College of
Education
Scholarship
Breakfast
College of Education
College of Education Flag
• The bars on the lower left of the
banner: the various roads leading to
JMU.
• The bars toward the right edge of the
banner: the many avenues available to
students graduating from the College
of Education.
• The bars at the top and bottom of the
banner: lifelong learning.
• The unbroken circle portrays
education as the link between who we
were and who we have become.
Top Left: Memorial Hall
Bottom left: Roop Hall
Bottom right: Memorial Hall
JMU Alumni Association
Distinguished Teacher Award
Crystal Gayle Smith
• JMU Class of 2002, BS in Math
• Christiansburg Middle School Teacher 2003-present
• Math 8/Geometry
• Professional Affiliations:
• National Education Association
• Virginia Education Association
• Montgomery County Education Association
• Awards and Recognitions:
•
•
•
National Board Certified 2008
Christiansburg Middle School Teacher of the Year 2008-2009, 2010-2011
Montgomery County Teacher of the Year 2010-2011
College of
Education
Dean’s Office
Scholarship
Perry and Mabel Spitzer Scholarship
• Established by Mrs. Mary Spitzer Etter in honor of her
parents, Perry Franklin Spitzer and Emma Mabel Baldwin
Spitzer. This scholarship provides support to a student
majoring in a program or completing a teacher licensure
program within the College of Education.
Coralie Roberts
Education
Program
Scholarships
ALUMNI CLASS OF ‘35 SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established by the alumni
members of the Class of 1935 and the Inez Roop
family. It is awarded to a student with a good
academic record in a teacher licensure program.
Amanda L. Spafford
Amanda is a senior IDLS major with a concentration in middle school
math and science. After graduate school, she hopes to become a
middle school math or science teacher either in Virginia or back in her
hometown of Ellicott City, Maryland. She is a member of Big
Brothers-Big Sisters in Rockingham County and has a 14 year old little
sister. She is an active member of the National Science teacher
Association and Kappa Delta Pi at JMU. Go Dukes!
Marie B. and Sannie B. Baird Scholarship
• Established by Kenneth W. Coker of Waverly, Virginia in memory of his
aunts, Marie and Sannie Baird, who taught in Southside, Virginia. First
preference for this award goes to students from that area who are seeking
a teaching license and have a good academic record.
Kevin M. Clear
Kevin is an IDLS major with minors in both Elementary Education and Educational
Media. He looks forward to teaching in Virginia once he graduates. He is excited
to be a role model for many children. Kevin has worked with children both
through JMU and outside of the university. He has been a part of scouting since
he was in the first grade and made Eagle Scout in 2005. Kevin volunteered as a
Cub Scout leader during the previous school year and looks forward to helping
out more in the future.
Gilbert T. Bland/Burger King
Education Scholarship
• Established in 1993 by Gilbert Bland and Tymark Enterprises (Burger King).
It is awarded to an incoming Freshman.
Jihye Yoon
Jihye Yoon aspires to teach, whether it is teaching English abroad,
elementary education in her hometown, or working with Autistic
students. She has volunteered over 200 hours at the Inova Fairfax
Hospital, in the Patient Support Services. Initially, transporting
discharged patients, delivering lab equipment and flowers, later serving
as the Co-Day Chair of her shift. An active member of her church, she
volunteers as a counselor for Vacation Bible School every year. In the
summer of 2009, she and her church provided VBS for the kids in
Cochabomba, Bolivia. Jihye was also a Peer Mediator and Lancer Mentor
at her high school.
PEGGY HANNAH BROOKS BURRUSS
• Established in honor of Peggy Hanna Brooks Burruss, this scholarship is
awarded to the child of a teacher. This student must be enrolled in a teacher
licensure program with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship continues
annually until the student completes the degree and licensure program.
Helen K. Archer
“Kenley” Archer has always wanted to be an educator. She was influenced by
her mother who just started her 37th year of teaching and her grandmother
who taught for 44 years and was founder of The Steward School in
Richmond, Virginia. Kenley has volunteered in many schools in Richmond
and throughout the Harrisonburg area. She has coached diving for the
past 6 years working with children ages 4-18 and has found it to be a very
rewarding experience. She can’t wait to become a teacher and make a
difference in the lives of children.
Beverly Y. Harris
Endowed Scholarship
• Established by Beverly Y. Harris to fund a scholarship for
an outstanding undergraduate enrolled in the College of
Education.
Kelsey A. McCabe
Kelsey is a senior at James Madison University. She is from Kinnelon, New
Jersey and is aspiring for a major in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies and
a minor in Exceptional Education. After she graduates in May 2012, she
will enter the graduate program at JMU to obtain a masters degree in
Exceptional Education. Kelsey hope to join Teach for America and
pursue her teaching in areas of the country where there is the most
need. At JMU she is the secretary of an honors and service fraternity,
Sigma Alpha Lambda, as well as the Community Liaison for JMU’s
Council for Exceptional Children.
