On the Thursday before Commencement ceremonies, the School of Education and Human Services (SOEHS) gathered 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. Human Services students were also recognized for interning in twenty-two organizations as diverse as an assisted living facility, an adoption ministry, an international student ministry, an early intervention center, a domestic abuse treatment center, a residential program for human trafficking victims, 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 $1,000 cash scholarship) went to an Elementary Education major, Liddy VanDenBerg.
A new award was given this year for the Division of Teacher Education. The Philip & Marilyn Smith Scholarship is given in honor of Dr. Philip D. Smith and in memory of his wife, Marilyn, both of whom served faithfully at Bob Jones University for many years. This inaugural recipient was Aubrey Stouffer, a rising senior Middle School Education major. Throughout her time at BJU, Aubrey has excelled in academic performance while also exhibiting Christlike character that is God-loving and others-serving. The award consisted of a plaque and a $1,000 scholarship.
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 Special Education major Abigail Boyd. After graduation, Abby plans to move to Morocco to serve as a nanny and private tutor.
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 Chloe Quenga, a Child Development major.
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. Nineteen seniors were recognized this year:
- Rebecca Benson (Social Studies Education)
- Naomi Broaddus (Child Care and Development)
- Abigail Cacapit (Early Childhood Education)
- Elysse Camastro (Child Development)
- Jenna Dodds (Educational Studies)
- Kate Frazor (Elementary Education)
- Bronte Holland (Elementary Education)
- Joanna Huttar (Educational Studies)
- Shanmei Li (Educational Studies)
- Emma Mendoza (Educational Studies)
- Taylor Reese (Child Care and Development)
- Rebekah Reyes (Child Development)
- Anna Risse (Educational Studies)
- Abigail Savoy (Early Childhood Education)
- Hannah Strickland (Child Care and Development)
- Natalia Thompson (Elementary Education)
- Kirsten Warren (English Education)
- Allison Williams (Mathematics Education)
- Isabella Zhou (Child Development)
After the current graduates were recognized, time was taken to recognize the SOEHS Alumnus of the Year. Ms. Jane Smith came to the platform to recognize 1980 Social Studies Education graduate, Mrs. Gail Nicholas. For forty-four years, Gail has served at Bob Jones Academy. During that time, she has faithfully taught American Government while also serving as Department Head of Social Studies since 1997. Mrs. Nicholas is nationally recognized as a speech and debate coach. She has served as South Carolina National Forensic League District Chair for more than two decades and has earned fifteen Distinguished Service recognitions, Six Diamond Coach status, and induction into the National Speech & Debate Association Hall of Fame. Her leadership includes roles as Vice President of the South Carolina Forensic Coaches Association and Associate Chair for NSDA National Tournaments. She is also the creator of the statewide South Carolina Speech and Debate website, supporting schools across the region. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Nicholas has contributed as a textbook author, a conference speaker, a Youth Leadership Training Conference sponsor, and a Mock Senate director. Her career reflects outstanding dedication, influence, and servant leadership in education. Gail is married to Chuck, who also teaches at BJA. She has two married sons and, most importantly, two grandchildren, Emerson and Elaina.
Finally, appreciation was shown to two faculty members who will not be returning next year:
- Julie Whited (9 years of service)
- Jane Smith (45 years of service)
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.
