The school hosted its annual Celebration of Student Excellence on May 7 to recognize the graduating class of 2018 and the students whom demonstrate exceptional contributions in and out of the classroom.
On Monday, May 7, the School of Education recognized each graduate in the Class of 2018 and presented them with a gift. One outstanding senior was recognized and awarded with the major-of-the-year award, while four additional outstanding seniors were honored for their exceptional contributions in and out of the classroom with the Arnold Strauch Award.
Those honored meet the highest academic standards, demonstrate superior student teaching performance and high levels of professionalism, and have a great potential for contributing to the field of education.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH MAJOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
This honor is awarded to a student that has exhibited a high level of academic success, interest and participation in professional development, and service and leadership.
Jordan Valentzas ‘18, Physical Education & Health with Teacher Licensure
In her presentation remarks, senior lecturer Lynda Butler-Storsved shared a humorous story about the beginning of Jordan’s student teaching semester and how she quickly rectified her “rookie mistakes.”
Butler-Storsved shared the following remarks from Valentzas’ clinical teacher, Crystal Johnson. “Jordan has been a wonderful asset to have at Elon Elementary. She came prepared each and every day to give our students her best, which is why students and staff have loved Jordan being a part of our school. I think it is safe to say that Jordan was the perfect fit for our students.”
ARNOLD STRAUCH AWARD
This award is presented to a senior Education major with an outstanding academic record, superior student teaching performance, high level of professionalism, and potential for contributing to the field of education.
Madison Walser ’18, Early Childhood Education
During her award presentation, Mary Knight-McKenna, associate professor of education, described Walser’s student teaching lessons as “creative, interdisciplinary, engaging” and because her lessons are designed for four-year-olds, her lessons are also “playful, appealing, and fun.” In her remarks, Knight-McKenna stated, “Madison has a strong work ethic and a passion for education. She put in long hours of outside instructional time so that all parts of the school day would benefit her students’ intellectual and social growth. Madison’s teaching will change the trajectory of children’s lives for the better.”
Kristina Altuve ‘18, Elementary Education
Joan Barnatt, associate professor of education, had the pleasure of working with Altuve in schools in Malawi and well as supervising her student teaching at B. Everett Jordan Elementary School this semester. In her remarks, Barnatt stated, “Kristina’s abilities are those that will make her an exceptional teacher in any setting. Her exceptional maturity, skill, love of learning, and dedication to teaching are what will provide each of her students with the access to an excellent education and full life opportunity.”
Nicole Schmidt ‘18, Special Education and Elementary Education
“From my first day as a university supervisor at Elon, Nicole has been a ‘go-getter’ in every sense of the word. She is a natural planner, thoughtfully proactive, and consistently one step ahead of the curve,” shared Abby Ampuja, instructor in education. “Nicole’s lessons were always extremely well thought-out, engaging and fun. In addition to a wonderful rapport with her students and colleagues, Nicole has an extremely strong grasp of the content standards and her students’ unique learning needs.”
Josselyn Geyer ’18, Secondary Mathematics
During his award presentation, Aaron Trocki, assistant professor of mathematics, said, “Anyone who has had the opportunity to get to know Jossie will readily confirm that she satisfies all qualifications for this award. Among her most impressive attributes are her passion for teaching and learning, her interest in the success of her students, and her willingness to try new things.” In addition to sharing his field notes from one of Geyer’s student teaching observations, Trocki states, “Jossie’s future students will be very fortunate to be mentored by such a caring, dedicated educator.”
In her closing remarks and with a sense of pride and sincerity, School of Education Dean Ann Bullock stated, “we look forward to watching your success and you move forward to impact children and adults, as educators, throughout the world. Congratulations to the class of 2018!”