germany for five years, and she is in German Four. Her mother was born and raised in Germany and loves to share German culture and traditions with her family.

The third-place winner and recipient of the $250 scholarship is Sadie Rexroth, Carmel High School, Class of 2026. Rexroth’s grandmother was born in Germany as well as her great-grandparents on her dad’s side, and she has studied German for three years.

The Christkind is a long-standing tradition of all authentic Christkindlmarkts. An angelic figure, the Christkind is historically known for delivering Christmas presents and a Christmas tree to German families without being seen. At Christmas markets, this iconic figure gives out candy, takes pictures with guests, and more.

“As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission centered on cultural education, the Christkind is essential to the authenticity that we strive to offer our visitors,” said Maria Adele Rosenfeld, President and CEO of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. “Every year we have so many incredible applicants for this program, and we know that the newest group will do a phenomenal job upholding this beloved Christkindlmarkt tradition.”

Background

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt continued the Christkind scholarship program for the seventh year in 2024. The scholarship has been sponsored all seven years by Wallington Asset Management. This scholarship program is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, and to carry the honor of bringing a popular German tradition to Carmel, Indiana.

The Christkind is a well-known symbol of Christmas in German-speaking countries. As the tradition goes, the Christkind angel delivers Christmas presents and a Christmas tree to German children on Christmas Eve, without being seen.

In Germany, the Christkind starts the Christmas season by opening the famous Nürnberger Christkindlmarkt. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt Christkind shares Christmas cheer with guests throughout the Market by welcoming visitors, giving candy and gifts, and taking photos with visitors. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt Christkind will also participate in special events and media appearances throughout the year.

2024 Essay Question

The Christkind plays an integral role during Christmas in German-speaking countries and is an important part of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Research the origin and history of the Christkind, and discuss why this tradition remains relevant today and into the future.

To learn more about the Carmel Christkindlmarkt Christkind Scholarship Program, click here.