Shannon Goerke ’13,  a junior at Arcadia University majoring in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education, is one of two students awarded this year’s Pre-Service Educator Grant from the Keystone State Reading Association. Each student will receive a grant in the amount of $2,500 to continue their education at Pennsylvania universities.

Award candidates are selected based on specific criteria, including an outstanding academic record, a sincere interest in reading and literacy, as well as recommendations from two education professionals based on congeniality, integrity, special honors and awards, community involvement, and school activities.

“Shannon has been successful in managing numerous roles, showing a true commitment to the field of education, maintaining an exceptional grade point average, defining clear short- and long-range goals, and serving as a leader both in and out of the classroom.  She is a well-deserving recipient of the Pre-Service Educator Grant from the Keystone State Reading Association,” says Dr. Cindy Reedy, Assistant Professor of Education and Coordinator of Arcadia’s Early Childhood Education program.

“We are delighted that Shannon Goerke has been recognized with this esteemed honor,” said Dr. Leif Gustavson, Chair of the Education Department at Arcadia. “She has set a remarkable standard for dedicated service in the field of literacy education at a very early point in her development as a teacher. We see this as a first step in what we believe will be a remarkable career for Shannon.”

Shannon is an active member of Arcadia Christian Fellowship, Education Club, PRIDE, Arcadia Special Athletes Association, American Sign Language Club and Hearts for Hearts in Motion.

The other award recipient is Rebecca Stump, a junior at West Chester University majoring in Middle Grades Education with minors in History and Math.

Eleanor W. Genesemer of KSRA commented, “Both grant candidates have demonstrated academic excellence, as well as involvement in their schools and communities. Congratulations to both of these students!”