11.05.07 
Student Wins Statewide Education Award

By Southeastern University

For the second straight year, a Southeastern University education major has received a Fanchon F. Funk Scholars Award, which is given by the Florida Association of Teacher Educators.

Katherine "Katie" Alexander, an elementary education major from Jacksonville, was one of four education majors from throughout the state to receive the honor on Sept. 28 during the Florida Association of Teacher Educators Conference in Orlando.

The Funk Scholars Awards are presented to four education majors annually who are recognized for their potential as outstanding future educators. The award includes a $150 cash prize, a plaque, and a complimentary registration for the Florida Association of Teacher Educators Conference. Scholars also receive a one-year complimentary student membership in the Florida Association of Teacher Educators.

Alexander attended the conference Sept. 27-29, where she sat in on several workshops and learned from experienced teachers.

The 24-year-old had no idea she had been nominated for the award until she won.

"I was very honored that Southeastern and the College of Education nominated me," Alexander said. "I was honored to be there and meet the people I met. I had a great time."

Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Patty LeBlanc nominated Alexander for the award for several reasons.

"She's a really great student and she's very involved in the honorary education society (Kappa Delta Pi)," Dr. LeBlanc said. "She has done a lot of work in outreach, she's a great coordinator, and she's good at bringing people and resources together."

Alexander is a senior who is student-teaching this semester at Highland City Elementary School in Highland City. She will graduate in December.

Last year, Kellie Coleman, who has since graduated and teaches at Loughman Oaks Elementary School in Davenport, was among the winners.

Having two winners in a row "says something about our students and our ability to demonstrate that they are worthy of this honor," Dr. LeBlanc said.