From the left, Susan Hill, SOEA Chapter Advisor, stands with Annabell Jackson, Raven Cheney as they display their individual and organizational awards with CASC President Dr. Jay Falkner
In the spring of this year, the Student Oklahoma Education Association (SOEA) at Carl Albert State College earned an outstanding reputation at the State Conference, bringing home first place in four out of five competitive events. Now, the chapter has expanded their recognition beyond state borders, receiving three awards at the national level. The awards ceremony served as the climax of the NEA Aspiring Educators Convention held in Houston, Texas last month.
During the ceremony Annabell Jackson was named the recipient of the Jeffery “JD” Miller Outstanding Underclassmen Award.” Jackson was nominated by her local chapter based on her involvement in chapter activities and her resilient attitude. Jackson is a Pre-Elementary major, planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Special Education.
Susan Hill was named the 2018-2019 National Outstanding Local Advisor. Hill, a CASC instructor of Fine Arts and Communications, was instrumental in reviving the local chapter because she felt the 89 students majoring in education needed to have experiences that would benefit them on their journey to becoming teachers. Serving as faculty advisor, she took chapter members to numerous conferences and events and helped them plan professional development activities.
In addition, the CASC SOEA chapter received recognition for Outstanding Local Excellence. This award was presented to chapters who planned and executed activities related to the four core values of teacher quality, community outreach, legislative action, and social justice.
According to SOEA State Coordinator Kim Littrell, receiving these awards was no small feat. “We were ecstatic to bring these honors back to Oklahoma. Most of the awards go to the state of Pennsylvania, which produces the highest number of America’s educators. When you compare our state membership of 500 to their state membership of 13,000, it’s easy to understand why it is hard for us to compete. Because of CASC, Oklahoma not only competed but gained our first national recognition. This is a big deal,” stated Littrell.
The chapter is proud of their accomplishments and humbled by the recognition received in their first year as a revitalized organization. With a new and larger officer team in place, the group has already begun filling the calendar with events for a new school year. According to Hill, “The future of Oklahoma education is looker brighter every day with education majors like those at Carl Albert State College. We look forward to doing what we can to equip them and enable them to be the best teachers possible.”
SOEA membership is open to any CASC student interested in education-related careers. The $30 annual dues provide a free t-shirt, membership in the local chapter, OEA, and NEA, and numerous scholarship and leadership opportunities. For more information about SOEA or to discuss hosting joint projects with the group, contact Susan Hill at 918-647-1472.
KXMX News Staff
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