Grace O’Malley

Susan L. Lytle Practitioner Award

Grace O’Malley is a soon-to-be graduate of the Master of Arts in Reading Education: Reading Specialist track program at Rowan University. She has spent the last ten years working in public education. Grace is currently a Preschool Teacher for a public school district in New Jersey, where she has spent the last 5 years teaching.

Grace is honored to accept the Susan L. Lytle Practitioner Research Award and cannot thank her professors enough for supporting her through her current classroom research. Her current research project, Utilizing Funds of Knowledge in an Early Childhood Classroom to Enhance and Create Read-Aloud Experiences, has been a rewarding learning experience, that would not have been possible without the help of her students and their families.

Grace hopes to pursue a higher-education career that allows her to work alongside pre-service teachers. Grace resides in Camden County, NJ with her husband and son, and will welcome a second son into her family this summer. When the school year ends, you can find Grace sitting on a Sea Isle City beach with an Elin Hilderbrand novel in hand. 

April Krause

Cecil F. Miller Special Education Award

April Krause is a first-generation college student and senior at Rowan University. She will graduate Suma Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Inclusive Elementary Education. Along with her bachelor's degree, she will receive a Certificate of Eligibility in Elementary Education, K-6, and a Certificate of Students with Disabilities. April is a member of the Golden Key National Honors Society, Rowan Chapter, NJEA, and Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). 

Rowan’s University’s Inclusive Elementary Education Program enriched her understanding of providing students with an equitable and accessible learning experience that accentuates their strengths while nurturing their learning goals. Through Rowan's program and their professors, April learned valuable teaching practices to cultivate an inclusive mindset to support diverse learners. She also learned viable approaches to ensure students have an accessible and equitable learning opportunity and experience to support their academic achievements. April thrived as a learner at Rowan University, achieving milestones she thought were unattainable. She attributes her academic success to the unconditional support of her husband, family, friends, peers, Rowan Professors, and advisors. April appreciates having had this excellent learning opportunity and educational experience to take with her in her future endeavors.

Jennifer Graham-Hougah

John A. Rocco Postbaccalaureate Award for Excellence in Secondary Teaching

Jennifer Graham-Hougah is a dedicated educator with a passion for language and the arts. Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Rowan University in May 2024, Jennifer will earn a Masters of Science in Teaching: Subject Matter Education, French, with CEAS in French K-12. Jennifer’s teaching journey includes a comprehensive clinical internship at Audubon High School, NJ in which she was nominated by her clinical practice supervisor for the 2024 NJACTE Distinguished Clinical Intern Award. Prior to this, Jennifer completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art with a concentration in Art History and a minor in French from Rutgers University, Camden.

As a seasoned teaching artist with 12 years experience, Jennifer fostered creativity in students of all ages through process-oriented art classes. Notable honors include the Pierre C. Fraley Scholarship from Alliance Francaise de Philadelphie to be used towards the 2024 Summer French Immersion at Middlebury Language Schools. Jennifer's commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her participation in professional development programs and conferences, including co-presenting at the FLENJ conference with Rowan faculty and students on leveraging AI in World Language classrooms.

Megan Prasek

The Cone Award for Teaching Individuals with Disabilities

Megan Prasek is honored and humbled to have been selected for the Cone Award Medallion for Teaching Individuals with Disabilities in Physical
Education. She has always had a passion for working with young learners. Megan is currently an undergraduate Health and Physical Education major at Rowan University. In May, she will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Education with Specialization in Teacher Certification in Health and Physical Education.

Throughout her academic journey, she has maintained good grades. Academic achievements include Dean’s List almost every semester, President’s Scholars List last semester, and induction into Kappa Delta Pi, an education honors society.

Megan has had the opportunity to student teach in various schools, where she gained experience in lesson planning, classroom management, and delivering lessons. These experiences have enriched her teaching skills and highlighted the importance of building meaningful relationships with students. In her spare time, Megan enjoys playing club softball, volunteering as a coach at her current placement, and staying physically active. She is excited to embark on this journey working with the next generation and inspire, empower, and support students as they strive to reach their full potential.

Kylie Abriola

Susan Taber Excellence in Elementary Mathematics Education Award

Kylie Abriola is a passionate and dedicated educator who has excelled academically and demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the field of education. Throughout her academic journey, Kylie has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance, earning a place on the Dean's List multiple times. She had achieved a significant milestone by graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Moreover, recognizing the importance of catering to the diverse needs of students, Kylie pursued additional certification in English as a Second Language (ESL). This certification underscores her commitment to inclusivity and determination to create an equitable learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. This accomplishment is a testament to her passion for teaching and desire to mold young minds, instilling in them a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Kylie displayed exceptional leadership qualities, actively participating in various educational initiatives, and demonstrating a deep understanding of pedagogical principles. Kylie looks forward to officially starting to teach in her own classroom this fall!

Emily Lancetta

Evelyn Slobodzian Excellence in Reading Award

Emily is an Elementary Education major who is also obtaining a Teacher of Reading certification, as well as a Certificate of Undergraduate Studies (CUGS) in Writing Studies for Educators. She is graduating Summa Cum Laude from the College of Education. Through her Reading Certification, Emily was a tutor in the Rowan Reading Clinic in the Spring and Fall semesters of 2023. For the past 3 years, Emily has held an on-campus position in the Admissions office. First as an Admissions Ambassador, then as an Admissions Ambassador Coordinator. She has loved her time at Rowan and can't wait for her future in education! Emily would like to thank her parents, Jeanine and Pat, for always believing in her and encouraging her to do her best!

