Individual Award Recipients & Impact Summaries

For nearly two decades, Dr. Omayra Arocho has been the heart and guiding force of KDP’s Seton Hall University chapter. As both Associate Dean for the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media and a long-serving chapter counselor, Dr. Arocho has built a vibrant, high-achieving community that reflects KDP’s very best values—Community, Belonging, Leadership, and Celebration. Her leadership has inspired excellence year after year, with Seton Hall consistently earning recognition for its creativity, service, and innovation.

Since stepping into her counselor role 18 years ago, Dr. Arocho has mentored and welcomed more than 2,100 new members into Kappa Delta Pi. Her chapter has not only met but exceeded recruitment and engagement goals—thanks to her energy, responsiveness, and deep care for every student she serves. Whether preparing members for Convocation, championing award-winning initiatives, or collaborating closely with the national office, Dr. Arocho leads with authenticity and heart.

Colleagues describe Seton Hall’s KDP chapter as a “well-oiled machine”—and that’s no accident. It’s a reflection of Dr. Arocho’s dedication, consistency, and unwavering belief in her students’ potential. Her legacy is one of connection, excellence, and joy in the work of developing future educators—a legacy that truly embodies the spirit of the Lucinda Rose Counselor Award.

For more than ten years, Dr. Sonya Abbye Taylor has been the heartbeat of the Sigma Tau Chapter at Mount Saint Mary College. Known for her energy and care, she creates a space where every student feels like they belong and every officer feels ready to lead. Whether she’s hosting leadership trainings, mentoring officers through big projects, or simply stopping in the hallway to check on a member, Dr. Taylor models what it means to lead with purpose and heart.

This past year, she guided her chapter through big wins like the ribbon-cutting of their Little Library at Bishop Dunn Memorial School—a project years in the making that now connects future teachers with the power of literacy. She also rolled up her sleeves to make professional learning real, from crisis intervention training to poverty simulations that push teacher candidates to think deeply about equity and care in the classroom.

Students say Dr. Taylor is the “glue that holds us together.” She celebrates their successes, fights for their needs—like securing a bigger campus office when space was lost—and inspires them to chase their goals with confidence. Her legacy is more than the programs she’s built; it’s the countless future teachers she’s shaped to lead with compassion, creativity, and resilience.

Dr. Doorn has been the steady heartbeat of Chi Beta Chapter at Chapman University. In just three years, she helped rebuild the chapter from a single member to nearly 50 active, engaged members. Her energy, kindness, and constant encouragement set the tone for a chapter culture where every student feels valued and supported.

Students say she’s not just a Counselor—she’s a mentor, advocate, and friend. Whether it’s guiding officers through complex KDP processes, connecting students with opportunities, or simply showing up to every meeting with snacks and a smile, Dr. Doorn makes sure her students know they belong. She models what it means to lead with care and integrity, and her efforts have transformed Chi Beta into a thriving community on campus.

Her leadership has created more than a strong chapter; she’s given her students a lasting example of the kind of teacher and leader they aspire to be.

When Purdue’s Eta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi went quiet after the pandemic, Rachel Swank made sure it didn’t stay that way. A doctoral student in curriculum studies, she jumped in as counselor and immediately got to work—recruiting student leaders, building a website, hosting callouts, and organizing the chapter’s first induction ceremony in years. In just six months, the chapter was back and stronger than ever, welcoming 17 new members in its first semester.

Rachel hasn’t stopped there. She mentors students on everything from teacher licensure to Praxis prep, represents KDP at education events and conferences, and even helped bring a major Midwest conference to Purdue’s campus. Her leadership blends big-picture vision with genuine care for individual members, making her a counselor who not only revives a chapter but also inspires future teachers to thrive.

The Purdue community celebrates Rachel as Regional Chapter Counselor of the Year—a leader whose energy, expertise, and heart have built a lasting foundation for KDP at Purdue.

When the Lambda Zeta Chapter at West Virginia State University was on the verge of closing, Dr. Alonda Wylie stepped in and sparked a comeback story no one will forget. With her energy and care, she rebuilt the chapter from just a handful of members to a thriving community that proudly calls itself “Risk-Takers and Difference Makers.” Students describe her as a mentor who pushes them to aim higher while making sure they always feel supported and valued.

Dr. Wylie’s leadership has inspired members to take charge in big ways—from running breakout sessions at the statewide WV Educators Rising Conference to building community connections through service days and fundraisers. She doesn’t just guide from the sidelines; she gives students real opportunities to lead, grow, and shine.

What makes her impact even more special is her compassion. Whether helping students balance academics with family challenges or celebrating their achievements at induction ceremonies, Dr. Wylie makes everyone feel like they belong. As a U.S. veteran, professor, and now Department of Education Chair, she brings strength and vision to every role she holds. For Lambda Zeta, she’s more than a Counselor—she’s the reason the chapter is stronger than ever.

