Four students in the School of Education’s teacher education program have been awarded $5,000 scholarships from the Hattie M. Strong Foundation.
Four students in the School of Education’s teacher education program have been awarded $5,000 scholarships from the Hattie M. Strong Foundation. Scholarships are awarded to students who are student-teaching during the spring semester.
Recipients of the Hattie M. Strong scholarship must have GPAs of 3.0 or better, exhibit outstanding success and enthusiasm in previous field experiences, show strong leadership skills and demonstrate financial need. The recipients must also intend to pursue a career in teaching.
The 2017-2018 ‘Strong Scholars’ are:
Josselyn Geyer '18, majoring in secondary mathematics with teacher licensure, has demonstrated a strong academic record and has wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember. Her learning experiences in both her classes and practicum placements have her feeling well prepared for her own classroom after graduation. Her mentor teacher describes her as having a “great work ethic and is great at building relationships.”
Anna Pickard '18, double majoring in special education and elementary education, has demonstrated exceptional academic ability. This year she has worked 20 hours per week while taking 18 credits and fitting in as many hours as she can at Garrett Elementary School. Her philosophy of teaching is that every child, regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic status or ability level, can learn and grow. Pickard has already proved to her mentor teacher that she is always willing to go above and beyond in the classroom.
Kate Smith '18, majoring in elementary education, has served as a tutor for America Reads and has worked with numerous after-school programs including an externship in London. Her experiences and challenges at Elon have enabled her to better relate to the students and families she works with. Her goal is to empower her students to engage in independent research, as they will soon be our future leaders.
Jordan Valentzas '18, majoring in physical education and health with teacher licensure, plans to become a physical education teacher to help change the viewpoints on female athletes, and become a role model for young girls. She hopes to leave a lasting blueprint on the importance of exercise, while educating them on the value of a healthy diet to help fuel the body and mind. She has a passion to teach elementary students and has already demonstrated good leadership skills. She is well on her way to becoming a great educator.
These four "Strong Scholars" will be formally recognized at the School of Education’s Celebration of Excellence ceremony this spring.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Hattie M. Strong Foundation was incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1928. The foundation administers a scholarship program and a grant program. Hattie M. Strong, for whom the foundation is named, was born in 1864. She supported herself and her son by creating a combination hospital and hotel for gold miners in Alaska. Strong overcame challenges through her high energy, range of interests and ingenuity. To provide for herself and her son, she held a number of positions, including nurse, physician's assistant, ticket agent and supervisor of a men's club. In 1905, she married Henry Alvah Strong, the first president of Eastman Kodak Co., and dedicated the rest of her life to helping the less fortunate. More information – www.hattie.org.