Rebekah Meyers is a dedicated teacher candidate at Kutztown University, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with plans to graduate in Spring 2026. She has received the 2025 Mary Ravita Memorial Scholarship.

Through her work, studies, and volunteer service, Rebekah has gained extensive hands-on experience with children from infancy through elementary grades. These opportunities have built a strong foundation in differentiated instruction and creative lesson planning. She is deeply committed to fostering a lifelong love of learning in every student she teaches.

In addition to her coursework, Rebekah volunteers as a teacher in her church’s children’s ministries. Her responsibilities include leading lessons during the Wednesday night program and teaching during Sunday services. She has also volunteered as a tutor for two elementary students in Alaska through her university’s virtual tutoring program. This role has challenged her to provide personalized academic support while applying course concepts in real time. In Spring 2026, she is excited to continue this journey by completing part of her student teaching in Alaska, immersing herself in a unique educational setting while applying the skills and philosophies she has cultivated.

Rebekah’s professional background includes years of work as both a full-time and part-time nanny, caring for children ranging from six months old to elementary age. In these roles, she implemented Montessori-inspired activities, promoted literacy through frequent read-alouds, and supported schoolwork and exploration-based projects. Upon graduation, Rebekah plans to become a certified PreK–4 teacher, bringing her creativity and enthusiasm for learning into the classroom.

Angelena Montefour is a sophomore at Misericordia University, where she is pursuing a degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics. A dedicated student-athlete, she has maintained Dean’s List honors while participating in two collegiate sports during her freshman year—demonstrating a strong balance between academic excellence and extracurricular involvement.

Angelena’s commitment to education is evident in her service as a tutor at local elementary and middle schools, as well as her ongoing support for students of all levels of math at Misericordia. These experiences have strengthened her instructional skills and confirmed her passion for making a difference in the classroom.

Her dedication to service began through early volunteer work at her church’s annual picnic and the Friends of the Poor Thanksgiving Dinner. These opportunities taught her how to lead with empathy, adapt under pressure, and problem-solve in real time—skills that continue to shape her approach to leadership and teaching.

Angelena also played a pivotal role in the inaugural season of Misericordia’s STUNT team. Her performance and leadership earned national recognition, including the Most Improved Athlete, Power Tumbler of the National Tournament, and All-Tournament Second Team awards, helping the team secure third place at nationals. This experience helped her develop strong teamwork, accountability, and collaboration skills with peers from diverse backgrounds.

As a future teacher, Angelena is passionate about creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where students feel empowered to grow both academically and personally. With a solid foundation in leadership, academic achievement, and community service, she is dedicated to making a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of her future students.