When Pi Chapter at Eastern Michigan University needed a strong leader, Isabella “Izzy” Burling jumped in without hesitation. Taking over as president midyear, she brought energy, kindness, and clear direction that carried her executive board through an incredible season. Known for her ability to bring people together, Izzy created a culture where every member—past, present, and future—felt welcome and valued.

Her leadership shone through at the chapter’s regional “Being Human First” conference, which blended professional growth with community building through alumni connections, poster sessions, service projects, and even a DJ mixer. She also embraced forward-thinking roles, accepting the newly created Junior Counselor position to help guide Pi Chapter beyond her graduation. Always looking ahead, Izzy championed the chapter’s mentorship program, pairing alumni with preservice teachers for real-world classroom learning.

Izzy’s impact on Pi Chapter is undeniable. She leads with vision and heart, inspires those around her, and is already building a legacy that will strengthen the chapter for years to come.

As Treasurer of the Sigma Tau Chapter at Mount Saint Mary College, Katerina Calderone didn’t just balance the books—she helped balance the heart of her chapter. From organizing relief efforts for Hurricane Helene that gathered over 1,000 donated items, to leading fundraisers and coordinating induction details, Katerina made sure every project ran smoothly.

Her leadership stretched far beyond her role. She co-taught sustainability lessons in an afterschool science program, worked with fellow officers to keep chapter events fun and meaningful, and even secured a guest speaker for the induction ceremony. Whether managing two bank accounts or racing cupcakes to raise scholarship funds, Katerina’s energy and teamwork set the tone for the whole chapter.

Known for her creativity, kindness, and drive, Katerina embodies what it means to be a Distinguished Chapter Officer. Her impact will last long after her term—and Sigma Tau is lucky to have her continuing on the board.

When Erika Flynn took over as president of the Zeta Chapter at the University of Cincinnati, there were only four members. By the end of the year, there were twenty-seven—and a whole new energy on campus. Erika made recruitment fun with competitions, invited everyone to step into leadership, and brought KDP back into the spotlight at her university.

She also made sure the chapter felt like family. From icebreakers and bond-building games to celebrating graduations and personal wins, Erika created a space where members felt seen and supported. And she didn’t just focus on the present—she organized everything so future officers could keep the momentum going strong.

Erika’s leadership shows what happens when positivity, teamwork, and a little creativity come together. She helped turn her chapter around and made KDP a place where people truly want to belong.

When Aubrey Hepler stepped into the role of President of the Alpha Eta Chapter at Southeast Missouri State University, she didn’t just lead—she reimagined what leadership could look like. Her vision brought new energy to the chapter, most notably through the award-winning “New Teacher Shower: Celebrating Educators Full Circle.” What began as a simple idea became a full-scale celebration that provided classroom supplies, united local businesses, and honored new teachers. The event was so impactful that it earned national recognition with KDP’s Celebration of Teaching Award.

But Aubrey’s work wasn’t just about one project. She built genuine connections with chapter members, alumni, university departments, and community partners, creating a culture where everyone felt valued and inspired to contribute. She modeled collaboration, lifted up her fellow officers, and expanded Alpha Eta’s presence across campus and the region.

Aubrey’s legacy is clear—she strengthened her Chapter, set new standards for service and celebration, and left behind systems that will keep Alpha Eta thriving for years to come. Her leadership shows how one student officer can turn passion into action and make a lasting impact on both KDP and the field of education.

Ava LaVoe has been a powerhouse leader for the Chi Ro Chapter at Lynn University, showing what it means to live out KDP’s mission every day. From her start as Chapter Vice President, she brought new life to the chapter by creating events that connected education majors with local schools and made KDP a bigger presence on campus. Even after graduation, she hasn’t stopped cheering on her chapter—mentoring new members, leading workshops, and sharing real-world wisdom with future teachers.

What makes Ava stand out is how much she gives to others. She’s guided countless preservice teachers through lesson planning, teacher certification, and those nerve-wracking first years in the classroom. Her open-door support has turned her into the go-to mentor for students who need advice or encouragement. And it’s not just about helping individuals—Ava has built lasting partnerships between the chapter and local schools, making a difference that will keep paying forward for years.

Ava’s legacy is clear: stronger teachers, stronger chapters, and a spirit of equity, service, and leadership that inspires everyone she works with. Chi Ro is thriving because of her, and the impact she’s made will carry on through every educator she’s helped prepare.

Brianna Martin has been the heart of Shepherd University’s Delta Psi Chapter since 2022, serving as both president and secretary. She’s known for her energy, kindness, and ability to make every member feel welcome and valued. Brianna never shied away from the hard work, whether leading initiations, mentoring new officers, or finding creative ways to boost membership. Her introduction of a tiered membership system brought more students into KDP than ever before, helping even first-year education majors find a place in the chapter.

