鈥淲ith upgraded equipment, 91短视频 will provide richer, practical laboratory, research, and project-based experiences to prepare students for lucrative careers in STEM fields and nursing,鈥� states a grant application submitted by Dr. Tara Kishbaugh, dean of faculty and student success for 91短视频.

The grant request also includes a 鈥渟mall salary allocation to support the procurement, calibration, and installation of equipment鈥� and to train faculty and students on its use.

It further states that the upgraded equipment would provide a significant educational opportunity for current students, attract faculty and students to 91短视频, and enhance contributions to STEM and health care fields through research, publication, consultation with local businesses, and a better-prepared workforce in Virginia.

鈥淭his project would amplify the impact of our current NSF STEM scholarship program, which increases postsecondary education access for academically talented, Pell-eligible students,鈥� the request states.

The 鈥�91短视频 grows STEM鈥� project is among a list of community priorities highlighted in the Fiscal Year 2026 federal spending bill, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., announced in a news release in February.

For a full list of projects in the Shenandoah Valley and Highlands regions of Virginia funded through the FY26 spending bill, .

91短视频 91短视频

91短视频 is a fully accredited university known for its outstanding STEM and health program preparation. Over 90% of job-seeking graduates of 91短视频 find employment quickly, with many in nursing and STEM employed before graduation. 91短视频 is a Forbes Best Return on Investment University and is one of the best colleges in the regional South (U.S. News & World Report). 91短视频 STEM students gain practical and technical skills through project-based experiences and social networks through mentorship from faculty and supportive learning communities. 

Leading a new school comes with its own set of challenges, says Ryan Henschel 鈥�15, co-principal of Rocktown High School in Harrisonburg.

For one thing, there isn鈥檛 much of a blueprint to follow. There鈥檚 no history to draw on or precedent for how things are done.

鈥淲e鈥檙e still developing the identity of the school,鈥� Henschel said. 鈥淎nd we鈥檙e creating all the processes from scratch to keep things running smoothly.鈥�

It鈥檚 a formidable task, but also one filled with excitement and possibility.

鈥淭here aren鈥檛 as many 鈥榖ad habits鈥� we need to undo before setting the tone for the school,鈥� he said. 鈥淚n that way, it鈥檚 a little easier.鈥�

Henschel, in his first year as co-principal, leads over 1,000 students and several 91短视频 alumni on staff at Rocktown, which opened in fall 2024. He previously served as its assistant principal.

Originally from New Market, Henschel said the opportunity to play collegiate baseball drew him to 91短视频. During his four seasons on the team, the starting pitcher contributed to the Royals鈥� growing success. In 2015, as a team captain, he helped lead the squad to its first ODAC Tournament appearance since 2002, when former MLB catcher Erik Kratz 鈥�02 was on the team.

Baseball helped him grow, teaching him to manage his time, strengthen his organizational skills, and develop as a leader. It may have been what brought him to campus, but the school鈥檚 close-knit community and small class sizes led him to stay.

鈥淚 got to know my professors,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s an athlete, I knew almost all the other athletes and coaches and would interact with them. That played a huge role in making me feel like I truly belong to this community.鈥�

91短视频 is a Division III school, which means it cannot offer athletic scholarships. For Henschel, receiving the President鈥檚 Scholarship, which is awarded to 91短视频 students who maintain a 3.0 GPA, made a real difference.

鈥淭hat scholarship helped reduce the financial burden both during and after my time at 91短视频,鈥� he said.

Henschel chose to major in math education because he 鈥渞eally enjoyed math.鈥� 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 hear that a lot,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t came easier to me than other subjects, and I could help other students learn math, which gave me great joy.鈥�

After graduating from 91短视频 in 2015, Henschel taught math at Harrisonburg High School until 2023, when he was named assistant principal. When Rocktown opened the following year, he joined the new school as assistant principal. Henschel, who has a master’s degree in education from James Madison University, became Rocktown鈥檚 co-principal last fall.

His wife, Rachel Richard Henschel 鈥�15, a teacher at Spotswood Elementary School, is also an alum of 91短视频鈥檚 acclaimed teacher education program. He credits the program, and its immediate, hands-on experiences, with preparing teachers to serve and lead in the classroom.

During his first semester at 91短视频, an introduction to teaching course placed him in a local school practicum, where he could quickly translate course theory into practice.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 when I fell in love with teaching,鈥� he said.

Since welcoming students two years ago, Rocktown has earned awards across a wide range of categories, from its innovative architecture and cardiac arrest preparedness to its music education and athletics programs.

鈥淎s a new school,鈥� said Henschel, 鈥渨e鈥檙e currently in the exciting phase of cultivating a culture of excellence and seeing our students reach their full potential.鈥�

Your support helps students pursue a quality college education without financial barriers. Join us for the 10th annual Lov91短视频 Giving Day and contribute to the scholarships that empower future 91短视频 students. On April 1, let鈥檚 show that our generosity knows no bounds鈥or the record!

鈥淚鈥檝e always been conscious of how much money I鈥檓 spending,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 want to have tons of debt I鈥檒l have to pay back later, especially at high interest rates.鈥�

And so for Vasquez, who works a part-time job at The Home Depot, financial aid from the Montgomery GI Bill, the Virginia Tuition Grant (VTAG), and a new National Science Foundation (NSF) S-STEM Scholarship has been a godsend in covering the full cost of his college education.

鈥淲ithout the NSF S-STEM Scholarship, I would鈥檝e struggled financially,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he scholarship really takes the pressure off my shoulders, because now I won鈥檛 have that debt looming over my head.鈥�

Born and raised in Harrisonburg, Vasquez graduated from high school in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and attended Blue Ridge Community College while enlisting in the military. After completing recruit training, taking time to reassess his academic goals, and changing majors from business to computer science, he transferred to 91短视频 last fall.听

He is among an initial cohort of 91短视频 students receiving the NSF S-STEM Scholarship, which provides:

• Up to $15,000 in unmet financial need annually for the length of the degree
• A paid one-week Bridge to College program
• A STEM mentorship program
• An eight-week paid internship
• Free conference attendance
• Forest restoration opportunities in Park Woods (91短视频鈥檚 on-campus woodland)

The scholarship is open to high-achieving, income-eligible students who are majoring in Biochemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Math, or Psychology (research/STEM track).

Applications for the S-STEM Scholarship
are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

For more information, visit .

鈥楢 welcoming community鈥�

Forming friendships at a new school can have its challenges.

Along with other initiatives provided by the scholarship, a Bridge to College program helps new 91短视频 students adjust to life on campus by moving them in a week early, introducing them to STEM faculty and staff members, and engaging them in activities to build camaraderie and form connections with one another. Students participating in the weeklong program receive a generous stipend for their time.

Ani Koontz, a first-year biology and secondary education double major from Newton, Kansas, is a recipient of the S-STEM Scholarship. She recalled traveling to Shenandoah National Park with students and faculty the week before classes, surveying salamanders and hiking trails, before bicycling around Downtown Harrisonburg on a tour led by city officials.

鈥淭hat first week showed me how friendly and approachable my professors are,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e done a great job creating a welcoming community.鈥�

Another S-STEM Scholarship recipient, Mara Carlson, is a first-year psychology major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 鈥淢any of us have become close friends,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檒l see the other scholarship recipients around campus and we鈥檒l say hello to each other.鈥�

Through the scholarship, each student is paired with an academic advisor specific to their major, who can answer questions and help guide them forward. Carlson said she meets with Kathryn Howard-Ligas, assistant professor of psychology at 91短视频. 鈥淲e discussed a four-year plan, and I was really grateful for that,鈥� she said. Part of that plan includes gaining invaluable experience through internships and conferences, additional perks of the S-STEM Scholarship.

Carlson said she already knew she wanted to attend 91短视频, and that receiving the S-STEM Scholarship was 鈥渁 nice surprise.鈥�

For the Kansas-born Koontz, 91短视频 had always been on her radar, but she also considered attending in-state schools that normally would鈥檝e been cheaper. When she learned she had been offered the S-STEM Scholarship and that it would lower her college costs to 鈥渁 very affordable amount,鈥� her choice to attend 91短视频 became an easy one.

鈥淚t’s 100% the reason I came,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen I got that, it meant I could completely afford to go here, and it honestly made 91短视频 more affordable than any other college in my area. It鈥檚 my joy to share how grateful I am because this is truly just an amazing thing that 91短视频 has.鈥�

The grant, awarded through the NSF鈥檚 , will fund up to $15,000 annually for each scholarship recipient throughout the length of their degree. Overall, the S-STEM Scholarship will fund a quality undergraduate education for 23 91短视频 students among three cohorts over the next six years, beginning with first-year students entering the Fall 2025 semester.

The scholarship is open to academically talented students with financial need who are majoring in the following fields: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Math, and Psychology (research/STEM track).

Applicants for the S-STEM Scholarship must submit their application and reference forms by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. For more information about the program and how to apply, visit: emu.edu/stem/scholarship

In addition to scholarships, the program offers students a paid one-week Bridge to College experience, where they can meet professors, learn material from their discipline, acquire study skills, and become better prepared for college.

91短视频 Biology Professor Dr. Kristopher Schmidt said that some first-year students can struggle to adjust to life on campus, and that the grant aims to ease that adjustment.

鈥淲e want to create a sense of belonging,鈥� said Schmidt, who is principal investigator for the grant program.

The program also provides funding for embedded tutoring services and paid tutoring opportunities for students, specialized advising, and guidance from professional STEM mentors.

鈥淭his would be a person outside the university in their field of interest who can encourage them, help them, and connect with them along their four-year program,鈥� Schmidt said about the mentors. 

