Devon Koch of Bethlehem has a goal to pursue a career as an animator; she may also pursue a teaching degree. A step in turning that dream into reality took place June 26 at Rosemont Lutheran Church, when she was awarded the $1,500 Irene Todd Scholarship during the Sunday morning service.

Koch is a recent graduate of Liberty HS and will attend Kutztown University this fall to major in applied digital arts.

“I feel so honored, thankful and happy that I received the scholarship – it will be a huge help in my future,” Koch said.

“I’m grateful for this church community and really honored and grateful – this scholarship will help me get the best education I can.”

“I am most looking forward to finding new opportunities and connections with companies around all of Bethlehem,” Koch said of her future aspirations.

Rosemont mailed scholarship packets to six Lutheran churches in Bethlehem as well as Liberty and Freedom high schools, but the scholarship is open to all students who wish to apply.

Koch found out about the scholarship just by being a member of the church from a young age.

“I remember seeing the kids who were older than me apply for it, and so I always sort of knew I would be able to apply one day,” she said.

As a member of Rosemont, Koch was an acolyte for years, and now serves as a lector

and sometimes plays her trombone with church organist Mark Suter.

Her hobbies include writing, drawing, music, sports, being outside and cooking.

Koch is the daughter of Karen Koch and Daniel Koch.

“I am very grateful to the scholarship committee for choosing Devon and for recognizing her accomplishments,” Karen Koch said. “I am extremely proud of her and of all the hard work she has put in over the years to get to this point in her academic career. This scholarship will greatly assist with the next step of her educational goals.”

The Rev. Jack Steltzer, pastor, thanked the scholarship committee for its work.

“It’s not an easy decision to choose the scholarship recipient, but they have done an amazing job,” Pastor Steltzer said, noting he is not involved in the selection process.

A reception in Koch’s honor followed the service in Laros Hall, where everyone enjoyed the delicious vanilla cream cake the church served for the celebration, literally the icing on the cake on a very special morning.

Koch’s mother Karen and maternal grandparents Les and Rita Stauffer joined her for the happy occasion.

Dr. Irene Todd, a member of Rosemont since the 1940s, bequeathed funds to the church upon her death in December 2004. As a result of Dr. Todd’s generous bequest, Rosemont established a scholarship fund in her name in 2015 for students seeking an undergraduate bachelor’s, associate’s or trade school degree. Dr. Todd was a podiatrist in Bethlehem.

Rosemont established the scholarship fund for the purpose of forwarding its mission to Christ and in support of education.

Each year since the scholarship’s formation, a $1,500 scholarship has been awarded to a student who has demonstrated academic competency as well as compassion and caring through service to his or her church and community. Eligibility requirements include applicants submitting an essay of approximately 300-500 words focused on their background, educational goals, reasons for applying and explaining how the scholarship would help them achieve their career goals.

Along with Pastor Steltzer, the scholarship committee is comprised of Art Smith, chair, who was unable to attend the service; Lorraine Goff, who is also president of the church council; Patricia Nelson; and Michelle Curry.

Past scholarship recipients include Liliana Brockway, 2021; Aaron Matthew Strawn, 2020 and 2019; McKenzie Eisenreich, 2018; GianCarlo Seixas, 2017; Joseph Furner-Starrett, 2016; and Shawn Hartzell, 2015.