Chapter Program Award Recipients

The Kappa Nu Chapter at Ashland University found a creative way to celebrate teaching by reaching both future and current educators. First, they partnered with Ashland City Schools to host a hands-on STEAM night for more than 500 fourth- and fifth-grade students. At the KDP station, kids built balloon-powered cars while learning about science, problem-solving, and the fun side of education. The event not only sparked curiosity in STEAM but also showed young students that teaching is a career filled with excitement and purpose.

The chapter also led a large-scale teacher appreciation campaign, creating 280 gift bags for every teacher in the district. Each one included a handwritten thank-you card, a custom “Celebrate Teaching” sticker, and a pen. By delivering these tokens of gratitude, members reminded teachers that their hard work and creativity make a lasting impact.

Together, these efforts showed how service can inspire future educators while honoring those already in the classroom. Kappa Nu’s project proves that small acts—whether building balloon cars with kids or writing personal notes to teachers—can create meaningful connections and lift up the teaching profession.

The Pi Sigma Chapter turned reading into an adventure with their annual Literacy Alive Day. This year, they transformed first-grade classrooms at Forest Elementary into a jungle safari, complete with safari hats, balloons, themed crafts, and interactive reading activities.

Fifty-seven first graders spent the day exploring stories, playing literacy games, and taking home goodie bags filled with books and supplies—all thanks to Pi Sigma members’ creativity and planning. Beyond the decorations and fun, the event gave young students a chance to see reading in a whole new light while inspiring future teachers to connect with their community in meaningful ways.

The ATZ Chapter took their Literacy Alive! initiative to a whole new level this year by teaming up with Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey’s Teen Parent Linking Program. Their mission? Empower young parents with fun, easy, and research-backed ways to help their little ones fall in love with reading.

Chapter members designed hands-on mini lessons for emergent literacy, complete with step-by-step guides, Spanish translations, ASL resources, and even free books for families to take home. At the conference, future teachers from ATZ led activity stations, modeled creative reading strategies, and shared the “why” behind early literacy.

The impact was powerful. Parents walked away with skills, materials, and confidence to support their children’s language growth—while ATZ members gained leadership experience, cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation for equity in education. This project proved that with creativity, collaboration, and compassion, future teachers can change lives before kids even enter a classroom.

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The Sigma Tau Chapter at Mount Saint Mary College showed how creative and committed KDP chapters can be by leading four powerful community service initiatives this year.

First, members continued their long-standing partnership with Bishop Dunn Memorial School by teaching sustainability lessons in the after-school science club. Children learned about landfills, recycling, and how they could make their school greener. Students even designed their own sustainability plans, making the project hands-on and meaningful.

Sigma Tau also stepped up when disaster struck. After Hurricane Helene devastated the Carolinas, members organized a campus-wide relief drive. They collected over 1,000 items—clothing, food, medical supplies, and school materials—that were delivered in partnership with the Highland American Legion. Their quick action ensured that families and schools in need received support as they worked to rebuild.

Community impact continued with a Cultural Awareness Fair hosted alongside Bishop Dunn Memorial School. KDP members and BDMS families set up tables with food, games, and artifacts from countries around the world. From Korean jacks to Puerto Rican empanadas, the fair gave students and families a chance to celebrate diversity, explore new cultures, and learn together in a fun, interactive way.

Finally, Sigma Tau members celebrated the teaching profession through their “Buy a Flower for Your Professor” fundraiser. Students ordered personalized flower bouquets to thank their professors, and members delivered them with handwritten notes. The event not only raised funds for the chapter but also created meaningful moments of gratitude between students and faculty.

Together, these projects highlight the spirit of service, creativity, and community that defines KDP chapters. Sigma Tau has shown that when members work together, they can make an impact locally and beyond.

Alpha Eta showed how service can make a real impact with two powerful projects. Their New Teacher Shower gave first-year teachers free classroom supplies, donated by local businesses and alumni. The event felt like a celebration, complete with games, food, and music, while helping new educators feel supported and ready to begin their careers.

The Alpha Eta Chapter also joined the Green Bear Project, partnering with the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence. Members led fun activities like face painting, STEM experiments, and outdoor games at a community event designed to raise awareness about sexual violence prevention. Families left with smiles, resources, and stronger connections to their community.

Together, these projects highlight how Alpha Eta is building community, celebrating educators, and using service to create lasting change.

