Pictured are the award recipients, front row from left, Galen Bell, Stephanie Stone, and James McClusky with, back row from left, Dr. Riggins and Dr. Deborah Murray, dean of HDCOE.
- photo by Randi Vasquez
Lee University named Galen Bell, James McClusky and Stephanie Stone as the recipients of two of the highest honors in the Helen DeVos College of Education, the Cliff Schimmels Superior Performance Award and the Gary L. Riggins Graduate Education Writing Award.
This was the first year in which two recipients were chosen for the Schimmels Award. Mr. Bell and Ms. Stone both completed the Master of Education in Educational Leadership program at Lee. Mr. Bell is currently teaching at East Hamilton School in Ooltewah. Ms. Stone is currently working at Cleveland Middle School focusing on its Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program.
The Cliff Schimmels Superior Performance Award is presented annually in memorial to Dr. Cliff Schimmels, a former professor in the HDCOE. Schimmels passed away in May of 2001.
“I am extremely honored to have these teachers win these awards” said Dr. Gary Riggins. “They represent the best and brightest Lee has to offer and I know that their students are in the competent hands of an exemplary educator.”
Mr. McClusky is this year’s recipient of the Gary L. Riggins Graduate Writing Award. His thesis is entitled “Working on Your Own Time: A Study of Homework Assignment Preferences in High School Students,” and directed by Dr. Eric Moyen, director of first year programs.
Originally from Cleveland, Mr. McClusky is currently a teacher’s assistant at Ocoee Middle School.
“This is my first major academic award, it is a fantastic joy and a complete surprise,” said Mr. McClusky.
The award was established to honor Dr. Riggins, the longtime director of graduate programs in education. It is given annually to the graduate student who demonstrates superior writing skills and is determined by a vote of the graduate faculty.
For more information about these awards please contact Lee’s Helen DeVos College of Education at 617-8175.