The Patterson Family Foundation funds the James Patterson Teacher Education Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students who are studying education and are committed to teaching careers. The scholarship covers tuition and related expenses. Recipients are selected based on their potential to become leaders in education.
Patterson, author of the best-selling Alex Cross and Women's Murder Club novels, first funded scholarships in the university's Reich College of Education in June 2012.
For the Patterson Scholars, this scholarship has turned a dream of going to college into a reality. We are honored to have the Patterson Scholars as a part of the Reich College of Education’s Appalachian Community of Education Scholars program (ACES).
To apply for the scholarship, prospective students need to complete the App State application by November 1, 2021 and complete the application for signature scholarships by November 15, 2021.
Meet these Patterson Scholars who plan to become tomorrow's teachers:
Kathryn Laurel Adams
Kathryn Laurel Adams is an English, secondary education major from Randleman, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2024.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
“I loved the atmosphere, the beautiful scenery, the small college feel, with the big college campus, and in my heart, I knew teaching was for me. Appalachian State started as a teaching college and I know that this is the best place to be to get the education and experience I was looking for. ”
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
“My 9th grade English teacher had created a wonderful project based around a book of our choice and it sparked so much creativity in me. I took so much time on that project and it got me thinking about how one simple activity can build someone up and express themselves so freely. She was a lovely woman who always made sure her students had what they needed to succeed, she motivated me to do better, and was always there for me when I had questions; even after I had left her classroom.”
What is your "teachosophy"?
“I feel the biggest responsibility I hold as a future teacher is to make sure each student has what they need to succeed. That does not mean treating everyone the same; not everyone has the same needs. Taking the time to identify and acknowledge those who need the extra help and always going the extra mile will ensure a pleasant and enhanced learning environment for future generations to come.”
Brook Lynn Boyd
Brook Lynn Boyd is an elementary education major from Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2025.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
“I chose Appalachian simply due to the feeling I felt when I stepped on this campus. I knew in my heart this is where I was meant to be, and that one day this would be my future home. Not to mention, the excellent education program!”
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
“My teacher inspiration is my seventh grade math teacher, Craig Waskiewicz. He truly opened the doors to show that teaching is not just a job for skills such as math, English, science, or history. Don't get me wrong, teaching is important for those topics, but showing interest and care for your students' well-being as developing individuals is extremely important in education as well. Be compassionate, understand things that might come up, support their interests, and show interest in what you are teaching - students feed off your passion. My seventh grade math teacher inhabited all of these characteristics, and for that, I strive to have his same impact on me as I will my students.”
What is your "teachosophy"?
“Be the kind of teacher and mentor that fabricates the love of education in your students!”
Madison Coulter
Madison Coulter is an elementary education major from Charlotte, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2025.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
“The first time I came to Appalachian, I experienced the unity the Mountaineers had while I was watching my first App State football game. My cousin was a starting football player and always spoke highly of the school. When applying for college came around, I found out they had the best teaching program. I was more than excited to apply to be in ACES and thankfully am in the program and school of my dreams.”
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
“My teacher inspiration was my second grade teacher Mrs.Hazen. Looking back, the way she navigated class was light-hearted and hands-on. If one of her students was struggling she emphasized the importance of it being okay that they aren't understanding, and would take time to explain it in the learning method the student liked best. I continued going back to her class years later and even recently when picking my sister up from the same elementary school will stop and talk about how much I loved her class.”
What is your "teachosophy"?
“It is important to know each kid has a different learning method and as teachers, we should accommodate to each individual’s needs.”
Leo Fowell
Leo Fowell is an elementary education major from Charlotte, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2024.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
“I chose Appalachian because I wanted the opportunities of a large school with the community feel of a small school and Appalachian provides that comfort.”
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
“My cousin Sam; she teaches English in Thailand and is so selfless her love for her students is abundant and so clear.”
What is your "teachosophy"?
“Be the teacher you needed at their age.”
Jasmine Garcia
Jasmine Garcia is a Spanish education major from Roaring River, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2022.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
“I chose Appalachian because of its constant effort to strive towards equity and inclusion.”
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
“My teacher inspiration is Mrs. Poplin, my middle and high school chorus teacher. When I first moved to my new middle school, Mrs. Poplin made an effort to make me feel included and to make sure I was settling in well in my new environment. Because of her, I became very involved in Chorus and became motivated to find new passions and interests in life. Because of her, I gained self-confidence and received the help I needed to be successful in school, especially as a first-generation college student.”
