Future teachers win PSEA scholarships

College affordability continues to be a hurdle for Pennsylvania’s high school and college students, but the goal of becoming a teacher became a little bit easier for seven future educators this year, thanks to PSEA's Lucy A. Valero Scholarships. The awards were announced at the 2009 Student PSEA Conference in State College.

Student PSEA winners, each receiving scholarships of $1,650 prize, include:

Allyson Perry (St. Vincent College)
Morgan Smith (Millersville University)
Heather Formica (East Stroudsburg University)
Tiffani Guiser (Lock Haven University)
Elena Castilla (Kutztown University)

Two high school seniors, Jennifer McClean from Pennsbury High School East and Kayla Davis from Derry Area High School, were selected from high school FEA members across Pennsylvania to each receive a $500 scholarship.

Applicants were asked to describe their role in Student PSEA or high school FEA chapters and their involvement in those organizations, as well as how they would improve public education in Pennsylvania and what grade level they would prefer to teach.

Scholarship recipient Heather Formica, studying at East Stroudsburg University, wrote about the importance of student engagement. “I would make sure that every student I encountered truly understands what was being taught, and has many opportunities to ask questions and get the help they need. I would also make sure that my class is one where students can answer questions, whether right or wrong, without being yelled at or laughed at. I would make sure they know that every question/answer is a good one.”

Scholarship recipients were chosen by the trustees of the Lucy A. Valero Memorial Scholarship Fund, comprised of PSEA officers and staff, and the president of the Student PSEA.

Pictured: Student PSEA scholarship recipients at the Student PSEA conference in April 2009.

About the Lucy A. Valero Scholarships

These annual awards are provided by the Lucy A. Valero Membership Scholarship Fund, administered by PSEA. One or more outstanding students are selected each year to support their work in an accredited teacher preparation program in Pennsylvania.

Lucy Valero spent 18 years working with PSEA’s student program, building it into one of the strongest in the nation. Her friends and colleagues created the memorial fund to recognize her dedicated service.

The fund’s scholarship program aims to attract capable new teachers to the profession. Since its creation, the memorial fund has provided many scholarships to outstanding students headed for a career in education, and gives PSEA a valuable opportunity to influence the future of public education in Pennsylvania.

Each year, PSEA sponsors a golf tournament in support of the Lucy A. Valero Memorial Scholarship Fund. Individuals interested in contributing to the fund can send donations to Lucy A. Valero Trust Fund, 400 N. Third Street, Box 1724, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1724.