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TCNJ’s Kappa Delta Pi chapter wins ACE Award

TCNJ’s Gamma Zeta Chapter has once again proven itself an outstanding chapter of the Kappa Delta Pi education honor society, receiving the prestigious Achieving Chapter Excellence (ACE) award.  Established in 1995, ACE recognizes exceptional chapters of Kappa Delta Pi that excel at performing and succeeding their missions and goals. TCNJ has received this award six times.  “Many chapters have exceptional programming. Others have fantastic leaders. Still others have active and highly involved members. It takes a very special chapter to excel at all three,” Carol Paddock, Program Manager of Leadership and Recognition, reports. “Of the more than 600 chapters worldwide, only 22 received the ACE award.”

Allison Baricko (Co-President), Lauren Rosa(Former President), and Maria Dunas (Co-President) holding the ACE award
Allison Baricko (Co-President), Lauren Rosa(Former President), and Maria Dunas (Co-President) holding the ACE award

Much of Gamma Zeta’s success stems from its fantastic work within its community. Presently the chapter works with various teaching organizations including Children’s Home Society, an organization that helps children find loving families, and Homefront Tutoring, an organization dedicated to ending the cycle of poverty. They also participate in events including the Light the Night Walk, an event supporting Leukemia and Lymphoma research, and Literacy Alive night, a KDP sponsored night dedicated to getting kids excited about reading.  Former president Lauren Rosa stated, “Our chapter has truly dedicated members who have put in many hours of professional development and community service.  These members are the foundation of our chapter.  We are also very lucky to have a supportive faculty advisor, Dr. Anthony E. Conte, who is always willing to help us reach new heights.”

Rosa (Elementary Education/Mathematics) and current Co-Presidents Maria Dunas (Elementary Education/English) and Allison Baricko (Elementary Education/ Mathematics, Science, & Technology) represented Gamma Zeta at Kappa Delta Pi’s 49th Biennial Convocation in Dallas, Texas this October. The faculty supervisor Associate Professor Anthony E. Conte also attended, along with Associate Professor Alex Pan, Assistant Professor Timothy Hornberger, and Professor Blythe Hinitz, all from the Department of Elementary/Early Childhood education.

Commenting on the organization, Conte stated, “I feel very fortunate being a part of this organization and acknowledge that KDP is highly student driven.  Members and leaders should be applauded for achieving such a high national standard.  The Chapter is most appreciative of the continuing support of the School of Education, in particular Dr. Jeff Passe, Dean of the School of Education, and Dr. Sarah Kern, Chair of the Department of Elementary/ Early Childhood Education.”

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