K-State's College of Education presents awards to seven students

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Source: Pam Monroe, 785-532-5525, pmonroe@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, 785-532-6415, ebarcomb@k-state.edu

Friday, May 18, 2007

K-STATE'S COLLEGE OF EDUCATION PRESENTS AWARDS TO SEVEN STUDENTS

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's College of Education recognized seven graduating seniors at the college's commencement ceremony May 12.

Five students received the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Two Outstanding Future Teacher Awards also were presented, one to an elementary education graduate one to a secondary education graduate.

Students recognized by the college included:

* Jennifer Funk, bachelor's graduate in English and education-journalism, Concordia, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Funk was a member of Kappa Delta sorority; Kappa Delta Pi and Golden Key honoraries; and K-State's American Red Cross Club and Community Service Program. She also was a member of the Kansas National Education Association, College of Education Honors Program, Kansas State Collegian, College of Education Chalkboard newsletter and Christian Challenge. She received the College of Education Alumni Scholarship and the Skeen and Olson education scholarships. She also worked at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manhattan. Funk is the daughter of Doug and Kathy Funk and a 2002 graduate of Concordia High School.

* Katie Hammersmith, bachelor's graduate in elementary education, Great Bend, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Hammersmith was a member of Alpha of Clovia, Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi honoraries, Christian Challenge and Kansas National Education Association. She has been on the K-State honors list and the National Honor Roll, received the Tomorrow's Teacher Scholarship and K-State Leadership Scholarship, and participated in Relay for Life and the K-State Telefund. Hammersmith is the daughter of Bev and Steve Hammersmith and a 2003 graduate of Great Bend High School.

* Justin Raybern, bachelor's graduate in education-chemistry, Hudson, Outstanding Future Teacher Award. Raybern was a member of FarmHouse fraternity, College of Education Council, Student Governing Association and an ambassador for the College of Education and leaderships studies and programs. He also was a Wildcat Warm-Up counselor and a teaching assistant for the department of chemistry. In addition, he was an assistant football coach at Riley County High School. Raybern is the son of Shannon and Julie Raybern and a 2002 graduate of St. John High School.

* Janeal Schmidt, bachelor's graduate in education-social studies, Minneapolis, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Schmidt was a member of Mortar Board, College of Education Ambassadors, the College of Education's teacher education and honors advisory councils, the College of Education Council, Phi Kappa Phi and Kappa Delta Pi honoraries, College of Education honors program and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She received a James Madison Fellowship and participated in a study abroad program in Florence, Italy. Schmidt is the daughter of Jerry and Tammy Schmidt and a graduate of 2003 Minneapolis High School.

* Hannah Mueldener, bachelor's graduate in elementary education, Topeka, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Mueldener was a member of Chi Omega sorority; Kappa Delta Pi, Blue Key, Golden Key and Phi Eta Sigma honoraries; National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Rho Lambda; Student Governing Association; and The First Tee of Manhattan. She also was a leadership studies and programs ambassador, Up 'Til Dawn team captain, Leadership Challenge organizer and a student secretary at the office of student activities and services. She was a K-State Foundation Scholar and received a Topeka Alumnae Panhellenic Scholarship. She has participated in an international missions program studying the Australian education system. Mueldener is the daughter of Karl and Sharlene Mueldener and a 2002 Topeka High School graduate.

* Erin Bodlak, bachelor's graduate in elementary education, Wichita, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Bodlak was a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, College of Education Council, College of Education Ambassadors, Moore Hall governing board, College of Education teacher education advisory committee, K-State Orchestra, K-State equestrian team and the K-State rowing team. She also was a member of the K-State Honor Council, Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi honoraries, College of Education Honors Program and was named to the Big 12 Commissioner's honor roll. A K-State honors list student, she received the Henry J. Putnam Scholarship, Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship, Education Alumni Scholarship and the Kansas Department of Education Teacher of Promise Award. Bodlak is the daughter of David and Christina Bodlak and a 2003 Maize High School Graduate.

* Kara Fritz, bachelor's graduate in elementary education, Lincoln, Neb., Outstanding Future Teacher Award. Fritz was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, serving as a delegate to the sorority's Leadership Academy; Golden Key academic honorary; Rho Lambda; and was a volunteer for the Adopt-a-School program. A K-State honors list student, she was a Legacy Scholar and participated in a study abroad program in Spain. She also was a Mediation Center teacher. Fritz is the daughter of Don and Lloya Fritz and a 2003 graduate of Lincoln High School.