The Zeta Delta Chapter turned reading into a full-on community party with their National Read Aloud Celebration. They teamed up with parents, teachers, athletes, and even the town’s mayor to pull it off. The night started with free pizza for 150 kids and parents, followed by a keynote from author Antonio Sacre. Families then split into breakout rooms where volunteers—KDP members, football players, professors, and community leaders—read multicultural and bilingual stories to children of all ages.

Every family left with a copy of Sacre’s book My Name Is Cool, plus a new excitement for reading together. With more than 30 volunteers pitching in and survey results showing 94% of families “very satisfied,” the Chapter proved what’s possible when students rally their campus and community around a shared love of stories. They’re already planning next year’s event to keep the tradition going.

The Zeta Delta Chapter turned reading into a full-on community party with their National Read Aloud Celebration. They teamed up with parents, teachers, athletes, and even the town’s mayor to pull it off. The night started with free pizza for 150 kids and parents, followed by a keynote from author Antonio Sacre. Families then split into breakout rooms where volunteers—KDP members, football players, professors, and community leaders—read multicultural and bilingual stories to children of all ages.

Every family left with a copy of Sacre’s book My Name Is Cool, plus a new excitement for reading together. With more than 30 volunteers pitching in and survey results showing 94% of families “very satisfied,” the Chapter proved what’s possible when students rally their campus and community around a shared love of stories. They’re already planning next year’s event to keep the tradition going.

The Epsilon Eta Chapter at Central Michigan University turned professional development into a can’t-miss event with their Future Educator Conference. More than 60 students showed up for a half-day packed with real-world tips—like how to nail an interview, build a strong portfolio, manage money as a teacher, and bring creativity into the classroom.

The day started with an inspiring keynote from the Provost and kept rolling with breakout sessions led by teachers, faculty, and experts who didn’t just lecture—they shared honest advice and stories. Students got to choose their sessions, grab KDP info, and even enjoy raffles and photo ops along the way.

By the end, future teachers left with new skills, connections, and a stronger sense of community. Many walked away saying they couldn’t wait to join KDP and keep the momentum going.

The Delta Psi Chapter at Shepherd University took on a tough but important topic—how to support students dealing with trauma. Working with Counseling Services and their advisor, Dr. Johnson, they hosted a Trauma Training Workshop that gave future teachers the tools to handle real-life classroom challenges with empathy and care.

This wasn’t a sit-and-listen kind of event. Students shared stories, practiced strategies, and asked the hard questions about what it really means to be there for kids in crisis. It was eye-opening, emotional, and practical all at once. For many, it was the first time they had real training in trauma-informed teaching, and they left feeling more prepared to face the realities of student teaching and beyond.

The workshop didn’t just help with classroom skills—it also reminded members to look out for their own well-being. By creating a space for honest conversations, Delta Psi showed that being an educator means more than teaching content. It’s about building safe, supportive classrooms where every student has a chance to thrive.

The Kappa Eta Chapter at St. John’s University decided to dream big this year—and pulled off their first-ever regional conference. Their theme? AI and technology in education. They created a full day of learning, networking, and free food that drew students and teachers from across New York.

The lineup was packed: professors showed how AI can help with lesson planning (and where it still falls short), a career advisor shared insider tips on LinkedIn, and KDP’s own Chief Experience Officer gave members the inside scoop on scholarships, grants, and national resources. Between sessions, students connected over breakfast and lunch, swapping stories and building new networks.

Attendees walked away with real tools they can use right now in their classrooms and careers. For Kappa Eta, the conference proved what can happen when student leaders take a risk, work together, and make something big happen for their community.

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The Chi Upsilon Chapter at Texas A&M University–Kingsville made professional growth feel real and relevant with their 2024–2025 Professional Learning Series. This year’s theme—The Heart of Teaching: Nurturing Educators’ Mental Wellness—was all about helping future teachers take care of themselves while preparing for the challenges ahead.

They kicked things off with Calvalyn Day, host of The Rooted Teacher by KDP, who shared seven simple practices to help teachers stay balanced and avoid burnout. Next up was a session on reducing test anxiety (perfect for anyone stressing over certification exams), and the series wrapped with insider job interview tips from a fellow student who’s actually served on hiring committees.

Around 45 students, faculty, and friends joined in, making each event feel like a mix of solid advice and honest conversation. Chi Upsilon showed that professional development doesn’t have to be boring—it can be supportive, energizing, and designed with students in mind.

