Damascus Student Earns National Honor

By Susan Singer-Bart

Valerie Thomas of Damascus earned national honors for special education excellence.

The Council for Exceptional Children recognized Thomas with its Undergraduate Award, which is presented annually to one outstanding student enrolled in a special education program, based on academic excellence, leadership, service and contributions to the field of special education.

She was one of three students to be honored with the Universities at Shady Grove Student Leadership and Service Award based on her campus activities and academic achievement. She also was recognized with the Maryland Distinguished Teacher Candidate Award and the State of Maryland Governor's Volunteer Service Certificate.

Thomas graduated from Towson University's elementary and special education program in May; however, she attended classes at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville so she could stay close to home and continue her volunteer efforts in Damascus.

''Valerie has stood among the best of the student body at USG," said Stewart Edelstein, executive director of the Universities at Shady Grove. ''She's a model student graduating with a 3.75, and has served the school as a student ambassador, vice president of the international education honor society and president of the council for exceptional children at USG."
MCPS has hired Thomas to teach special education at an elementary school in the fall.

Thomas plans to use the $500 cash prize from the Council for Exceptional Children to outfit her new classroom and buy supplies.

USG is a collaboration of eight public universities in Maryland offering more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Montgomery County.

Additional Article Information

Published Date: Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Printed Source: Damascus edition, page 3, Community section
Online Source: Click here to view full article