CU-Lock Haven celebrates new educators during teacher induction ceremony

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (06/04/2026) — Commonwealth University-Lock Haven honored new educators during the student teacher induction and pinning ceremony held in the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center. The event recognizes the successful completion of student teaching placements and celebrates the hard work, dedication and commitment of the university's future educators.

Dr. Jennifer Gurski, director of the Office of Teacher Preparation, Clinical Practice and Certification, opened each ceremony by welcoming university leadership, faculty, staff, guest speakers, student teachers and their families. Additional remarks were shared by Dr. Michelle Kiec, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Stephen Lee, vice president for enrollment management and Lock Haven campus administrator, and Dr. Priya Poehner, interim associate dean and professor, College of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences.

The keynote address was delivered by Tyler Barth, principal of Robb Elementary in the Keystone Central School District. "It doesn't matter where you teach. It doesn't matter what resources you have. It doesn't matter what curriculum is handed to you," Barth said. "The truth travels with you into every classroom, every hallway, every direction. You can change the school culture in about 15 seconds."

Kelly Raudabaugh, assistant director of the Office of Teacher Preparation, Clinical Practice and Certification, recognized each of the teacher candidates during the ceremony. Following the acknowledgements, each student teacher was presented with a Lamp of Knowledge lapel pin, symbolizing learning and light.

Students recognized during the ceremony included:
Joshua Arnold, Cael Black, Ella Bray, Maci Brodzina, Dylan Carlson, Megan Chuhran, Chase Clifford, Sabrina Corman, Gary Dean, Daria Durant, Zachary Eckberg, Levi Engle, Austin Foster, Kylie Garman, Natalie Gentzel, Noah Giedroc, Catheryn Goodwin, Gabrielle Gunnip, Cortney Hamberger, Addison Heasley, Jacob Hernandez, Cayden Hess, James Hogan, Nicole Hopkins, Jaiden Huntington, Avery Jessell, Sophia Kauffman, Hunter Kelley, Jarrett Lee, Skylar Lininger, Joseph Long, Hannah Lopez, Nicholas Lubinski, Adam Lucas, Anijah Lucena, Margaret Mary Lynch, Seth Maranuk, Haylee Marucci, Jared Matlack, Makenna Matthews, Rachel Maurer, Jessica Merrick, Braydon Miller, Megan Miller, Colton Myers, Jay Napoli, Sydney Neff, Sarah Osmun, Madison Otto, Francis Pagana, Mackayla Patterson, Nathan Quinn, Auston Rainier, Jordan Remmel, Mia Rhoades, Taylor Romich, Kasie Saville Baney, Marina Schappell, Mackenzie Shaw, Ryan Smith, Gracie Sweka, Evan Sylstra, Summer Tillett, Ronald Timko, Alyssa Tucker, Keegan Vanderlin, Alyssa VanGorder, Elizabeth Williams, Emily Witter and Scott Zoscin.

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