The S-STEM Scholarship program offers innovative opportunities for place-based learning and funding for an eight-week paid internship. Students can use grant-funded resources to conduct research on forest restoration in the Park Woods space, which serves as a key learning lab for STEM students.

This latest grant builds on the success of a similar STEM grant that wrapped up in 2023.

By leveraging grants like these, 91短视频 lives into its mission and vision, outlined in its 2023-28 strategic plan Pathways of Promise of opening new pathways of access and achievement, and can help the NSF achieve its goal of diversifying the STEM workforce.

鈥淲e were thrilled to receive this,鈥� Schmidt said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited and grateful the NSF has chosen to invest in our students at 91短视频.鈥�

Faculty members Kristopher Schmidt, Jim Yoder, Daniel Showalter, Stefano Colafranceschi and Dean Tara Kishbaugh wrote the S-STEM grant proposal.

If any student in his class can find a topic they care about that he can鈥檛 apply to statistics, they win a clean, crisp $100 bill.

鈥淚t鈥檚 always fun,鈥� Showalter said. 鈥淪tudents will write to me about something or another and I鈥檒l show them some research paper that has been done related to that.鈥�

To date, nobody has won his challenge, and there鈥檚 a good chance nobody ever will. It just goes to show how applicable statistics is to the world around us and to everyone in it. 鈥淪tatistics is one of those areas that connects to every part of our life like faith, relationships, justice, mental health,鈥� he said.  

Whether it鈥檚 applying a statistical lens to childhood poverty, to racial discrimination in hiring or to the educational quality in rural school districts, Showalter strives to help his students connect with and care about statistics in a way that isn鈥檛 just about numbers and formulas. His class shows them how statistics can be used as a perspective to improve the quality of life and change the world. 

Meeting his heroes

Now in his ninth year at 91短视频, Showalter, the program director for mathematics and computer science, is the recipient of next year鈥檚 Robert V. Hogg Award for Excellence in Teaching Introductory Statistics.听

The national award is presented yearly by the Special Interest Group of the Mathematical Association of America on Statistics Education to someone who鈥檚 been teaching introductory statistics at the college level between three and 15 years and has 鈥渟hown both excellence and growth in teaching during that time ().” Its namesake Robert Hogg was a professor of statistics at the University of Iowa and was well-known for his textbooks on statistics. 

Showalter was nominated by his doctoral adviser Greg Foley, from Ohio University, for the award. He also submitted four letters of recommendation, including two from students, for consideration by the awards committee.

鈥淭he committee was impressed with your work in course design, your service to the community, and your impact on students,鈥� a committee member wrote in an email to Showalter.

Past winners of the Hogg award include three statistics educators who are among Showalter鈥檚 biggest inspirations: Talithia Williams of Harvey Mudd College, Nathan Tintle of the University of Illinois Chicago, and Mine 脟etinkaya-Rundel of Duke University.

鈥淭hey have been some of my heroes, who have really shaped how I teach statistics and use personal, relevant data,鈥� Showalter said.

The 91短视频 professor will receive the Hogg award at the 2024 MathFest in Indianapolis in August. He said he looks forward to forging professional connections with past award winners as well as trading ideas with other statistics professors. 

Along with the award comes a $500 prize. Showalter plans to use the money to invest in promoting the sharing of stories between 91短视频 students, a topic he talked about in his this past spring. 

鈥楾each people, not statistics鈥�

This isn鈥檛 the first award he鈥檚 received for his teaching.

Showalter was the 2021 recipient of the John M. Smith Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching, a regional math honor bestowed to professors who are 鈥渨idely recognized as extraordinarily successful in their teaching.鈥� Read more about that recognition in our writeup here. 

He was the 2020 recipient of 91短视频鈥檚 Excellence in Teaching Award for tenured faculty. And, he鈥檚 received accolades from across the country for his work on a analyzing the contexts and conditions of rural education in each state.

Showalter, who led a Thailand crosscultural group in 2021, said the trip proved to be a 鈥渞eal turning point鈥� for him as a professor. 

 鈥淚 was able to interact with these students and see a lot more of what they were going through from the other side, not just from the front of the classroom, but as a supporter,鈥� he said.

At the beginning of every semester, he has his students fill out intro surveys, where they describe themselves and their relationship with mathematics. The surveys provide him with a glimpse into their lives and allow him to form personal connections with them. 

Showalter starts his first sabbatical next semester, one that will focus on how professors can aid in students鈥� mental health. He said it鈥檚 important for him to 鈥渢each people, not statistics.鈥�

鈥淵ou can鈥檛 just take this curriculum and apply it to any given set of students,鈥� he said. 鈥淔rom the very beginning, I want to know each student individually as much as they鈥檒l let me get to know them. … Even if they don鈥檛 learn statistics, I want every student to come out of here feeling like they鈥檙e valued or to find ways to affirm them as a person.鈥�

Tara Kishbaugh, chemistry professor and dean of the School of School of Sciences, Engineering, Art and Nursing鈥攁long with math professor Owen Byer, engineering professor Esther Tian and biology professor Jim Yoder鈥攎odeled the program off of one in the engineering program at Ohio State University. The four leveraged personal connections and LinkedIn to find mentors.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a mutually beneficial relationship that gives students a safe space to practice their networking skills, learn to ask good questions and listen well, hear professional perspectives, and develop long-term mentoring relationships,鈥� said Kishbaugh. 鈥淚t also gives mentors the opportunity to impart their skills and knowledge for students鈥� personal and professional growth.鈥�

Luke Wheeler is a mechanical engineering major from Hudson, Michigan, whose mentor is Ashley Driver, president and owner of AD Engineering LLC based out of Timberville, Virginia. Wheeler is working part-time for Kawneer in Harrisonburg while finishing up his classes and will begin as an associate process engineer with Merck in Elton, Virginia, after graduation. Wheeler says it has been nice to have a resource to reach out to for advice and that he sees the STEM Mentorship Program as a gateway for internships and jobs for students in the years to come.

Ethan Spicher is a mechanical engineering major from Colorado Springs, Colorado, whose mentor is Gil Colman, civil engineer, owner and principal at Colman Engineering, PLC in Harrisonburg. Spicher says he and Colman have talked at length about his resume, engineering projects, and what it鈥檚 like to own a firm. Upon graduating, Spicher will work for JZ Engineering, a structural engineering company based in Harrisonburg.

Ben Bontrager-Singer is a mechanical engineering major from Goshen, Indiana, whose mentor is Kevin Nufer, an aerospace structural engineer at Leidos in Manassas, Virginia. Bontrager-Singer says Nufer looked at this resume and helped him to prepare for his job interview with Seattle-based Blue Origin, where Bontrager-Singer landed a job as a propulsion engineer starting after graduation. 鈥淚t鈥檚 valuable to provide connections between students and the workforce and also a good opportunity for engineers to see what education looks like these days,鈥� said Bontrager-Singer.

Interested in participating as an 91短视频 student or community-based mentor in the STEM Mentorship Program? Email Tara Kishbaugh at tara.kishbaugh@emu.edu.

Read more about Bontrager-Singer’s internship at Tesla and all three seniors’ work with Engineers in Action.

Ten 91短视频 students are gaining professional experience this fall at the Washington Community Scholars鈥� Center (WCSC). They represent nine different majors, showing the range of placement possibilities available through the program. The diversity includes four computer science majors (with two also double majoring in math), two history and social science majors, one social work major, one liberal arts major, one digital media major, and one peacebuilding and development major.

The center, located in the nation鈥檚 capital since 1976, is a program of 91短视频.

The semester-long experience is also a community-building endeavor, with students living together in the Nelson Good House in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast Washington, DC. This semester鈥檚 placements include several organizations that are long-time hosts of 91短视频 students, highlighting WCSC鈥檚 deep ties within the region. Many alumni can trace their careers back to a pivotal experience at WCSC. 

Read more about WCSC success! Nursing major Ashlyn Eby talks about personal growth and learning from her internship. Grads Tessa Waidelich and Terry Jones find full-time work after their internships.

Read on to learn more about the students, their placements and the organizations they are involved with. 

Zyeasha Ba, a peace and development major from Stafford, Virginia, is with the peace education program . She helps to lead discussions about conflict resolution with elementary school age children and men experiencing homelessness.

Seth Andreas, a math and computer science major from Bluffton, Ohio, is doing a variety of tasks at , from scripting to 3D modeling, in the realm of virtual reality game development.

KC Argueta-Rivas, a social work major from Springfield, Virginia, works with case managers at providing legal services and social services to clients.

Cor鈥橲hauna Cunningham, a liberal arts major and psychology minor from Brooklyn, New York, is with , an addiction treatment center.

Mykenzie Davis, a digital media and communications major from Lititz, Pennsylvania, is with , where she is filming and editing videos for clients and enhancing her portfolio for post-graduation job search.

Natalia Hernandez, a computer science major from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, is with , where she is implementing malware detection software. She was recently offered a position as a service desk engineer at the same organization.

Anya Kauffman, a history and social science major from Goshen, Indiana, is interning at the criminal defense law firm, . 鈥淚 help two legal assistants with tasks including requesting accident reports from the police department, scheduling hearings at the DMV, checking for court dates or case numbers. I think the most significant learning experience will be working in a fast-paced law firm, understanding the ins and outs of a criminal defense firm, and learning the process of a criminal legal case.鈥�

Tace Martin, a history and social science major from Eugene, Oregon, is with . The site was one of the first public schools for African American children in the United States, and currently houses a museum, a research room, art exhibits, and the archives of the District of Columbia Public Schools. He is documenting and rehousing collections related to the school itself, as well as 鈥減ulling collections for upcoming scholarly visits.鈥� Martin is also contributing to the site鈥檚 draft application to be listed on the National Park Service Register of Historic Places.

