Sheila Walsh ’ 92 ’ 03M
School students to understand their own value and potential for meeting their life dreams . But it is also an organization that helps all members of the Thread families make progress in their lives and relationship interactions .”
Walsh serves in the role of “ Head of Family ” within the overarching structure and connects regularly with her family members — consisting of Baltimore youth and fellow volunteers .
Walsh has maintained a strong connection to her alma mater through the years and has provided steadfast philanthropic support . She has endowed a scholarship , is a member of the Nick Mueller Society for leadership giving , the 1947 Club for consecutive giving , and the Great Oaks Society for planned giving .
Additionally , she serves as a member of the President ’ s Advisory Council .
“ Villa Julie and Stevenson have enriched my life economically , and spiritually , and given me access to lifelong relationships that have enriched all aspects of my life . I support Stevenson to pay back the university for the lifelong support in my employment efforts . I believe I have a responsibility to pay it forward so other students can receive that same help .
“ My alma mater made me a member of their community which I now call my SU family . Family is everything to me . Whether it is my biological family or my chosen family . For me , family is a source of unrelenting unconditional love . My mentors , teachers , supporters , and family members have given me unconditional love and taught me that giving to others brings me great joy .”
Young Alumni Award
JANEL FRAZIER ’ 13
Janel Frazier from the Class of 2013 is this year ’ s recipient of the Young Alumni Award , presented to a graduate of the past 15 years who has achieved extraordinary professional success , has a personal commitment to civic or humanitarian efforts , and has remained engaged with their alma mater .
Frazier earned her degree in Early Childhood Education at Stevenson and went on to earn a Master of Art in Teaching from National University in 2015 . She has obtained National and State certifications in both early childhood and elementary education .
“ The more we learn , the more flexible and open we will be to new experiences . These new experiences help us grow and enjoy life to its fullest .”
Frazier is a first-grade teacher at Greencastle Elementary School and has spent the past eight years teaching in the Montgomery County Public School system . Like all educators , Frazier has faced challenges amid the pandemic . Over the past year , she has creatively adapted to new modes of instruction and has focused on the importance of making memorable moments with her first graders while teaching remotely .
“ In a year with so many tragedies and unusual moments , it was important for me to build relationships and trust with my students . I wanted my students to feel like school is an exciting place where they felt heard and were able to have new experiences .”
Outside her classroom , Frazier is involved in volunteer organizations where she aligns her teaching experience with the needs of local non-profits . She is a tutor for Good Children in the Making Foster Care Company and has designed and implemented a STEM Enrichment Program for the organization . Frazier is also involved with Christ Church Media Ministry .
While a student at SU , Frazier was very involved in student life . She was on the Mustang Crew , a Stevenson Ambassador , Sigma Alpha Pi Honor Society , Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society , Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society , Teachers of Tomorrow and Equity in Education , an NCATE Education Department Review Panelist , a Mentor for SU ’ s America Reads Program , and an Academic Link Tutor .
“ Don ’ t be afraid of trying something new ! College is a great time to try things that you may not have thought you would enjoy . Whether it ’ s giving tours to prospective students , tutoring others in the Academic Link , or going to see a show that you never would have thought would interest you , college is a great time to learn more about what you are passionate about . You also can meet some great friends along the way who really make your life more meaningful .”
Beyond graduation , Frazier has maintained her involvement and a strong connection to her alma mater . She has served on alumni panels , volunteered at Open Houses and Accepted Students Days , presented at numerous conferences alongside faculty member Dr . Beth Kobett , and has recently joined the School of Education faculty as an adjunct professor .
Janel Frazier ’ 13
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