2015 South Carolina PDK Future Educator Scholarship Recipients Announced
July 1, 2015
Three Future Educators Association (F.E.A.) Members from across the state awarded scholarship
SENECA, SC – Sponsored by the South Carolina Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa (PDK), the SC PDK Future Educator Scholarship was created to support Future Educators Association (F.E.A) members who aspire to become teachers in South Carolina. High school seniors who were active members of their school’s F.E.A. chapter or had an individual membership with the national program and plan to attend a South Carolina college or university were welcomed to apply.
Phi Delta Kappa International is a professional association for educators that helps members to deepen their expertise, advance their careers, and experience better results in their education research, classrooms, and schools. PDK members believe that education is necessary for our democracy to function, for our communities to thrive, and for every person to reach their full potential. PDK helps educators develop the skills and leadership traits needed to help our nation and our world turn these ideals into reality. PDK is the original member of the PDK International family of associations, which also includes Pi Lambda Theta (PLT) and the Future Educators Association® (F.E.A.). Together, these three education associations support the full spectrum of the education profession, beginning with F.E.A. for pre-collegiate prospective educators, continuing with PLT for collegiate pre-service and practicing teachers, and concluding with PDK, a prestigious professional association of educators.
Tom Teuber, President of the South Carolina Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, is glad that PDKSC can provide this small encouragement for these three prospective educators. “We want to encourage these students and the next generation of teachers as they prepare to enter the noble profession of public education. Our scholarships are funded as educators and other supporters of public education in South Carolina join PDK International and designate themselves as members of the South Carolina Chapter. PDKSC wishes our scholarship recipients all of the best.”
“The recipients of the SC PDK Future Educator Scholarship are among South Carolina’s most stellar students who have recognized and embraced their passion for teaching and working with children,“ notes Marcella Wine-Snyder, F.E.A. State Director. “I am consistently amazed by the skills and talent of these exceptional students across our state, and I look forward to welcoming them to the teaching profession.”
F.E.A. advisors received notification of the call for applications in April, and all senior F.E.A. members were eligible to apply. Thanks to the generosity of the South Carolina’s PDK Chapter and the STEM Development Foundation, 2015 recipients will receive a one-time award of $500.00. The award is mailed directly to the recipient’s college before August 1st and is applied to his or her account. Awards are determined based on the merits of scholarship, teacher recommendations, and a written essay. The SC Future Educator Scholarship is not “needs-based” and does not rely on the financial information of the student’s family.
Amanda Germaine Czarnecki, Indian Land High School (Indian Land, SC)
Amanda Czarnecki, an F.E.A. member under the guidance of F.E.A. advisor, Sheila Washington, is a recent graduate of Indian Land High School. She was the Vice President of her school’s F.E.A. chapter and a member of the National Honor Society, National BETA club, and the National Honor Society of High School Scholars. Amanda was also the president of the Junior Civitan Club at Indian Land while working two part-time jobs. Amanda is headed to Winthrop University in the fall where she plans to become an elementary school teacher.
Adrianna Elizabeth Ray, Buford High School (Buford, SC)
Adrianna Ray is a recent honor graduate and scholar athlete from Buford High School in Lancaster, South Carolina. She is also active in her youth group at Hopewell United Methodist Church. During her time in high school, Adrianna became involved in many extra-curricular activities and clubs. She played varsity volleyball, basketball, and softball and was the captain of both the volleyball and softball teams. Adrianna earned All-Region and Best All Around in volleyball, Most Improved in basketball, and Jacket Pride in softball. She was also a class representative of the Student Council and a member of the National BETA club. Adrianna was an F.E.A. Member under the guidance of advisors, Beth McDonald and Pamela Langley and will attend Lander University in the fall to become a special education teacher.
Taylor Marie Rounds, Seneca High School (Seneca, SC)
Taylor Rounds is a recent graduate of Seneca High School where she was an F.E.A. member under the guidance of advisor, Lynn Wilson. She has been on the Honor Roll every year since 2011 and was a member of the National Honor Society, Interact Club, and Future Farmers of America, to name a few. Taylor was also co-captain of the varsity tennis team at Seneca High and involved in the youth ministry at her church. Taylor’s biggest passion is working with people who have special needs and thoroughly enjoyed working with the Transition to Independence (TTI) class at Seneca High. She also worked as an assistant coach for a local special needs sports team called the Angels Sports Program. Taylor will be attending Lander University in the fall to major in special education and aspires to teach in Oconee County and take control of the Angels Sports Program upon graduation.
