DES MOINES – Senior Cali Foglesong of Creston Community Schools received the 2017 Special Education Teacher Scholarship of Iowa in recognition for her academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities and educational goals.
Foglesong has worked with special education students through a program at her high school.
“I love being around the kids and help them learn new things,” Foglesong said. “Seeing the smiles on their faces when they understand what I’m teaching them gives me so much joy and happiness. It’s during these moments that I know I was meant to make a difference in the lives of these students.”
Foglesong previously worked at a home for individuals with special needs and enjoyed that experience as well.
“I love working there for several reasons—I enjoy being with them, seeing all they can learn from me and discovering what I can learn from them,” Foglesong said.
Foglesong is an honors student and actively participates in school activities including FFA and softball. She is also a member of her local church youth group. Foglesong plans to attend either Iowa State University or Graceland University and major in elementary education with endorsements in reading and special education. The awards presentation was held May 5 at the Creston Community High School. The award was presented by IASB Executive Director Lisa Bartusek.
The Special Education Teacher Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who plans to study education and is co-sponsored by ClaimAid Consulting Corporation and the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB). The scholarship is awarded based on a number of requirements, including educational goals and academic accomplishments. ClaimAid is a leading provider of comprehensive eligibility and enrollment services and claims resolution for schools, hospitals, patients, individuals and their families. IASB is a private, nonprofit organization representing Iowa’s 333 public school districts, nine area education agencies and 15 community colleges.