Education students awarded Hattie Strong scholarships
Six students in Radford University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) teacher preparation program have each been awarded $5,000 scholarships from the Hattie M. Strong Foundation.
CEHD and Hattie M. Strong Foundation representatives honored the recipients at a ceremony held April 13 in Peters Hall.
Scholarships are awarded to students who are student-teaching during the fall and spring semesters. Recipients are:
- Megan Foster – Special education
- Jillian Kelly – Special education
- Marquita Pickett – Deaf and hard of hearing education
- Kelly Sieber – Special education
- Jenna Welch – Physical and health education
- Jesse Witt – Physical and health education
Witt graduated in fall 2016. He majored in Exercise, Sport and Health Education with a concentration in Physical and Health Education Teaching. All other scholars are scheduled to graduate in May.
Recipients of the Hattie M. Strong scholarship must have GPAs of 3.0 or better for the two semesters prior to student teaching, exhibit outstanding success and enthusiasm in previous field experiences, show strong leadership skills and demonstrate financial need. The recipients must also intend to pursue a career in teaching.
Preference is given to applicants who have a demonstrated record of "helping others help themselves."
At the ceremony, students delivered emotional presentations about their student-teaching and life experiences, and each expressed heart-felt appreciation to the Hattie M. Strong Foundation.
“I am always moved and inspired by your stories,” said CEHD Associate Dean and Director of Field Experience Tamara Wallace.
Robin Tanner represented the Hattie M. Strong Foundation at the ceremony, and said “coming to Radford is always one of my favorite stops.” She commended the students for their hard work and achievements and applauded faculty for their dedication to educating the soon-to-be teachers.
“I’m so proud of all of you,” Tanner said. “You have worked hard for this.”
Tanner informed the scholarship recipients about their eligibility for the Strong Foundation’s Bobbie Fund, which provides classroom supplies up to $500 in value to “enhance learning in the classrooms.” The award is granted on a first-come, first-served basis, she said.
The Hattie M. Strong Foundation was incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1928. Its primary activity is administering loan programs for U.S. college students.
Hattie M. Strong, for whom the foundation is named, was born in 1864. She supported herself and her son by creating a combination hospital and hotel for gold miners in Alaska.
Strong overcame challenges through her high energy, range of interests and ingenuity. To provide for herself and her son, she held a number of positions, including nurse, physician's assistant, ticket agent and supervisor of a men's club. In 1905, she married Henry Alvah Strong, the first president of Eastman Kodak Co., and dedicated the rest of her life to helping the less fortunate.