Keyla M. Hernandez Named 2016 William Beckett Teacher Preparation Scholarship Recipient
Springfield College and Springfield Public Schools announced today that Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy class of 2016 student Keyla M. Hernandez has received the 2016 William Beckett Teacher Preparation Scholarship. The scholarship provides full tuition and fees to a graduating Springfield Public Schools student of color who is preparing for a PreK through 12th grade teaching profession and plans to teach in the area.
Hernandez has volunteered as a math and English tutor for second and fifth grade students in Springfield, and she has served as the vice president of the Outdoor Adventure Club at Putnam. Hernandez also has been named a MassMutual Academic Achiever by maintaining a “B” average or better for four consecutive marking periods.
“I want to become that teacher who reaches out to kids like me, and I want to teach right here in Springfield,” said Hernandez. “I owe a lot to the Springfield Public Schools and the teachers who encouraged me in every grade to move outside my comfort zone and positively challenged me to reach my full potential. I am so excited to be enrolling at Springfield College in the fall.”
Following a comprehensive assessment of the student’s academic record, recipients of the scholarship are recommended by the Springfield Public Schools Guidance Department and the Springfield College Office of Admissions.
Following graduation from Springfield College with a teaching degree and upon conferral of Massachusetts certification and licensure, William Beckett Teacher Preparation Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to apply for teaching positions within Springfield Public Schools.
The William Beckett Teacher Preparation Scholarship is named in honor of William H.J. Beckett, an African-American student who received the first degree from the College. Beckett received a Bachelor of Humanics in 1906.
