Two Florida Tech Students Named Funk Scholars

MELBOURNE, FLA.—Two Florida Institute of Technology science education students were named Fanchon F. Funk scholars by the Florida Association of Teacher Educators (FATE) and were honored at an Oct. 9 awards luncheon. The award identifies education majors who demonstrate a high level of commitment to the teaching profession. It is very unusual, according to FATE President Jane Govoni, for there to be two students from one university for the four annual scholarships.

Michael Greene and Christine Pollard were recognized for their potential as outstanding future educators. They are advised by Debra Blenis, director of teacher education.

Greene, a physics education major, has a grade point average of 4.0 in his education classes. He serves as the chapter president of Future Educators of America (FEA) and as a student adviser in the College of Science. Greene received the Bryan LaRose Memorial Scholarship award this year.

“Michael has shown outstanding capabilities as a student, a mentor and a leader,” Blenis said. “He is very committed to education and being the best teacher he can be.”

Pollard, a chemistry education major, balances being a wife, student, employee and volunteer. A scholarship recipient at the International Science and Engineering Fair in 2006, she tutors students at a local high school, attends FEA events and judges science fairs.

“Christine regularly gives more time than expected of her, but has often expressed how she is benefitting as much, if not more, than those she is helping,” Blenis said. “She is an educator in the true sense of the word.”

The award came with a $750 gift, a plaque, a year membership in FATE and a complimentary registration for the FATE Annual Conference in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Greene is originally from Bradenton, Fla., and Pollard’s hometown is Williston, N.D.