Cornelius J. Heatwole Scholarship
• The Cornelius J. Heatwole Scholarship was established by Donald W. and
Madeline Heatwole Stewart in memory of Dr. Cornelius J. Heatwole, who was
a member of Harrisonburg Normal School’s first faculty and head of the
Department of Education from 1908-1917. This scholarship is given to an
education student from Virginia.
Heidi F. Ermlick
Currently a senior at James Madison University, Heidi is studying history and secondary
education. She hopes to become a high school history teacher. She is a member of
Phi Alpha Theta, Phi Beta Kappa, and Kappa Delta Pi. Heidi plans on attending
graduate school at JMU starting summer 2012.
Christopher Carl Hoffman Award
• This scholarship was established by Christopher Carl
Hoffman’s last will and testament for the sole purpose of
generating income for student financial assistance. The
recipient of this award must be a full-time student who is
planning a career in teaching and demonstrates
outstanding achievement at JMU. Preference is given to
students from W.T. Woodson High School and Fairfax
County.
Anthony Khong
Houser-Andrews Endowment for
Scholarships in Education
• This scholarship is made by Betty Bauserman
Andrews ’58 to an outstanding undergraduate
student in the College of Education at James Madison
University
Bridgette Goyne
Anna McCarthy Teaching Scholarship
• Established from the estate of Anna A. Albert McCarthy, this
scholarship supports a student with high academic standing
who has a commitment to classroom teaching.
Samantha L. Sissell
Samantha Sissell is a senior IDLS major and Elementary Education minor. She is the
Community Service Chair of Kappa Delta Pi and a member of the Honor Society of
Phi Kappa Phi. Samantha has a vast amount of work and volunteer experience,
including working as a camp counselor, babysitting for a local family, and
volunteering with skyline Literacy. She has also helped at elementary schools
with festivals and field days, tutoring and classroom activities. After obtaining her
master’s degree, Samantha hopes to remain in Virginia, working in an area where
her passion for teaching can make the most difference.
Peter & Phyllis Pruden Scholarship
• This scholarship is presented to an academically talented
student in the honors program who is pursuing elementary
education licensure
Katlin K. Baker
“Katie” Baker is a graduate student studying Elementary Education at
JMU. She has been involved in Kappa Delta Pi, Student Ambassadors,
and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Katie has also worked in
the Educational and Technology Media Center and is currently one of
the Graduate Assistants. Katie completed an Honors Thesis about
place-value understanding during her undergraduate career. During
her summers, she has been a camp counselor and an intern for
Agriculture in the Classroom. She is incredibly thankful for being
awarded the Peter and Phyllis Pruden Distinguished Scholarship and
the Dunlop Scholarship.
Taliaferro Family
Endowed Scholarship
• Established by a gift from Richard L. ’75 and Linda Early
’75 Taliaferro, this scholarship is awarded to an
undergraduate student enrolled in a course of study
within the College of Education that advances the
student toward licensure as a teacher.
Coralie Roberts
Joyce M. Wood Scholarship
• This scholarship is intended for a student seeking a career in the field of
teaching with high academic standing.
Mary M. McCaferty
Mary is currently working toward achieving her masters degree in
teaching at JMU. In the College of Education, she is learning
amazing techniques and is incredibly excited to work with either
middle or high school students in an English classroom. In the
spring, she will begin her student teaching in Richmond and soon
after graduation will get married. Outside of academics, she
enjoys outdoor activities, yoga, working with animals, and
reading. As to the latter, Mary hopes to incorporate her passion
of young adult literature in the classroom and use that passion
and her knowledge from her time at JMU in the classroom to
better our youths’ minds and lives.
Eleanor E. Wright
Memorial Scholarship
• Established by William F. Wright, in memory of his
sister Eleanor, class of 1963, because of their family
devotion to each other and their gratitude to the
University.
Hillary I. Bigman
Hillary is a senior IDLS major with a minor in elementary education
and a concentration in math, science, and technology. She is also
working towards earning an autism teaching certificate. Hillary
hopes to work in an elementary school in an inner city school
district. Her goal is to create a classroom where students can
reach their full potential and are embraced for their uniqueness.
Christopher Awards
• A gift from Mr. Brian Christopher to honor 45 years of faithful service of
Mrs. Betty (Barnes) Christopher ’66 in the public schools of Virginia.
Kaitlyn A. Hand
Kelsey A. Loy
Kelsey Loy is a graduate student in the College of Education. She graduated in May 2011 with a
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies, with a concentration in math and
science and an Algebra I endorsement. Kelsey knew she wanted to be a teacher since she was
in second grade and feels that JMU has prepared her well. She hopes to be an
encouragement to her future students, and would like to change the stigma that “math and
science are hard”. In her spare time, she enjoys working as a substitute teacher in Loudoun
County. She has been a member of the JMU tennis club and crew teams, and was a First Year
Orientation guide (FROG) in 2008.