Beyond recruitment, Brianna built a culture of connection. She set up group chats, encouraged members to support each other across campus, and made sure alumni stayed tied into the chapter. Even during her busy student teaching semester, she continued showing up—guiding new leaders, supporting major events like the Literacy Carnival, and mentoring peers through the challenges of edTPA. Her dedication to KDP’s mission of community, belonging, leadership, and celebration shines in everything she does, leaving a legacy that will carry on well after her graduation.

As president of the Lambda Zeta Chapter at West Virginia State University, Livvi Miller has led with heart, vision, and grit. Stepping into big shoes, she built her own voice as a leader and created space for every member to shine. Under her guidance, the chapter grew stronger through new committees, service projects, and traditions that made everyone feel like part of a family.

Livvi’s impact can be seen in big moments, like organizing Educators Rising workshops for high school students and leading campus-wide service at CARES Day, and in personal touches, like wooden roses given to new members to symbolize belonging. She streamlined chapter processes, empowered committee chairs, and made sure every member felt valued. From newsletters and scrapbooks to shoutouts and celebrations, Livvi has set a lasting legacy of unity, leadership, and joy for the Lambda Zeta Chapter.

Tommy has been a force of energy and innovation for the Omicron Delta Chapter at the University of West Florida. As Webmaster and Online Student Representative, he didn’t just keep things running—he reimagined how the chapter connects. He launched a Discord server to bring past, present, and future members together in real time, revamped data storage to make things smoother and more secure, and even led the charge to get the chapter its own official webpage.

But Tommy’s impact goes beyond tech. He shows up at every meeting, mentors fellow members, and uses his fieldwork experience to support ESE and ELL students with care and creativity. He’s the go-to person for technical help, career advice, and new ideas that keep the chapter moving forward. In just his first year, he’s built relationships with KDP National, secured an official logo, and created a lively Instagram presence that connects the chapter across the country.

Tommy’s mix of leadership, innovation, and heart has left a lasting mark on Omicron Delta. He embodies KDP’s values of community, belonging, leadership, and celebration, and his legacy will continue to inspire future officers and members.

Audrey Spearman brought big energy to the Mu Gamma Chapter at Angelo State University. As President, she packed the year with creative ideas—from hosting a t-shirt and sticker design contest to teaming up with another KDP chapter for joint events. Even while juggling student teaching, she showed up to countless activities, proving that being “all in” for KDP is part of who she is.

Audrey also made leadership personal. She gave rides to fellow officers who needed help, surprised workshop participants with gift cards, and made sure every member felt noticed and valued. She even showed up dressed as the Lorax to celebrate Read Across America Week, spreading joy and reminding kids why reading matters.

Her leadership helped turn Mu Gamma into one of the most visible, connected groups on campus. Students now ask how to join KDP as early as their first semester—all thanks to Audrey’s work. She leaves behind a legacy of belonging, fun, and a chapter that’s stronger than ever.

When the Alpha Beta Lambda Chapter of Rutgers University – Newark went quiet for a year, Jarleny Tejeda said, “Not on my watch.” She brought the Chapter back from the dead and turned it into a buzzing hub of energy and connection. From running recruitment events that actually felt fun to setting up a structure where everyone had a voice, Jarleny made sure members didn’t just join the Chapter—they belonged there.

And she did all this while juggling a full course load, a 35-hour internship, and everything else college throws at you. Jarleny still found time to cheer on her peers, celebrate the little wins, and make the chapter feel like family. Thanks to her, Alpha Beta Lambda isn’t just alive again—it’s thriving.

When Eliza Wenger stepped in as President of the Chi Beta Chapter at Chapman University, she didn’t just lead—she sparked a movement. Membership tripled in a single year, growing from 16 to 47, all because Eliza has a knack for making people feel like they belong. Whether it’s hosting bonfires, planning a huge Celebration of Teaching event, or just checking in with members, she makes KDP feel less like a club and more like a family.

Eliza’s passion for teaching shines through in everything she does. She’s the kind of leader who cheers everyone on, makes space for every voice, and inspires others to step up, too. From serving the local community to helping her chapter find its rhythm again, Eliza has left her mark in a big way. Chi Beta is stronger, louder, and prouder—thanks to her energy and heart.

When people talk about KDP at The College of New Jersey, one name always comes up: Matthew Yuro. As Gamma Zeta’s President, Matthew turned regular meetings into events people wanted to attend—with Kahoot battles, hot cocoa bars, and even a group watch of Abbott Elementary. He made sure meetings weren’t just updates but chances to connect, laugh, and learn together.

Matthew also brought fresh ideas that changed the game. He added a Graduate Liaison role to keep grad students involved, created inclusive workshops for all education majors, and even launched a senior recognition ceremony to celebrate graduates. On top of that, he led service projects that gave back over 1,000 hours to the community, raised thousands through creative fundraisers (yes, even Panera night made the list), and made alumni feel part of the fun too.

Matthew did all this while student teaching and holding major leadership roles in state and national education associations. His energy and vision have left a mark on Gamma Zeta that will last long after his term.