Five Southeastern education students earn Clausen Scholarships
Contact: Rene Abadie
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2007 CLAUSEN SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS -- Five Southeastern Louisiana University education students were awarded Tom and Kyle Clausen Scholarships at a meeting of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors on Jan. 5. Pictured are, from left, Denise Savoy, Krystal Battaglia, University of Louisiana System President Sally Clausen, Revé Link, Cynthia Butler, Southeastern Dean of Education and Human Development Diane Allen, and Shannon Hill.
HAMMOND – Five Southeastern Louisiana University education students have been awarded University of Louisiana System Foundation scholarships.
The Tom and Kyle Clausen Scholarships, valued at $750 each, were presented to the Southeastern students, as well as 10 other University of Louisiana System students, to provide financial help and professional development. The System will follow the students as they enter the classroom and provide support to ensure they have the tools needed to be successful, to help them stay in the profession and to enable their students to achieve high standards.
“These honorees represent a high caliber of new teachers entering classrooms today,” said UL System President Sally Clausen. “By offering them assistance in their critical years of teaching, the System is assisting in their success as well-prepared teachers in Louisiana schools.”
The scholarships were established in memory of Thomas Clausen, Sally Clausen’s brother, and his son Kyle. Thomas Clausen, who began his career as a teacher, served as Louisiana’s Superintendent of Education from 1984 to 1988. Prior to his death from cancer, Clausen and his family established a scholarship fund to recognize outstanding teacher candidates and encourage them in their careers. Since 2002, 37 scholarships have been awarded.
Southeastern students receiving the awards included: Krystal L. Battaglia, Holden; Cynthia Lynell Butler, Summit, Miss.; Shannon D. Hill, Amite; Revé Link, Covington; and Denise M. Savoy, Loranger.
“We are extremely proud to have five recipients of the Clausen Scholarship,” said Southeastern College of Education and Human Development Dean Diane Allen. “They are exemplary students and fine examples of the high quality teachers we prepare at Southeastern.”
A panel of judges selected the 15 honorees from a record 51 applicants based on applications, letters of recommendation and essays on the importance of teaching as a profession. Eligible students had at least a 3.0 grade point average and a minimum of 45 college credit hours. The Clausen Scholarships are funded through private donations to the UL System Foundation.
“My family believed that all children can learn if they receive the proper guidance and tools,” Clausen added. “Our universities understand the value of good teachers and are committed to guaranteeing the teachers they produce.”