Two from UNT earn national honors from Kappa Delta Pi

Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 15:28
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DENTON (UNT), Texas -- A University of North Texas College of Education student and a recent graduate earned national recognition from Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education.

Aston Thompson, of Arlington, earned the 2013-14 Distinguished Chapter Officer Award from Kappa Delta Pi, given to current or immediate past chapter officers for displaying the ideals of the organization. Thompson, who was treasurer of the UNT chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, was one of eight chapter officers nationwide selected for the honor this year. Thompson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies from UNT in May and will be recognized with a plaque at a convocation Oct. 22-24, 2015, in Orlando.

"Receiving the Kappa Delta Pi International Leadership Award symbolizes confirmation for me -- confirmation that I can make a difference in the evolving profession that I love and confirmation that I am on a path that will lead me to other leadership positions in the future," Thompson said. "I worked closely with my KDP counselors, Dr. Jeanne Tunks and Dr. Miriam Ezzani, and it is very rewarding to be able to be honored this way and to know that I would not have become such a great leader without their guidance and support."

Thompson plans to work as a kindergarten teacher at Manara STEM Academy in Arlington.

Julie Williams, a doctoral candidate from Sulphur Springs, earned the Hollis L. Caswell Laureate Scholarship from Kappa Delta Pi. The $3,200 scholarship is given to a doctoral student in curriculum and instruction.

"I am honored to be awarded this scholarship, and greatly appreciate the generosity of the donors and Kappa Delta Pi," Williams said. "I am especially honored to receive a scholarship in memory of Dr. Caswell, whose legacy continues to inspire educators to improve instruction and influence educational policy."

About UNT's College of Education

UNT's College of Education prepares students to contribute to the advancement of education, health and human development. Founded in 1890 as a teacher's training college, UNT now enrolls more than 4,000 students in the College of Education, which consists of four departments -- counseling and higher education; educational psychology; kinesiology, health promotion and recreation; and teacher education and administration. UNT's College of Education certifies about 1,000 teachers a year -- making it the largest producer of new teachers in the north Texas region. Students are also prepared for careers as researchers, counselors, leaders, physical activity and health promotion specialists, child development and family studies specialists and more.

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