Joey Sun, a computer science major from Shenyang, China, is with the . His role consists of providing technical support to all Smithsonian employees regarding verification issues, technology assistance, and moderating access to special documents. He is learning to navigate the user interface and software the OCIO uses to support the entire Smithsonian network.

Noah Swartzentruber, a math and computer science major from Lancaster, Pa., is working on projects for the Smithsonian National Zoo’s website and collaborating on a web-based tool for zookeeping staff.

Summer 2022 placements included:

• A physical therapy practice
• Mennonite Central Committee’s National Justice and Peace Ministries office 
• Community of Hope, a community health clinic that provides quality healthcare and housing to families 
• Covenant House, an organization that provides educational programs, job training and placement, medical services, mental health and substance use counseling, legal aid and beyond to homeless youth
• St. Anthony Catholic School, gaining experience working with children and observing different teaching styles
• Washington Digital Media, making business cards and several other templates.
• Bread for the City鈥檚 primary care clinic in a Spanish-language setting
• Anacostia Watershed Society with their adult education classes, tree surveying, invasive species removal, wetland planting, and boat tours on the Anacostia River
• Keegan Theater
• Girls on the Run DC
• Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development, which fosters just and equitable community development solutions that address the needs and aspirations of low- and moderate-income district residents.

Jamie Reich, WCSC鈥檚 associate director of communications and retention, contributed to this article.

Senior Caleb Hostetler already has an extensive list of accomplishments 鈥� in April 2022, he and two other students from 91短视频 won the 2022 international Kryptos Codebreaking Competition 鈥� and this summer, he added mathematics research at Carnegie Mellon University to his resume.

Hostetler participated in the undergraduate research program, working with a group of four students studying a mathematical game. The research has applications in the mathematical fields of graph theory and linear algebra.

Hostetler applied to over 15 mathematics Research Experiences for Undergraduates (here’s the comprehensive , and was accepted to Carnegie Mellon. He then had a say in which of the four areas of mathematics research he would work.

The experience provided insight into the world of academic mathematics, Hostetler said. 鈥淚n addition to exposure to the world of academia, I also built valuable connections with people that would be very helpful if I decided to pursue research further.鈥� 

Participants presented their research, and attended panels with grad students, postdoctoral students, and other professionals in the field.

Mathematics and computer science professor Daniel Showalter recognizes this experience as a prestigious and competitive accomplishment. “Caleb’s selection for the Carnegie Mellon REU allowed him to spend the summer in one of the top five computer science departments in the world and positions him well for graduate school should he choose to attend,鈥� Showalter said.

A personal highlight, Hostetler said, was talking with the other members of his research group about math outside of research. 

鈥淲henever I talk to someone who doesn’t love math as much as I do, the conversation generally moves quickly to some other subject. I don’t blame them, math isn’t the most interesting topic if you don’t really enjoy it,鈥� Hostetler said.

He remembers one conversation about favorite mathematicians and preferred kinds of math while walking back to their apartment after dinner. 鈥淚’ll admit, it is a pretty nerdy conversation to have, but it was genuine,鈥� Hostetler said. 鈥淚t was so cool to be in an environment where everyone was as excited about mathematics as I was, and to not have to feel restrained when talking about the things I love.鈥�

The group also spent time outside of research settings, doing team-building activities such as rafting, visiting the Kennywood amusement park, and going to the Pittsburgh zoo.

In addition to research, over the summer, Hostetler enjoyed working as an engineering intern at Ventrac, a tractor and equipment company. He isn鈥檛 sure what is next for him, but math research and graduate school are high on his list of options.

Talk about legacy.

For the third time in five years, a team from 91短视频 has won the 2022 international Kryptos Codebreaking Competition. The event, hosted by University of Central Washington, attracted the largest field in the history of the contest 鈥� 77 teams from across the U.S. and Great Britain.

Senior Hannah Leaman, junior Caleb Hostetler and first-year Mana Acosta solved the three required puzzles in record time. To win, they tapped into their abilities to recognize patterns; apply Baconian and Swagman ciphers and Morse code (Hostetler happens to have learned it for fun while he was in high school); and do some 鈥渕ad Googling,鈥� the team said.

If you know a little more about their codebreaking resumes, though, this win is not a total surprise.

Leaman, who was awarded the 2022 Outstanding Mathematics Senior Award by 91短视频 faculty, leaves 91短视频 among several talented students who have left their mark in recent years.

Puzzlehunters are ‘my people’

Acosta, a first-year engineering major with a computer emphasis, is new to the mix. She experienced a bit of the excitement during a 2021 Honors Weekend visit, which featured an escape room activity created by the 91短视频 Math Club. 

That club was 鈥渂asically a puzzle club,鈥� Leaman and Hostetler explained, and that鈥檚 partly the reason for the university鈥檚 recent Kryptos success.

鈥淲hen I came to 91短视频, there were a lot of students who were really into puzzlehunting and I fit right in,鈥� Leaman said.

Hostetler, one year behind Leaman, ticked off the names of fellow students who also took delight in doing puzzlehunts in their free time, including the famous MIT Mystery Hunt over MLK Day Weekend. (The club also hosts occasional puzzle events, like escape rooms and Puzzlepaloozas for students on campus.)

鈥淚 saw the puzzlehunting going on and I thought 鈥楢lright, these are my people. I need to figure out how to become friends with them,鈥� he said. 

The adrenaline rush and intellectual challenge of applying both practical and esoteric knowledge creates tight bonds of friendship.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 tell you how many 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. calls I鈥檝e been on since coming here,鈥� Leaman said. 鈥淎 lot of us are still in touch even after graduation doing puzzles. We鈥檝e had teams that included alumni still involved here.鈥�

Many of those students are pictured at left in this 2018 article we creatively titled: 鈥�91短视频 teams place 18th and 48th regionally in international programming contest 鈥� and that鈥檚 really, really good.鈥�

Participation in the Kryptos contest is entirely voluntary, says professor of mathematics Daniel Showalter, but has benefits beyond the experience of competition.

鈥淪tudent engagement in self-driven competitions like this make it easy for professors to craft strong recommendation letters,鈥� he added. One result: Leaman will work in leadership at an elite mathematics camp, while Hostetler earned a competitive spot in a funded summer research program at Carnegie Mellon University. 

Cramming in the win

Fitting in the Kryptos contest can be a challenge for these invariably multi-talented students. This year, Leaman was student-teaching during the spring semester. She wanted to actually get a good night鈥檚 sleep instead of staying up all night. 鈥淚 told everyone I would leave by 10:30, but at the same time I was really committed.鈥�

Acosta was recovering from a recent concussion suffered in an intramurals soccer game. Despite feeling mentally fatigued and drained before arriving to their assigned meeting spot, having a puzzle in front of her to solve gave her some focus and energy.

Hostetler missed the first hour of competition to play in a concert with the 91短视频 Jazz Band. 鈥淏y the time I got there,鈥� he said, 鈥渢hey had solved the first puzzle.鈥�

The second one took a little longer, but it helped that Hostetler knew Morse code. 

Here鈥檚 their explanation they submitted with the answer:

We used frequency analysis of single numbers as well as pairs against the English language frequency of bigrams/letters to eliminate choices for the 9 options of morse dashes/dots and Xs. We assumed the word 鈥淭HE鈥� was in the plaintext, and found a number string 928869 that could replicate an instance of 鈥淭HE鈥� that also gave us English at the beginning of the ciphertext. We continued from there to solve the remainder of the cipher. 

WE HAVE A RARE SHIPMENT OF PAPPY VAN WINKLE TO DISTRIBUTE MEET AT THE WAREHOUSE ON CANAL STREET TUESDAY MIDNIGHT

Immediately after submission, they received a message back from the contest organizers with congratulations for being the first team to solve Puzzle 2.

That occurred at about 9 p.m., a whole 1.5 hours before Leaman鈥檚 self-imposed curfew. Adrenaline, and a sugar rush fueled by some candy, kicked in.

The final puzzle was 鈥渁 combination cipher and crossword,鈥� Leaman recalled. After finding a reference to Swagman and discovering it was a cipher, further encryption/decryption didn鈥檛 get them anywhere. 

鈥淲e knew the cipher but could not figure out how to apply it to the encryption so we were losing our momentum,鈥� Hostetler recalled.

From a standstill, the team moved to another strategy 鈥� 鈥渂rute force solving,鈥� a trial-and-error process while looking for cribs, or suspected plaintext.

鈥淚 saw the word puzzle forming and my heart stopped, literally,鈥� Leaman said. 鈥淭hat could not have been good for my health.鈥�

Despite the physical detriments of the competition 鈥� Acosta said the excitement meant she didn鈥檛 go to sleep for a while that night 鈥� the team was thrilled with their success.

Acosta is hooked for next year and Hostetler, of course, plans to be back to continue 91短视频鈥檚 strong showing.

And Leaman, who has accepted a position teaching next year at Harrisonburg High School, says she鈥檒l be creating some puzzles for students. She leaves 91短视频 as one of the most talented mathematicians in the university鈥檚 history 鈥� and one of its top codebreakers.

Ten graduating seniors were honored as Cords of Distinction recipients in a ceremony Saturday afternoon, April 30, 2022, at 91短视频.

Faculty, staff and fellow students nominated the recipients, who were cited for their 鈥渟ignificant and verifiable impact鈥� on the university and on student life; for their contributions to developing the institution鈥檚 positive image; for substantial contributions to the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County area and beyond; for their high academic and social standing; and their embodiment of 91短视频鈥檚 shared values of Christian discipleship, community, service and peacebuilding.

Rodrigo Barahona

An environmental science and economics from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Rodrigo was honored by Micah Shristi, director of International Student Services.

