Parker's Fund Scholarship Recipients

Melody Becker attained an undergraduate degree in Secondary Education from DePaul University before starting her career at Morton West High School in Berwyn, Illinois. She has taught there since 2002 as a bilingual ESL (English as a second language) teacher. Working to steer her foreign-born students into a productive life in their new home, she finds teaching to be "the most meaningful career that I could have chosen". Melody is pursuing a Master's Degree in Educational leadership at Governor's State University.

Anna Crocker has taught at Regis Jesuit High School in Denver, Colorado since 1996, where she is currently the Department Chair for Foreign Language. She earned a B.S. from Kansas State University and an M.A. from the University of Colorado. Her scholarship will allow her to pursue a Master's degree in Educational Administration through the University of Phoenix. Anna says about teaching that there is "nothing more inspirational, more challenging, more incredibly exciting. My students are my inspiration".

Tricia Marie Downs began teaching in 1989 after her graduation from with a B.S, from MacMurray College. She currently teaches at Hill Middle School in Parker, Colorado where she works with hearing-impaired students. In working with her special students, she says that "The challenge is difficult, but the rewards are endless." Her award will enable her to pursue a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University.

Roberta Mary Kayser earned her undergraduate degree in Humanities/Elementary Education from Regis University and is currently employed in the Jefferson County, Colorado Public Schools as a teacher of students with developmental disabilities. Robeta says that she is "honored to be a teacher and awed by the responsibility of shaping a young person's life." Her scholarship award will assist her in obtaining an M.A. in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado.

Katie Pine teaches bilingual ESL (English as a second language) classes at West Morton High School in Berwyn, Illinois. She earned her B.A. in Education at Arizona State University in 1999 and will use her award to pursue a master's degree in Administration from Governor's State University in Chicago. A supervisor endorsed her application by citing her work ethic, her constant communication with parents, and the "buzz" of learning that she creates in her classroom. Katie thrives on her work, despite the economic disadvantages of her school community, because she feels that she "is able to touch and change lives for the better".

Daniel Schaller has taught Computer Literacy and Physical Education at Arrupe Jesuit High School in Denver, Colorado. He holds an undergraduate degree from St. Louis University and will use his award to obtain a Master's of Education from Regis University so that he can pursue his goal of teaching Social Studies in a secondary Education program. Daniel states that "teaching provides me with a great sense of accomplishment", and that "in working to impact student's lives, I feel I am doing something very worthwhile".

Christine Snow earned her undergraduate degree from Creighton University, where she remained as an Admissions Counselor for two years after graduation. Since 2003, Christine has served Regis Jesuit High School in Denver, Colorado as a Counselor and as moderator of the school's Youth Advisory Board. In her role as counselor, she strives to "impart to students the importance of making the right decisions and how the wrong ones may impact them later in life". The Principal of her school states that Christine truly lives up to the Jesuit value of helping to create young adults that will become "people for others". Her award will assist her in the pursuit of a Master's Degree in School Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado.

Christopher Symkowick-Rose serves as a Theology teacher at Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado. He graduated from Creighton University in 1993 with a B. A. in English & Theology. Chris professes an undying love for the teaching profession and, in seeking additional education, hopes to be able to "lead his students further into the maze of theological inquiry". His award will assist him in the completion of his Master's Degree in Theological Studies at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver.

Bryan Timme earned a B.A. degree in Communications from St. Louis Universuty before entering the teaching profession in 1996. During his nine years at Regis Jesuit High School, Bryan has served as Pastoral Director before moving on to teach graphic arts full-time. The scholarship award granted to him will assist in obtaining an M.A. in Graphic Design from the Savannah School of Arts, which will enable him to improve the graphic design curriculum at Regis. Bryan says that he Ôlearns from his students daily", and believes that no other profession offers the such long-term satisfaction.

Michelle Watkins is a third grade teacher at Wedgwood Elementary School in Seattle, Washington. She earned a B.A. in Education from Western Washington University in 1996 and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University. Regarded by the Principal of her school as someone who is "always searching for more interesting ways to present her lessons", Michelle says that she "can't imagine a better job than mine".

Catherine Thompson graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Washington University in 1993. For over five years, she taught first grade at Bailey Gatzert Elementary in Seattle, which serves high-poverty and homeless children. Currently she serves as an elementary reading consultant there as she pursues a Master's of Educational Administration at Western Washington University. A former supervisor states that "Schools fight for her service and one principal has attributed the turnaround of his school's program to the professional development and coaching provided by Ms. Thompson to his staff."

Mark Plimpton taught Math and Science at St. Mary's Academy in Denver, Colorado for six years before returning to college to pursue a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction. He attends the Colorado Christian University. He says that "Every day teaching unfolds new understanding and reveals new intelligence. No other occupation can hold a candle to what teaching offers."