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The ATZ Chapter at Middlesex College showed that leadership doesn’t just happen in classrooms—it happens when students roll up their sleeves and take charge. This year, members jumped into projects that built their confidence and made a real difference on campus and in the community.

They kicked things off by running a Mental Health Fair with imalive.org, where students led activities and had tough but meaningful conversations about wellness. At the YMCA’s Tot Trot, members kept kids laughing and creating in the arts and crafts section while raising money for childcare scholarships. Later, they teamed up with other campus clubs for an Earth Day paint night and beach cleanup, turning service into both art and action.

One of the year’s biggest highlights came from Alyssa, a new member who saw how complicated it was to get substitute teacher certification in New Jersey. She didn’t just complain, she created a step-by-step workshop for the entire campus. Students from all majors packed the room to learn how to start subbing, and the event was so popular it had to run twice. That kind of initiative is what made ATZ’s leadership work stand out—members led with creativity, energy, and a clear focus on helping others succeed.

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At Mount Saint Mary College, the Sigma Tau Chapter knows that leadership starts with connection—and maybe a cupcake or two. Their year launched with the Cupcake Run, where teacher candidates cheered on kids, handed out water, and even raced alongside the college president. It wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a chance for freshmen and seniors alike to jump in, meet new people, and see what KDP is all about.

From there, Sigma Tau kept the energy going with events all year long. New members worked toward induction by joining in everything from hurricane relief drives to after-school clubs, DEI conversations, prom dress collections, and even a game-based learning seminar. A simple point system kept everyone motivated and gave initiates a clear way to track their progress while building leadership skills.

By spring, 25 new members were proudly inducted. Along the way, they didn’t just earn points—they gained real leadership experience, friendships, and a sense of belonging in the KDP community. For Sigma Tau, service projects and fundraisers turned into a fun way to grow together as future teachers.

The Xi Gamma Chapter at Seton Hall turned their event Power & Progress into more than just a talk—it felt like a real community moment. With snacks on the table and friends filling the room, students gathered to hear from alumna and NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson about what it really means to give every student a voice in the classroom.

Petal shared her own story as a Black educator and made the conversation interactive, stopping often to answer questions and spark discussion. Students didn’t just sit and listen—they jumped in, asked tough questions, and left with strategies they could use as future teachers.

Thanks to teamwork from the Xi Gamma officers, support from campus partners, and strong promotion across campus, the event had great energy and left students feeling both seen and challenged to carry forward the message: every student deserves to feel represented, valued, and heard.

The Delta Psi Chapter of Shepherd University turned the lawn outside White Hall into a full-blown carnival of stories, color, and community. With hand-painted signs, book-themed booths, a bounce house, and the energy of dozens of volunteers, the annual Literacy Carnival welcomed more than 75 children and their families for a day of fun. Each booth brought a children’s book to life with live read-alouds, games, and crafts designed to spark imagination and make reading exciting.

What made the event stand out wasn’t just the activities but the teamwork behind it. Chapter members handled everything from fundraising and budgeting to advertising and booth design. With just $200 in donations and local support, they built an experience that left kids smiling and parents inspired. For the chapter, it was a chance to practice real teaching skills, from planning developmentally appropriate activities to creating inclusive spaces where all children felt welcome.

By the end of the day, families left with a deeper love for books, and members left with stronger teaching skills and an even stronger sense of why they chose education. The Literacy Carnival has become a tradition that shows how creative energy, teamwork, and a love of reading can transform a campus lawn into a place where stories truly come to life.

The Eta Tau Chapter at the University of Lynchburg turned fundraising into something far more than dollars—it became a year of creativity, teamwork, and community connection. From hand-stamped jewelry sold at a local rodeo, to ready-to-go Elf on the Shelf kits for busy parents, to a dessert shop takeover that mixed milkshakes with chapter spirit, members found fun and meaningful ways to raise more than $600.

Each event was student-led, with members taking turns planning, promoting, and leading. Along the way, they learned how to manage budgets, design products, and partner with local businesses. Just as important, they built stronger bonds within their chapter and shared KDP’s values in unexpected places. The funds supported a family recovering from Hurricane Helene and helped launch the chapter’s first Literacy Alive! projects—proving that when creativity meets purpose, fundraising can change lives.