College of Education celebrates outstanding undergraduates for leadership and excellence
Wednesday, Nov. 18. 2020
MANHATTAN — Five December 2020 bachelor's candidates from Kansas State University's College of Education are being recognized for excellence.
Recipients of the college's Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award for excellence in leadership and scholarship are Tori Mitchell, secondary social studies education, Lawrence; Anne Kenworthy, secondary English education, Manhattan; Brooke Reimer, elementary education, Meade; Riley Jackson, elementary education, Wichita; and Cecilia Andrea Pick Gómez, elementary education, Asunción, Paraguay.
Mitchell has served as president, vice president and underclass representative for the Kansas National Education Association-Aspiring Educators and was an Aspiring Educator representative on the National Education Association's board of directors. She is a member of the College of Education's Honors Council and Student Council and served on two candidate search committees. She participated in a study abroad experience at Zayed University in Dubai. Mitchell has received several scholarships, including the Lawrence G. Wright Scholarship and Doris Wright Carroll Multicultural Technology Award, Developing Scholars Program Promise Award and the Elvon G. and Lydia E. Skeen Education Fund Scholarship.
"As an education and history major, I will teach students that differences and diversity should be celebrated," Mitchell said. "I have learned what community truly means in an academic setting and will create a community of learning in my classroom where every student feels seen and valued. I will use my leadership skills to be a better leader and change agent in my profession."
Kenworthy is graduating with dual degrees in education and theatre. She tutored students at the K-State Writing Center, performed in K-State Theatre various productions, worked as a CAT Community learning assistant and traveled to China with a K-State group. Jackson was a camp counselor, forensics judge and tournament assistant, and English instructor for Club Anglais Summer Camp and a youth group leader. She has been on the honor roll since 2016 and is a Teacher of Promise recipient.
"Through my cross-cultural experiences, I have become a more empathetic, inclusive and creative teacher and have gained both theoretical knowledge and life experiences that have shaped my understanding of culture and culture's impact on learning," Kenworthy said.
Reimer is a member of the Kansas National Education Association and active with first-generation student organizations, helping with a donation drive for school supplies for schools affected by Hurricane Harvey. Reimer was active with the worldwide nonprofit ministry AWANA for three years, assisted at a special needs orphanage in Mexico and was a high school youth group leader. A six-time university semester honors list recipient, Reimer received the Achievement Award Scholarship from 2017-2020.
"Through my community service and volunteer activities, I grew a deeper passion for the teaching field," Reimer said. "My academic achievements are a result of the diligent effort that I put into my education, which will help me cater to the needs of my students by putting forth the extra work and time to meet their learning differences."
Jackson has been active throughout her academic career. She was a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education; the Kansas National Education Association; Kappa Alpha Theta sorority; and served as vice president and activities coordinator on a K-State residence hall governing board. She is the daughter of Paul Jackson and Lisa Wright.
"I was diagnosed with a learning disability when I was in first grade," Jackson said. "The journey ahead advocating for and understanding my students' struggles is what excites me for the future. I can't wait to meet my students where they are academically and push them as far as I can."
Pick Gómez is the first member of her family to study abroad. She served as academic affairs director for the K-State Student Governing Association, Purple Power chair for the College of Education Student Council and as an international student representative for the university's climate survey focus group. She is the recipient of several scholarships, including the International Merit Scholarship; Brewster Rogerson Scholarship; Walter Martin Memorial Scholarship; and K-State Alumni Association International Student Scholarship. Pick Gómez received the 2020 International Leader Award, the College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Award and was named SGA Cabinet Member of the Year in 2019. She is the daughter of Adolfo Pick and Gisela Gómez.
"As an international and multicultural leader, I have experience advocating for diversity and inclusion," Pick Gómez said. "This is a task with which teachers need to be competent in today's environment."
