KOKOMO, Ind. — Thirty-six future educators were welcomed to the profession during the Indiana University Kokomo School of Education’s annual recognition ceremony Wednesday in Havens Auditorium.
Dylan Weaver, earning his bachelor’s degree in secondary education and political science, called the night an “excellent feeling.”
“All of the hard work we’ve put in over the past four years has really come to a head,” he said. “I think that they (School of Education) put us in situations and gave us opportunities that prepare us for the real world.”
Alyson Davis Williams, who previously received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts, was recognized as a part of the School of Education’s Transition to Teaching program, which helps those who have already earned their bachelor’s degree make the move into working in education.
“I knew that I wanted to do teaching all along, but I did it the hard way,” Davis Williams said. What inspired her, she added, were her past teachers. “Seeing the fun, new things they were doing with their students inspired me to become a teacher myself.”
In his address, Scott Jones, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, welcomed students and their guests, and told stories of his mother, a retired first grade teacher, who is still greeted in public by her former students.
“These are not her stories or my stories,” he said. “These are stories that will be about you. These are the same sort of experiences and differences you can make in people’s lives.”
Christopher Darr, interim dean of the School of Education echoed Jones, adding “You are entering a special profession.
“The point of education is to change lives by empowering young people,” Darr said. “There can be nothing nobler.”
Tara Cocanower, Indiana’s 2023 Teacher of the Year, and a teacher at Bluffton High School, encouraged graduates to make their own definition of a great teacher.
“I think the world thinks that they understand what we do, what we’re about, what teachers are capable of, but they have no idea,” Cocanower said. “If you think about what makes a great teacher, it’s whatever you want it to be. You can create that narrative.”
The School of Education also recognized senior Clarissa Vasquez for her exemplary achievements, naming her the Outstanding Student in Elementary Education.
In her speech, Vasquez called on her fellow graduates to “carry a light of knowledge and kindness” into their classrooms.
“Teaching is not merely imparting knowledge, but about molding futures,” she said. “We hold so much power for change. Embrace the challenges, celebrate each victory, and continue to inspire curiosity and a love of learning in your students.”
Honorees are listed by degree and hometown. They include:
Elementary education and early childhood:
Bunker Hill: Alyssa Maston
Flora: Gabrielle Fewell
Frankfort: Nalley Alanis
Kokomo: Joel Barnes, Stephanie Edwards, Shanelle Majors
Lafayette: Yoselin Cuatlati Tepehua
Logansport: Addison Brown
Peru: Grace Tubb
Russiaville: Kayla Droesch
Sheridan: McKaylie Kinkead
Swayzee: Jennifer Dowling
Winimac: Shailyn Day
Elementary education and special education:
Columbia City: Annamarie Yager
Jonesboro: Ellie Alcala
Lafayette: Cassie Dispennett
Noblesville: Mackenzie Pedigo
Peru: Mackinsey Wentz, Gwendolyn Werner
Sharpsville: Kylee Fernung
Westfield: Brooke Lawrence
Elementary education and psychology:
Greentown: Aliya Barends, Clarissa Vasquez
Kokomo: Mariah Dugger, Abigail Williams
Logansport: Erika Serna
Marion: Christopher Weaver
Peru: Sydney Berry
Rochester: Kennedy Musselman
Secondary education and social studies:
Kokomo: Hannah Sandefur
Rochester: Dylan Weaver
Secondary education and English:
Logansport: Lesley Alcala
Secondary education and visual arts:
Noblesville: Coby Woodring
Peru: Medora Ulerick
Sharpsville: Parker Sayers
Transition to Teaching:
Kokomo: Alyson Davis Williams
Indiana Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Outstanding Future Educator award:
Brooke Lawrence, Parker Sayers, Coby Woodring
School of Education Outstanding Elementary Education Student:
Clarissa Vasquez
School of Education Outstanding Secondary Education Student:
Noe Dominquez
Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.
