Student Success Blog

Program Award Winner: Jerry Johnson

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 Secondary Education have selected Jerry Johnson as their Outstanding Student in Secondary Education (Social Studies). Congratulations, Jerry!

Jerry Johnson with glasses, wearing an open-collar white shirt against a plain white background.

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Secondary Education (Social Studies), Jerry Johnson:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of? 

Finishing. Like others, I had my “what in the heck am I doing?” moments. 

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

I’ve focused on staying active within the college and with my fellow graduate students. As a “career switcher” I’ve been able to provide some career counseling! 

What are your plans after graduation? 

Getting a teaching job! Any leads? 

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

Spending two amazing weeks in Cyprus with GMU students led by Dr. Helmsing. Highly recommended. 

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

Don’t give up. And reach out if you need help. I’m continually amazed by the professors and staff at Mason who are always read to lend a hand. 

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

Folks can find a bit more about me at www.jerrysjuicebar.com or my nifty web page www.jjohnsondc.com. 

Note: All opinions shared on these sites are Jerry’s alone and not endorsed by the College of Edcuation and Human Development or George Mason Univeristy.

 

Program Award Winner: Erin Hobbins

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 Erin Hobbins as their Outstanding Student in Special Education (Assistive Technology). Congratulations, Erin!

Erin Hobbins smiling with long brown hair and dark-framed glasses looks directly at the camera against a black background.

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Special Education (Assistive Technology), Erin Hobbins:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of?  

I am just incredibly grateful for being able to attend a fantastic college, work full time and raise a family. I have learned so much that I can carry over into my profession of AT Specialist. 

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

Participated in the online graduate program. 

What are your plans after graduation?  

After graduation, I will continue to serve students as an AT Specialist, to the best of my ability armed with new information learned at George Mason. 

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

I loved working as a group to provide “real life” AT solutions for a religious institution in Virginia. There are some truly amazing professionals in this field! 

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

No matter what stage of life you are in, or what obstacles you come up against, you CAN persevere. Make connections with your professors, ask for help, and never give up! Soak up valuable information that you can use later in your professional career to help others. 

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

I could not have made it to this point without the amazing, caring, passionate professors in the Assistive Technology (EDAT) Department! They are life changers! 

 

Program Award Winner: Daphne Papageorge

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!

Papgeorge

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! 

Program Award Winner: Victoria Fauntroy

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!

Fauntroy

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.  

Program Award Winner: Ryan Mingachos

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!

Mingachos

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.