Shelley Simonds teaches a 5th grade English Language Acquisition class to native Spanish-speaking children at Del Pueblo Elementary School in Denver, Colorado. Following up her BA in Spanish from the University of Colorado in 1996, she is pursuing state certification for elementary education through Metropolitan State University as part of the Denver Public Schools Teacher in Residence program. She is the daughter of a teacher and says that she "learns from her students every day".

James Boberschmidt has taught mathematics at Regis Jesuit High School in Denver for the past five years. He was awarded a scholarship in order to pursue a master's degree in Religious Education, studying at Regis University in Denver during the school year and Boston College during the summer. He teaches to "bring a sense of belonging and a sense of understanding to individual students".

Denise Alexander was awarded a scholarship to complete her Master's Degree in Education at the University of Denver. Denise received her undergraduate degree form Union College, served in the Peace Corps and has taught English, Spanish and French. She is currently employed by St. Mary's Academy in Denver, where she teaches 7th and 8th graders.

Denise is the daughter of a teacher and her earliest memories include children and learning. Inspired by her educator/mother, she chose teaching as a career because "At the end of each day, I feel like I have done something worthwhile and given back to my world."

Sonia Group received a Bachelor's in Educational Sciences from the Universidad Pedagogica Nacional in Colombia. After teaching biology there for ten years, she moved to the United States to be married and spent the next five years learning the language and the culture sufficiently well to realize her goal of becoming certified to teach again. For the past four years she has taught Spanish at Regis High School in Denver, Colorado. Currently she seeks a Master's Degree in Education at Regis University.

Sonia says that her reward in the classroom comes from what she loves most: "Being a teacher and seeing others learn." She carries a 4.0 GPA to date.

Meg Perkins earned a bachelor's degree from the Metropolitan State University in Denver and has been granted a scholarship to complete a Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She is currently a teacher at the Havern Center, a small school which targets the special needs of children with learning disabilities.

Her goal in teaching is merely to "...make a difference for just one student at a time."

Thomas Loveland is employed by Ridgewood High School in New Port Richey, Florida, where he teaches Technology Studies and Video Technology. Having worked in the motion picture and video production industry for 18 years, Tom brought his real-world experience to the classroom five years ago. He has been recognized with many awards, including: Epsilon Pi Tau-Eta Exemplary Teacher of the Year (1998); Florida Vocational Association Rookie Teacher of the Year (1996); and, Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholar (1998). Among other things, his students produce anti-smoking public service announcements and a bimonthly 90 second news spot for local television.

Tom seeks a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in Vocational Education at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He says that his "...greatest thrill comes when former students visit, send notes or e-mail me about what the class has meant to them in their lives."

A teacher at Wharton High School in Tampa, Florida, Judy Hudson works with at-risk youth in the Vocational Studies area. She holds a Master of Education degree from Wayne State University and is currently seeking a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of South Florida.

A teacher for fifteen years, she loves the job because "it allows me to touch the lives of youth who others have cast aside or given up on."

Jeanne Fernandez Rutgers has been a middle school counselor at St. Mary's Academy in Denver, Colorado, since 1995. A graduate of Loyola Marymount, she turned to teaching for fulfillment after three unrewarding years in the business world. She taught at John Muir Elementary school in 1994-95 and says that "Being important in the life of a young person is without a doubt the best part of being a teacher."

In order to help meet the needs of dyslexic students at her school, Jeanne has been awarded funding to attend a Lindamood-Bell workshop that uses a multi-sensory approach to teaching reading.

Kevin Wilcox is a graduate of the University of Colorado and has taught History and Humanities classes at Regis Jesuit High School in Denver, Colorado, since 1994. He has been awarded a scholarship to pursue his Master's Degree at Regis University in Denver. He has a particular interest in children's poverty in the United States.

"Teaching offers me the opportunity to share my passion for Social Studies and for learning," Kevin states. He also hopes that by helping his students to become responsible young men that, in the future, they might be moved to do the same for the young people in their own lives.

Canadian-born Chris Wright earned bachelors degrees in physical education and psychology at the University of Saskatchewan before completing his bachelor of education degree with the University of Calgary in 1994. During that time he also served as a Teacher Aide in French Immersion with the Calgary school system.

In 1994, Chris moved to Denver, Colorado and joined the teaching staff at St. Mary's Academy where he has taught classes in French, physical education and technology. He has also coached tennis, basketball and soccer teams. He is currently pursuing his masters degree at Regis University in Denver. Chris believes that teaching entails "advancing students intellect by teaching them to view things from many perspectives."

Maria Cunningham taught at Irwin Green preschool in the Jefferson County, Colorado school system for four years. For the past year, she has served as a teaching assistant at Havern Center, a school for elementary aged children with learning disabilities. She is currently seeking a degree in psychology, as well as completion of a collaborative program with the University of Colorado-Denver that will provide an endorsement in special education.

Her own childhood learning experiences have motivated Maria to take up teaching as a career. She considers her time with students to be "a gift given to me and I am very thankful to be a part of their lives."