EIU Media Relations

EIU announces Fall 2024 Special Education award recipients

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University is announcing several award-winning students representing its College of Education for the Fall 2024 semester. Each award recipient has received the prestigious honor for demonstrating “exceptional scholarship, leadership, and dedication to serving individuals with disabilities.” The awardees include graduate and undergraduate students who have excelled both academically and in their communities. Recipients of EIU’s 2024 Special Education Recognition Award include (name, EIU class standing, high school, hometown):

·        Abigale E. Bertrand, Sophomore (Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School, Bradley, IL)

·        Emilee R. Boyd, Sophomore (Edinburg High School, Edinburg, IL) 

·        Christina M. Brashear, Senior (Hall High School, Spring Valley, IL) 

·        Ellen M. Dooley, Senior (Wilmington High School, Wilmington, IL) 

·        Jada R. Duncan, Junior (Effingham High School, Effingham, IL) 

·        Rebecca J. Feuerborn, Junior (Danville High School, Danville, IL) 

·        Brianna L. Fisher, Senior (Riverton High School, Riverton, IL) 

·        Jonathan Gaston, Senior (Simeon Career Academy, Chicago, IL) 

·        Amy L. Hall, Graduate Student (Argenta-Oreana High School, Argenta, IL) 

·        Jaidyn P. Julius, Junior (Pana High School, Pana, IL) 

·        Avery P. Postelmans, Junior (Glenwood High School, Chatham, IL) 

·        Makenzie J. Ruppert, Senior (Sullivan High School, Sullivan, IL) 

·        Gaetano S. Spalla, Junior (Victor J. Andrew High School, Tinley Park, IL) 

·        Jorgiann C. Sparrgrove, Graduate Student (Central A & M High School, Mowequa, IL)

According to program leaders, each of these remarkable individuals has made significant contributions to the field of special education and has exemplified outstanding qualities as future leaders in their profession.

“We’re extremely proud of these students for their hard work, dedication to Special Education, and how competently they represent EIU’s College of Education,” said EIU College of Education Dean Dr. Laretta Henderson. “These future leaders will have a big impact in the field of Special Education as they continue to excel personally and professionally.”

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is proactively addressing the projected shortage of 225,000 teachers anticipated in the U.S. beginning this year. Through its comprehensive educator preparation programs, EIU offers more than 30 distinct endorsements in teaching, leadership, and school personnel services, equipping future educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the growing demand for qualified teachers across the Midwest and the nation. For more information about EIU’s Special Education Department or its College of Education, visit eiu.edu/speced/.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.