Four Shenandoah University students studying to be educators have been named recipients of $5,000 Hattie M. Strong Foundation Scholarships for Spring 2025.
These awards are provided to cover costs incurred during the student-teaching semester for those who have exhibited outstanding success and enthusiasm in prior field experiences and have posted at least a 3.0 GPA in the two semesters preceding the student-teaching semester.
The Spring 2025 Strong Scholars are Nicole Harte ’25, Karlie Hepner ’25, Zachary Salter ’25, and Emma Shockey ’25.
Harte, who is earning a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education with a minor in math, is student-teaching at Garland Quarles Elementary School in Winchester, Virginia, and Bass-Hoover Elementary School in Stephens City. “Nicky is a thoughtful, continual learner who wants to keep improving each day through student and mentor feedback and uses reflective practices to turn those responses into effective actions,” said Shenandoah Professor and Director of Educator Licensure Mary E. Bowser, Ed.D., in her nomination letter for this year’s scholars.
“Nicole entered Shenandoah University with a clear passion for teaching, demonstrated by her participation as a high school student in the Teach for Tomorrow program,” noted Shenandoah Education Professor Karen Huff, Ed.D., in a letter supporting Harte’s scholarship application. “Furthermore, she distinguished herself by entering the university with 12 earned college credits in addition to her Teach for Tomorrow experience.”
“My goal as a teacher is to go beyond simply teaching my students the required curriculum but to create an environment where students feel empowered to become their best selves and flourish as young scholars,” Harte said in her scholarship application.
Hepner is in the process of earning a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education in English and student-teaching advanced placement 12th-grade students at John Handley High School in Winchester, Virginia. “She is a highly reflective teacher who analyzes the data, makes considered decisions, and maintains a growth mindset,” Dr. Bowser said in her nomination letter.
“I transferred to Shenandoah after my sophomore year, and while I always knew that I wanted to teach, at Shenandoah, I became inspired,” Hepner writes in her scholarship application. “My first semester at SU, I quickly became fascinated by everything I was learning. I even started a now two-year-old running list of all the teaching ideas, research-based strategies, activities, and classroom management methods that I have retained from my courses and want to apply in my future classroom. (The list is now several pages long.) There is nothing that excites me more in life than becoming a teacher.”
“In addition to her academic strengths, Ms. Hepner possesses excellent interpersonal skills. She is respectful, empathetic, and always willing to help others,” writes Shenandoah Education Department Chair and Associate Professor of Education Studies and Secondary Education Program Coordinator Stephanie J. Malone, Ed.D., in support of Hepner’s application. “Her ability to balance a demanding academic workload with collegiate soccer, all while maintaining a positive and collaborative attitude, is truly commendable. I have no doubt that Ms. Hepner will continue to excel in all her future endeavors.”
Salter is also student-teaching at Handley High School, as well as Indian Hollow Elementary School in Frederick County. He’s earning a Bachelor of Education to teach health and physical education (PreK-12). “He is very well prepared to be an HPE teacher and knows it takes work to succeed. His goal is to improve just one child’s life of health and physical movement,” Bowser writes.
“As much as I aim to inspire my students, I know their perspectives will teach me lessons that will shape my future,” Salter states in his application. “My prior experiences, from practicum placements to participating in the Teachers of Promise Institute, have prepared me for this moment. These career milestones have reinforced my passion for education. I feel equipped with the tools needed to excel in this phase of my professional development.”
Shenandoah Program Coordinator of HPE Licensure and Assistant Professor of Kinesiology Philip Liversedge, Ph.D., writes that he’s worked closely with Salter and enthusiastically supported his scholarship application. “Beyond his performance in the classroom, Zachary exhibits a deep understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of teaching. He approaches every learning opportunity with a growth mindset, seeking feedback and implementing best practices to refine his teaching skills. His strong work ethic, leadership abilities, and unwavering dedication to student success set him apart as a future educator who will positively impact the field.”
Shockey is earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education for grades K-12 with an emphasis in instrumental and elementary music, in addition to a Bassoon Performance Certificate. She is student-teaching music at Sycolin Creek Elementary School and Seneca Ridge Middle School in Loudoun County, Virginia. “With her focus on instrumental music, her goal with elementary children is to get them to have fun with ‘Orff’ instruments and to create movement connections with making music,” Bowser writes in her nomination letter. “She knows that getting acquainted with her students is the key to success.”
“Everyone can make music, and everyone should be able to have that chance,” Shockey writes in her scholarship application. “I want to create an inclusive classroom where everyone is given the opportunity to try and find what is best for them. In addition to inclusivity, I want to provide unique experiences for all students from trips, letters, and calls so that they can learn and meet other people who teach or make music.”
“Emma has, very wisely, found many ways to work toward her career goal of teaching music through a variety of volunteer activities including work with local middle schools and a high school outside of required coursework,” writes Shenandoah Professor and Director of Music Education Stephanie L. Standerfer, Ph.D., in support of Shockey’s application. “She is an active member in the Shenandoah Collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education. She has also been an active member of Kappa Kappa Psi and the SU Marching Band. Her level of involvement has enhanced her coursework and allowed her to network with professional music educators and strengthen her skills as a compassionate teacher. She takes initiative to seek out opportunities to learn, help others, and work toward her goals. Emma is dependable, personable, and knowledgeable; she is a wonderful representative of our program and always willing to help.”
