Whitney Schampers of Negaunee, Mich., has been named the Northern Michigan University School of Education, Leadership and Public Service 2020-21 outstanding graduating graduate student from the early childhood education program. She will earn her master's degree May 1.
According to Schampers' biography for the award, she “works tirelessly to meet the social-emotional needs of her first-grade students, knowing that children cannot successfully master academic standards if their immediate needs for a stable, loving and trusting adult is not being met.” Schampers demonstrates commitment to relationship-building with each child by focusing on the child's immediate needs for belonging, love and acceptance.
Schampers is active in the community and engages families through events that emphasize play and strengthen children's development. She conducted a cross-curricular play-based activity that increased student engagement exponentially and fostered academic and social-emotional growth beyond the curriculum.
NMU's virtual commencement will be held at 10 a.m. EST Saturday, May 1. Bryan Terrell Clark, a Broadway performer who played George Washington in Hamilton, will be the keynote speaker. Learn more about commencement and access a link to watch it live at www.nmu.edu/commencement.