Kyla Workman

Ida and Jeff Margolis Award for Social Studies and Multicultural Teaching

Kyla Workman is honored to receive the Ida & Jeff Margolis Award for Social Studies and Multicultural Teaching. During her time at Rowan, she dedicated her time to different extracurriculars like the Rowan Dance Club, Dance Extensions and the Christian Based Organization Alpha Omega. She completed a Certificate of Undergraduate Study in French and a minor in Dance. Kyla was grateful to receive her Bachelors of Arts in History last Spring and is hoping to receive her Masters of Science in Teaching this Spring. Being a Rowan student has brought her so many precious memories, and she will always treasure her time here. 

Maire Kennedy

Marion Rilling Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education

Brad Kline

Robin Haskell McBee Award for Exemplary Teacher Leadership

Brad Kline is graduating with a Master's in Educational Leadership with a COGS in Educational Technology. Much of his work within the program focused on addressing the inequities that exist in education and identifying clear paths forward in improving climate and culture at the high school level. Brad is in his 10th year as a science teacher at Collingswood High School. He has spent the last few years teaching primarily environmental science. Brad is also the head baseball coach and Green Team advisor. As an alumnus of Collingswood, he is very proud to be teaching and coaching at his alma mater. Brad and his wife, Brianna, have been married for 8 years come July. They have two wonderful children, ages 4 and 2.

Brad is incredibly honored to be recognized for this award. He is passionate about addressing the needs of a diverse learning community, and he is grateful to be recognized for continuing this important work. 

Morgan Mohammed

Thomas J. Gallia Award for Excellence in Secondary Science Teaching

After graduating from EHTHS in 2018, Morgan Mohammed's academic journey began at Towson University, where Morgan pursued Forensic Chemistry. However, as she delved deeper into her studies, Morgan discovered a stronger passion lying elsewhere. This realization prompted her to transfer to Rowan University in 2020, where she enrolled in the Combined Advanced Degree Program in Biological Sciences and Secondary Education.

At Rowan, Morgan found her stride academically, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences. Beyond the classroom, she dedicated herself to fostering a sense of belonging as a Community Assistant for two years, contributing to the vibrant community at Rowan.

Simultaneously, Morgan seized the opportunity to make a tangible impact beyond campus walls by serving as the STEAM Program Lead for the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City. Here, she teaches coding, robotics, and life sciences to a diverse range of students, spanning ages 6 to 18. Through partnerships with tech giants like Apple and other industry leaders, their STEAM Labs enriched students' technological literacy and opened doors to boundless opportunities.

Now, as Morgan nears the completion of her Master’s Degree in Education, her passion for nurturing the love of knowledge in young adults burns brighter than ever. Morgan is eager to continue empowering the next generation and fostering environments where curiosity thrives and potential blossoms.

Grace McCunney

Leonard L. Mancuso Award for Excellence in Secondary School Student Teaching

Julius Grayson

Larry Marcus Award for Excellence in Educational Leadership, Doctoral Studies

David Suiter

Daniel P. Stanley Health and Exercise Science Alumni Award

David began his public school teaching career in September of 1987 at Salem High School in the Salem City (NJ) School District, where he taught Physical Education and Driver Education. He also coached Varsity Boys’ Basketball and Varsity Golf. In July 1999, Dave assumed the position of Director of Athletics and Students Activities and Supervisor of Health and Physical Education and held those positions until his retirement in September 2014. In 2010, David earned his Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA) designation from the National Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).

After retirement, Dave spent three years (2015 – 2018) as the part-time interim Athletic Director for Pitman (NJ) High School and joined the Rowan University College of Education faculty in the fall of 2019 as an adjunct professor in the Health and Physical Education program. He continues to serve the University in that role. He currently teaches “Teaching Concepts of Elementary Physical Education” and is a University Supervisor of Clinical Practice students.

David and his wife Carol (Joni) reside in Mannington, NJ, and are the parents of two grown children,
Aidan and Devon, and proud grandparents of Aidan “Walker” Jr.

Jennifer Morrell

Robert L. Donaghay Award for Excellence in School Nursing

 

Jennifer Morrell is in the process of obtaining her School Nurse Certification through Rowan University, and is honored to be recognized for her academic achievements!  Jennifer is currently employed as a full-time elementary school nurse and student in the school nurse certification program through Rowan. Juggling the rigors of coursework, her job, and home life (wife and mother of an active 11-year-old daughter) has been challenging at times, yet extremely rewarding. Since graduating summa cum laude from Rutgers- Camden Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she sensed her nursing journey would lead her to school nursing, as she felt this was her"calling" during a pediatric rotation in nursing school.  After previously working as an emergency room nurse, Jennifer sought to change the direction of her nursing career and focus on her love of children and public health.  

Hope Booker

Charles Cammarota Award for Counseling in Educational Settings

Hope Booker is a graduate student in the Master’s in Counseling in Educational Settings program, graduating in May 2024. She currently serves as the President of Chi Sigma Iota (Zeta Pi chapter), an international honor society that values academic and professional excellence in counseling. Hope is a proud Rowan alumna, class of 2020, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in History.

Keyahna Sturgis-Sanders

Excellence in Elementary Education

Keyahna Sturgis-Sanders is from Camden, New Jersey. She is a passionate and dedicated student at Rowan University, committed to academic excellence. Currently pursuing a major in Elementary Education with a focus on Literacy Studies, Keyahna strives to make the most of her college experience.

Throughout my academic journey, she has been honored to achieve Dean’s List and President’s List throughout multiple semesters. These achievements reflect her dedication to learning and her commitment to mastering her field of study.

Looking ahead, Keyahna is considering pursuing a Teacher of Reading certificate to further expand her expertise in literacy and pursue her academic and career goals. She is eager to continue her journey of growth and learning and is grateful for the support and opportunities provided to her by Rowan University.

Kealy Huder

Stanton B. Langworthy Award for Excellence in Foundations of Education

Current and Previous Medallion Recipients