Teachers College Students' Achievements Honored

Seventeen Emporia State University students received special recognition at the 22nd Annual Teachers College Honors Banquet April 28. A total of 55 undergraduate students were also honored for achievement of a 3.75 grade point average or higher.

The following students received awards for excellence in their respective departments:

UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS
Elementary Teacher Education - Laramee Peitz, Garden City, KS, was recognized for representing the best of what the Teachers College faculty looks for in students. Along with the high quality of her academic work, she is a natural leader, gracious and personable, making her a promising young educator. Upon graduation, she will begin working toward a master’s degree in adaptive special education as well as teaching a course for the Flint Hill Special Education cooperative in 2006-07.

Early Childhood Education - Megan DiPaola-Allen, Overland Park, KS, was cited for her knowledge, maturity, and her ability to apply her skills in early childhood education to classwork. By sharing experiences gained through working with children, she was a valuable resource in class discussions and projects. Megan is looking at teaching positions in the Johnson County area and plans on pursuing a master’s degree in early childhood education in the future.

Health, Physical Education, and Recreation - Amanda Day, Pratt, KS, was selected for being a great leader and always giving 100%. From working on disc golf tournaments to summer basketball leagues, Amanda has donated her time and energy toward activities with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Middle School Outdoor Activity Day, Kansas Kids Fitness Day, and Special Olympics. She is seeking work as a physical education or health education teacher.

Middle & Secondary Teacher Education - Amanda Pearce, Wellsville, KS, was honored for her exceptional abilities in the areas of scholarship, pedagogical skill, and professionalism. In her role as student, and as an active member and officer of student organizations, she exhibits poise, conscientiousness, ethical behaviors, and best of all, enthusiasm for teaching. Upon completing her student teaching in Gardner, she hopes to stay there and teach middle school science.

Psychology - Holly LaPota, Coffeyville, KS, was honored for embodying excellence and consistency. Armed with a great attitude and solid work ethic, she is a model for organization and efficiency. Along with academic success, she is active in student organizations and has completed several independent research projects and conference presentations. Amanda plans to work towards her master’s degree then continue her education in a doctoral program.

GRADUATE AWARDS
Art Therapy - Jennifer McCreight, Enid, OK, was recognized as the outstanding art therapy student for her excellent academic work and strong leadership as president of the Student Art Therapy Organization. She is a past recipient of the Nancy Meyer Scholarship and has volunteered for the past two years with the International Networking Group of Art Therapists. Jennifer is seeking work in the field of art therapy and hopes to obtain an international study scholarship.

Health, Physical Education, and Recreation - Matt Howe, Emporia, was chosen both for his high academic achievement and for his work as a team athletic trainer with the ESU women’s soccer and softball teams. Matt graduated Cum Laude in 2004 and received the John Baxter Athletic Training Scholarship. He has also served as a clinical instructor in the athletic training program. Matt plans to pursue a career in athletic training.

Educational Administration - Marlise Tiffany, Washington, KS, was chosen as “a person we would want to be the principal of our own children’s school.” As a prospective administrator, Marlise has demonstrated that she is extremely capable and possesses the integrity, common sense, and confidence to be highly effective, as well as having the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully shoulder administrative responsibilities. She is currently a special education teacher in Washington.

Instructional Design and Technology - Derrick Richling, Horton, KS, was recognized as an outstanding student for his willingness to go the extra mile to help faculty and students with projects, classes, and solutions to technology integration programs. Derrick has presented at state and national conferences and has collaborated on special projects and events. After a few years of teaching, he would like to get his doctorate in instructional design and technology.

Psychology - Molly Toll, Lindsborg, KS, was honored for her motivation and achievement. Along with excellent grades, she has been involved with student organizations, done consulting and research projects, and has served as a volunteer. Molly is a personable team-oriented leader who is able to motivate others and meet deadlines. She plans to take a job with an industrial / organizational psychology consulting firm upon finishing her degree.

