UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.— The Penn State College of Education has named Anthony DeVito as the student marshal for spring 2014. He will lead the college’s procession of graduates during the Penn State Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 11, at the Bryce Jordan Center.
DeVito is a childhood and early adolescent education (CEAED) major focusing on pre-K to fourth grade. As a teacher, he said that he feels he can make a difference in people’s lives.
“People remember the teachers who had a significant impact on their lives for a long time,” said DeVito. “Not many professions can make that claim.”
During his college experience, DeVito has had time to explore his chosen profession, teaching at Bellefonte Elementary School and at the Bennett Family Center. While at Bellefonte Elementary, DeVito taught kindergarten for two semesters, leading students in activities varying among science, math and reading.
“When I entered Penn State, I was oblivious to the craft of teaching. I had an idea of what teachers did, but the art of teaching is not generally something someone picks up as a student,” said DeVito. “The College of Education has given me the knowledge and confidence to lead a class of young students in their growth and development.”
While at Penn State, DeVito maintained a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average while being a member of Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society, the National Council for the Social Studies and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. DeVito is also graduating with highest distinction.
DeVito’s achievements go beyond the classroom. He is a platoon commander (staff sergeant) in the U.S. Marine Corps. DeVito was also a scuba diving instructor and taught students skills necessary to be certified in diving.
DeVito considers being selected as student marshal both an honor and a surprise.
"The opportunities I have come across and the people with whom I crossed paths that positioned me where I am today. I’d like to think of my limited success as a mixture of fate and sweat."
DeVito’s wife, Sheena; son, Jabez; parents, Mike and Elaine DeVito; and grandparents, plan to attend the ceremony.
Currently, his future plans include securing a teaching position in an elementary school.
DeVito selected Joseph Valente to escort him as the College’s faculty marshal.