Melissa Kehs Named 2012 Student Marshal for Penn State College of Education
by Wildamie Ceus (April 2012)
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Melissa Kehs served as the student marshal for the Penn State College of Education’s Spring 2012 commencement. She led the procession of graduates at the College’s baccalaureate ceremony, held on Sunday, May 6 in Bryce Jordan Center. Kehs selected Rose Mary Zbiek to escort her as the College’s faculty marshal.
Kehs is a secondary education major with a focus in mathematics. Growing up, she said she always loved school and learning, making a career in education a natural choice for her.
“I enjoyed summer, yet looked forward to August rolling around so that I could buy my back-to-school supplies and return to the familiar school environment,” she explained. “When the time came around to choose a major, the decision was simple. I knew that I wanted to become an educator, just like my mom, and help students to learn and thrive in the classroom.”
Kehs completed her student teaching practicum in 7th and 8th grade classrooms at West Mifflin Area Middle School in West Mifflin, Pa. She described the experience as one she will never forget.
“I learned more than I could have hoped for from both my mentor and my supervisor,” she said. “I feel prepared and ready to go and teach students and impact their lives, just as my previous teachers did for me.”
In her eight semesters at University Park, Kehs served as a THON committee member, a Blue and White Society member, Penn State Math Club treasurer, and a high school tutor, all while maintaining a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade-point average. She also was honored with the Evan Pugh Scholar Award, the President’s Freshman Award, and the President Sparks Award, and made the dean’s list every semester of her academic career.
Kehs’ parents, Martin and Susan Kehs, sister Julie, and other family members were planning to attend the commencement ceremony.
After graduation, Kehs plans on seeking a full-time teaching position as a middle school or high school math teacher, preferably in the greater Philadelphia area. After gaining more experience in the classroom, she intends to earn a master’s degree in education.
