Graduates Recognized with State Honors for Exceptional Achievements in Education

Three accomplished education majors from Seton Hall University were recently honored at the New Jersey Distinguished Clinical Intern Awards ceremony. This annual event , jointly organized by the New Jersey Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (NJACTE) and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of these exceptional graduates and their cooperating teachers.

Grace Osterlof, Grace Sheeley, and Brian Reilly, who excelled in their year-long clinical experiences, were among the top graduates from New Jersey's educator preparation programs to be recognized for their remarkable achievements. A total of 62 clinical interns and 71 cooperating teachers were honored at the event.

Interim Dean Joseph Martinelli expressed his pride, stating, "This is quite an honor for our students. Teaching is a calling, and these three graduates are shining examples of the quality of teaching candidates that Seton Hall University produces."

Notably, both Osterlof and Sheeley secured places among the top fifteen awardees, earning them the esteemed 2023 New Jersey Distinguished Clinical Intern Award presented by the NJ Department of Education.

Grace Osterlof, Elementary Education and Special Education major

Grace Osterlof, hailing from Nazareth, PA, graduated with a B.S.E. in Elementary Education and Special Education, as well as a B.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Her commitment to academic excellence extended beyond the classroom, as she actively served as a College Ambassador and participated in Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society. Osterlof also volunteered her time with various organizations, including Team Walker and Special Olympics in her hometown.

Grace Sheeley,  Elementary Education and Special Education major

Branchburg, NJ-native Grace Sheeley completed her studies with a B.S.E. in Elementary Education and Special Education. She remained deeply involved in campus life, actively participating in her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, and serving as a College Ambassador. Sheeley's academic achievements also led to her membership in prestigious organizations such as the New Jersey Education Association, and the international honor societies Kappa Delta Pi and Delta Alpha Pi.

Brian Reilly, Secondary Education and Mathematics major

Brian Reilly, a resident of Hawthorne, NJ, graduated with a B.S.E. in Secondary Education and Mathematics. Reilly made significant contributions to the campus community through his involvement in various organizations, including the Seton Hall chapter of NJEA Preservice, Kappa Delta Pi, Pi Mu Epsilon, Pep Band, and Campus Ministry. He served as a College Ambassador and worked as a student missionary intern for the Seton Hall chapter of Saint Paul's Outreach (SPO). Currently, Reilly continues his missionary work with SPO at Washington State University, through its program dedicated to fostering students' spiritual growth.

The accomplishments of Grace Osterlof, Grace Sheeley and Brian Reilly serve as a testament to the high-caliber education and training provided by Seton Hall. Their exceptional dedication and outstanding achievements have rightfully earned them recognition as future leaders in the field of education.

Categories: Arts and Culture, Education