UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jennifer Stoudt has been selected as the College of Education's student marshal for Penn State's fall 2020 Commencement ceremony, which will be held virtually at 2 p.m. EST Saturday, Dec. 19.
Stoudt selected Carmen Vanderhoof as the college’s faculty marshal. Kate Woodman has served as her academic adviser.
From Manheim, Pennsylvania, Stoudt has been on the dean's list every semester. She is graduating with a 3.97 GPA, with a bachelor of science in elementary and early childhood education and a minor in special education.
"I was shocked and honored to be chosen as the student marshal," Stoudt said. "I decided I wanted to be a teacher in elementary school, so I have devoted myself to my academics since then. I am grateful that the College of Education has been kind enough to recognize my hard work and effort.
"My being selected as marshal is also a testament to the overwhelming amount of support I have received from my College of Education professors, my advisers, my peers and my family."
Stoudt did her student teaching this fall at Marshall Street Elementary School in the Norristown School District, where she observed and taught virtually in a first-grade classroom. She adapted to teaching online by researching and utilizing tools such as Google Classroom, GoGuardian and Google Meet. She worked with her mentor teacher to develop and implement lessons on social studies, science, reading, writing and math.
Last spring semester, she observed and taught in a third-grade classroom in Park Forest Elementary School in the State College Area School District, first in person, and then virtually when the pandemic hit in March. Other field experiences include preschool class observations at Blair County Head Start, and working as a peer tutor for Penn State.
Stoudt worked as a kid’s camp counselor for Spooky Nook Sports, where she oversaw and coordinated activities for children ranging from 3 to 12 years old. In addition, she was a recreation activities attendant at The Hotel Hershey, assisting in the daycare and with children’s events.
During her college career, Stoudt was a resident assistant, a member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association and a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Educational Honors Society. She also was a Lion Ambassador and served as the organization’s banquet committee chair.
After graduation, she plans to move to Enid, Oklahoma, to seek an elementary school teaching position. After teaching for a few years, she plans to earn her master's degree. She is interested in pursuing the experience and education necessary to become a professor of education so that she can mentor prospective teachers.
Stoudt’s parents, Jeffrey and Anne Marie; fiancé, David; siblings, John and Mary Beth; grandmother, Gloria; and many other family members plan to view the livestream ceremony.