Education

Melissa Kehs named 2012 student marshal for College of Education

Melissa Kehs has been selected as the student marshal for the Penn State College of Education’s Spring 2012 commencement. She will lead the procession of graduates at the college’s baccalaureate ceremony to be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, in Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus. Kehs has selected Rose Mary Zbiek to escort her as the college’s faculty marshal.

Kehs is a secondary education major with a focus in mathematics. Growing up, she said she always loved school and learning, making a career in education a natural choice for her.

“I enjoyed summer, yet looked forward to August rolling around so that I could buy my back-to-school supplies and return to the familiar school environment,” she explained. “When the time came around to choose a major, the decision was simple. I knew that I wanted to become an educator, just like my mom, and help students to learn and thrive in the classroom.”

Kehs is currently completing her student teaching practicum in seventh and eighth grade classrooms at West Mifflin Area Middle School in West Mifflin, Pa. She describes the experience as one she will never forget.

“I learned more than I could have hoped for from both my mentor and my supervisor,” she said. “I feel prepared and ready to go and teach students and impact their lives, just as my previous teachers did for me.”

In her eight semesters at University Park, Kehs has served as a THON committee member, a Blue and White Society member, Penn State Math Club treasurer, and a high school tutor, all while maintaining a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade-point average. She has also been honored with the Evan Pugh Scholar Award, the President’s Freshman Award, and the President Sparks Award, and has made the dean’s list every semester of her academic career.

Kehs’ parents, Martin and Susan Kehs, sister Julie, and other family members plan to attend the commencement ceremony.

After graduation, Kehs plans on seeking a full-time teaching position as a middle school or high school math teacher, preferably in the greater Philadelphia area. After gaining more experience in the classroom, she intends to earn a master’s degree in education.

Melissa Kehs Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated April 11, 2012

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