GCPS student selected for Halle Foundation Scholarship

     Kacie Ingold, a junior at North Gwinnett High School, is headed to Germany this summer as a Halle Foundation Scholarship recipient. This fully paid, summer-long German immersion program offers students an opportunity to build intercultural connections and fully engage with the German language and culture while living with a host family. This scholarship is awarded to only 10 students statewide each year.

     “I feel really grateful and appreciative. I have put a lot of time and effort into learning German, so being one of the ten students feels almost surreal,” Kacie says. “It definitely motivates me to keep improving my language skills and make the most of every part of this opportunity.”

     Kacie was recommended for this opportunity by her German teacher, Frau Rebecca Mooney. Mooney says Kacie is an exceptional student and leader at North Gwinnett High—an engaged and high-achieving learner who excels in the classroom and in state and national competitions. Kacie has attended the State German Convention and has been an active member of the German Club since her freshman year.

     “Kacie has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing her German language skills by taking advantage of every opportunity on campus and consistently seeks challenging opportunities beyond her comfort zone,” says Mooney. “Both in and outside the classroom, she is a dedicated and enthusiastic leader who makes a meaningful impact on the German program and broader school community.”

     Kacie’s leadership roles include serving as a German Club officer in 2025 and currently as an officer of the National German Honor Society. In her role with the National German Honor Society, Kacie plays an integral part in planning events, organizing materials, and supporting volunteer efforts. She says she’s looking forward to being fully immersed in the language and culture. Kacie will be taking classes at an international school in Heidelberg and living with a host family, and she is excited to see what daily life in Germany is really like.

     “This kind of immersion will help me understand German in a much deeper and more meaningful way,” Kacie says. “What I enjoy most about strengthening my skills and understanding of a foreign language is being able to connect better with people and experience a new and different perspective on the world."

     German felt like a very meaningful choice for Kacie, who explains that she chose the language because of her interest in classical music and German classical composers. Learning the language helps her understand the music and allows her to connect more deeply with the culture behind it. In the future, Kacie says she would love to perform in Germany and possibly teach violin there.

     “It takes a lot of consistency and effort through studying, speaking, and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone,” Kacie adds. “Even though sometimes it can be difficult, the work is always rewarding.”

For more information about the Halle Foundation, visit its website.