Bethany S. Mann
Bethany is from Churchville, Virginia, a little town about twenty-five miles south of Harrisonburg.
She is a mathematics major and is looking forward to teaching the joys of math to middle and
high school students. Bethany is excited about working with the future leaders of our world
and hopefully teaching them life lessons as well as practical material.
Hattie M. Strong Foundation
Scholarships
•
These scholarships are a pilot program of the Hattie M. Strong Foundation.
Students must be in their final year of study. Undergraduate students who have
exhibited outstanding success and enthusiasm in field experiences prior to the
final year of the program or graduate students whose life experiences prior to
enrollment reveal the same traits.
Tiffany M. Breeden
Tiffany’s hometown is Palmyra, Virginia. She is a graduate student at James Madison University, earning her
Master of Arts in teaching and is currently student teaching in Rockingham and Shenandoah Counties for the
Fall 2011 semester. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from JMU in May 2011 and was a Student Ambassador
for the College of Education. Tiffany has been a summer camp counselor for Charlottesville Parks and
Recreation and a substitute teacher when she is home on breaks from school. Tiffany loves running, Virginia
history and all things JMU!
Nichole M. Ehlers
Nichole is pursuing a Master of Arts degree this year and is currently in a practicum at Harrisonburg High
School. She would like to teach 10th and 11th grade English and has a deep desire to help students find
their voices. For the past four years, she has served as a Young Life leader at Waynesboro High
School, and this summer she helped organize a three-week bicycle-powered music tour for peace.
Nichole was awarded the Teacher/Scholar Award for Excellence in the Study of English by a
Secondary Education Minor in May.
Early,
Elementary,
and Reading
Education
Department
Scholarships
Jessica Maureen Cabot ’99
Endowment
• This scholarship was set up in honor of Jessie Chabot
to help support an early childhood candidate during
his/her student teaching semester.
Sarah L. Wilson
Currently, Sarah is student teaching in kindergarten in her hometown
of Virginia Beach. The experience has enabled her to see herself in
a similar setting in the near future. She will graduate in May with a
minor in ECED and hopes to find a job teaching or long-term
substituting in the spring. She plans to get her Master’s degree
one day and is interested in an ESL endorsement. Her volunteer
activities include Young Life and an Alternative Spring Break trip to
Kansas City where she worked in an inner-city classroom. She has
also worked at the CDA’s children’s program as a teacher.
Carolyn Morrison Chapman ‘61
Memorial Scholarship
• Established for the purpose of providing financial resources
to an outstanding student in the College of Education.
Karen Lithgow
Karen Lithgow is completing her graduate year as she pursues a Masters of Arts
in Teaching in elementary Education. During her undergraduate studies, she
minored in Spanish and teaching English as a second language. She has
volunteered in the local community and traveled extensively during a study
abroad semester and short term service trips. Her professional goals include
teaching at-risk children overseas and working with underprivileged children
in the United States. She also hopes to teach in a dual immersion elementary
school where she can utilize her Spanish language abilities. She is passionate
about making a difference in children’s lives and helping them reach their
potential.
Z. S. Dickerson Endowed Scholarship
• Established in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Z.S. Dickerson for a JMU
student minoring in the area of early childhood education
Victoria Cunningham
Currently, Victoria is completing the last few classes needed for her masters
degree and will be going home in the spring to student teach in Chesterfield.
She has been involved in first grade, fifth grade and now second grade. To
her surprise, she loved each of the grades equally but in different ways! She
is sure now that she will be content in any grade that she will end up
teaching. Victoria has also volunteered in kindergarten classrooms as well as
with ESL/ELL children. She cannot wait to have her very own classroom.
Marcella Richardson Dunlop
Scholarship
• This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students in
the Elementary or Early Childhood Education program
with intentions of teaching those disciplines.
Katlin K. Baker
“Katie” Baker is a graduate student studying Elementary Education at JMU. She has been
involved in Kappa Delta Pi, Student Ambassadors, and National Society of Collegiate
Scholars. Katie has also worked in the Educational and Technology Media Center and is
currently one of the Graduate Assistants. Katie completed an Honors Thesis about placevalue understanding during her undergraduate career. During her summers, she has been
a camp counselor and an intern for Agriculture in the Classroom. She is incredibly thankful
for being awarded the Peter and Phyllis Pruden Distinguished Scholarship and the Dunlop
Scholarship.
Marcella Richardson Dunlop
Scholarship
• This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students in the Elementary
or Early Childhood Education program with intentions of teaching those
disciplines.
Stephanie E. Cheathan
Stephanie is a senior majoring in IDLS with a minor in Elementary Education with a
concentration in Math and Science. She is also striving to complete the Algebra 1
and Gifted Education endorsements. After graduation in the spring, she plans to
attend Graduate School at JMU to receive a Master’s in Education and then to
pursue a teaching career in Virginia. Because of her passion for working with
children, she has coached a summer swim team for three years, and is currently
a volunteer in an after school program for elementary-aged children in the
Harrisonburg community.