Rodrigo Pablo Felipe Sebastian Barahona Barahona, or 鈥� to his friends鈥撯�漅odri鈥�. Since the moment he first set foot on campus Rodrigo has consistently and constantly demonstrated welcoming, connecting, and generously serving others as his highest priorities. This is exemplified by the chill relaxed friendly creative presence that Rodrigo brings to any interaction and by the many and wide-ranging community building activities on his 91短视频 resume:

1. International Student Organization (鈥淚SO鈥�). Unfailing participation, planning, and leadership of the club throughout his 4 years at 91短视频 including 2 years as treasurer. Let me give you an example: Even this semester with an evening class at the same time as our weekly club gathering, Rodrigo still comes to the gathering as soon as his class is over even if it’s just for 5 minutes at the tail end of the gathering. Connecting with and supporting ISO members is so important to him. Rodrigo has also been an active member of the Latino Student Alliance.

2. Creative expression. Through participation in formal and informal music ensembles Rodrigo has (literally) helped to set the rhythm of campus life with his skills as a drummer with the 91短视频 Jazz Ensemble and many other musical collaborations. I would be remiss if I failed to mention creative video collaborations with Jay Cho. 

3. He鈥檚 brainy. One major was not enough for this man. He needed two, so he鈥檚 graduating with a double major: economics and environmental science.  And surprise, surprise, Rodrigo uses his braininess to help other students by serving as an economics tutor in the Academic Success Center and an English language tutor in the Intensive English Program. 

4. Community service: Gardens, solar panels, field trips, vines, figs鈥� Oh, my! 

All this and more鈥� and always friendly, welcoming, unassuming, and non-judgmental. Rodrigo models creativity, compassion, and hard work to his peers. There will be a Rodri-shaped hole in 91短视频鈥檚 community fabric next semester. Thank you for everything, Rodrigo. These Cords of Distinction are well deserved.  

Asha Beck

A digital media and communications major and Spanish minor from Linville, Virginia, Asha was honored by Professor Kathy Evans, education.

It has been an immense pleasure to work and learn alongside Asha Beck this year. Asha has a heart for people; she possesses natural leadership qualities; and she holds a deep passion for justice. 

Whether she is planning an event or working on an art project, Asha centers relationships with others as an essential part of all that she does. She cares for people and it shows in the way she listens empathetically and in the way she works to include people who have often been left out. She sees people, truly sees them, regardless of their status or of their ability to provide something in exchange – she simply sees them and includes them in the most genuine of ways. In thoughtful and compassionate ways, Asha embodies the tagline, 鈥淏elong Together,鈥� and has helped to make 91短视频 a place where people indeed do belong. 

Asha is also a natural leader. She has been a member of Safe Space since her first year at 91短视频; as one of the Leadership Council members this past year, she has worked to build community and support fellow students. In addition, she has held leadership in the Art Club and served as a senator with SGA. With her commitment to a relational ethic, her leadership takes on a quality of collaboration and invitation. I remember being at a Safe Space meeting where students were discussing the roles of president, vice-president, etc. and in part because of Asha鈥檚 leadership, they ended up settling on a leadership team model, where they all worked together to make decisions and plan events. I think they even rewrote the club constitution to reflect this commitment to a non-hierarchical leadership structure. 

Lastly, one of the things that I have appreciated so much has been Asha鈥檚 fierce commitment to justice and equity. Again, from a completely relational place, she is willing to have difficult and authentic conversations that demonstrate a willingness to learn from others鈥� perspectives. From caring for chickens to hosting conversations about healthy emotional boundaries, Asha has spoken out about important issues and has supported initiatives that create opportunities for education, advocacy, and a better 91短视频. 

Asha鈥檚 care for the earth, her love for people, and her concern for all of life have led her to be one of those quiet champions for a more just world. I look forward to seeing where Asha鈥檚 path continues to take her. 

Alcinda Brubaker 

A marketing major from Keezletown, Virginia, Alcinda was honored by Celeste Thomas, Director of Multicultural Services.

I am humbled to stand before you today to share the accomplishments of this wonderful young woman, Alcinda Brubaker. It was my pleasure to serve as her adviser for the Black Student Alliance as well as mentor. I have come to not only know Alcinda as a talented young woman but I have been blessed to have the honor to get to know her heart. 

Alcinda began her journey at 91短视频 in 2010 and in the words of Langston Hughes, 鈥淟ife ain’t been no crystal stair. It鈥檚 had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor鈥擝are.鈥� Despite all of your challenges you have kept climbin鈥� and reachin鈥� landin鈥檚, and turnin鈥� corners, and sometimes goin鈥� in the dark, but you have followed your own advice and have never given up! 

You have given so authentically and unselfishly of yourself to the 91短视频 community, the greater Harrisonburg community, and to the well-being of the numerous students you have mentored. Your impact will be felt for years to come. You have impacted not only the BIPOC community but you have left your footprint on the entire campus. On campus you have served the following: Royal Society Ambassadors, Art Club, Black Student Alliance, The Weather Vane, Student Life, and the Department of Business and Leadership to name a few. Additionally, you have served Gift and Thrift, Harrisonburg Renaissance, International Festival, Beats for Mozambique, and Divine Unity Community Church. Your reach has been broad. 

You are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those who are marginalized. You recognize the privilege that you hold and work hard to make the playing field equitable for everyone. You live your favorite quote by Ghandi, which is, 鈥淏e the change you wish to see in the world.鈥� You have worked hard to overcome adversity and you are resilient beyond words. 

I leave you with these words from Amanda Gorman: 鈥淔or there is always light, if only we鈥檙e brave enough to see it. If only we鈥檙e brave enough to be it.鈥� You are BRAVE! Look what a war orphan from Mozambique has accomplished when given the opportunity!

Tahj鈥檃e Coleman

A psychology major from Willingboro, New Jersey, Tahj鈥檃e was honored by Celeste Thomas, Director of Multicultural Services.

I am well pleased to have had the opportunity to walk alongside Tahj鈥檃e during her journey at 91短视频. In the words of Maya Angelou,鈥淒oes my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 鈥機ause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room.鈥�

Tahj鈥檃e is a deep thinker. She is one who sits back and observes situations before contributing. She takes it all in and comes to the table informed. She does her research. She has a heart and genuine concern for people and creates opportunities for those who are less fortunate than herself.  

Tahj鈥檃e is a true advocate for social justice. She not only assisted with the creation and painting of the Black Lives Matter Mural but has on numerous occasions raised her voice and spoke truth to power in the 91短视频 Weather Vane newspaper. She unapologetically shared her passion about the inequities happening in the world and on campus. She stood up with confidence, bravery, self determination and empowerment while serving her people.

She carries that same passion in her service with the Black Student Union, the Student Government, Psychology Club and Royal Ambassadors. It wasn鈥檛 enough to just be a part of these organizations, she held leadership roles in all of them. She always shows up in spaces as her authentic self and this is a unique gift.

Additionally, she has worked at Covenant House where she was able to counsel homeless youth and guided them in the direction of working toward a positive and productive future. In an effort to assist students in having a better college experience, she is conducting research on how childhood verbal abuse can create low self-esteem in college students and can ultimately create a lack of sense of belonging in college.  

Tahj鈥檃e has taken being a young woman of color on campus very seriously. It is not lost on her the importance of representation to underclassmen of color and that regardless of one鈥檚 ethnicity, your hard work will pay off! To paraphrase Maya Angelou: Tahj鈥檃e, Bringing the gifts that Your ancestors gave, You are the dream and the hope of the slave. You Rise, You Rise, You Rise!

Elizabeth Eby

A major in peacebuilding and development and Bible, religion and theology from Goshen, Indiana, Elizabeth was honored by Professor Justin Poole, theater program director.

Throughout her four years at 91短视频, Elizabeth Eby has been a standout student, always dedicated, hardworking, fearless, and passionate. She has juggled multiple activities with patience and a smile on her face, contributing greatly to group dynamics in diverse settings.

Elizabeth has served as Pastoral Assistant (then Student Chaplain) for two years, as a hymn sing student leader, as planner and leader of campus worship services and the Sunday Night Worship service during the pandemic shut down period. 

In theater Elizabeth’s contributions onstage and behind the scenes have helped launch and sustain a significant growth period for the theater program. From her first leading role, playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast during her freshman year to her unforgettable portrayal of doomed rockstar Mercutio in U2 Romeo and Juliet and the featured dancer in the opera Noye’s Fludde Elizabeth has demonstrated remarkable skills as a performer. Elizabeth has been the recipient of multiple Irene Ryan Acting nominations from the Kennedy American College Theater Festival. She was even one of the select few to make it to the finals round in this year’s regional competition, beating out theater majors from much larger programs. Elizabeth has also been a community teacher for the after-school program On the Road Collaborative at Thomas Harrison Middle School, demonstrating her commitment to nurture another generation of artists. 

Elizabeth Eby’s presence at 91短视频 has made this a better place, and I look forward to seeing where she goes from here!

Skylar Hedgepeth

An elementary education major from Smithfield, Virginia, Skylar was honored by Ashley “Stick” Kishorn, head field hockey coach.

Skylar Hedgepeth has connected with a tremendous amount of people during her time at 91短视频. I realize there are so many individuals who could speak on behalf of Skylar tonight. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to present Skylar Hedgepeth for this recognition of Cords of Distinction Award. 

