KDSN Radio

RELEASE: West Monona Senior Awarded $2,000 Special Education Teacher Scholarship

(March 22, 2021) - Senior Mallory McCall, West Monona Schools, has been awarded the 2021 Special Education Teacher Scholarship of Iowa in recognition for her academic accomplishments, educational goals and extracurricular activities.

"Ultimately I want to work in either a school or hospital helping individuals in the special needs department. I'd like to help people with disabilities learn the things that came so easily to me," said McCall. 

McCall has received academic awards, academic letters and athletic letters throughout her high school career. She has been actively involved in extracurricular programs and activities including basketball, softball, Family, Career and Community Leaders of Iowa, Pep Club and National Honor Society. 

After graduation, McCall plans to major in Special Education in college and hopes to finish in the top half of her class. She has been accepted to both the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa but has not yet made her final decision. 

She credits two students in her school's Special Education program for helping her discover a passion for special education. "They spread positivity everywhere they go. I feel like I share a special connection with them both and truly understand how to help them during difficult days. I will cherish this bond forever because they helped me realize what I want to do with my life. I look forward to helping many others, just like I have helped them!" 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the award was not presented in a live ceremony. The information was sent to the student's guidance counselor for recognition.
 
About the Award: The Special Education Teacher Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who plans to study education, with a focus on special education. Co-sponsored by ClaimAid Consulting Corporation and the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB), the scholarship is awarded based on a number of requirements, including educational goals and academic accomplishments. 

ClaimAid is a leading provider of comprehensive Medicaid eligibility and enrollment services, school-based billing and claims resolution for schools, hospitals, patients, individuals and their families. IASB is a nonprofit organization representing Iowa's 327 public school districts, nine area education agencies and 15 community colleges.