OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
J.E. and L.E. Mabee Welcome Center
800.826.2281 x 8113
785.227.3380 x 8113
admissions@bethanylb.edu
The Path to Your Purpose
2021 Bethany College Teachers of Promise
Aug 13, 2021
Bethany Education Department is pleased to announce the selection of this year’s two outstanding teacher education students identified as “Teachers of Promise.”
Marcelle Manatrey (Elementary Education K-6, ELL, Special Education) and Abigail Rishel-Barnett (Vocal Music Education, PreK-12) will have the opportunity to participate in a professional workshop conducted by the 2020 Kansas Teacher of the Year team of eight exemplary teachers. In addition, Miss Manatrey and Miss Rishel-Barnett will receive a special certificate of recognition at the State Awards Banquet on September 25.
The Teachers of Promise candidates show a dedication and enthusiasm for teaching, an ability to teach and motivate others, and have consistently demonstrated integrity, responsibility, and professionalism in their behaviors, work, and communications.
Pictured are the Teachers of Promise candidates accompanied by their cooperating teacher and college supervisor as they were surprised with the announcement this week at one of their student teaching placements, Schilling Elementary School in Salina, Kansas.
Bethany College conferred degrees upon 99 students in Presser Hall Auditorium on April 27, 2024. The ceremony honored students who earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education from the college during the 2023-2024 academic year. Summer, fall, and spring graduates were honored during a Baccalaureate worship service at 10:30 a.m. in Presser Hall, followed by Commencement at 2 p.m. Campus Pastor Melissa Woeppel led the Baccalaureate Service, and Rev. Lamont Wells, Executive Director of the Network of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Co llege and Universities (NECU). Gracelyn Gaskill '24, a chemistry and music major from Lindsborg, Kansas, provided special music for Commencement. Senior class speakers Inioluwa "Enoch" Ojo '24, a biology major from Katy, Texas, and Benjamin "Ben" Turner '24, a History and Political Science Major from Peyton, Colorado, gave thoughtful remarks on their time at Bethany College, taking time to thank their friends, faculty, and coaches. Dr. Brent Mai '85, Dean of University Libraries at Wichita State University, gave the commencement address, encouraging this year's graduates to go out into the world and exercise the four tenets of stoicism: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.
Interim President Steve Eckman commended the efforts of the faculty and staff in securing the grant, stating, "We are immensely grateful to the McPherson County Community Foundation for their incredible generosity. This grant will benefit our students and enrich the educational experiences available in the Smoky Valley community."
The newly appointed Presidential Search Committee will commence their work immediately, aiming to recommend a candidate for Bethany College's 16th president to the board by the April 2025 board meeting.