Source: Pam Monroe, 785-532-5525, pmonroe@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Emily Vietti, 785-532-2535, evietti@k-state.edu

Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING GRADUATES

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's College of Education has honored several of its fall 2010 graduates for excellence.

The college, at its Dec. 11 commencement ceremony, presented two outstanding undergraduate student awards, two outstanding graduate student awards and two outstanding future teacher awards.

The honorees include:

Ashley Robinson, bachelor's graduate in elementary education, Lawrence, Outstanding Future Teacher in Elementary Education Award. Robinson was a section leader for the K-State Marching Band. She also was a member of the Council for Exceptional Children and the Kansas National Education Association Student Program. A 2006 graduate of Lawrence Free State High School, she is the daughter of Scott and Paige Robinson, Lawrence.

Shelley Aistrup, doctoral graduate in educational administration and leadership, Manhattan, Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Aistrup is the president of the Manhattan Breakfast Optimist Club. She also is a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the International Reading Association and National Council for Teachers of Mathematics.

Grizelda MacDonald, master's graduate in curriculum and instruction, Manhattan, Outstanding Graduate Student Award. She was the vice president of both Kappa Delta Pi education honorary and the Education Graduate Student Organization. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society, National Scholars Honor Society and Golden Key International.

Kristen Knoth, bachelor's graduate in secondary social studies education, Overland Park, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Knoth was a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Kappa Delta Pi education honorary, Kansas National Education Association Student Program and Social Studies Educators Club. She also was the secretary of Ichthus Campus Ministry. Knoth is the daughter of Jess and Shari Knoth, Overland Park. She is a 2006 graduate of Kansas City Christian School.

Alyson DeWitt, bachelor's graduate in elementary education, Kansas City, Mo., Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. DeWitt was a member of Kappa Delta Pi education honorary, Kansas National Education Association Student Program and Navigators Student Ministry. She received several scholarships, including the K-State Purple and White Scholarship, the College of Education Development Council Scholarship and the College of Education Alumni Scholarship. DeWitt is the daughter of Dusty and Robin DeWitt, Kansas City, and a 2007 graduate of Oak Park High School.

Jana Biery, bachelor's graduate in secondary biological sciences education, Oakland, Neb., Outstanding Future Teacher in Secondary Education Award. Biery is a former member of the K-State equestrian team and was an assistant coach for the team during the 2009-2010 season. She is an alumna of Chi Omega sorority and served on the K-State and Big 12 Conference Student Athletic Advisory committees. Biery is the daughter of Kelly and Marcie Lechtenberg, Oakland, Neb. She is a 2005 graduate of Oakland-Craig Public Schools.