Author: Brianna Alford

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in Special Education have selected Daphne Papageorge as their Outstanding Student in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis). Congratulations, Daphne!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis), Daphne Papageorge:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of? 

It has been a goal of mine to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for a very long time. Completing the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certificate program at GMU was the first step in moving towards that goal. I am very proud of that accomplishment. 

What organizations/affiliations have you been involved with while at Mason?  

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)

What are your plans after graduation?  

I completed my ABA supervision practicum in December of 2019 and am now studying to prepare for the BCBA exam. I plan to take the exam in July. When I become a BCBA I hope to utilize my education and experience to continue working with students with Autism. 

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student?  

I enjoyed learning with people I work with and collaborating with them on projects and assignments. It made the learning deeper and allowed for the carryover of skills into the workplace. 

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)?  

ABA is such an interesting science. Take the time to learn the basics of ABA and don’t be afraid to ask questions to your professors. 

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?  

I am so happy that I completed the ABA Certificate Program at GMU. Becoming a BCBA will be one of my greatest achievements. I feel honored to be chosen as a program award winner. It was totally unexpected! 

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in the Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion program have selected Victoria Fauntroy as their Outstanding Graduate Student in Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion. Congratulations, Victoria!

Q & A with Outstanding Graduate Student in Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion, Victoria Fauntroy:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of?  

Winning the Best Poster competition at the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) Annual Conference.  

What organizations/affiliations have you been involved with while at Mason?  

While at Mason, I have been involved with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS), and Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA). 

What are your plans after graduation?  

After graduation, my plan is to work as a Certified Athletic Trainer in a clinical or research position.  

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student?  

My favorite memory in CEHD is taking graduation pictures with two of my close friends.  

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)?   

My advice for fellow CEHD students is to 1) know and always remember your “why” and 2) have a hobby outside of school that brings you joy and helps you grow.  

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management have selected Ryan Mingachos for two honors. He is the recipient of both the John R. Linn Memorial Award for Oustanding Student Athlete and the Charley Casserly Award for Outstanding Student in Sport Management. Congratulations, Ryan!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Sport Management and Outstanding Student Athlete, Ryan Mingachos:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of?  

I am most proud of receiving the Provost Athletic Scholar Award on two separate occasions.  

What organizations/affiliations have you been involved with while at Mason?   

I was a part of the George Mason Men’s Soccer team and the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC).  

What are your plans after graduation?  

My plan after graduation is to play soccer professionally then continue as a soccer coach at the collegiate or professional level.  

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student?  

My favorite part of being a CEHD student was working and getting to know all the amazing professors that work in the college.  

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)?   

One piece of advice that I would give for fellow CEHD students is to try and grow a relationship with each of your professors because they will help you and answer any questions you have. I have never had a professor in the College of Education and Human Development program that I didn’t like or refused to give me guidance or help. 

 

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in the Elementary Education program have selected Denisa Linte as their Outstanding Student in Elementary Education. Congratulations, Denisa!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Elementary Education, Denisa Linte:

What academic accomplishment are you most proud of? 

Part of Mason’s Elementary Education program provides students the opportunity to work at FCPS schools with incredible mentor teachers. These experiences are what I am most proud of since they have all helped me grow tremendously as an educator. 

 

What are your plans after graduation?  

Starting this Fall, I will be teaching at an elementary school for Fairfax County Public Schools. I cannot wait to apply all that I have learned and I’m ecstatic to have my own class!  

 

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student? 

Being able to work, collaborate, and learn from my professors and peers. I cannot express my gratitude to these individuals enough as they have made every class memorable and impactful.  

 

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students? 

Take the time to build genuine relationships with peers and professors. These relationships allowed me to feel comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone, giving me the opportunity to grow as a learner. These personal connections made my experience as a graduate student so meaningful.   

 

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself? 

I would really like to thank my professors and peers for giving me an irreplaceable academic experience.  

 

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in the Mathematics Education Leadership program have selected Christie Graf as their Outstanding Student in Mathematics Education Leadership (K-8 Math Specialist Program). Congratulations, Christie!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Mathematics Education Leadership, Christie Graf:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of?  

I am most proud of the professional development sessions I have created and implemented during the program.  

What are your plans after graduation?  

My plans are to continue teaching math and to take on more leadership roles and opportunities within my school.  

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student?  

My favorite part of being a CEHD student is being able to collaborate and work with my classmates. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to work alongside and learn so much from other amazing educators.  

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)?   

My advice would be to find a support system among your classmates. I would not have been able to do so well and learn so much in this program without my classmates. Be willing to help others and seek help when you need it.  

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?  

I am the math department chair and math teacher at Manassas Park High School.