Photo Caption: Shorter University Education Major Casei Burkhalter (center, back) with Mrs. Stone’s fourth grade class at Alto Park Elementary.

Rome, Ga. – Shorter University junior Casei Burkhalter has been selected to receive a $700 scholarship presented by the Floyd-Rome Retired Educators Association.

She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Early Childhood Education at Shorter University, which leads to dual certification to teach at the Pre-K to 5^th grade level.

For Burkhalter, this scholarship means more than not having to worry about securing financial stability. She entered Shorter in 2011 but decided to take some time to work and start a family. She returned to Shorter to major in education.

“As a wife, mother and student, there are times where I question whether I am on the right path and whether I am following [God’s] path, but time after time He sends me signs that I am right where I need to be,” said Burkhalter.

After receiving the email from her education professor that she had been selected as a recipient by the scholarship committee, she felt as though a weight had been lifted off of her.

“This was a reminder from God that I needed to stop being anxious and know that the path that He set in front of me was indeed the path for me,” said Burkhalter.

An aspiring educator, Burkhalter believes that with her dual certification she can reach more students. She said providing students an inclusive environment and the opportunity for one-on-one attention helps students find their purpose and from that their passion within their purpose.

“My middle daughter, Chloe, who suffers from a speech and language problem, led me to pursue a dual certification because I feel that giving children their one-on-one attention helps them aspire to who they want to be,” said Burkhalter.

Each year, the Floyd-Rome Retired Educators Association presents scholarships to students who exemplify exceptional skills in the field of education and who study at Shorter University and both Berry and Georgia Highlands colleges. This year’s scholarships will be presented at a luncheon hosted by the Floyd-Rome Retired Educators Association in April.

Written by Public Relations Intern Cecil Robinson

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review annually include Shorter on their lists of best Southeastern Colleges. The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses and degree programs, undergraduate programs for working adults, associate’s, and master’s programs. Learn more at www.shorter.edu.

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