Photo: Fourteen students were recognized recently for their academic achievements while enrolled in the North Country Teachers Certification Program through Plymouth State University. Each has maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in classes. The students began their educational journey in the Teacher Preparation associate degree program at NH Community Technical College-Berlin and are finishing their degrees through Plymouth on the campus of CCSNH-Berlin. Pictured (seated, l-r) are Jennifer Rideout, Samantha Robinson, Robert Scott, Rebecca McEntire, Alaina Setz and Jennifer Downs. Standing (l-r) are Irene Mosedale, Project Director, North Country Teachers Certification Program, Cassie Prouty, Krystal Gilmore, Chasity Labonville, Lisa King, Joli Smith, Tina Mooney, Sandy Alonzo, Brenda Lambert and Deb Stewart, CCSNH-Berlin Professor of Education.
Two years ago, fifteen New Hampshire Community College-Berlin students entered a pilot program offered as a collaboration with Plymouth State University. The students aspired to become teachers, but for a variety of reasons, could not attend classes at the Plymouth campus. So a collaborative effort was organized and the students who were enrolled in the Teacher Preparation program at CCSNH-Berlin were able to continue onto a four-year degree at Plymouth without ever having to leave the Berlin campus for courses. As they prepare to graduate with Bachelor of Science degrees in Childhood Studies from PSU in May, they are celebrating the academic excellence they have achieved. Fourteen students have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or better. The group was recognized and honored for their success at an Academic Excellence Reception held in the library at CCSNH-Berlin on March 28.
Plymouth State President Sara Jayne Steen opened the program. She congratulated the students on their academic achievement and told them she was so proud to be participating. "Education is becoming a part of you. It's evident in your work habits and in your way of thinking. Each of you is succeeding at very high academic standards. Each of you is a success story," stated Steen. The PSU President also noted the success of the program in general. Steen noted the program is no longer a pilot, but is in Berlin to stay. The announcement brought cheers from all in attendance.
Irene Mosedale, Project Director of the North Country Teachers Certification Program, described these students as "unique, amazing, dedicated individuals." Mosedale shared interesting demographic tidbits about the group, and noted that the average GPA for the group is 3.8. The students range from traditional-age college students to non-traditional students of all ages and come from North Country towns like Berlin, Gorham, Conway, Bartlett, Groveton, Whitefield and Lancaster. Some are married, some have children, and most have full-time jobs, many as paraprofessionals in local schools. Mosedale concluded by saying she "looks forward to seeing the impact that these students will have on the North Country."
The pilot program, called the North Country Teacher Certification Program, began in the fall of 2005. The students selected for the program had already begun their education with CCSNH-Berlin's Teacher Preparation Associate Degree program under the direction of Deb Stewart, Professor of Education at CCSNH-Berlin. Becoming certified teachers and earning bachelor degrees will help all of them advance in their careers as educators.
Katharine Eneguess, President of CCSNH-Berlin, provided closing remarks. She told the fourteen remarkable students, "We expect a lot of you and will continue to support you as community members. I know you will make us proud. You will be the role models for our future generations."
The students recognized at the ceremony are Sandy Alonzo, Jennifer Downs, Krystal Gilmore, Lisa King, Chasity Labonville, Brenda Lambert, Rebecca McEntire, Tina Mooney, Cassie Prouty, Jennifer Rideout, Samantha Robinson, Robert Scott, Alaina Setz and Joli Smith.
The next cycle of the North Country Teachers Certification Program will begin in fall 2008 at the CCSNH-Berlin campus. Students who are interested may contact Professor Deb Stewart at 752-1113 or 800-445-4525 to discuss eligibility.
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