Six Shenandoah University education majors seeking initial teacher licensure have each received a $5,000 Hattie M. Strong Foundation (HMSF) Scholarship designed to reduce financial pressure for students who are in their student-teaching semester.
To be eligible for the award, students must be in their final year of their education studies, have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the two terms prior to their final year, and exhibit outstanding success in field experience. Each student was recommended for the scholarship by Shenandoah University faculty members.
The recipients, known as Strong Scholars, for spring 2026, are:
Cora Helman ’26
“As a student-athlete balancing a 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. school day with both winter and spring sports, my schedule leaves no room for outside employment,” said Helman, who is a track and field (and cross country) athlete. “This scholarship’s support allows me to put more energy into my school day preparation and student time without the added stress of basic expenses like gas and food. It ensures I can arrive at my placements fully focused and prepared to lead quality lessons every day.”
Helman is student-teaching first grade at Boyce Elementary School in Clarke County, Virginia, and fourth and fifth grade at Apple Pie Ridge Elementary School in Frederick County, Virginia, this term. She added that her most significant experiences in Shenandoah’s education program, prior to student-teaching, came through field work at area schools. “I have participated in after-school clubs, peer mentoring, Science Education Week, and many other school activities. Being placed in several different schools and grade levels has been eye-opening, showing me how different teaching styles and diverse learners interact. My favorite part of these experiences is the moment when you can see yourself helping students grow.”
“Cora is a self-motivated student and her enthusiasm for learning is infectious,” writes Professor of Curriculum and Instruction Karen T. Huff, Ed.D., in her scholarship recommendation letter. “She doesn’t just want to be a teacher; she wants to be an excellent teacher. She is the kind of reliable, dedicated educator that every school district hopes to hire.”
Katelyn Lehmbeck ’26
“Some of my best experiences studying at Shenandoah University have been building relationships with other students and professors who are truly passionate about education,” said Lehmbeck, who is student-teaching in Loudoun County, Virginia.
“Sharing the same classes, goals, and commitment to the profession created a strong sense of belonging, and over time, those connections began to feel like family as we moved through each education course together. Attending the Teachers of Promise Institute and being recognized as a Teacher of Promise alongside other SU peers was especially emotional and transformative, as it affirmed my calling to teach and strengthened the community we share as future educators.”
Lehmbeck said Dr. Huff encouraged her to apply for the scholarship. “Her support gave me the confidence to take the opportunity seriously, and I applied. Knowing that someone I respect believed in me meant a lot.”
Emily Mullen ’26
“My music teachers were and still are some of the most influential people in my life and I recognize the influence being a music educator has on our students,” said Mullen. “This is not a responsibility I take lightly and I strive to be a positive and encouraging presence in my students’ lives. With this scholarship, I can focus more on my teaching and showing up for my students rather than stressing about financing student teaching. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to student-teach!”
Mullen is student-teaching with Tracey Wygal at Frederick Douglass Elementary School in Winchester, Virginia, and with Kyle Alperstein ’21 (Bachelor of Music in Music Education) at Taylor Middle School and Kettle Run High School in Fauquier County, Virginia.
“Her outstanding academic and service work for the past three years is ample evidence that she is deserving of the award,” said Director and Professor of Music Education Stephanie Standerfer, Ph.D.
Payton Schaaf ’25, ’26
Payton Schaaf, a graduate student who earned a Master of Science in Education (Individualized Focus) in December 2025, and is completing a Professional Studies Certificate in Health and Physical Education (HPE) with her student-teaching, said the award allows her to focus fully on her student-teaching experiences at Heritage High School and Mountain View Elementary School, both in Loudoun County, and makes her “feel valued and supported as a future educator.”
“Studying education at Shenandoah has truly been a great experience,” she added. “I’ve really enjoyed the small class sizes, especially in HPE, because it allowed me to build strong relationships with my classmates and professors. The environment is very personal, and being on a first-name basis makes me feel seen, heard, and valued as a student. I’ve also loved how Shenandoah gets us into the field early and often. Having opportunities to observe teachers, assist in classes, and gain real experience working with students has made my student-teaching experience much smoother and more rewarding because I already felt confident being in front of a classroom.”
“In my role as an assistant professor at Shenandoah University, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Payton in both academic coursework and field-based settings. She consistently demonstrates a genuine passion for education and a clear commitment to becoming a highly effective teacher,” said Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Program Coordinator for HPE Licensure Philip Liversedge, Ph.D. in his recommendation letter. “Her ability to engage students, apply sound instructional practices, and reflect thoughtfully on her teaching experiences distinguishes her as a future educator of exceptional potential.”
Jackson Smith ’26
“The scholarship is helping me to focus my energy fully on the students I’m teaching so I can provide fun and meaningful musical experiences for them,” said Smith, a music education major who is student-teaching at Cedar Lane Elementary School in Loudoun County. Smith said he applied for the scholarship so that he could demonstrate his love for teaching and receive some support as he teaches full time.
“His work in our classes has been outstanding and has resulted in the confidence to step in front of a class of elementary, middle, or high school students with confidence and skill,” noted Dr. Standerfer in her letter recommending Smith for the scholarship.
Emily Williams ’26
Emily Williams, who is studying both Secondary Education and English, is student-teaching in a seventh grade English class at Daniel Morgan Middle School in Winchester. ”This scholarship has supported me through my final semester of college by covering the rest of my spring semester tuition (after financial aid). With this financial support, I have been able to put money towards my everyday bills and spending. Now, I have been more present and committed to my classroom, because I am not rushing out to another job.”
Like Helman, she is a student-athlete, who just wrapped up her time on the women’s basketball team. She balanced “the demands of collegiate athletics with her coursework in a way that reflects strong time management skills, discipline, and perseverance,” said Shenandoah Department Chair and Associate Professor of Education Studies and Secondary Education Program Coordinator Stephanie J. Malone, Ed.D., in her scholarship recommendation letter. “Beyond her work ethic, Ms. Williams possesses a remarkable demeanor. When she walks into a room, her presence is immediately felt, she is confident, composed, and genuinely engaging. She connects easily with others and carries herself with a warmth and authenticity that naturally draws people in. These qualities will serve her well as an educator and leader.”
Williams said she has loved Shenandoah’s education program because of its experiential opportunities in local classrooms. “Every semester, I have been placed in a different school with a cooperating teacher, giving me the chance to work under a professional and explore myself as an educator. Without these experiences, I would not be able to learn what I like or dislike in a classroom of my own. Now, as a full-time student teacher, I feel very prepared to come into work and lead every day!”
About the HMSF
This is the 14th year the HMSF has provided scholarships for Shenandoah students. HMSF is a charitable private foundation incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1928. The foundation’s activities consist of the administration of a scholarship program and a grant program. The scholarship program is aimed at college students enrolled in teacher-training programs at selected partnering institutions.