Katherine M. Rosko
Katherine is a senior IDLS major who is planning on becoming a second or third
grade teacher. She hopes to return to school to gain a certification in
instructional technology and become an instructional technology specialist for a
school system. She began volunteering at children’s summer camps in middle
school and has loved working with children ever since. After volunteering in a
third grade classroom in high school, she knew teaching was the career she
wanted to pursue. She continues to volunteer with various children’s camps
when she returns home on breaks.
Elementary Education Scholarship
• This scholarship was set up by Mrs. Ruth Lorraine
Harris and awarded to a student studying elementary
education.
Mikaela Huff
Mikaela Huff is a graduate student in the Elementary Education program at
James Madison University. She graduated magna cum laude in May 2011
with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies and a
concentration in math and science. Mikaela has spent the past four
summers coaching a swim team with swimmers ranging from ages 4-18.
She looks forward to student teaching in the spring, but is sad her time at
JMU is coming to an end.
Fenlon Memorial Scholarship
• The Fenlon Memorial Scholarship was established by Jane
Fenlon Rowe and John Llewellyn Fenlon in lasting tribute
to Virginia Elizabeth Tisdale Fenlon and Ada Virginia
Pollock Fenlon who were both elementary school
teachers. This scholarship is intended to benefit an
education student who exhibits an excellent academic
record.
Kelsey Ann Loy
Kelsey Loy is a graduate student in the College of Education. She graduated in May
2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies, with a
concentration in math and science and an Algebra I endorsement. Kelsey knew
she wanted to be a teacher since she was in second grade and feels that JMU
has prepared her well. She hopes to be an encouragement to her future
students, and would like to change the stigma that “math and science are
hard”. In her spare time, she enjoys working as a substitute teacher in Loudoun
County. She has been a member of the JMU tennis club and crew teams, and
was a First Year Orientation guide (FROG) in 2008.
Carol C. Fitzgerald Elementary
• This scholarship was established in honor of Carol Carter
Fitzgerald ’68,because of her excellence in teaching. It is intended to
benefit a College of Education student who plans to complete teacher
licensure requirements in the area of Elementary Education.
Kathryn A. Liskey
Currently a junior at JMU, Kathryn is majoring in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies and
minoring in Elementary Education. Her focus is in math and science as well as
getting an Algebra I endorsement in order to further open up the window of
opportunity in education. Kathryn has had a passion for working with children since
a very young age. She has babysat for neighbors, been a tutor for high school kids in
math, and worked at a local Boys and Girls Club as a Youth Development
Professional. She is also a captain on the JMU Club Competition Cheerleading
Squad.
Samantha L. Sissell
Samantha Sissell is a senior IDLS major and Elementary Education minor. She is the
Community Service Chair of Kappa Delta Pi and a member of the Honor Society of
Phi Kappa Phi. Samantha has a vast amount of work and volunteer experience,
including working as a camp counselor, babysitting for a local family, and
volunteering with skyline Literacy. She has also helped at elementary schools with
festivals and field days, tutoring and classroom activities. After obtaining her
master’s degree, Samantha hopes to remain in Virginia, working in an area where
her passion for teaching can make the most difference.
Paula K. Frazier
Scholarship Endowment
• Established by the R.B. Frazier family, this scholarship is to
provide financial resources to assist a student who is pursuing an
academic course of study leading to a teaching career in
Elementary Education.
Jessica K. Barnett
Jessica has recently graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in
Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with minors in Elementary Education, Teaching
English as a Second Language, and Exceptional Education. She is currently in the
Elementary Education graduate program. As an undergraduate, she was very
involved at JMU. She served as secretary and treasurer of the Association for
Childhood Education International, was a member of the educational fraternity,
Kappa Delta Pi, became the Mortar Board president her senior year, served as a
College of Education ambassador, and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She
has been on the President’s List the last three semesters. Her dream job is to
become a second grade teacher working with English Language Learners, but
she believes her passion to become an educator will help her in any situation
presented to her.
Sally A. Goldberg Scholarship
• This scholarship was established by David Parker, Class of 1982, to
honor the memory of his aunt, Sally Goldberg, a former kindergarten
teacher.
Hillary I. Bigman
Hillary is a senior IDLS major with a minor in elementary education and a concentration in math,
science, and technology. She is also working towards earning an autism teaching certificate.
Hillary hopes to work in an elementary school in an inner city school district. Her goal is to create
a classroom where students can reach their full potential and are embraced for their uniqueness.
Cassandra A. Leary
When Cassandra graduates from JMU, she would like to pursue her love for volunteering and helping
others in the Peace Corps where she hopes to use her teacher training to help educate teachers in
other countries about children with disabilities. After that experience, Cassandra hopes to
become an early interventionist through which she hopes to work with infants and toddlers, birth
through age 3, diagnosing disabilities and working children who have a known disability and their
families to help give them the greatest chance at success in their lives as possible.
