Academics

College of Education celebrates twin student marshals

Shelby, left, and Shannon Wright are the student marshals for the College of Education’s spring 2017 commencement. Credit: Annemarie Mountz / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For the first time in at least 20 years, and possibly ever, the Penn State College of Education has two student marshals for its spring commencement ceremony — and they're twins in more ways than just their perfect 4.0 GPAs.

Shelby Nicole Wright and Shannon Amanda Wright, fraternal twin sisters from Oxford, Pennsylvania, will graduate with bachelor’s degrees in childhood and early adolescent education (PK-4 option), each with a minor in special education. They also both are Professional Development School (PDS) interns. PDS is a collaborative, 185-day student-teaching program in conjunction with the State College Area School District.

Shannon selected Gwen Lloyd to escort her, and Shelby selected MJ Coon-Kitt to escort her, as the College’s faculty marshals for the spring commencement ceremony scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Shannon's PDS experience was in a second-grade classroom at Easterly Parkway Elementary, and her partner classroom was a kindergarten class. Her future plans are to obtain a PK-4 elementary education position and continue to grow as an educator. She hopes to share her passion of civic engagement with her students and inspire them to reach outside of the classroom.

Shelby's PDS experience was in a third-grade classroom at Gray's Woods Elementary, and her partner classroom was a kindergarten class. Her future plans are to find a PK-4 teaching position in Pennsylvania. She is looking forward to pursuing her passion and inspiring students to reach their fullest potential.

Both Wright sisters have received honors and awards including: the President's Freshman Award, President Sparks Award, and the Evan Pugh Senior Scholar Award. Other field experiences for both include positions with the Delaware Autism Program in the Christina Area School District in Newark, Delaware; Sprouts Early Learning Center in Oxford, Pennsylvania; Camp Noah in Crisfield, Maryland; and Walden Montessori School in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

Outside of their studies, Shannon and Shelby Wright were actively involved in Penn State’s Dance Marathon (THON) throughout their college careers. They also were involved in Penn State Cru’s campus ministry and Shannon served at their local church of Calvary-Midtown.

Their parents, Steven and Sandra Wright; brother Shane Wright; and grandparents, Raymond and Diane Wright, will attend the commencement ceremony.

College of Education program marshals are:

Last Updated May 3, 2017

Contact