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MU Department of Education honors students, alumni at annual Celebrate Education event

North Manchester, IN (05/21/2025) — Manchester University's Henney Department of Education hosted its annual Celebrate Education event on Tuesday, April 29.

The event welcomes incoming first-year students to the program and honors current students and alumni with a variety of awards.

Each year, faculty and staff select students for the program's Spartan Award, given to students who don't seek the spotlight, but whose work, perseverance and attitude stand out and make a difference, reflecting the Spartan spirit.

This year's recipients were Ernesto Rangel, Kolton Ploughe, Taelynn Benish, Garrett Lewis and Carmen Reno.

The program also selected four students as the Henney Scholars-participants in a competitive program that requires an application and commitment to an important issue in education. The group will spend three days in Columbus, Ohio, studying progressive education, and they will submit a proposal to present at a conference in October.

The 2025 Henney Scholars are Kendall Hill, Addie Haynes, Andrew Morrison and Ryan Fox.

Three alumni of the program were honored for their work in the education field: Janel Horvath as the Alumni Teacher of the Year, Becca Colbert as the Alumni Educational Studies Professional of the Year, and Patty Good for the Henney Department of Education Legacy Award.

For the media

Contact Heather Schilling, director of clinical experience and professor of education, at haschilling@manchester.edu.

Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.

Our mission and values

Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.