Kayla Bellan, 2017 David K. Israel Scholarship Winner

​For decades the East Williston Teachers’ Association has awarded a scholarship to a graduating senior who plans to study education and to become a teacher. The David K. Israel Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, named after a 40 year veteran English teacher who served as the East Williston Teachers’ Association President for more than a quarter century.
 
This year’s recipient is Ms. Kayla Bellan.
 
One of her teachers describes her as an extremely serious student with a strong work ethic, fantastic organizational skills and great academic potential.  She works diligently to achieve good grades, but more importantly she is genuine in her desire to learn and to teach. 
 
She has been described by another faculty member as someone who will one day be an outstanding teacher.  Having observed this student teach lessons in my class, I know she is a natural.  I know she will continue to grow as an individual - one that feels in her heart how important it is to touch the life of a child so that the child feels valued, capable and eager to learn more.
 
Kayla has been an academic leader and a committed student athlete.  In addition, she has held numerous jobs outside of school, juggling her school work and her commitment to her employers. 
 
Kayla’s scholarship application essay was most impressive. Her honest description of her experiences at school are thought-provoking and noteworthy.  Kayla highlighted how a teacher can turn dread to excitement and how a teacher can awaken a one’s hidden passion.  She also talked about the teacher who never gave her a break.  The teacher who kept pushing her and how he helped her to realize she had potential.  The lessons from this teacher brought her to a place where she believed that she could do anything she set her mind to!  As a result of her amazing teachers, who have become her mentors, it is the personal goal of this student to inspire and support students who feel like they are too stupid for school and to show them the love of learning!
 
The SUNY Cortland is truly fortunate to welcome her this fall.  
 
Tax deductible contributions can be made to the David K. Israel Scholarship Foundation c/o The Wheatley School, 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY, 11568

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