Seven William Carey University graduate students have received scholarships from the Mississippi Professional Educators (MPE).
The organization awards scholarships each year to MPE members who wish to pursue graduate or advanced studies at a college or university in Mississippi. "These scholarships enable our members to improve their practice, which benefits not only our members, but their students, as well," said Kelly Riley, MPE executive director. "Our scholarships are one of several ways we support our members' continued growth as both professionals and lifelong learners. I love calling our members to share that they have been awarded a scholarship, as the excitement in their voices is so refreshing and encouraging."
Christy Lewis was one of the WCU students selected to receive a $1,000 graduate scholarship this year. She is an elementary school science and math teacher and is pursuing a Specialist Degree in educational leadership. "There are not many scholarship opportunities available for graduate students, so I was very encouraged that MPE supports educators in this capacity as we continue our educational studies,"; she said. ";This is just one of the many ways that MPE helps meet the needs of educators across our state."
Scholarship recipient Terri Thornton is an assistant principal at Madison Crossing Elementary School. She said William Carey University and Mississippi Professional Educators helped her reach one of her life goals. "My belief is that as long as you are living, you must keep learning. WCU has allowed me to further my education in spite of my busy schedule. By being awarded one of the MPE graduate scholarships, I was able to take an additional course this summer. It is because of great universities such as WCU and organizations like MPE that allow many individuals to become life-long learners."
According to MPE, 29 members applied for graduate scholarships. Ten scholarships were awarded, with two awarded to the highest ranked applicants from each of Mississippi's four congressional districts, as well as two scholarships to the highest ranked applicants in the remaining pool of applications (the state at large).
Dr. Ben Burnett, dean of the WCU School of Education, said the university appreciates the support and professional resources MPE provides students and graduates. "With very little assistance for graduate course work available, we are happy that our graduate students have this opportunity to apply for financial help to further their education. We are also very proud that WCU is represented with such a large number of recipients."
The 2016 scholarship recipients are:
- Meghan Cates, an assistant principal at Mooreville Elementary School. She attends William Carey University and resides in Mooreville.
- Penny Hill, a director of curriculum and personnel in the Louisville Municipal School District. She attends Mississippi State University and resides in Louisville.
- Christy Lewis, a fourth-grade math and science teacher at Pearl Upper Elementary. She attends William Carey University and resides in Brandon.
- Kristi McMillan, a fifth-grade math teacher at Pearl Upper Elementary. She attends William Carey University and resides in Pearl.
- Katie Moore, a special education teacher at Greene County High School. She attends William Carey University and resides in Leakesville.
- Leigh Anne Newton, a chief academic officer in Lee County Schools. She attends the University of Mississippi and resides in Guntown.
- Jeannie Pruitt, an English and language arts teacher at Waynesboro Middle School. She attends William Carey University and resides in Waynesboro.
- Stephanie Querns, a student services specialist at Oak Grove High School. She attends the University of Southern Mississippi and resides in Hattiesburg.
- Allison Sabbatini, a third-grade math, science, and social studies teacher at South Jones Elementary School. She attends William Carey University and resides in Laurel.
- Terri Thornton, an assistant principal at Madison Crossing Elementary School. She attends William Carey University and resides in Canton.
For more information about MPE, visit www.mpe.org. For more information about graduate programs available at William Carey University, visit www.wmcarey.edu.