Krista Kyker, a Master of Arts in Teaching student from Martinsburg
Krista Kyker, a Master of Arts in Teaching student from Martinsburg, received a $1,500 scholarship from Tau Sigma National Honor Society for Transfer Students in recognition of her academic success and volunteer service to the community.
Kyker is a volunteer coach with Girls on the Run for the Shenandoah Valley, a mentorship program. Kyker works with girls who are ages 8-11 two nights a week using a curriculum that helps them deal with bullying, improves their self-esteem, and teaches them how they should be treated and how they should treat others.
“I think being a Girls on the Run coach is a great experience for being a teacher because we have a set curriculum,” Kyker said. “We go through this training process to learn how to present the lessons and then we do training modules throughout the year. It all relates back to education, and they’re all kids in the public education system.”
Kyker, who is mother to Chloe, 8, and Cecilia, 9, said the scholarship is a nice financial reward for all her hard work that helps her feel more connected to Shepherd.
“When you come in as a transfer student and also as an older, nontraditional student, sometimes you feel like you’re not really part of the school or the community at first,” she said. “Although Shepherd has been extremely welcoming, this really makes me feel like I’m part of the school.”