Awards and Grants News

The Awards and Grants Committee is pleased to announce

the undergraduate SDAEYC award winners for the 2007-2008 school year.

Here is a little bit about each of them and some brief quotes from their essays.

Amelie Weinfeld Award $500.

Hsin-Yi Kao is a student at SD Miramar College. She is an infant toddler teacher at Knowledge Beginnings Preschool and plans to continue her education to obtain a master’s degree. "I feel the most fulfillment when I see the infants feel comfortable and secure enough to explore new things after their needs are met. I also know the parents count on me to take care of their precious ones so they can be worriless at work." Hsin describes how she builds bridges between ethnic communities as required for the Amelie Weinfeld Award. "Among our preschoolers, one out of four comes from a family where only Mandarin Chinese is spoken. Being the only teacher who speaks Mandarin, I help create a smooth transition for the children and their families by talking to them in a language they feel comfortable speaking."

 

Beryl Campbell Award $500.

Joanne Benjamin is a student at SD City College. She plans to continue her education so she can obtain a master’s degree and teach children as well as adults. "Ever since I was five years old and first stepped foot in a classroom, I knew that I wanted to be one of them, the chosen few, who educate, inspire greatness, and foster curiosity in young minds … Teachers open minds to new adventures and ideas. Teachers have a legacy of their own. I want to be a part of that." Joanne also shared this quote: It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. Albert Einstein.

 

JoeAnn Dugger Community College Scholarship $500.

Lia Vinson was a student in Indonesia before she became a student at Palomar College. She is an infant toddler teacher with Vista Unified School District Teen Parent Program. "Not long after arriving in the United States I discovered a part time position as an instructional aide at Cardiff School District. I was absolutely elated when they hired me. The fun of helping and working closely with the children while building relationships with the parents and community was amazing. I felt I could make a difference. At this point immediately I knew that this was my career path. I wanted to help educate and inspire children ... My hope is that I can inspire tolerance, understanding and success by modeling and sharing my personal and professional journey with …young mothers in this valuable program."

 

The Dorothy Hewes Graduate Award of $1000 is available for current students of masters or doctoral degrees. Students must be members of NAEYC. Contact Berta Harris: beharris@sdccd.edu for application and details.