Sally A. Goldberg Scholarship
• This scholarship was established by David Parker, Class of 1982, to honor the
memory of his aunt, Sally Goldberg, a former kindergarten teacher.
Jacqueline B. Moody
Jacqueline is a graduate student at JMU and will earn her masters degree in Elementary Education May 2012.
She has been a “big sister” through Big Brothers Big Sisters for 3 years, tutored ESL students at a local
elementary school, has been a participant on two alternative spring break trips working with
disadvantage children and has co-led and planned an alternative spring break trip to Phoenix, Arizona
working with refugees. Jacqueline has been a member of Safe Rides for 2 years, and worked in two local
elementary schools for 3 years as an America Reads tutor. She hopes one day to teach abroad, work
with inner city youth, and to teach at a college or university.
Minah J. Yoo
Minah Yoo is from Springfield, VA and is currently a senior IDLS major with an Elementary Education minor.
She loves children and enjoys working with them in all types of settings. She has had a unique
opportunity to get to know children in Harrisonburg as an America Reads tutor at Smithland Elementary
and through spending time reading with them outside of school on the Gus Bus. Minah hopes to teach
2nd grade upon graduating and is looking forward to becoming a teacher who inspires and encourages
her students to pursue a lifetime of learning.
Gail Hudson Gutherie ’72 Scholarship
• Established by John and Gail Hudson Guthrie to provide
financial resources annually to one or more students in
the Department of Early, Elementary and Reading
Education within the College of Education.
Erin S. Price
Erin is currently a 5th year master’s student in the Elementary Education
program. Currently, she is student teaching in Fairfax County where
she hopes to work after graduation. Eventually, she would like to be
endorsed in gifted education and earn a master’s in reading education.
During her undergraduate career at JMU, Erin served as an investigator
for JMU’s Honor Council and was an Education Ambassador for the
College of Education. Erin has volunteered at the Harrisonburg
Children’s Museum and tutored at various local elementary schools.
The accomplishment she is proudest of is the fact that she made the
President’s list or Dean’s list each semester she has studied at JMU.
Garney Darrin & Wilhelmia Hill
Scholarship
• Established in memory of Wilhemina Hill by Dr. Garney Darrin,
executor of her estate, this scholarship is awarded to an early
childhood education student with at least a junior status, high
academic achievement and strong intentions to teach grades K-3.
Robin K. Brown
Robin Brown is a graduate student from Glen Allen, Virginia and is majoring in the
Elementary Education MAT program. As a student at JMU, Robin was a
Resident Adviser for three years in Potomac Hall. She has been involved in
T.E.A.C.H. Education Ambassadors, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the
National Society of collegiate Scholars, ACEI, Madison P.R.I.D.E., and the
National Residence Hall Honorary. When Robin is not participating in
activities with these organizations, she is working as the Hall Director of
Hoffman Hall. After earning her Masters, Robin hopes to get a teaching
position back in her hometown of Glen Allen.
Ellen Collins Hubbard ‘45
Memorial Scholarhip
• Rev. James F. Hubbard established this scholarship in memory of his
wife, Ellen Collins Hubbard, a member of the Class of 1945 at
Madison College.
Jessica N. Riley
Jessica Riley is a graduate student in the Elementary Education program
at JMU. She has been a member of the Roop Learning Community, a
First-Year Orientation guide (FROG), President of ACEI, member of
Kappa Delta Pi, and an Education Ambassador for the College of
Education. Jessica has previously worked as an Admissions Host for
JMU and is currently a Graduate Assistant at the Educational
Technology and Media Center, where she has worked for the past
two years. She plans to find a job after graduation as an elementary
school teacher where she can shape and mold the minds of the
future. Jessica is very thankful for being awarded this scholarship.
Donald Robertson Scholarship
• Established to honor Donald Robertson, an early teacher of James Madison,
who has been credited with first exposing Madison “to many of the ideas of
enlightenment that would forever shape his political philosophy and belief in
republicanism.” The candidates for this scholarship must have junior standing
and be enrolled in an academic program at JMU leading to licensure in
Elementary Education and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Jessica M. Wheeler
Jessica graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in IDLS in May 2011. She is
currently working on her M.A.T. in elementary education. During her
undergraduate career, she was involved in many education related
activities including Kids Klub, KDP, and ACEI. Shea was a part of the
Roop Learning Community and a founding member and co-chair for the
TEACH Education Ambassadors. Jessica hopes to use the knowledge and
experience gained at JMU to build a successful classroom community
where students can become well-rounded individuals and succeed in
whatever they set their minds to.
Ora Y. Sharp Scholarship
• Established by the estate of Ora Y. Sharp this scholarship
is awarded to JMU students specializing in first grade
education.