Skylar has taken opportunities to be a leader in a wide variety of roles on campus and throughout our community by participating as an active member with Eastern Mennonite Student Women鈥檚 Association and the Committee of Diversity & Inclusion.  As Celebration co-president and a Student Chaplain Assistant, Skylar exemplifies her passion to serve others through 91短视频鈥檚 student-led worship service. She dedicates her summers to Fuge Camps, where she works as a bible study leader to create change in the lives of students. Skylar鈥檚 compassion and selfless contribution to others will continue to guide her as she pursues her future as an educator. In addition to her activities, Skylar鈥檚 dedication to academic excellence has allowed her to maintain a 4.0 Cumulative GPA and hold a spot on the 91短视频 Deans List each semester. She has been recognized as a member of the NFHCA All – Academic Squad and a Scholar of Distinction. 

In the recruiting process four years ago, I could tell that 91短视频 and the field hockey program would be a good choice for Skylar and for our program, but more importantly Skylar was a perfect fit for the 91短视频 community as a whole. Skylar already possessed many of the values and characteristics, and of course the field hockey skills to make a prominent contribution to 91短视频 Athletics. Skylar made an immediate impact on the field hockey program starting her career leading the team in goals as a freshman and earning the 91短视频 Rookie Athlete of the Year Award. Sklyar also earned All-ODAC recognition during her freshman and junior seasons. As she finishes her field hockey career, she leaves her mark on the program and her name in the record book, finishing 17th all time in scoring. Additionally, Skylar鈥檚 work ethic and determination allowed her to participate as a dual-sport athlete and also played softball and lacrosse.

Beyond the statistics and her capabilities as an athlete, Skylar exemplifies what you hope each and every athlete who comes through the program will aspire to be. You hope that they will get involved and be active participants in the community, you hope that they will be able to grow their faith, and you hope that they will grow as leaders and be able to advocate for themselves and for others. She has taken full advantage of the Division III athletic experience and submerged herself into the 91短视频 community. She cares deeply about women鈥檚 representation, she is vocal about the rights of underrepresented groups, and steps up to share her faith with others. I am grateful for the opportunity to have coached Skylar. I could not be more proud of her and the impact that she will have on future students as an elementary teacher.  

Hannah Leaman

A mathematics major with secondary education licensure and a minor in Honors from Bakersfield, California, Hannah was honored by Professor Daniel Showalter, mathematics.

During her first three years at 91短视频, Hannah quickly established herself as a disciplined student, talented writer, and a master of mysteries. For example, did you realize that Hannah shares the title of reigning world champion of the Kryptos Codebreaking Competition held by the University of Central Washington? But rather than selfishly limiting her sharp wits to her own academic pursuits, she invests them in helping others. As one nominator said, 鈥淗annah has so courageously spoken out on important issues on campus and done so with grace, thoughtfulness, and compassion. She has been a quiet and fierce advocate for a better 91短视频.鈥� 

Still, it wasn鈥檛 until our cross-cultural to Thailand together that I truly began to see Hannah鈥檚 poetic soul and transformative presence. Although I may not have earned the same 15 credits as the students on the trip, I learned just as much, and a large portion of my growth took place from reading Hannah鈥檚 journal. She taught me how an event can be interpreted quite differently by people with different backgrounds and how our past experiences color our present perceptions. She introduced me to inspirational leaders like Glennon Doyle. And her unique way of articulating social dynamics and personal tensions changed the way I organize my thoughts. Yet, Hannah is not only an eloquent writer; she backs her words up with her actions. When a member of our cross-cultural broke her ankle, I took care of the basic needs, but Hannah quickly perceived that the student鈥檚 emotional needs and feelings of inclusion were just as important. Without any prompting, she organized a daily rotation of support for the member 鈥� a task that required numerous hours and lasted the entire trip. And this is just one peer; everyone respected Hannah. At one point, when Hannah was wrestling with some personal issues, she asked my 9-year-old daughter Ellie if she had an extra stuffed animal to share; this was a breakthrough moment in Ellie feeling connected with Hannah. As Ellie said, 鈥淎nyone who understands the power of bonding with a stuffie can be trusted.鈥� Here are some other comments written by her cross-cultural peers: 鈥淗annah鈥檚 curiosity shines and is a huge asset.鈥� 鈥淗annah, you balance strength of character and genuine thoughtfulness, peppered with giddy enthusiasm for the beautiful things in life鈥� 鈥淗annah, you make things happen. You are very intelligent in the way you care for others.鈥� 鈥淗annah, I always enjoy conversations with you. They never stay as small talk for long.鈥� And, my personal favorite, 鈥淗annah is badass but also so kind and loving. The combo makes her even more badass.鈥�

This spring, I鈥檝e been supervising Hannah鈥檚 semester of student teaching. In terms of content and pedagogy, she was a star, which was no surprise. Behavior management, however, can be much trickier even for experienced teachers. On Hannah鈥檚 first day of middle school instruction, she took a stand when she heard some culturally inappropriate comments. That day would have gone so much more smoothly for Hannah had she chosen to ignore the comments, but she has never been one to opt for the easy way out. Another incident occurred a couple weeks later when the cooperating teacher was absent – this one had the potential to emotionally endanger other students and was personally directed at Hannah when she tried to intervene. Rather than hold a grudge against the students who were responsible, Hannah regrouped that night, and then entered into a mediated restorative process in the following days. This process not only helped heal her relationship with the students but also helped the students sincerely and willingly change their speech and behavior as a result. 

Hannah, may you continue to sustain your balance as a dancing daffodil and a badass advocate for this world. 

Faith Manickam 

A biology, pre-med major and chemistry minor from Hesston, Kansas, Faith was honored by Rachel Roth Sawatzky, director of Student Programs, Student Life.

Cords of Distinction are presented to 91短视频 students who make positive contributions to student life and the institution at large, while maintaining good academic standing. It is my distinct honor to present this award to Faith Manickam who has both met and exceeded these criteria in her academic and community engagement endeavors throughout her time at 91短视频. Biology professor Jeff Copeland indicates that Faith distinguished herself in the classroom and in preparation for medical school, but that she is not just a great student, she is also a great classmate. Professor Deanna Durham also reflected on Faith鈥檚 academic giftedness, adding that Faith also offers 鈥渁 presence that encourages others to share; she pauses before speaking and you can see her wondering about how to put her questions into words. She is sensitive and mindful of others, giving space and a kind smile. I’ve enjoyed hearing her process in class, reflecting about identity and faith, aware of the larger world yet fully immersed where she is.鈥� Deanna also noted with appreciation, 鈥淔aith shows up again and again: for SGA; campus events; poetry readings; speakers; convocation; and so on. And she not only shows up but she engages deeply in discussions and conversations, lingering to talk…she doesn’t want to miss an opportunity to learn more.鈥�

In my own experience of Faith I have found that she embodies the words of musician and philosopher, Jimi Hendrix: 鈥渒nowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.鈥� I have yet to meet another student who can hold space with such compassion and confidence. Dean of Students Shannon Dycus reflects, 鈥淔aith has both natural and learned leadership skills. Watching her in leadership means getting to witness the ways she is actively attentive to the needs of people around her – you see her eyes moving with care. Faith’s leadership is centered in possibility – always asking the questions of how we can show up. The spirit that drives this in her motivates others to the generative care she holds.鈥� 

Not only is she wise and thoughtful, Faith is also a great conversationalist. I value the many conversations that have spilled over from a scheduled meeting into an extended personal conversation. Over the course of those conversations, Faith and I have discovered numerous shared experiences and deep connections. If Faith and I had gone to college together, I hope that we would have been friends; and in any case, I am very glad we are friends now.

Faith, as you set your eyes toward the next phase, I want to offer you this advice for life, in the words of Indian writer and political activist Arundhati Roy: 

To love. To be loved. To never forget your own insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty to its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never to forget.

Faith 鈥� good luck and on behalf of 91短视频, thank you for your leadership and the spirit in which you offered it.

Misrahim (Mizz) Nyagwegwe

A recreation and sports management major from Norristown, Pennsylvania, Mizz was honored by Brian Martin Burkholder, University Chaplain, and Carlin Kreider, Campus Missionary, Every Nation Campus.

Well, what does one say to honor Misrahim (Mizz) Nyagwegwe upon his recognition as a recipient of the 91短视频 Cords of Distinction? He is a beloved son, thoughtful brother, dedicated uncle, friend to many, basketball player and valued teammate, mentee, and mentor to peers. What stands out most clearly is the loyalty Mizz extends to the people for whom he cares. Mizz is always willing to go the extra mile to care for and benefit others, sometimes setting aside his own preferences, motivated by a desire to see those around him grow and improve.

When observing Mizz in action, it is his steadfast presence that stands out. When Mizz is there, he is there. His contributions to the well-being of others, or toward meeting the goals of the team, or advancing a shared purpose are steady and consistent. He shows up and offers what he has to offer with an unassuming yet confident presence and he brings joy by sharing his warm smile and friendly personality.

It seems that Mizz finds great joy in serving others. He is a four year member of the men鈥檚 basketball team – elevated to co-captain his senior year, a ministry assistant and student chaplain assistant contributing to the intentions of campus ministries and the Office of Faith and Spiritual Life, a community advisor with residence life, a rec sports intern helping to organize and run events, and a dedicated student leader with Every Nation Campus as they moved from having affiliate status to being an official 91短视频 student club.

In addition to his on campus involvements, Mizz has been active at his church serving on the parking team and as an Armor Bearer and he participated in a spring break mission trip to Myrtle Beach. He also contributed to the Royals Read program with the men鈥檚 basketball team reading to area children.

Our hope for Mizz is that he continues to pursue God and grow in his own understandings of his purpose 鈥� his vocation. May God bless Mizz with a deep knowledge and experience of the love God has for him, and may Mizz continue to find ways of reflecting this love outward so it in turn blesses others who cross his path.

Mizz, congratulations on being honored with the 91短视频 Cords of Distinction.

Allison Shelly

A political science major with minors in Honors, journalism, community organizing and development, and history from Collinsville, Mississippi, Allison was honored by Professor Ji Eun Kim, political science.

