Each year the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, an assembly of distinguished Illinois citizens, honors an outstanding graduating senior from each of the degree granting colleges/universities in the state. The student selected is chosen on the basis of commitment to education, service to the community, and exemplification of the principles for which Abraham Lincoln stood. This year the Illinois State University student laureate is Ashley Mayor.
Ashley Mayor is a senior Honors student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Elementary Education. She is participating in the College of Education’s Professional Development School, which is a year-long teaching experience. Ashley was named a Bone Scholar for the 2007-08 year, and when she graduates in May 2008, she will receive a variety of Honors designations, including Departmental Honors, University Honors Scholar, Certificate in University Honors, and Honors Program Scholar.
As Ashley reflected on her experience in the Honors Program, she said that it has truly impacted her education and life in a positive way. “The Honors Program has opened up opportunities for mentorships, advancements in my field of study, research opportunities, and general council and warmth that have made my experience at Illinois State unforgettable.”
In order to earn Departmental Honors in Elementary Education, Ashley completed an Independent Honors Study project which focused on the concept of Character Education. Ashley described Character Education as a very hot topic in the field of education at the present which focuses on embedding morals and values within the standard curriculum. This research opportunity allowed her to prepare for her own classroom in the future. Ashley said, “My area of research will prepare me to provide for the socio-emotional needs of my students as well as plan for the management of my classroom. This study brought me the opportunity to work closely with professors within the College of Education and pursue something I was passionate about within the field of education.”
Ashley spent the fall 2005 semester studying abroad in Sweden. She took advantage of the study abroad experience in order to challenge herself both academically and through the cultural experience that can be had while abroad. Ashley said that she learned so much more than she could have learned out of a text book. “I learned valuable cultural lessons, how to live in a different environment, and made friends with other students from places all over the world.”
Ashley values the friendships she has made and the perspective this experience gave her on life in America and what she is capable of as a global citizen.
In addition to her experiences in the Honors Program and her time abroad, Ashley has been an active member of the Illinois State, Bloomington-Normal, and other communities. She has worked in guest services at the Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal, and has been a camp counselor for various organizations, including: Camp Luther, Spring Hill Camps, and the Western Springs Recreation Department.
Ashley’s professional memberships include Illinois Education Association, National Education Association, and National Honors Society. She is also an active member of the Student Education Association, serving on the Executive Board and initiating a mentoring program called Big Teachers Little Teachers, which pairs underclassmen with upperclassmen in teacher education fields.
Ashley is also involved in several student organizations, some of which include serving as the President and committee chair of the Student Alumni Council, membership in Campus Crusade for Christ, Senior Professionals Mentoring Program, and many more. Additionally, Ashley has been involved in many community organizations and volunteer opportunities, including Partners in Reading Program, Teachers Aid, Peer Tutoring & Mentoring, and the American Cancer Society.
Ashley plans to continue to serve the community by securing an elementary school teaching position after graduation. She has decided to dedicate her life to education to pursue and promote lifelong learning.