Elementary Education Senior Receives Award

February 17, 2009
Woman and two men
Scholarship donor John Jorgensen presents a plaque to this year's Sue Jorgensen Excellent Student in Education Award recipient Wendy Doelger as UW/CC Center director Brent Pickett looks on. Doelger will graduate this May with a bachelor's degree in elementary educatio. (Photo by UW/CC Center.)

Wendy Doelger, a senior in the elementary education program offered through the University of Wyoming/Casper College (UW/CC) Center, was recently presented with the Sue Jorgensen Excellent Student in Education Award.

The 13th recipient of the honor, Doelger obtained scholarship funding from John Jorgensen, husband of the late educator whom the award memorializes. The Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) matched the gift.

Doelger is completing her residency in teaching at Manor Heights Elementary School, where she instructs a fourth grade classroom under mentor teacher Jane Brown.

"She has amazing successes," Brown said. "She is capable, competent, and insightful. She asks informed questions, and she modifies curriculum when needed even as she goes. She is going to turn the world on fire; any student will be lucky to have her."

Inspired into the education field by a child psychology course, Doelger wants to make a difference in the lives of children.

"It's a lot of work," admitted Doelger. "But the kids make it all worthwhile."

Jorgensen created the award in 1996, honoring UW/CC Center education students who earn a minimum 3.5 grade point average, exhibit professional disposition toward mentors and peers, contribute to the education field through leadership and community service and display a positive attitude to promote excitement and curiosity about learning. Candidates are nominated and selected by consensus of the elementary education faculty and staff.

The distinction is one of the center's highest honors bestowed upon prospective teachers. It was established by Jorgensen to pay tribute to the memory of his wife and the first coordinator of the teacher education program through the UW/CC Center, Sue Jorgensen.

"Sue was a tremendous advocate for students who wanted to get an education," recalled Jorgensen at the recent award ceremony. "She turned out good teachers here in Casper, who are now helping other students to become good teachers."

Doelger will graduate from the UW/CC Center in May with a bachelor's degree, and hopes to teach in the Natrona County School District.



Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009

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