Salt and light. Allison Shelly is the person who recalls what Jesus said to his followers: To be salt and light of this world, affecting and influencing the people, community, and the world around us. As shared by multiple enthusiastic nominations, Allison made a 鈥渟ignificant and verifiable impact鈥� on all of us during her four years at 91短视频. 

As her colleagues appreciated her presence and active work in every corner of our campus and beyond, succinctly reviewing Allison鈥檚 list of countless positions and accomplishments is highly challenging. She was the SGA co-president during COVID and polarized election year, a position in which she helped the campus organize “Race Matters,” “LGBTQ+ Matters” orientations, hosted town halls, co-hosted a convocation event reflecting on political polarization on campus. Her peers also called her a great leader of 91短视频鈥檚 Cross Country, Track & Fields, and 91短视频 Triathlon teams. Allison served as a Community Advisor for first years as well as the 91短视频 Honors mentor. She also worked in the Visual Arts in Worship Documentary team, a collaborative work between 91短视频 and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Except for the semesters when she was off -campus, either for her Middle East Cross-Cultural or to work as a Community Organizing intern at Congregation Action Network in DC, her name always appeared on the Weathervane, where she served as the writer and photographer. You may have also come across her bright, friendly smile at Common Grounds as she was our barista for four semesters. Allison鈥檚 active campus engagement was also accompanied by her excellent academic standing. As a major in political science with four minors (in history, community organizing, journalism, and honors), she has been an all-A Dean鈥檚 list student with a perfect GPA. 

Now while Allison鈥檚 resume certainly shines with numerous accolades, it is who she is and how she does the work that really makes her deserving of this award. Allison is a person who tirelessly holds on to the values of justice and equity in all aspects of her life. She is empathetic and genuinely cares about others, especially those whose voice has been silenced and or marginalized. It is no surprise that her research topics have always centered around the issues of unjust political systems that suppress others and perpetuate injustices (e.g., examining the mistreatment of Kurds, assessing the international human rights regimes that are inherently limited in addressing ongoing violence). Allison is passionate about the ways in which we can create real change, yet she approaches others with great nuance and humility, hoping to communicate and understand the complex emotions that others or herself may experience in this arduous journey for justice. Her attentive listening skills and thoughtful presence invite and challenge us to become more loving and caring people. Last year, Allison shared three values that she wishes to engrain in the foundation of her being and purpose: First was 鈥渋nitiative鈥� (with the wisdom that her actions may not create immediate social change). Second, a mindset of 鈥渁bundance.鈥�  And lastly, 鈥渃reativity鈥� which often blooms the most when we are limited. I feel blessed to have been able to work with Allison these past four years, who truly inspires us with such a desire to improve herself and the world around her. I look forward to seeing her continue to walk this journey guided by her values.

More than 100 91短视频 students were recognized for accomplishments and achievements during the 2021-22 academic year during a special recognition ceremony Tuesday.

Academics

Academic Success Center

Seniors who worked as tutors were recognized: Rodrigo Barahona, Jonas Beachy, Ben Bontrager-Singer, Garrett Cash, Tarynn Clark, Erin Clayton, Elizabeth Eby, Ike Esh, Ben Greenleaf, Mary Harnish, Tasia Hoover, Caleb Hostetler, Brenda Kasongo, Nicole Miller, Sara Beth Mumbauer, Jake Myers, Andrea Troyer, Laura Troyer, Jason Wong, Eli Wright, Teo Yoder, Janessa Zimmerman, and Verda Zook.

Bible and Religion

The annual Haverim* writing awards are given to students whose essays demonstrate robust scholarship related in one way or another to biblical studies, religion, philosophy, and/or Anabaptist/Mennonite thought and practice. Cash awards of $300, $200, and $100 for first, second and third place, respectively, come with the prize. 

• First place: Elizabeth Eby for 鈥�”Beyond Cancel Culture: Uniting around Difference in the Book of Acts,鈥� highlighting how the 鈥渃ancel culture鈥� phenomenon can too often cause precisely the exclusion that it seeks to address and articulating how the Apostolic Decree encouraged radical inclusion while still challenging and de-centering the voices that perpetuate injustice.

• Second place: Isaac Alderfer for his exploration of the industrialization of food production and his argument that a turn toward agroecology could offer a form of food production that pays attention to both social and environmental justice.
• Third place: Jake Myers for his history of monasticism in Ireland and effects on surrounding communities.

*Haverim, the Hebrew word for friends, is a group of Bible, religion, and theology and seminary alumni which supports 91短视频 and EMS.

Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sustainability

• Nicole Miller: Outstanding Senior Chemistry Student
• Faith Manickam: Outstanding Senior Biology Student
• Isaac Alderfer and Jacob Myers: Outstanding Environmental Sustainability Student
• Evan Kauffman and Meredith Lehman: Outstanding First-Year Chemistry Student Award
• Megan Miller and Isaac Spicher: Outstanding Second-Year Biology Student Awards
• Jessie Landis: Award for Excellence in Research, 
• Andrew Troyer: Award for Exceptional Service.

Business and Leadership

• Rodrigo Barahona: Outstanding Economics Senior
• Alcinda Brubaker: Exceptional Service Award
• Max Driver: Outstanding Business Administration Senior听
• Max Driver: Outstanding Research Award
• Jaylon Lee: Outstanding Recreation and Sports Management Senior
• Isaac Longacher: Outstanding Marketing Senior
• Verda Zook: Outstanding Accounting Senior.

Center for Justice and Peacebuilding

Graduate student Conner Suddick was selected for recognition for 鈥渆xceptionally artful and inclusive leadership,鈥� according to his advisor Katie Mansfield, lead trainer with the Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience. 鈥淐onner, thank you for imagining an inclusive experience for every body at 91短视频 and working creatively to address historical and present wounds and weave a more loving future that includes queer bodies, engaging research, writing, participatory arts-based research and circle processes.鈥�

Education

Five education students were named as 2022 Teachers of Promise, among 100 of the best and brightest pre-service teachers in Virginia:听

• Mary Harnish, from Lancaster, Pa.; Elementary Education, PreK-6 & Special Education
• Hannah Leaman, from Bakersfield, Ca.; Mathematics, Secondary Education, 6-12
• Rachel Lute, from New Market, Va.; Early Elementary Education, PreK-3
• Bethany Shultz, from Harrisonburg, Va.; Elementary Education, PreK-6 
• Anna Smith, from Edinburg, Va.;  Elementary Education, PreK-6.

Gage Riddick was selected by department faculty for the annual Courage to Teach Award, modeled after principles in Parker Palmer鈥檚 book of the same name. Department faculty selected Gage for his  dedication and success in teaching, her genuine caring for students, reflective practice, highly principled behaviors, and her courage to navigate challenging experiences. He was presented with a copy of Palmer鈥檚 book.

91短视频 faculty selected Skylar Hedgepeth for the Virginia Woman鈥檚 Scholar Award from the Virginia State Organization of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. The award is for an outstanding graduate with the promise of being a key woman educator.

Language and Literature

The following students earned awards and scholarships, many of which are in memory of valued professors who provided powerful examples of mentorship, scholarship and teaching.

• Sarah Bascom is the winner of the Carroll Yoder Award for Teaching Excellence, which honors an 91短视频 senior or junior who has demonstrated academic excellence in both literary studies and education courses and has shown a clear call to the teaching profession.听
• Claire Whetzel earned the Ray Elvin Horst Award for excellence in Spanish.听
• Jessamine Domingo earned the Ervie L. Glick Award for excellence in world language study.
• Claire Whetzel is awarded the Omar Eby Writing Award. This award is presented to a senior majoring or minoring in writing studies who demonstrates excellence in the craft of creative writing and who provides insightful critique and support for other writers in creative workshops.
• Neo Carter was awarded the Omar and Anna Kathryn Eby Scholarship.
• Sarah Bascom and Tiffany Carey were awarded the Hubert R. and Mildred Pellman Scholarship.
• Karla Hostetter was awarded the Leroy Pellman/Elizabeth Lauver Scholarship.
• Jessica Chisolm and Joseph Whetzel were awarded the Esther Eby Glass Scholarship.
• Hannah Landis, Maria Menjivar, and Lucy Unzicker were awarded the Ernest G. Gehman Scholarship.听

Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science

• Jonas Beachy and Laura Troyer: Outstanding Seniors in Engineering Award, awarded by the faculty as the highest honor for the graduate/s demonstrating academic excellence, service, and contributions to community and culture at 91短视频.
• Ike Esh and Hannah Leaman: Outstanding Seniors in Mathematics Award, awarded by the faculty as the highest honor for the graduate demonstrating academic excellence, service, and contributions to community and culture at 91短视频.
• Isaac Andreas and Trajon Brown: Outstanding Seniors in Computer Science Award, awarded by the faculty as the highest honor for the graduate demonstrating academic excellence, service, and contributions to community and culture at 91短视频.
• Ike Esh won 91短视频鈥檚 annual math competition.
• Winners of the Kryptos international codebreaking competition, out of 77 teams, were Hannah Leaman, Caleb Hostetler and Mana Acosta. Look for news coverage soon!

Music

Two students were honored with the Outstanding Student in Music Award for leadership, service, music performance and music scholarship.

• Eve Yavny has served as concertmaster of the 91短视频 Chamber Orchestra, is a two-time winner of the 91短视频 concerto competition, and gave an excellent senior recital performance. She has distinguished herself as a teacher and assistant in the Shenandoah Valley Preparatory Program as well as performed in countless university and department events. 听
• Isaac Longacre distinguished himself throughout his career at 91短视频 with exceptional performances in four 91短视频 musical theater productions, playing iconic roles from a villain to a hero in “Shrek,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “U2 Romeo and Juliet,” and “Noye’s Fludde.”

