Rupright and Edgar Service Inquiry Program Scholarship

Rachel Rupright understood the importance of service in everyday life. Throughout the years she dedicated much time to people in need. Whether through terms with Mennonite Voluntary Service, in the classroom, or in everyday life with those around her, Rachel exemplified what it means to be a servant.

From August of 1980 until August of 1982 Rachel lived and served in Inglewood California at Calvary Christian School. She was a secretary for the school and the pastor and she occasionally assisted with the children on field trips, supervision on the playground and even at nap time. Eight years later, Rachel served for one year in Washington, D.C., as a secretary for the Anabaptist Deaf Ministries. Accepting that God’s calling for her life involved teaching children, she migrated to Goshen, Indiana, and Goshen College.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Goshen College Rachel began teaching at Penn — Harris — Madison schools. She taught there from 2000 until 2003. In the classroom she served many students by helping them grow and learn. She lived her commitment to service and the education of children.

Rachel knew the importance of service to others, not only because of her own work, but also because she was a recipient of the service of others. Standing out in her mind was the help she received from her sister and brother-in-law. Though busy adopting children with special needs and helping their community create halfway homes, Rachel’s sister Nora Edgar and Nora’ s husband Gary took time to help Rachel find and purchase her first home, a repossession needing extensive work. They helped her refurbish it and make it her own despite the busy-ness of their lives. The service Rachel received was an inspiration to her to offer the proceeds of a life insurance policy to support and inspire one Service Inquiry Student Intern each year to consider living life in service to others.

The recipient of this award will spend time in service as well. Rachel wanted to encourage students to discover the joy and memorable experiences that come when serving others. She also knew that such life experiences can be a significant resource for teachers when relating to their students. Personal stories shared from her heart and from experiences in serving others made a difference for Rachel.

Rachel and Nora and Gary’s lives are testaments to the importance of service to others. They show a selfless willingness to give under all circumstances. Rachel was devoted to God, her family and friends. Her devotion was a living inspiration about the importance of a gentle spirit, friendship, service and love.