Wednesday, August 8, 2001
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Wednesday, August 8, 2001 |
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Teachers receive scholarships for education Two Fayette elementary school teachers were recently awarded scholarships from Target Department Stores to assist them in the continuation of their education. Mary Filko of Oak Grove Elementary and Mary Ann Pegues of Braelinn Elementary School were each awarded a $500 scholarship to apply toward their staff development endeavors. Filko and Pegues were among 49 teachers from throughout the metro Atlanta area to receive the Target Teachers Scholarship Award. In order to apply for the award, teachers had to submit essaid describing what they would do with the scholarship if they received it, how awarding them the scholarship would affect their students, and why they needed the scholarship money. "I was surprised to learn that I was a recipient. I had never really won anything before," said Filko. "Target offers this scholarship each year and it really helps to offset the cost of continuing one's education. I think it is important that all teachers learn about this program so that they can take advantage of it." Filko, who had just finished earning a degree in instructional technology from the State University of West Georgia, used her scholarship to enroll in additional technology training classes at Kennesaw State University over the summer. For 24 years, she has taught third grade. Now, with her new degree and instructional training, Filko is going to serve as the computer teacher at Oak Grove for the 2001-2002 academic year. Instead of using her scholarship to pay for summer courses, Pegues used the award to replenish money she had taken out of her retirement fund to earn a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Georgia. In her essay she stated that she was a single mom with one child at Georgia Tech and another about to enter college in one year, so she needed the money to help offset educational expenses. "I am very appreciative of this award. It has been a great help," said Pegues. "Target made the process of applying for the scholarship accessible and simple. I would encourage other teachers to apply in the future." Pegues said she did not know the program existed until two classmates in her master's program suggested that she apply for the scholarship. "I was very excited to know I had won, but I can't say that I was surprised. Writing is my thing. I really enjoy it and felt that I had written a strong essay," she continues. Since 1998, Target has supported teachers with over $4 million dollars in scholarships for enhancing their education. This year marked Target's sixth annual presentation of scholarships to teachers in the Atlanta market.
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