What is your "teachosophy"?
“To promote safety and inclusivity in the classroom is to promote learning and growth.”
Diego Hernández Guillen
Diego Hernández Guillen is a romance language major from Mount Airy, North Carolina. He is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2022.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
“I chose Appalachian because of the many resources and opportunities provided to grow as a teacher leader, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that.”
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
“My teacher inspiration is a collection of positive experiences that I've had with an array of teachers throughout my education, each one contributing to the idea that one day I could be like them. ”
What is your "teachosophy"?
“Strive for improvement, not excellence. ”
Candace Myers
Candace Myers is an English, secondary education major from High Point, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in 2021.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
“I chose Appalachian for its dedication to the educational field and to its teacher candidates, and because I wanted to be at an institution with the same values as me.”
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
“I have multiple teacher inspirations who have led me to this career choice. My seventh grade English teacher, Mrs. Williams believed in me at a time when I didn't believe in myself. My high school English teacher, Mrs. Callicutt also did the same for me, supporting me to become my best self. They inspire me every day as I inch closer to becoming a teacher and when I am interacting with my students.”
What is your "teachosophy"?
“My "teachosophy" is simply to love your students. If you can't love your students, then teaching isn't the right career for you. Every day I remind my students that they are cared for and supported because establishing positive relationships with students is the most important thing.”
Sophia Ordonez
Sophia Ordonez is an elementary education major from Southport, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2025.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
“I chose Appalachian because I fell in love with the community and environment here. Students and teachers are so welcoming and made me feel like I belonged from the first moment I walked on campus. Also, being a member of the ACES program led me to choose Appalachian. I was honored to be a part of a program where I can create relationships with other education majors and have opportunities to advance my leadership skills. ACES has already made such a positive impact on my college experience, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.”
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
“My teacher inspiration is my mom, who is a school social worker. Although she is not a teacher, growing up watching her work with children inspired me to pursue a career as a teacher. As a social worker, she spent most of her time working with children that had family issues, behavior problems, and bad attendance. I always admired the way she searches for the best in the students she works with. She always recognizes their full potential and does everything she can to push them to be their best. She never gives up on her students, she pushes them until the day they graduate. As a teacher, I hope that I will have the patience and compassion to do the same.”
What is your "teachosophy"?
“‘Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.’ -Albert Einstein”
Madison Puckett
Madison Puckett is a birth through kindergarten major from Banner Elk, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2024.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
“Appalachian State is close to home, has a fantastic teaching program and I spend several summers on campus with upward bound.”
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
“Mrs. Jill who I never personally had as a teacher but who I worked under as an intern, she's the one who made me realize that I could work with children for the rest of my life and help educate them and care for them.”
What is your "teachosophy"?
“No one else can be you, so you might as well fill your own shoes.”
Matthew Ethan Reep
Matthew Ethan Reep is a special education, general curriculum major from Newland, North Carolina. He is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2024.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
“I chose Appalachian because it has one of the best teacher education programs in the nation and a strong sense of community.”
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
“My teacher inspiration is my sevent and eighth grade social studies teacher. I look up to him because of his passion for what he teaches. I also admire how he relates it to personal stories in simple but profound ways.”
What is your "teachosophy"?
“Teach what you love and you will teach others to love it.”
Lauren Rowe
Lauren Rowe is an English, secondary education major from Charlotte, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2022.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
“I chose Appalachian State because of the people! I have spent three of the best years at App State and the community that surrounds me has been the most supportive and encouraging throughout my career as an education major.”
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
“Ms. Marcille Nance was my yearbook advisor as well as my English teacher throughout high school and has inspired me every day to be the best educator and leader that I can be.”
What is your "teachosophy"?
“Students have their own infinite potential, it's our job to help them find out how to reach that potential, and set them on their path with the best resources and confidence.”
Jennifer Vera Osornio
Jennifer Vera Osornio is an Elementary Education major from Mount Airy, NC. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2023.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
“I chose Appalachian because of the opportunities that the school has to offer to me as a future educator.”
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
“My teacher inspiration is my fourth grade teacher. She always made the class a fun and memorable learning experience.”
What is your "teachosophy"?
“My teachosophy is to create a safe space where students are excited to learn each day.”
Patterson Scholars