Kevin M. Clear
Kevin is an IDLS major with minors in both Elementary Education and Educational Media. He
looks forward to teaching in Virginia once he graduates. He is excited to be a role model
for many children. Kevin has worked with children both through JMU and outside of the
university. He has been a part of scouting since he was in the first grade and made Eagle
Scout in 2005. Kevin volunteered as a Cub Scout leader during the previous school year
and looks forward to helping out more in the future.
Kayla M. Fleming
As a fifth year graduate student in the Elementary Education Department,
Kayla Fleming is also seeking to be endorsed in the areas of TESOL and
gifted education. She hopes to go abroad for a few years to teach, or
to teach domestically in a diverse area. Her ideal grades are second
and fourth. She is currently teaching in Fairfax county and will be a
graduate assistant in the ETMC this spring. Kayla was a member of the
Education Ambassadors, ACEI, UPB, Rotaract, and Intervarsity during
her undergraduate years. She went on two service trips to Welch,
West Virginia.
Ora Y. Sharp Scholarship
• Established by the estate of Ora Y. Sharp this scholarship is
awarded to JMU students specializing in first grade education.
Michele N. Kamiyama
A senior IDLS major with an Elementary Education minor, Michelle Kamiyama plans to
graduate from JMU with her master’s degree in the spring of 2013. After graduation,
Michelle aspires to return home to Fairfax, Virginia and teach at the elementary school she
attended as a child. She is an active member of Kappa Delta Pi, an honors education
fraternity, and was elected as Social Chair this year. She has volunteered at local
elementary schools and at Second Home Child Care Center, an after-school program in
Harrisonburg. Michelle is very eager to complete her education and begin teaching
students of her own.
Rachel E. Schmitt
Rachel is currently a double major in elementary education and dance and will be graduating
with these two degrees in May 2012. Her dream is to fuse these two professions. Rachel
wants to work in an inner-city elementary school and start an after school dance program
for these students. These children are often over-looked in schools, when in reality, these
children need the most help. They come from challenging backgrounds, including parents
who are drug addicts, alcoholics, abusive, and much more. This motivates her to work
even harder each day, because she wants to help their lives and show them that they can
be something. Rachel’s goal is to teach the students during the day and start an after
school dance program, where the students can express themselves. For many children in
inner cities, school is an escape from their home lives and she wants to help them
overcome many of the challenges they face and show them they can be anything they
want to be if they work hard.
Elsie H. Wigley Scholarship
• Ms. Evelyn Watkins established this scholarship in memory of Elsie H. Wigley,a
former supervisor of kindergarten student teachers for JMU. This scholarship
is awarded to an early childhood education minor for use during student
teaching.
Chelsea J. Gutshall
Chelsea is a graduate student in the Early Childhood Education, Pre-k through 3rd
grade program. She attended JMU as an undergraduate and majored in
communication studies with a minor in English. This semester, she is student
teaching in a first grade class in Stafford county and could not be more excited to
begin her teaching career.
Exceptional
Education
Department
Scholarships
D. Perry and C. Brown Scholarship
• This scholarship, established by D. Perry and C. Brown is
intended for a JMU education student concentrating in
special education.
Hannah L. Janney
A senior at JMU and an IDLS major with a minor in Exceptional Education,
Hannah Janney ‘s dream since she was a little girl was to help people.
When she entered high school, she added onto that dream. She
wanted to become a Special Education Teacher. She is the current
President of Council for Exceptional Children at JMU. Hannah has
worked with many kids of special needs from the classroom to the
pool. Each experience has truly touched her heart in some way and
she will never forget these children. She is very appreciative for this
scholarship and the opportunity to further her education.
Eddy Dalton Scholarship
• Funds for this scholarship are provided by the wife of former
Governor John Dalton. Recipients are special education
students who are recommended by the program.
Helene L. Weber
Helene Weber is a senior at JMU majoring in Interdisciplinary Liberal
Studies, with a minor in Exceptional Education. Her goal for the
future is to be a Special Education Teacher at the high school level,
and to work with children with severe and profound disabilities.
Helene would love to stay in Virginia around her home town of
Mechanicsville. She is currently involved in the JMU Chapter Council
for Exceptional Children as the organizations treasurer. She is also
volunteering with Big Brothers Big sisters. She is excited to see what
her future has in store!
Betty Ball Mann ’58 Endowment
• This scholarship was made by Betty Ball Mann, Class
of 1958. It is awarded to an outstanding student
engaged in the study of special education within the
college of Education.
Kaitlin P. DiGiovanna
Julie Simon Scholarship
• This scholarship was established by Mr. and Mrs. Donald
F. Simon in memory of their daughter, Julie Simon. It is
awarded to a student in the area of special education.
Allie R. Bulls
After receiving her undergraduate and graduate degree, Allie hopes to
become a high school Special Education teacher at the high school
where she attended. For the past three summers, she has worked
with children with autism ranging from fifteen months to eighteen
years old. Allie has found her passion was with older students. She
has also volunteered at the Mercy House in Harrisonburg and in
many classrooms in the county in which she lives.
