The College of Education and Human Services at Murray State University held its first annual Golden Apple Dessert Reception on March 29 to recognize local high-achieving high school seniors who have noted an interest in pursuing education as a profession. Pictured here are Ms. Tressa Ross, college recruitment coordinator, and the college’s student ambassadors who assisted with the event.
The College of Education and Human Services at Murray State University held its first annual Golden Apple Dessert Reception on March 29 in Alexander Hall. The purpose of the event was to recognize local high-achieving high school seniors who have noted an interest in pursuing education as a profession.
The students invited were selected based on a few criteria. Participants either attended the recent Educators Rising Conference at Murray State, were enrolled in the college’s EDU 104 dual-credit course, were recommended by their school counselors or had already been admitted to Murray State for the fall 2018 semester with an education-related major.
Students in attendance, along with their guardians, were able to learn more about the teaching profession, college life and Murray State in general. A keynote address was given by Dr. Casey Allen, a sixth-generation educator who currently serves as superintendent of Ballard County Schools and recently completed the Ed.D. in p-20 and community leadership program at Murray State. Allen reflected on the moment he knew he wanted to be a teacher and encouraged the students to recall similar instances in their lives.
“Horace Mann, the late statesman and educator, once noted that education was ‘the great equalizer.’ I still firmly believe this to be true,” Allen said. “A free, quality public education provides the foundation to help everyone find their place in society as productive individuals.”
Aaron Smith, a junior studying middle school education at Murray State, also spoke to the audience, providing a student perspective and valuable insight. Dr. David Whaley, dean for the College of Education and Human Services, and Dr. Robert Lyons, assistant dean, then presented the high school students with certificates in recognition of their academic successes thus far, commitment to pursuing higher education as a means of self-improvement and interest in teaching to help improve the lives of others.
“We were excited to meet our prospective students and their families,” Lyons said. “We want them to know how much this college and University value them as future educators.”
During the reception, several faculty and staff members of the college were available to answer program-specific questions. Attendees were also treated to a tour of Alexander Hall, which is known as the education building on campus.
“I applaud Murray State,” Allen said, “and particularly the College of Education and Human Services, for the forethought to invite our young people who are interested in education to meet, socialize and have the opportunity to form relationships with others who are called to the field of education.”
To see photos from the first annual Golden Apple event, visit the College of Education and Human Services on Facebook at facebook.com/MurrayStateCOEHS.
About Murray State University: Murray State University provides an “Opportunity Afforded” for more than 10,000 students through a high-quality education with experiential learning, academic and personal growth and the ability to secure a lifetime of success. Since 1922, the true value of higher education has been found at Murray State University, where our commitment is to afford endless opportunities for developing leaders in the community, the country and the world. The University’s main campus is located in Murray, Ky., and includes five regional campuses. For more information about Murray State University, please visit murraystate.edu.