Amy Caldwell of Mount Morris, a non-traditional senior elementary special education student at Waynesburg University, recently received a prestigious scholarship from the Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (PASCD).

Caldwell was recognized at the 59th annual PASCD Conference Banquet Nov. 22 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, Pa.

PASCD is an organization committed to the improvement of curriculum development, supervision, instruction, the promotion of professional growth and education of children.

According to Mary Desmone, Chair of the PASCD Scholarship Committee, the scholarships help to ensure that "deserving education majors have resources to finish their degree and/or certification and join the ranks of professional educators."

"The scholarship reminded me why I am doing what I am doing," Caldwell said. "I have always been called to teach, I just had to wait a little longer to do so. At the age of 35, I feel I have the professional background with leadership experience that will help make me an effective teacher. Being honored by an association that encourages leadership and professional development in the world of education is the most rewarding experience I have had since I returned back to school."

After 16 years of service at a large corporation in Morgantown, W.Va., Caldwell realized that she had climbed the ladder as high as she could without a degree.

"I decided that if I was going to go back to school, I was going to do it for something I truly wanted to do for the rest of my life," she said.

Two to four scholarships are awarded each year.

This year, PASCD selected three $2,000 scholarship recipients based on points earned on their scholarship applications. The application includes six sections, each worth a specific number of points. Fifty-four applicants vied for the three scholarships.

"The students with the top scores are selected as the recipients. We try to strike a balance between need and merit," Desmone said. "We are very selective."

Of the three selected recipients, the individual with the most points will receive the honor of being named the Dr. Mary Ravita Scholarship recipient. The winner of the honor will be announced at the annual banquet.

"We were very pleased with (Caldwell's) application. (Caldwell) is a non-traditional student, with a GPA of 3.97. She is involved in several community activities and has received several academic awards and recognitions," Desmone said. "Her professor and advisor both gave her exceptional ratings in each of 11 characteristics and glowing comments on their recommendations."

Dr. Diane Woodrum, professor of education and chair of the Department of Education at Waynesburg University, said the university has benefited from having Caldwell as a student.

"Amy has been a wonderful role model for our traditional students. They have learned so much from her that cannot be taught by books alone," Woodrum said. "She is a wonderful mother, wife and exceptional student. We were fortunate that she chose Waynesburg to get her education degree."

In addition to being honored at the banquet, Caldwell will be highlighted in the PASCD Banquet Program, the PASCD newsletter and on the organization's website.