2019 COE award winners recognized at college ceremony

May 28, 2019

Pictured (l-r): Katie Kennedy, Michael Smith, Haley Hamilton, Lauren Putman, Carina Kartchner, Kaitlyn Meekins, Angela Norris and Brianna VanDeursen

Eight graduating College of Education (COE) undergraduate students received a special acknowledgement during the spring 2019 College commencement ceremony held Friday, May 10 at the Savannah Convention Center.

Individually recognized for their outstanding performances while completing their studies at Georgia Southern University, each student received a plaque during the ceremony. Students receiving awards included: Katie Kennedy, Michael Smith, Haley Hamilton, Lauren Putman, Carina Kartchner, Kaitlyn Meekins, Angela Norris and Brianna VanDeursen.

“We were excited to have the opportunity to recognize these students during the College’s ceremony in front of their supporters, faculty and fellow classmates,” said Deborah Thomas, Ph.D., associate dean for initial educator preparation and assessment. “These highly competitive and selective awards allow us to recognize the students who have exceeded the high expectations we have for our teacher candidates in demonstrating the knowledge, skills and dispositions required of effective beginning teachers.”

Receiving the Ronnie Sheppard Excellence in Middle Level Education Award was Katie Kennedy, a middle grades education major focusing on concentrations in mathematics and social studies. The award is presented annually to a student teacher or recent graduate who has demonstrated excellence in the middle grades program.

Michael Smith received the Marti Schriver Middle Level Advocacy Award, which is presented to a student who shows improvement of middle level students both within and beyond the classroom. Smith focused his middle grades education course work in the fields of science and mathematics.

The College of Education Excellence in Writing Award was presented to Haley Hamilton to recognize her academic merit in undergraduate writing in the COE’s initial certification process. Hamilton completed a bachelor’s in middle grades education with concentrations in English/language arts and social studies.

Eagle Teacher Awards are given to students in the Department of Elementary and Special Education to acknowledge students who demonstrate both exceptional academic and classroom teaching performances. Receiving the Eagle Teacher Award for Dual Certification was Lauren Putman. The Eagle Teacher Award for Elementary Education was presented to Carina Kartchner and Kaitlyn Meekins. Angela Norris received the Eagle Teacher Award in Special Education.

Acknowledging an exceptional health and physical education major, the William R. Spieth Outstanding Health and Physical Education Major of the Year Award was given to Brianna VanDeursen.