Each year, the James Patterson Teacher Education Scholarships, which are generously funded by the Patterson Family Foundation, support aspiring educators at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships cover tuition and related expenses, empowering students who are passionate about teaching and poised to become future leaders in education.
Best-selling author James Patterson, known for his Alex Cross and Women's Murder Club series, began supporting scholarships in Appalachian State University's Reich College of Education in June 2012. Since then, his commitment has helped transform the lives of countless students.
For the Patterson Scholars, this opportunity has made the dream of attending college a reality. We’re proud to welcome them into the Reich College of Education’s Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES) program, a vibrant community dedicated to excellence in teaching. Learn more about how to apply for this and other scholarships at App State.
Get to know the 2025–2026 Patterson Scholars who are preparing to shape the classrooms of tomorrow:
Harry Albritton
Harry Albritton is a music education major from Farmville, North Carolina. He is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2026.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
I chose Appalachian because when I toured it, it felt like home.
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
My teaching inspiration is my high school government teacher. She was always so invested in doing what was best for her students, no matter what that was.
What is your "teachosophy"?
My "teachosophy" is always adapt.
Angel Gagnon
Angel Gagnon is an elementary education major from Greensboro, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2029.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
I chose App State because of its education programs and the beauty of the campus.
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
The teachers who inspired me to become an educator are Mrs. Edwards, Mr.Russillo, and Mrs. Julian.
Mrs. Edwards showed me compassion and the fun in working with students and educators alike. She showed me how much of a joy the profession could be.
Mr. Russillo, my senior year astronomy and anatomy teacher, showed me how passionate someone can be about what they teach. His love for these subjects is what kept me engaged and motivated in class, and I hope to show the same passions to my own students.
Finally, Mrs. Julian, my senior year English teacher, showed resilience and hard work as she still came to school motivated and ready for the day to teach her students and always inspired us to work as hard as we could, even as she dealt with external challenges.
I hope to be like all three of these educators when I myself enter the classroom as a teacher.
What is your "teachosophy"?
You can control what you can but don't let what you can't bring you down.
Gabriella “Gigi” Gandiaga
Gigi Gandiaga is an elementary education major from Mint Hill, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2026.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
I’ve lived in Charlotte my whole life, and I’ve always loved driving through the mountains. We would take road trips to the mountains every fall, so I wanted to explore colleges in the area. That’s when I fell in love with Appalachian State University.
I’ve always had a hard time fitting in. I grew up a black child in a white family, and I never knew my place within either race. I always thought I had to fit in with one just to be a part of something. I remember taking a tour of App State with my middle school, and I felt accepted immediately. Some people looked just like me in college, black women thriving. It was a new feeling that the younger me hadn’t felt.
When I was in grade 13 in a Middle College program through the Central Piedmont Community College, I saw friends go to school all over the state. Two went to App State. When I visited, I found the atmosphere welcoming and loving. For me, that was something I yearned for outside of family. Yes, I wanted to go to App State for the education program, but I also wanted to go for the community. I know if I went here, I would make friends that would last a lifetime. I am finally able to tell the younger me that I belong.
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
When I walked into my sevent-grade science class, I was dreading what was to come. I never enjoyed science. I thought it was one of the most boring subjects in school. However, little did I know how I would learn to love science.
Every other day, I would have this class for 75 minutes, and within that time, we would engage in activities, groupwork, readings, and discussions that all developed my then newfound love for science.
This class was the first class I got a good grade. I wasn’t a bad student; I was just unmotivated. Yet, regardless of my lack of motivation in my other classes, I was always motivated in his. The teacher worked with me when I had missing assignments or low test grades. I swam 14 to 20 hours a week after school, which would impact my ability to complete my work on time and to my full potential. Knowing this, my teacher would give me opportunities to make up my work, and while he had high expectations, he would make sure that there wasn’t too much pressure.
I’ll never forget this class. The warm atmosphere with the skylight and music made learning relaxing. Mr. Balay was the best, and I can’t wait to teach science as well. I strive to be half the teacher he was for me.
What is your "teachosophy"?
Every child deserves equal and quality education, regardless of their background, and should feel comfortable learning.
Amelia Hicks
Amelia Hicks is an elementary education major from Greensboro, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2027.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
Walking through the College of Education building, I felt community. There were assignments on the walls of classrooms, and I felt at home.
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
Mrs. Huff for being accepting, honest, caring, passionate, and a mentor.
What is your "teachosophy"?
Passion and compassion are the core of teaching.
Kiley Honsinger
Kiley Honsinger is an art education major from Wilmington, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2027.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
I enjoy the community. App State offers numerous supportive groups to join.
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
My elementary school art teacher made me want to go to school on days when nothing else did. Without her class, I wouldn't be the artist I am now.
What is your "teachosophy"?
I want to create a safe space where young minds can grow creatively. I hope to instill a passion for the joy of making.
Lilly McCraw
Lilly McCraw is a special education major from Providence, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2028.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
I chose App State because the staff were so supportive and helpful when it came to responding to emails, tours, etc. The campus is also a plus, and I love the area!
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
My teacher inspirations are my freshman world history teacher, my freshman American history teacher, and my sophomore English teacher. These teachers did everything they could to build a relationship with their students, allowing my peers and me to experience connections that inspired us to want to learn. These teachers did a great job at being neat and organized and putting students' needs above all.
What is your "teachosophy"?
Every child deserves education and it’s up to teachers to ensure children receive that education.
Emery Morrison
Emery Morrison is a special education major from Willard, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2029.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
I chose App State because of the overwhelming support for education majors. I read about all of the programs and workshops education majors can attend and heard testimonials from staff and past students that made me believe App State would feel like home!
