Read their remarks - National Association of School Psychologists

2012 NASP-ERT MINORITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Scholarship Award Recipients and Remarks
Presented at the NASP Annual Convention, Multicultural Meet and Greet Breakfast
Thursday, February 23, 2012 ¡ Philadelphia PA
Left to right: Heriberto Herrera (Humboldt State University), Tamanna Haque
(Loyola University-Chicago), Phillip Lazarus (NASP President), Erin Farmer (Ball
State University), Nelly Rivera (University of California-Santa Barbara), David
Cherry Jr. (University of Rhode Island), Deborah Crockett (NASP Past President
and MSP Chair). Photo contributed by Leigh Armistead.
David C. Cherry Jr. (Deborah Peek Crockett Minority Scholarship Award)
Briefly, I’d like to thank the National Association of School Psychologists for this award and
allowing me to be here today. I would also like to say a special thanks to Dr. Deborah Crockett
and those in attendance from the University of Rhode Island who have provided ongoing
encouragement and came to show their support here today—GO RHODY. It is an amazing
honor to receive the Deborah Peek Crockett Minority Scholarship Award this year and I am very
excited. When Mrs. Crockett called to inform me that I was going to be an award recipient I had
just woken up and still had a raspy voice—but when she told me the news I almost fell out of my
bed that morning. I couldn’t believe it!
I am proud to say that this award will help me begin my graduate internship for school
psychology in Baltimore City Public Schools next school year, where I will have many
opportunities to work with a diverse population of families and professionals. This is my first
NASP Convention experience and I am looking forward to meeting many of you over the next
couple of days. Thank you all again, and I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their time in
Philadelphia.
Tamanna Haque (NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship Program Award)
First, I’d like to say congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients and say that I am honored
to be here with all of you! I also thank Dr. Lazarus and everyone at NASP for their hard work in
bringing us together.
1 I’d especially like to thank Dr. Crockett for her dedication in the field of school psychology and
her contributions to the Minority Scholarship Program. She is one of the main reasons why I am
standing here and I have a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for this phenomenal
woman.
I’d like to thank my program directors and professors from Loyola University Chicago as well.
These outstanding individuals have not only been my mentors, but they have also broadened my
perspectives on issues of multiculturalism and social justice. I deeply value the skills that I have
learned from them.
I believe that the journey that led me here, however, could not have begun without my personal
faith in God and the unending support from my parents who have always encouraged me to
keep fighting for my goals. Also, I must give thanks to my husband because he firmly believes in
my ability to accomplish my dreams and aspirations.
All of these individuals have helped me formulate my professional goals and to bring in my
experiences as a minority professional to the field.
I know that I possess great dedication and commitment for this field and receiving this
scholarship further solidifies my passion for the field of school psychology.
I’d like to end with once again expressing my immense gratitude to Dr. Crockett and for the
opportunity to receive such a prestigious scholarship and join this remarkable family of
scholars.
Thank you.
Heriberto Herrera (The Pearson Minority Scholarship Award)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am deeply honored to have been selected as the laureate to accept the Pearson Minority
Scholarship Award. I am deeply grateful for the recognition from the program sponsored by
Pearson Publishing Company and the hard work of NASP Minority Scholarship Program team
that made this possible.
I should admit I was a bit stunned when I learned about my nomination as Dr. Crockett could
attest. Without any false modesty, I feel that many other graduate students of color are also
worthy of this award.
I can’t begin to express my excitement and inspiration from this award. Throughout my life I
have faced a lot of challenges, events that I don’t wish upon anyone else. It’s ironical that 7 years
and 17 days ago today, my life took a change when I nearly died in a car accident. Since then, I
have been a student with TBI. Not many people know this as I do not wish to seek any sympathy
or get special treatment. I don’t think I even put that information in my statement of purpose. I
do not let my injury define me, I define myself.
I want to express my gratitude to my Humboldt State professors, especially my sponsors. Dr.
Brent Duncan, your leadership continues to inspire me to achieve and be the best that I can be. I
would also like to acknowledge Dr. Emily Sommerman who could not be here today. I would like
2 to thank my cohort, who has supported me throughout my first year in graduate school.
Katelynn and Claire, I thank you for being here to support me on this special occasion.
I want to send my gratitude to my family: mom and dad. Quiero que sepan que nuestras luchas
en México y en los estados unidos para vivir el sueño americano no ha sido en vano. I want to
especially thank my beautiful fiancée Denise, for always supporting me and standing by my side.
I dedicate my award to my Humboldt Community where only 9.8% of the population is of Latino
and Hispanic origin, a community where 17.7% of the population is below the poverty level, 4%
higher than the state. To my raza, may I be an example that Latinos will succeed despite the
struggles and oppression that we endure on a day to day basis.
Thank you for selecting me. I will do my best to fulfill your trust in me, contribute to the
National Association of School Psychologists, and serve our students so that they too may
succeed in school, at home, and in life.
Thank you!
Nelly Rivera (Wayne Gressett Memorial Minority Scholarship Award)
I want to extend my gratitude to the NASP ERT- Minority Scholarship Program Committee, Dr.
Crockett, friends, my advisor, Dr. Jill Sharkey, and family.
Hearing Dr. Crockett’s energetic voice communicating such great news early in the morning
made me think of the faces of the individuals who have given me the opportunity to excel
academically and socially. Growing up in South-Central Los Angeles had its challenges, but I
was lucky enough to be surrounded by supportive people who provided a safe environment to
nourish my strengths and support my weaknesses. Feeling connected to school and supported
by the adults in my life continues to be a driving force to strive for success. A crucial component
of success is having an opportunity to succeed. I can only hope to be able to provide many
opportunities to the students and communities that I will be working with just as I have been
afforded those opportunities from past teachers, family, advisors, and now, the Minority
Scholarship Program Committee. I sincerely thank you for this wonderful opportunity and
recognition.
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