Middle,
Secondary,
and
Mathematics
Education
Department
Scholarships
Emily Virginia Bushong Memorial
Scholarship
• This scholarship is given in memory of Emily Virginia
Bushong who was a former teacher at the Anthony
Seeger Lab School. This scholarship is awarded to an
undergraduate female student, who has chosen
middle education as her focus.
Kelly A. Freehill
Kelly Freehill is a graduate student at JMU studying Middle School Education. She graduated
in May 2011 with honors from the IDLS program with a concentration in math and science.
As an undergraduate, she served as social chair of Kappa Delta Pi, the education honors
fraternity and volunteered with the elderly at the local rehabilitation center in Harrison
burg. Once Kelly receives her Master’s Degree in Education, she hopes to return to her
hometown in New York and use the methods she has learned at JMU in her own middle
school classroom.
Charles G. Caldwell Scholarship
• This scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Charles G.
Caldwell and is given to student in Early Childhood or Middle
Education who demonstrates high academic achievement.
Andrea L. DeMello
Andrea DeMello graduated with honors and received her Bachelor’s of
Science in IDLS with a concentration in Middle School Education in
May 2011. She is currently enrolled at JMU as a graduate student and
will receive her Master’s in May, 2012. Andrea is presently a student
teacher at Thomas Harrison Middle School in a 7th grade Life Science
classroom. Upon graduating she hopes to return home to her native
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and pursue a teaching position in middle
school math or science.
Prof. Charles Caldwell, JMU
Katherine Beale Godwin Scholarship
• Established by the late former Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr. in
honor of his wife, a JMU alumna, this scholarship is awarded to
students planning to teach elementary education. Preference is
given to students from the city of Suffolk, Isle of Wight County,
and Southampton County, Virginia.
Emma S. Hershey
Emma graduated with an undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies. Her miwas
in Middle Education. She has chosen the somewhat unique combination of concentrations
in both Science and English. She is currently having a wonderful experience in her first
student teaching placemen. In the past, she has volunteered in various settings including
homeless shelters, the SPCA, the emergency room, and a children’s summer camp. She
feels lucky that her life has led her to where she is now, as her love for the field of Middle
Education grows greater every day.
Christina M. Saunders
Christina is a recent graduate of JMU’s undergraduate IDLS program with a minor in Middle
School Education
with a concentration in math and science. She is currently student
teaching in an 8th grade math classroom and is absolutely loving it! She has always loved
teaching children, having worked and volunteered teaching sailing since she was 16 years
old. Christina is excited to be in the classroom full time with kids and can’t wait to continue.
Beth Hefner Scholarship
• Established in memory of Beth Hefner, this scholarship
is awarded to a middle education student based on
recommendations from the middle education program
faculty and the JMU financial aid office.
Courtney D. Firkin
Courtney Firkin is a senior at James Madison University studying to become a
middle school teacher of either Language Arts or Social Studies. She has
volunteered with the boys and Girls Clubs of Harrisonburg and Rockingham
county, the Salvation Army, and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of
Elkton. Her future plans include continuing her education at JMU, obtaining
a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), and later concentrating in Reading
Education as part of the M.Ed. program.
Dr. Charles R. Neatrour Elementary and
Middle School Teacher Scholarship
• This scholarship is awarded to a student planning to
teach middle school math and/or science
Coralie Roberts
Spitzer (Alpha) Family
Scholarship For Mathematics and Science
• Established by Alpha Spitzer, class of 1937, in honor
of the Spitzer family. The recipient of this award
must be from Rockingham or Fairfax county,
Virginia.
Maureen E. Lawlor
As a 5th year student at JMU, “Mel” Lawlor has loved every minute of it. She
hopes to become a high school earth science teacher in northern Virginia.
She is so thankful for the Alpha Spitzer Scholarship which is helping her to
attain her goals. She has worked one-on-one with a 1st grade ELL student,
been a teacher’s aide in a kindergarten classroom, tutored middle school
students, and recently started her high school practicum. The practicum
has reassured her that high school is the place she wants to be and she
can’t wait to have her very own classroom.
Secondary
Education
Scholarships
Judith Blankenburg
Endowed Scholarship
• This scholarship was created in 1988 by Judith Blankenburg, a former JMU
professor. It is intended for a Virginia resident who is pursuing a degree in
Secondary Education.
Kevin M. Clear
Kevin is an IDLS major with minors in both Elementary Education and Educational Media.
He looks forward to teaching in Virginia once he graduates. He is excited to be a role
model for many children. Kevin has worked with children both through JMU and
outside of the university. He has been a part of scouting since he was in the first grade
and made Eagle Scout in 2005. Kevin volunteered as a Cub Scout leader during the
previous school year and looks forward to helping out more in the future.
