Wendy Gowin and Amanda Holder, recent graduates of Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education, were awarded the Gary L. Riggins Writing Award and the Cliff Schimmels Award for Excellence in Education, respectively.

Gowin, an eighth-grade literacy teacher at Dalton (Ga.) Middle School, won the Gary L. Riggins Writing Award, which recognizes the top master level thesis in the graduating class.

“I was so surprised when they called my name,” said Gowin. “I was just thankful to have the opportunity to write and express my love of words and passion for communication.”

The Cliff Schimmels Award for Excellence in Education commemorates the late Dr. Cliff Schimmels, nationally known educator and member of the Helen DeVos College of Education.

The award is the most prominent honor Lee’s education graduate program bestows.

Holder, this year’s recipient, said, “I was floored; it was definitely an honor to receive that golden apple! The College of Education is filled with great teachers who want to see their students succeed.” Holder recently acquired a position within the Taylor Elementary pre-kindergarten program.

The honorees are nominated by a range of professional educators including mentoring teachers, university supervisors and faculty research advisers. The nominations are voted on by the graduate faculty and then presented annually at the graduate banquet prior to the summer graduation exercises.

Excellence in Education awards were given to Wendy Gowin and Amanda Holder by the Lee University Helen DeVos College of Education. From left are Dr. Charles Carrick; Dr. Bill Estes, department chair; Gowin; Stephanie Stone, graduate student representative; Holder; Dr. George Nerren; Dr. Joann Higginbotham; and Dr. Gary Riggins, director of graduate studies in education.