Special Education - Evelyn Nelson, Gardner, KS, was cited for her passion as an adaptive special education teacher as she has continued her education. Evelyn’s mission is the development of programs to assist students with adaptive learning needs to transition smoothly into the work world or to further their education. She has made vital connections with local and national agencies that help in this effort and has developed materials for use by paraprofessionals. She plans to continue her education toward building level administration.

Student Personnel Services - Roberta MacGregor, Winchester, VA, was honored for being an individual who continually challenges herself and strives for what she can give or inspire. She has helped with several programs on campus, including the “Constructing Your Career” program for undeclared majors. She continually questions her beliefs and values as she grows in her understanding of counseling.

School Counseling - Carrie Davis, Topeka, KS, was chosen for her commitment to the academic and social/emotional growth of children, citing her creativity and patience in team work and problem solving with young people. Davis is a past recipient of the Kansas Horizon Award and was recognized as Teacher of the Month at Emporia Middle School. She has distinguished herself through her studies and presentations, and inspired students and colleagues in her school.

Mental Health Counseling - Casey Hadsall, Paola, KS, was honored for providing outstanding leadership in forming a Counseling Student Organization at ESU and in serving as Chair of the Graduate Student Committee for the Kansas Counseling Association. She was instrumental in developing materials for a revised Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook, fundraising, and student recruitment. She has presented at the Kansas Counseling Association Convention on “Helping Children Deal With Grief.” She is currently a counselor for DECCA in Olathe.

Curriculum and Instruction - Susan Dinkel, St. Francis, KS , was recognized for exemplifying outstanding qualities of academic and professional excellence. As a business and computer technology educator at a high school in the northwest corner of Kansas, Susan was able to complete her graduate degree via the Internet. Her instructors were impressed with her leadership qualities and commitment to her students, especially newcomers who did not speak English as their first language.

Master Teacher Outstanding Graduate Student Award - two students were recognized for their work: Catherine Barrett and Cammila Hoover, both of Eureka, KS. Barrett and Hoover were honored for their research in the area of math instruction through cross-age tutoring. Working together at Severy Elementary School in the West Elk School District, the pair determined students of different ages tutoring each other and being tutored led to increased abilities. Catherine and Cammie were also recognized for their conscientious and consistent approach to coursework.

The following undergraduate students were also recognized for a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher. These students are due to graduate or have graduated in December 2005, May 2006 or August 2006:

Tamara Trousdale, Andover, Ann Pouy, Andover; Michelle Kelly, Augusta; Stephanie Zeckser, Bucyrus; Sarah Overton, Buhler; Jill Augustyn: Burlington; Trista Kerr, Canton; Shana Moyer, Clearwater; Marla Jean Sholin, Council Grove; Amanda Miller, Cummings; Salli Appleman, El Dorado; Ashley Wells, Chelsea Gerleman, Amanda Day, Christine Henry, Christopher Weidert, Sarah Massey, Laura Darby, Holly Lapota, Emporia; Karen Bitler, Eureka; Laramee Peitz, Danielle Gonzales, Garden City; Miranda Burnett, Gardner; Stefanie Jacks, Laura Myers, Goodard; Brian Coon, Goodland; Amanda Riebel, Iola; Katie Mayfield, Kansas City; Jennifer Kleopper, Lancaster; Julie Harrison, Lebo; Shannon White, Lenexa; Megan McGuire, Madison; Sherri Braksick, McLouth; Ashley Carlson, Mulvane; Sara Burch, Newton; Christy Waugh, Olathe; Jason Miller, Onaga;Rebecca Dunlap, Megan DiPaola-Allen, Julie Ellis, Overland Park; Amber Sprague, Parsons; Eric Depew, Pratt; Christina Hedrick, Pretty Prairie; Darcy Seitz, Saint Marys; Crystal Stone, Shawnee Mission; Shandy Oblander, Silver Lake; Katherine Ingalls, Strong City; Sara Evans, Jessica Whorton, Sarah Johnson, Jessica Balluch, Shannon Wooton,
Topeka; Ryon Shepard, Valley Falls; Tiffany Weber, Wellington: Amanda Pearce, Wellsville; and Amy Blackmore, Wilsey.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>