Charity L. Derrow
Interested in local history, Charity is pursuing a history degree with a public concentration
and an educational media minor. Upon her graduation in 2012, she hopes to find a
position that incorporates both fields of study, though she remains open to other
possibilities. Raising three daughters, she volunteers in schools, serves as a P.T.S.A.
treasurer, team mom, chaperone, and classroom helper. Through her education minor,
she developed a notebook organization instruction currently used in a secondary
collaborative classroom. This summer, Charity interned at the John Kline Homestead in
Broadway, VA, researching and designing a prospective kitchen garden.
Judith Blankenburg
Endowed Scholarship
• This scholarship was created in 1988 by Judith Blankenburg,
a former JMU professor. It is intended for a Virginia
resident who is pursuing a degree in Secondary Education.
April C. Gunn
April is currently a senior at JMU in the elementary education program. After she
graduates, she would like to work in Virginia somewhere in the K-3 range. After
teaching for several years, she would like to become an elementary school
principal and eventually pursue her doctorate degree. April was the Valedictorian
of her senior class and she attended the Southwest Virginia Governor’s School for
two years. At JMU, she is very involved with Campus Crusade for Christ and is also
an Education Ambassador.
Caitlin E. Kimak
Caitlin Kimak is a senior undergraduate history major from Herndon, Virginia. She is
currently minoring in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Secondary Education and
Art History. Her long-term professional goals include teaching in World History or
U.S. Government in the Northern Virginia area or at a Department of Defense
school abroad. She also plans on returning to school to receive a Masters in
history or art history. This year, Caitlin is the Vice President of the Phi Alpha Theta
History Honor Society Chapter at JMU and has presented two research papers at
local conferences. Caitlin is the Vice President of Networking for a new
organization, Future Social Studies Educators.
Judith Blankenburg
Endowed Scholarship
• This scholarship was created in 1988 by Judith Blankenburg,
a former JMU professor. It is intended for a Virginia
resident who is pursuing a degree in Secondary Education.
Katherine M. Rosko
Katherine is a senior IDLS major who is planning on becoming a second or third grade
teacher. She hopes to return to school to gain a certification in instructional
technology and become an instructional technology specialist for a school system.
She began volunteering at children’s summer camps in middle school and has
loved working with children ever since. After volunteering in a third grade
classroom in high school, she knew teaching was the career she wanted to
pursue. She continues to volunteer with various children’s camps when she
returns home on breaks.
Brittany A. Wilhelm
Brittany is a senior mathematics major with a minor in secondary education and coaching. She
maintains her academic status on the President’s List while participating as a member of the
JMU Cross Country and Track teams. Following graduation from the Master’s Education
Program at JMU, Brittany hopes to teach math at the high school level and coach cross
country and track and field.
Betty Coe ‘64 & Paul J. Cinquegrana
Scholarship
• This scholarship is awarded to a student with an aspiration to
become a teacher who will help prepare middle and/or high
school students in the area of mathematics.
Bethany S. Mann
Bethany is from Churchville, Virginia, a little town about twenty-five
miles south of Harrisonburg. She is a mathematics major and is
looking forward to teaching the joys of math to middle and high
school students. Bethany is excited about working with the future
leaders of our world and hopefully teaching them life lessons as well
as practical material.
Kelsey N. Pollett
Upon graduation Kelsey plans to become a middle school mathematics
teacher. She is also pursuing a degree in special education and
maybe become a special educator one day. Kelsey works with a little
boy with autism and it has been a life changing experience. She
thoroughly enjoys working with students, both in the classroom and
outside as a tutor. Each time she is in the classroom, it reinforces her
love for teaching and pursuit of becoming a teacher.
Beverly Ann Pierce Osterhoudt
Scholarship
• This scholarship is given to benefit a student in the
College of Education who is preparing to teach in
secondary education. It is intended for a student
from southwest Virginia.
Skyla N. Thomas
Skyla Thomas is a senior majoring in English with a minor in Secondary Education. She
is Vice-President for Delta Delta Delta Sorority where she participates in various
philanthropic events across campus. In the past two years, she has volunteered
at Waterman Elementary, Spotswood High School and the Career Development
Academy. Skyla plans to finish her degree and continue on to the Graduate
Program for Education at JMU next year. She would like to work in a high school
in the next couple of years.
Samuel H. and Evelyn V. Shrum Award
• Established by Samuel and Evelyn Shrum, this
scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student
who is preparing to become a secondary school
teacher. Preference is given to a student specializing
in business and marketing education.
Bryan S. Brady
Bryan Brady would like to teach high school history once he graduates from
JMU with his Masters in Teaching. In addition to teaching, he would like
to be involved in whatever extracurricular activities happed to be
offered. He was involved with the boy Scouts of America for many
years, eventually attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, and would like to
encourage other youth to involve themselves with the community to
similar degrees. Eventually, he would like to become involved with state
politics.