Political Science

Paige Hurley was named the History and Political Science Outstanding Student. She was recognized for exemplary service, as the student assistant for the program, and scholarship, with听 research published in New Errands, the online publication of the Eastern American Studies Association.

Psychology

• Avery Trinh and Katie Zuercher were both awarded the Galen R. Lehman Outstanding Achievement in Research Award. Both had exceptional designs, data collection and interpretation of results. Katie鈥檚 research was on the survival processing paradigm for first person shooter video games and Avery worked with 91短视频 Institutional Research on a survey about belonging.
• Joshua Wenger and Lindsay Green received the Judy H. Mullet Award for Internship Excellence, for their outstanding and consistent performance in psychology internship with exceptional independent work in establishing a unique field placement experience with Sentara Behavioral Health and Outpatient Center and the Community Care and Learning Center, respectively.

Campus Life

Campus Activities Council

Natallie Brown, Isaac Andreas, Thomas Erickson, Aliyyah Haggard, Ashley Schoenhardt and Jeremiah Yoder for the CAC All-Star Award. Criteria includes volunteering over 200 hours or working more than 350 hours.

Office of Faith and Spiritual Life

The following students were recognized for leadership as student chaplains, nurturing faith and spiritual life in various ways: Micah Buckwalter, sustainability; Alyssa Breidigan, worship; Natallie Brown, discipleship; Elizabeth Eby, engagement; Kate Landis, worship; Emma Nord, community; Reah Clymer, community; and Halie Mast, service.

Center for Interfaith Engagement

Philip Krabill and Leah Walker were recognized for offering opportunities in fall and spring, respectively, helping to create spaces on campus for engagement around issues of religious diversity and justice. They co-planned events such as SoulStories and interfaith leadership convocation breakout groups, student dinners, and celebrations of sacred holidays on campus, according to Trina Trotter Nussbaum, associate director of the Center for Interfaith Engagement, who offered the appreciation.

Multicultural Student Services

Director of Multicultural Student Services Celeste Thomas recognized the leaders the Latinx Student Alliance, many of them first-year students who stepped in to revive and continue the club after several seniors involved in leadership graduated: co-presidents Ashley Iscoa, Mayra Cruz and Cristal Narciso; co-secretaries Diego Tijerina Saucedo and KC Argueta-Rivas; marketing director David Flores Cano; historians Emily Diaz and Ariel Morales Bonilla; and treasurers Margarita Hernandez-Perez and Tony Cortes.

Residence Life

Sarah Grossen was recognized with the Outstanding CA Award, for her three-year commitment to serving as a community advisor in 91短视频 residence halls. 鈥淪he continuously creates safe, fun, and inviting spaces for all of her residents,鈥� said Tyler Goss, assistant director of student programs.

Student Government Association

Co-presidents of the Student Government Association Philip Krabill, Faith Manickam, and Aman Seyoum, were recognized for outstanding leadership by Dean of Students Shannon Dycus.

The co-presidents passed the gavel to the incoming leadership team of Meredith Lehman, Ella Brubaker, and Hannah Beck.

Athletics (includes winter and spring seasons)

Athletic Department Awards

Freshman of the Year 鈥� Brii Redfearn: Women鈥檚 Basketball and Damon Morgan: Men鈥檚 Track & Field

Athlete of the Years 鈥� Paris Hutchinson: Women鈥檚 Volleyball and Alijah Johnson: Men鈥檚 Track & Field

President鈥檚 Award 鈥� Allison Shelly: Women鈥檚 Triathlon, XC and Track & Field and Isaac Alderfer: Men鈥檚 XC and Track & Field

Field Hockey

Skylar Hedgepeth, Maggie Groetsch, Kate Landis and Libbie Derstine were named Scholars of Distinction as well as to the National Academic Squad. Joining them on the National Academic Squad were Rachel Breslin, Keely Mitchell, Cassidy Armstrong and Morgan Leslie.听

Women鈥檚 Volleyball

Paris Hutchinson: VaSID All-State Second Team

Men鈥檚 Basketball听

Tim Jones: Royals Athlete of the Week; D3 National Team of the Week; ODAC MBB Player of the Week; 1,000 Career Points; All-VaSID Second Team; All-ODAC Second Team.

Mizz Nyagwegwe and Mark Burkholder were each named to a Royals Athlete of the Week honor.

Women鈥檚 Basketball听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听

Claiborne Poston: Royals Athlete of the Week

Men鈥檚 Indoor Track and Field

Distance Medley Relay 鈥� Set 91短视频 indoor T&F record 鈥� 10:22.26 

Alijah Johnson: Set 91短视频 indoor T&F record in the 60m 鈥� 6.96; Set 91短视频 indoor T&F record in the 200m 鈥� 21.96; All-ODAC Second Team in the 200m; All ODAC Third Team in the 60m;听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 All-VaSID First Team 鈥� Sprints; Qualified for NCAA Indoor National Championships.

Justice Allen: Royals Athlete of the Week

Eli Roeschley: Royals Athlete of the Week; All-ODAC Second Team in Triple Jump

Isaac Alderfer: Royals Athlete of the Week;听All-ODAC Second Team in the Mile; All-ODAC Second Team in the 800m; All-VaSID Second Team 鈥� Mid Distance;听Qualified for NCAA Indoor National Championships; DMR-All-VaSID Second Team

Women鈥檚 Indoor Track and Field

Jenna Weaver:听 Royals Athlete of the Week听

Men鈥檚 Volleyball

Nate McGhee: Royals Athlete of the Week

Baseball

Jon Sawyers: D3 Team of the Week听

Brett Lindsay: ODAC Player of the Week听

Ray Tricarico, Ethan Spraker, and Natty Solomon were each named to a Royals Athlete of the Week honor.听

Women鈥檚 Lacrosse

KC Argueta-Rivas and Skylar Hedgepeth were each named to a Royals Athlete of the Week Honor.

Softball

Grace Fravel, Bri Allen, Emily Campbell and Sierra Lantz were each named to a Royals Athlete of the Week Honor.听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听

Men鈥檚 Outdoor Track & Field

Alijah Johnson: Men鈥檚 ODAC Track Athlete of the Week and Royals Athlete of the Week.

Women鈥檚 Outdoor Track & Field

Kendra Oguamena: Royals Athlete of the Week

From assisting DC鈥檚 own public defender service to podcast production for a prominent video production company, 15 students are gaining professional experience this semester at the Washington Community Scholars鈥� Center (WCSC). The center, located in the nation鈥檚 capital since 1976, is a program of 91短视频.

These 15 students, including five from Bluffton University and one from Viterbo University, are living and working in Washington DC in a range of professional internships in fields from youth work to immigration services.

The semester-long experience is also a 鈥渃ommunity-building endeavor,鈥� with students living together in the Nelson Good House in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast Washington DC. They explore Washington鈥檚 cultural and historic attractions, and learn about urban issues such as gentrification.

This semester鈥檚 placements include several organizations that are long-time hosts of 91短视频 students, highlighting WCSC鈥檚 deep ties within the region. Many alumni can trace their careers back to a pivotal experience at WCSC.听

Read more about WCSC success! Grads Tessa Waidelich and Terry Jones find full-time work after their internships.

Read on to learn more about the students, their placements and the organizations they are involved with. 

Ethan Ball, an engineering major from Poland, Ohio, is with working on an introductory project to design an HVAC system for the engineering office space.

Cassidy Bush, a social work major from Bluffton, Ohio, is interning at the (LAYC). She is working on coordinating a tutoring program there and will mentor teens coming into the center. LAYC provides services to youth such as safe housing, food, mental health, and virtual learning opportunities.

Andrea Deeds, a sociology major from Ruckersville, Virginia, is with the , an organization that offers after-school, Saturday, and summer arts education programs. She helps the instructors provide students with creative learning opportunities such as rehearsing for and performing in theater shows, dances, and art showcases.

Celesta Hartman, a psychology major at Bluffton University from Lima, Ohio, is interning with the . She goes through meeting minutes, faculty and staff information, classes, and more from when the school was in operation with the goal of staging an exhibit. The Charles Sumner School, established in 1872, was one of the earliest schools for African Americans in Washington DC.

Paige Hurley, a political science and history major from Franklin, Tennessee, is interning at the . She is working on proofreading and application reading, and goes over weekly projects such as preparing for the 2023 Folklife Festival. [Read an article about a past intern with the Smithsonian.]

Jake Kiger, a psychology and criminal justice major at Bluffton University from Columbus, Ohio, is at the , assisting public defenders in their duties. This ranges from paperwork and attending meetings to going out into the community to interview possible witnesses of a crime.

Justine Lesniewski, a psychology and criminal justice major at Bluffton University from Mantua, Ohio, is working with the and the . With the Hyattsville PD, she is helping to develop a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). The program will help train officers in how to properly respond to mental health behavior situations. With the Greenbelt PD, she is learning about lines of communication from within the department to the community.

Sara Poiry, a graphic design major at Bluffton University from Graytown, Ohio, is with . Alongside several other small projects, she is first working to get a streaming podcast up and running.

Noah Robinson III, a psychology and criminal justice major at Bluffton University from Urbana, Ohio , is with (VSC). VSC supports incarcerated and newly-released individuals in their transition back to the community and reunification with their families.

Blake Schaar, a political science and economics major from Orange, Virginia, is with the . He is helping create a dynamic online dashboard of access to capital resources for DC businesses, assisting applicants with their application preparation, and creating a roadmap for financial management best practices for micro businesses.

