WINONA LAKE — Grace College elementary education and special education major Haley Carson, of  Etna Green, was recently named the 2024 Dr. William Littlejohn Scholarship Award winner by the Indiana Council for Exceptional Children (INCEC).
The scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student who has chosen to pursue licensing in special education and is a current Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) member. This individual exemplifies Littlejohn's dedication to the principles and high professional standards, according to a news release from Grace College.
Carson was recognized on March 6 at the Monroe County Convention Center during the INCEC Beyond Barriers: Educating Exceptional Children Conference.
"I was very excited to represent Grace College at the Indiana Council for Exceptional Children State Conference for the Dr. Littlejohn Scholarship,” said Carson. “I have fully immersed myself in coursework and placements throughout my time at Grace to prepare for my career, and I am honored to be recognized for this award."
The CEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. INCEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.
“Haley is a very determined young woman who has an obvious commitment to the teaching profession, specifically in special education,” said Dr. Cheryl Bremer, dean of the School of Education at Grace. “Her passion for teaching is evidenced through her quality of work, creativity and desire for learning. In all that she does, Haley exemplifies the principles and high professional standards set by a remarkable special educator, Dr. William Littlejohn.”
Carson has been a member of the Grace College chapter of the CEC for the past three years and has served on the executive board for the past two years. Currently, she serves as the board’s president.
This past fall, Carson organized a chapter-wide event in collaboration with the INCEC Breaking Down Barriers Virtual Symposium. In addition, Carson has developed a strong partnership with Cardinal Services, a community organization in Warsaw that serves adults with disabilities. She has organized and facilitated multiple events with this agency, including game nights, athletic “Lancer League” days, Christmas Cardinal Cards and pumpkin painting, the release states.
Aside from these key initiatives, Carson has served the campus and community by tutoring students at a local preschool and serving as a lead counselor for the Girl Scout’s summer camp.
Carson will complete her student teaching requirement in the fall of 2024 and is expected to graduate in December 2024.
“I have no doubt that Haley will continue to make great contributions to the field of special education after she graduates,” said Bremer. “I’m excited to see how God uses her to make a difference.”
To learn more about the Grace College School of Education, visit www.grace.edu/academics/undergraduate/academic-schools-departments/school-of-education/.
To learn more about the Indiana Council for Exceptional Children, visit indiana.exceptionalchildren.org/.