On the Thursday before Commencement ceremonies, the School of Education and Human Services (SOEHS) was able to gather in the Davis Room to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and alumni. The event began by recognizing achievements from underclassmen, highlighting students who had completed important program markers such as internships, practicums, and Praxis testing. Educational, Child and Family Studies students were also recognized for interning in fourteen organizations as diverse as schools, an assisted living facility, an adoption ministry, an international student ministry, a substance abuse center, and more.
Next, Dr. Scott Buhr presented the Jonna Carper Christian Educator award, whose namesake served the Lord faithfully at BJU for over thirty years in the Media Center and as a faculty member in the Division of Teacher Education. This award recognizes a current junior who has demonstrated Christlike behavior in their demeanor, relationships with others, and educational endeavors. This year, this award (along with a $300 cash scholarship) went to a Special Education major, Abigail Boyd.
After recognizing all graduating seniors in both divisions, each division had an opportunity to recognize one particularly exceptional student in their programs. Both of these students were also recognized in the University Commencement Awards Ceremony. First, the SOEHS Student Teacher of the Year Award (sponsored by Wilmington Christian Academy) was given to Early Childhood Education major Katelyn Slieff. After graduation, Katelyn plans to stay here in Greenville and look for a teaching job in the area.
Additionally, the Division of Educational, Child, and Family Studies Award, (sponsored by Tiny Feet Early Intervention) was given. This year, the award was presented to Holly Bates, an Educational Studies major with a Social Services concentration. After graduation, Holly plans to return home to Georgia, where she is seeking a job in an educational therapy setting similar to where she completed her capstone experience. She also hopes to pursue a Master’s in School Social Work.
Next, the Outstanding Senior Awards were presented. This award is presented to seniors who were recognized by faculty as having gone above and beyond in their student teaching or capstone experiences. Ten seniors were recognized this year:
- Grace Alexander (Educational Studies)
- Madeline Chrysler (Child Development)
- Sarah Ward (Child Development)
- Danae Kamibayashiyama (Educational Studies)
- Olivia Best (English Education)
- Elaina Gerbitz (Special Education)
- Marc Johnson (Teaching World Languages)
- Evelyn Karamon (Math Education)
- Mackenzie Mohnacky (Early Childhood Education)
- Noah Price (Social Studies Education)
After the current graduates were recognized, time was taken to recognize the SOEHS Alumnus of the Year. Mrs. Abbie Lobach and Dr. Julie Hartman came to the platform to recognize 1981 Elementary Education graduate Mr. Brian Cameon. Brian serves as an administrator and 4-6 grade teacher at the Amano (Wisdom) Academy in Zambia. This school ministers to children from the Faith Children’s Village (FCV) orphanage as well as other orphaned and vulnerable children in the surrounding village. Brian also serves as a house father to eight boys at the FCV. Because Cameon was unable to attend the ceremony in person, he filmed a short video accepting the award and challenging the graduates to learn to trust the Lord and be willing to follow Him wherever He leads.
Finally, appreciation was shown to four faculty members who will not be returning next year:
- Dalila McCrum (8 years of service)
- Amos Kasperek (19.5 years of service)
- Sonia Johnson (24 years of service)
- Kathy Pilger (43 years of service)
As the ceremony came to a close, 2019 Elementary Education graduate Mr. Matt DeHart gave a final challenge to the graduates. DeHart has been working tirelessly to provide educational opportunities to both children and adults through his Teach from DeHart Foundation and has recently written a new book, which he graciously gave to the graduates.
With the school year coming to an end, the School of Education and Human Services had a wonderful time giving honor to whom honor is due. The gathering served as a testament to the mission of the School of Education and Human Services, to develop believers to be influencers using the tools of education and the message of the Gospel to serve children, youth, families, and communities at home and abroad. Above all, God was glorified through another successful year.