Stephanie Sesvold, an ethics, culture, and society major at Viterbo University from West Salem, Wisconsin, is working with to advocate for proper wages and better working conditions for tipped workers in the Washington DC area. She  assists in conducting research, organizing events, and targeting specific businesses in the area.

Allison Shelly, a political science major from Collinsville, Mississippi, is with (CAN), an organizing network of congregations that provide support to those who fear being detained or deported. She helps CAN in their efforts to restructure as an organization, lobby for immigration policy to be included in the Build Back Better Act, and to plan a national forum in DC for all Faith in Action federations.

Karen Valdez, a political science, global development and peacebuilding major from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is with . She works on tracking House and Senate bills that pertain to immigration, healthcare, police reform, and tenant rights for undocumented Marylanders. CASA provides critical services to immigrant and working-class families, and advocates for their rights.

Navy Widyani, a political science major from Jakarta, Indonesia, is interning with the . She assists MCC in asking congress to address environmental justice, build global resilience to climate change, and provide constituents with educational resources on environmental justice and climate change.

Jeremiah Yoder, a math major from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, is working with , an organization that provides housing, support, and care for adults with intellectual disabilities. He works directly with one of the core members, helping him accomplish goals, have engaging experiences, and assisting his navigation of day-to-day life.

Jamie Reich, WCSC’s associate director of communications and retention, and Kate Szambecki, content writer, collaborated on this article.

Since opening in 1968, the Suter Science Center has been an important site of learning, research and inspiration for hundreds of 91短视频鈥檚 alumni working in the STEM fields. Collin Longenecker 鈥�20 represented them all at the Saturday, Oct. 16, Suter West dedication ceremony when he called the building his 鈥渉ome away from home鈥� during the four years he earned his engineering degree at 91短视频.

The young alumnus added personal thanks to the more than 700 donors who contributed to the newly transformed, energy-efficient, well-lighted and state-of-the art spaces so important to his education — where he worked on projects, learned in classrooms, studied for exams, and engaged with professors.

The ceremony, attended by a veritable 鈥淲ho鈥檚 Who鈥� of 91短视频 STEM history, marked the end of the second and final phase of the multi-year, $12 million Suter Science Center renovations. Suter East, the first phase, and its new biology, chemistry, and physics labs, classrooms and office space, was dedicated in October 2015. []

The ceremony, initially scheduled for 2020 but delayed a year by the pandemic, provided a wonderful 鈥渇inish line鈥� for a host of guests, including Vice President for Advancement Kirk Shisler, who has led the multi-year fundraising campaign.

鈥淭oday’s dedication of Suter Science Center West is a truly exhilarating moment for many people who worked hard over many years, both to raise the $12 million in philanthropic support to fund the renovations, and to design and implement the major renovations of Suter East and now Suter West,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t’s even more gratifying to see how students and faculty are thriving in the state of the art labs of 91短视频’s strong STEM programs.”

 Among the guests of honor were President Emeritus Loren Swartzendruber, his wife, Pat, and their family. The couple were jointly honored with the renaming of the iconic S-106 lecture hall as 鈥淪wartendruber Hall.鈥� 

Along with new seating, lighting and upgraded technology for S-106, Suter West renovations included modernized classrooms, new laboratory space for 91短视频鈥檚 engineering program, upgrading of the discovery room and expanded displays from the D. Ralph Hostetter Natural History Collection, upgraded climate-control system and an improved sprinkler system. 

The project鈥檚 donors and contributors are recognized in a special display at the building鈥檚 west entrance. Accompanying this recognition, Shisler offered special commendations to  individuals 鈥渨ho have been a very special part of this remarkable journey鈥�:

—  Professor Daniel Suter, for whom the building is named, and his exemplary guidance over several decades enabled scores of 91短视频 students to qualify for medical school with great success and global impact. His daughter, Jan Suter Showalter, and her husband, Dr. Sam Showalter, were in attendance;

–faculty involved in shaping 91短视频鈥檚 outstanding science programs having built upon the legacy of Daniel Suter and others of his era: professors Kenton Brubaker, Glenn Kaufman, Galen Lehman, Robert Lehman, Joseph Mast, Clair Mellinger, Roman Miller, Millard Showalter, Gary Stucky, Robert D. Yoder, and John Horst;听听听

— project leaders during both major phases Ed Lehman, Eldon Kurtz, Jack Rutt and Phil Martin.  

After thanking the university for the honor and sharing a few anecdotes from his experiences in S-106, Swartzendruber offered praise for 91短视频鈥檚 鈥渨ell-founded reputation across academic disciplines鈥� and the dedication and commitment of its 鈥渆xtraordinary faculty members.鈥�

The importance of science education, of teaching and research, is all the more apparent now, he said. 鈥淲e will continue to educate future doctors, nurses, and other scientists. Our graduates will serve and lead with compassion and empathy. Some will lead in preparing for future pandemics. Others will partner with health educators and ethicists to address the complexities of distribution and access. Graduates of the engineering program will help solve some of the world鈥檚 most vexing problems such as climate change. We owe it to our grandchildren and their children.鈥�

 Teaching science is… not only an opportunity to interact with the coming generations, but to teach students how to learn. This is particularly special in the STEM field because science educators must teach their students how, in a student’s unique way, to interact with the world, to gather understanding from it, and to later apply that understanding as they grow and experience the world outside of the classroom. 

鈥擜bby Olmstead, Noyce Scholar, class of 2023

Junior STEM education majors Morgan Evans, Christian Knight, and Abby Olmstead have been named as Noyce Scholars at 91短视频. Each Noyce Scholar receives an annual scholarship of $10,000 or more during their junior and senior years. Once they are hired in a high-need school district, 91短视频 will provide mentoring, professional development and support.

This is the first year of a five-year grant, funded by the National Science Foundation and Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. By 2026, 24 new STEM teachers, all graduates of 91短视频鈥檚 teacher education program, will have been placed in high-need school districts.

The scholarships are available to junior and senior education majors who are earning secondary teaching certifications in biology, chemistry, computer science, or math. 

鈥淭his grant helps us create a pipeline to recruit and mentor STEM majors towards considering a teaching career, then helps to prepare them to teach in high-needs schools with a unique skillset of content knowledge and restorative justice practices,鈥� said professor of teacher education Paul Yoder, the grant鈥檚 principal investigator and director of 91短视频鈥檚 Graduate Teacher Education program. 鈥淥nce they are hired, we also will support them, all of which we hope leads towards retention of high-quality STEM teachers in our schools.鈥�

Meet the Scholars and their inspirations to teach

It was a trip to the Bahamas to study marine biology that sealed the deal on Morgan Evan鈥檚 love of science. Other experiences, too, were fostered by Fauquier High School teacher George Murphy.  Evans took biology, marine biology and AP biology courses with him and thrived on 鈥渟uper cool experiments鈥�  such as the study of genetics through fruit flies and managing a saltwater aquarium. 鈥淚 did not realize how truly blessed I was to have this exposure to what science really is at such a young age,鈥� she said.

Her professional goal is to create a similar atmosphere in her classroom, 鈥�an environment of inquiry where students can engage in their own thoughts about the world. Everyone does not have to go off and be a top-notch scientist, but we are all responsible for understanding the world around us so we can better treat it with respect.鈥�

Evans says she was initially leaning towards teaching at the high school level. But now that she鈥檚 in the classroom, she has lately been thinking a lot about 鈥渉ow important and influential my middle school teachers were to me.鈥� Those teachers helped her realize she was a person of worth, even when 鈥測our emotions are making you feel like your world is falling apart.鈥� 

Christian Knight remembers one elementary school teacher in his hometown of Stanley, Va., prepared to jump up on tables to get his young students鈥� attention. He was all about finding creative ways of teaching concepts, too, just so long as the students learned the material. Later in high school, Page County High School math teacher Brenda Nickerson 鈥渟howed me teaching is about more than just teaching the subject, but also making connections to students and positively influencing them in and out of the classroom.鈥�

Knight came to the Noyce Scholars with some prior internship experience and taste of what it鈥檚 like to be remembered as a teacher himself. As a junior, he participated in the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow program and interned with a sixth-grade math class. 鈥淲henever I see students I had in that class, they always wave and say, 鈥楬ey, Mr. Knight, do you remember me and how have you been?鈥�

Knight plans to teach high school mathematics, and has a special passion for supporting students who don鈥檛 think they like math. He鈥檚 thinking algebra, geometry, probability and statistics and/or discrete math. His goal is 鈥渢o make what a lot of students find one of the hardest subjects to be fun, enjoyable and relatable鈥� while still teaching important fundamentals. 

Olmstead took algebra II as a sophomore and AP calculus as a senior with Broadway High School math teacher Becky Harris.

鈥淎n alumnus of 91短视频, she takes a holistic approach to the student and their education,鈥� Olmstead says. 鈥淪he paid careful attention to the wellbeing of her students alongside their levels of academic success. She told me time and time again that I’d be a great math teacher, but I of course dismissed it every time!鈥�

Just a few years later, Olmstead is working on fulfilling that prediction. 鈥淔or me, it’s not just about numbers and derivatives and triangles–it’s about a student’s ability to believe they can. In 91短视频’s education program, we call it “The power of ‘yet.'” Math is a subject that is generally disliked because it’s a learning process that no one aces on their first try, and that discourages students. I want to bring this Power of Yet to the classroom and help kids understand that it’s not just applicable to math but to life in general, and there’s no demographic that needs this encouragement more than middle and high-schoolers.鈥� 

Olmstead has personal experience with the Power of Yet: in AP Calculus she enjoyed seeing all the skills developed in earlier classes of algebra, trigonometry and geometry come together. It wasn鈥檛 easy for her, but her hard work, and the encouragement of Harris, paid off with a coveted 5 on the AP test, 鈥渙ne of my proudest achievements from high school.鈥