Source: Pam Monroe, 785-532-5525, pmonroe@k-state.edu
Hometown connection: Andover, Belle Plaine, Leawood, Manhattan, Olathe and Wichita, Kan.; and Papillion, Neb.
News release prepared by: Megan Molitor, 785-532-1566, molitor@k-state.edu
Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012
Head of the class: College of Education recognizes seven future teachers for outstanding performance, potential
MANHATTAN -- Seven graduates were recognized for their dedication to serving their future students at Kansas State University's College of Education commencement ceremony in December 2011.
Five gradates were presented with Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards and two graduates received Outstanding Future Teacher awards.
Students receiving the awards are:
* Meghan Heeney, a bachelor's graduate in elementary education with a concentration in special education, Andover, Outstanding Future Teacher Award for Elementary Education. Heeney was a member of Education Ambassadors, Kansas National Education Association-Student Program and Phi Kappa Phi honor society. She hopes to eventually get her master's degree to further her experiences with special needs students. Heeney is the daughter of Jim Heeney and Michelle and Eddie Sanchez.
* Kristin McDonnell, a bachelor's graduate in elementary education, Belle Plaine, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. McDonnell served as a member of the College of Education Ambassadors and for the Kansas National Education Association-Student Program. She received the Expository Program Award and was on the university's semester honors list six times. McDonnell said after teaching for several years, she wants to get her master's degree in school counseling. She is the daughter of Tim and Kelly McDonnell.
* Diana Klote, a bachelor's graduate in secondary education, Leawood, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Klote was a member of many organizations at K-State, including Pi Beta Phi sorority; Mortar Board, the senior honor society; Council for Exceptional Children; K-State PROUD Campaign; and was one of eight recipients of the Amy Burnham Onken Regional Award. She also received a 2011 Dean of Student Life Outstanding Graduating Senior Award. Klote is the daughter of Judy and Larry Klote.
* Ann E. Goodson, a bachelor's graduate in secondary education and teacher education, Manhattan, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Goodson was a member of the Kansas National Education Association-Student Program, Silver Key and K-State's On the Spot Improvisational Troupe. She said she plans to teach competitive debate, forensics or theater at the high school level, perhaps in an urban environment. Goodson is the daughter of Todd and Lori Goodson.
* Demetrius Bell, a bachelor's graduate in secondary education, Olathe, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Bell was a recipient of the Roy L. and Sylvia L. Robinson and Lawrence G. Wright scholarships, was a member of the K-State football team and served on the student-teacher panel of the Future Teachers of Olathe Club. He said his biggest career goal is to become a highly respected teacher and positive contributor to his community. Bell is the son of Angela Bell and Devin Shepard, and a graduate of Olathe East High School.
* Ashley Schmitter, a bachelor's graduate in elementary education, Wichita, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Schmitter received many scholarships while at K-State, including the Mable P. Severtson and Megan E. Taylor Study Abroad scholarships. She served as a member of the College of Education Ambassadors and Telefund. Schmitter is currently a math enrichment teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Manhattan, and is the daughter of Steve and Judy Schmitter.
* Melissa Woodworth, a bachelor's graduate in music education, Papillion, Neb., Outstanding Future Teacher Award for Secondary Education. Woodworth was a member of Tau Beta Sigma, an honorary band sorority; the Collegiate National Association for Music Education; and Sigma Alpha Iota, an international music fraternity for women. Her career goals include teaching instrumental music at the middle or high school level, as well as eventually earning her master's degree. Woodworth is the daughter of Steve and Diane Woodworth.
