UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Education Alumni Society celebrated 10 alumni who returned to the University Park campus for an awards banquet Friday, Oct. 14, at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. Award recipients were chosen for their career achievements; leadership skills; diversity, equity and inclusion advocacy; and volunteer service.
This year’s award recipients are:
Randall Pellow, senior author at Penns Valley Publishers and professor emeritus of teacher education at Shippensburg University, received the Alumni Excellence Award. The highest honor bestowed upon alumni of the college, the award recognizes career-long, sustained excellence of contributions and achievement in the nominee’s chosen profession. Pellow received his master’s and doctor of education degrees in elementary and kindergarten education from Penn State in 1968 and 1971, respectively.
Annie Holmes, founder and CEO of Elevated Levels, received the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award. The award recognizes alumni who showcase exemplary insight and fortitude in the area of workplace and/or community diversity. Holmes earned a master’s degree in college student affairs in 2008 and a master’s degree in higher education in 2012, both from Penn State.
Curtis Johnson, interim superintendent of the State College Area School District in Pennsylvania, was honored with the Leadership and Service Award. The award recognizes alumni who are dedicated leaders and/or volunteers within their career, their community or society in general. Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in communications in 1991 and master’s degree in counselor education in 1994, both from Penn State.
Krishawna Goins, a first-grade teacher at Goshen Post Elementary School in Aldie, Virginia, was selected for the Outstanding New Graduate Award. The award recognizes alumni who graduated in the past five years and who have distinguished themselves in their new careers. Goins earned a bachelor’s degree in child and early adolescent education from Penn State in 2019.
Benjamin Brigham, English teacher at Maranacook Community High School in Readfield, Maine, received the Outstanding Teaching Award. The award recognizes an exemplary individual in a full-time teaching capacity in the education profession. Brigham earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Penn State in 1999.
John Czerniakowski, retired assistant superintendent of Mifflin County School District in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, was honored with the Service to Penn State Award. The award is given to alumni and friends who have made significant contributions of time and talent to the college and/or the University. Czerniakowski received a doctor of education degree in educational administration from Penn State in 1995.
The following 2022 graduates, who each earned a bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education, were recognized with the Outstanding Student Teaching Award. The award honors excellence and innovation during the culminating field experience in the teacher education curriculum:
- Hannah Delon, a substitute teacher at Montour Elementary School in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.
- Jordan Gardner, a second-grade teacher at Ferguson Township Elementary School in State College, Pennsylvania.
- Natalie Halvorson, a first-grade teacher at Arcola Elementary School in Silver Spring, Maryland.
- Alexa Raffensperger, who is working on her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at Penn State and serving as a substitute teacher for school districts in central Pennsylvania.
For more information about the College of Education Alumni Society Awards and to submit a nomination, visit https://ed.psu.edu/alumni-giving/alumni-society-awards online.