Three Education majors received University awards at Commencement on May 19. Joy Lee received the Orsia F. Young Leadership Award, Kimberly Santos received the Marion and Henry J. Knott Achievement Award, and Justice Simpson received the Provost’s Award for Exceptional Scholarship.
The Orsia F. Young Leadership Award is conferred on one graduating student from each academic school of the University who has performed in an outstanding manner as a leader in the University community, initiated action, motivated others to do so, and been an agent for positive change in the University. Joy Lee, Elementary Education, took on both formal and informal leadership roles throughout her time at Stevenson. She served as President of Teachers of Tomorrow and Senior Treasurer of Kappa Delta Pi. She initiated a monthly door decoration for the Education classroom to create a welcoming space for the entire SOE community. She attended and helped to design and facilitate Open Houses, Accepted Students Days, and other recruitment events. Her leadership is driven by action, positivity, and a deep sense of care for the Stevenson community.
The Marion and Henry J. Knott Achievement Award is conferred on one graduating student who has demonstrated the ability to achieve academically, to reach out to the needs of others at the University, and to persevere toward a goal while also managing major primary responsibilities outside Stevenson University life. Kimberly Santos, Early Childhood Education, was an incredible teacher candidate who showed determination, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to helping and supporting others. She excelled in the education program while balancing major responsibilities outside of the University. Beyond her role as an intern, she took on leadership responsibilities that truly made a difference, particularly as a multilingual advocate in her internship school. She played a key role in translating materials into Spanish, frequently translated for students and staff, and assisted in parent conferences so that more families could participate, engage with their children, and experiences a true sense of belonging. As the oldest of six siblings, Kim played a primary caretaker role in her family’s daily life. On top of her fulltime internship and family responsibilities, she worked many hours as a babysitter and nanny. Even with all of these commitments, Kim still found time to be actively involved in her church, teaching Sunday school, supporting the youth group, and working as a substitute teacher and camp counselor.
The Provost’s Award for Exceptional Scholarship is conferred from time to time on one graduating student who has performed academically in a particularly exceptional way, has demonstrated unique intellectual ability and initiative, and has contributed to the academic pursuits of their peers. Justice Simpson, Elementary Education, is a scholar in every sense of the word. He is curious, driven, reflective, and deeply committed to learning not just for himself but for those around him. He doesn’t just seek knowledge; he pursues it with passion and purpose, always looking for ways to connect ideas, challenge perspectives, and elevate the conversation. His academic achievements, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to making meaningful contributions in the university classroom and field experiences represent the very essence of this award. He was both an Honors and Leadership Scholar, completing three distinct Honors projects. He also played a central role in the School of Education Norming Task Force and the School of Education Field Experience and Internship Handbook Task Force. He served as a Student Ambassador, giving tours, answering questions, and sharing what makes our Stevenson community so special to prospective students and their families. He took that same energy and applied it to his teaching, designing innovative instructional strategies that inspired students and engaged them in thoughtful learning.