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
My teacher inspiration is my kindergarten teacher Mr. Murphy. In addition to being a teacher, he was a part-time magician. Even though I was in kindergarten, he was able to connect with each and every student and made each one feel special in their own way. I will always remember the jokes he shared, the games we played on the playground, and the magic tricks he did with us.
What is your "teachosophy"?
My teacher philosophy is that every student is capable to learn. Every student has the right to an education that will empower them and help them grow. As a teacher, I will not teach my students what to think, but provide them with the skills so they know how to think critically and empathetically. I also believe in the value of a student's voice and will empower them to write their own stories.
Alice Paschall
Alice Paschall is an art education major from Charlotte, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in 2027.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
I love App State! I chose to go here because of the beautiful location of Boone, North Carolina. I love being outside, and there is so much to do. My major in art education is unique; not a lot of schools have it, so that was another major reason.
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
My teacher inspiration is my high school art teacher, Mr. Gillette! He was always so caring, and I learned so much from him.
What is your "teachosophy"?
My “teachosophy” is to view each student as a unique individual. Each one was created so beautifully, and I just want to be a friend to them!
Ethan Venable
Ethan Venable is an English, secondary education major from Mt. Airy, North Carolina. He is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2026.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
My favorite teachers in school all had degrees from App State, and since I was inspired by them, it was an easy choice.
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
Brian Hayes. Mr. Hayes was the only math teacher who made the subject fun. I would like to do the same thing for my English students.
What is your "teachosophy"?
My teachosophy for teaching English and climate activism is to empower my students to use language as a practical tool for civic engagement, transforming our classroom into a starting point for creating real-world change.
Faith E. Waelz
Faith E. Waelz is an elementary education major from Bessemer City, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2027.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
I chose App State because it felt like home from when I stepped onto campus at an Open House in Spring 2024. I had been praying for guidance about where to go to school and for financial aid. My prayers were answered, and I have been blessed with a community passionate about teaching and education here at App State.
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
Growing up, I always had a hard time sitting still. I would frequently get in trouble for being out of my seat or talking to other students during class. At home, I wasn’t much different and had no interest in doing the homework that would take me hours longer than my peers to do. I was always the last to finish a test and below grade level in reading. It wasn’t until third grade that I was able to be more attentive in class and complete work; however, I still hated going to school and fought against learning.
It wasn’t until my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Baird, realized I had a lot of potential and pushed me as a student. She was patient but firm, and with her help, I found a love for math and science. She set expectations for me that no one else had and honestly believed in what I could achieve. Once I realized that though school was challenging, with the right tools and support, it was engaging. At the end of the year, I scored 5 on my Math EOG and 4 on my Reading, an accomplishment I’m still proud of today.
My fifth grade teacher took what I thought would be the worst experience in my life and turned it into one of the best, which still inspires me today. Mrs. Baird inspired a love for learning and a sense of confidence in each of her students that allowed us to use our knowledge and push past our perceived limits.
What is your "teachosophy"?
Teachers have the power to inspire minds, foster a lifelong love of learning, and provide a positive impact on the future of our world. So my long-term career goals include living up to this standard. With a better understanding of youth development, current research in education, and the structure of our education systems, I would hope to push beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom, setting my students up to be engaged, challenged, and successful. I want to create a classroom built on a growth mindset, where challenges and mistakes are embraced as learning opportunities so that students feel empowered to step outside their comfort zone and work hard to achieve their potential. My goal is to do my part to create what we truly need in our world: a wide variety of creative problem solvers ready to share their unique skills and talents within their communities.
Madeline Whisenant
Madeline Whisenant is an elementary education major from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2028.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
After deciding to be a teacher, I looked for the best education programs in the state. Not very many impressed me until I saw App State's. Not only did the program have a fantastic reputation, but so did the teachers produced from it.
The opportunities given to students were amazing, and I wanted to be a part of it. There seemed to be so much enrichment and encouragement from the College of Education at App State, several qualities I had always looked for in education. However, one of the most important aspects to me was the community and positive environment I found. During my initial tour of the campus, I felt connected and happy, two things I had not really felt in a school environment. Everyone was so wonderful and kind, making me feel as if I belonged.
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
My math teacher senior year was one of the main teachers who inspired me. She was also an App State alumna! She was the only teacher who really helped me to understand math and numbers in general, as she really worked with me to be the best I could be. She would even stay after class with me if I needed more time on a test or just some extra help. She was always so encouraging and positive, motivating me to get through the year and do my best. As students, we could tell that she cared and did not want us to fail, doing her best to help us succeed.
What is your "teachosophy"?
Every student matters, and they all have the potential to succeed, no matter what. Connecting and fostering a positive relationship with my students is one of the best things I can and will do.
I also want to bring one important quality back that education has lacked: creativity. Learning should be a part of the creative process, as this skill is permanent and needed. The foundation of education is creativity, and I hope to strongly implement it into my classroom in the future.
Isabelle “Izzy” Zellner
Izzy Zellner is an elementary education major from Mason, Ohio. She is anticipated to graduate in Spring 2027.
Why did you choose Appalachian?
I chose App State because it is the one place where I feel at home. I could tell that all the professors here want the best for my education and for my future, and I felt safe putting that in their hands.
Who is your teacher inspiration and why?
My teacher inspiration is my mom because she is so passionate about her job as a principal and still is one of the best teachers I know. She puts her all into the kids every day, and I can see the joy that it spreads very clearly. She is so strong and smart and everything I hope to be in my future career.
What is your "teachosophy"?
My goal in teaching is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive classroom where all my students feel valued and capable of success.