Madeline Gronske and Dennis Lamson Awarded WHREA Scholarships

“Energetic, enthusiastic and dedicated students with great potential as future educators”: that’s how two members of Watchung Hills Regional High School’s Class of 2013 were described, and that’s why they were chosen to receive the 2013 Watchung Hills Regional Education Association Scholarship for Future Educators.

Graduating seniors Madeline Gronske and Dennis Lamson, who have attained outstanding academic records as well as shown a commitment to extra-curricular activities, have stated their intention to enter the  field of teaching, and,  in recognition of those aspirations, were each recognized with a $1,000 scholarship at Watchung Hills’ Annual Awards Assembly on June 4.  

The Watchung Hills Regional Education Association (WHREA) has offered scholarship aid  to help with college expenses for eight consecutive years, and since 2006, over $11,000 in scholarships has been distributed to graduating seniors who plan to enter the teaching field. “Donating to the scholarship fund is a concrete way to show our encouragement. Our members have always been very supportive of students who choose to pursue education as a career,” said Joseph Toye., who serves as Selection Committee Co-Chair.

Toye  also indicated that there were a number of “firsts” for the scholarship fund this year: For the first time, the WHREA had surpassed the $10,000 mark for awarded money; for  the first time  a male is  a recipient; for  the first time, the Association has received a donation from outside the school. (The Stone House at Stirling Ridge had provided a dining package that was auctioned off during the WHREA fund-raising event this year.)

Millington resident  “Maddie” Gronske has been a strong student with an impressive grade point average throughout her four years. The rigor of her courses increased each year , but the exposure to the Child Development program has been most influential for  her. Although she had been a  babysitter (and exposed to working with younger children),it was not until her junior year , when she enrolled in the program, that that her passion for education was confirmed.

As a senior, Gronske is now completing her third course in the program and will be eligible for college credits through Seton Hall University at year’s end . “It was such a privilege to work with Mrs. Jaran, teacher of pre-school education courses, as my mentor and as a ‘second mother’ during the past two years,” Gronske said. “I’ve been able to watch the children grow up, learn, and soak up all the new information we provide in the pre-school program. The program has been very important to me.,” she added.

In the fall, Gronske will work toward an education degree at the University of Rhode Island and eventually earn a teaching certificate in early childhood education in its Human Science & Services College.

Although Warren resident Dennis Lamson did not participate in the education program at  Watchung Hills, he was able to explore education as an option  through athletics and coaching. Throughout his four years, Lamson participated in several athletic programs. He earned three letters with the Ultimate Frisbee team, and this year earned a letter with Hills’ football team.

Lamson also played recreational basketball and has been with the Warren Youth Basketball Association since Grade 3.During the past four years, he has volunteered as a coach for younger players in the program. It was this coaching experience that helped him realize his passion for working with children, he said.

“My teachers and coaches here have driven  me to work hard and yet have fun. They encouraged me to believe in  myself and my dreams, no  matter how tough times get. I want to be able to do the same for others when I become a teacher,” Lamson said.

His coaching experience made Lamson aware of his passion for education, and his love of sports helped him settle on majoring in Physical Education/Health next fall when he attends Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania. He hopes to become a motivating educator and community leader.