For the past 38 years, the East Williston Teachers’ Association has awarded a scholarship to a graduating senior who plans to study education and to become a teacher.
The David K. Israel Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, named after a 40-year veteran English teacher who served as the East Williston Teachers’ Association President for more than a quarter-century.
This year’s recipient is Ms. Karen Chu.
One teacher describes this student as kind and supportive. A person whose personality exudes positivity. This person demonstrates a great desire to understand “why”, showing a great understanding of the value of education.
This student is described by another faculty member as someone who is bubbly and adds great energy to class discussions. This student asks questions and adds anecdotes that help to continue the class conversation. The student is cheerful, welcoming, respectful and has a great sense of humor. This student has the right attitude, the right amount of humility and the ability to connect with others at a deep level. This teacher continued, I would hope my children could have this student as a teacher.
This student volunteers at the school she attended each Sunday for the past 12 years; no longer as a student, but now as the teacher. She crafts engaging lessons to ensure that her students are engaged, learning and having fun! She has learned that teaching opens your heart to the kind-hearted and curious children entrusted to you. She has already learned that teaching, in essence, expands your family.
Vanderbilt University is truly fortunate to welcome her this fall.
Tax deductible contributions can be made to the David K. Israel Scholarship Foundation c/o The Wheatley School, 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY, 11568
Submitted by Meryl Fordin
