SUNY Potsdam Graduate Student Honored with Student of the Year Award from Teacher Opportunity Corps

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From left, Teacher Opportunity Corps Director Diana Fisher presents the TOC Student of the Year Award to Daniel Valenzuela, with School of Education and Professional Studies Dean Dr. Peter Brouwer.

POTSDAM, NY (05/11/2012)(readMedia)-- Eighteen SUNY Potsdam students were honored recently for their academic accomplishments and their participation in the professional development opportunities provided by the Teacher Opportunity Corps (TOC) program at its annual student awards reception and ceremony.

Daniel Valenzuela, a graduate student completing his Master of Education degree in special education, was presented the TOC Student of the Year Award for his academic achievements, outstanding participation in TOC professional development conferences and seminars, leadership in teaching-related activities, and commitment to a career in the teaching profession. Valenzuela is from Central Islip, N.Y., and is currently serving as a teacher's assistant in a BOCES special education program for autistic children between the ages of 8 and 16.

TOC participants were recognized for their excellent academic achievement during the fall semester. Five graduate students, all from New York State, earned grade point averages exceeding 3.75, including: Shaneah Daise and Latesha Fussell of Brooklyn, Wendy MacCue of Massena, Vilgrain Richemond of Evans Mills and Adam Rothrock of Naples. Undergraduate students William Govan of Brooklyn, Audrianna Vahue of Rochester and Kayla Viau of Winthrop, achieved the President's List. Kayanna Cobb of Bay Shore and Miriam Johnson of Rochester made the Dean's List.

Certificates for notable academic achievement were awarded to graduate students Shelese Dupree of Albany, Nicole Tobar of Greenport and Valenzuela, and to undergraduates Yusef Graves of New York City, Bianca Jacobs and Amanda King of Akwesasne, Jamellah Lahens of Queens and Stephen Strough of Syracuse.

TOC members Amanda King and Nicole Tobar were also recognized for the successful completion of their student teaching experiences during the fall semester.

At the College, TOC serves 18 to 20 students each year. Its purpose is to enhance the preparation of teachers and prospective teachers in addressing the learning needs of at-risk students and to encourage individuals traditionally underrepresented in teaching to choose teaching as a career. TOC is sponsored by the New York State Department of Education Office of K-16 Initiatives and Access Programs and The School of Education and Professional Studies at SUNY Potsdam.

To find out more about the Teacher Opportunity Corps at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/support/toc/.

Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges. SUNY Potsdam currently enrolls approximately 4,350 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its handcrafted education, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher training and leadership in the performing and visual arts.

-www.potsdam.edu-