James Patterson Scholars

As one of the nation’s premier college’s of education, our network of over 30,000 alumni carry their influence far beyond the Norman Hall archways. The impact of their contributions are felt by millions, and helps both the college and university to achieve national and international recognition for the work in serving students and the world. The support of our alumni are helping the college show the world that the Gator Good — and the EduGator Good — is the Greater Good.

James Patterson Scholars

As one of the nation’s premier college’s of education, our network of over 30,000 alumni carry their influence far beyond the Norman Hall archways. The impact of their contributions are felt by millions, and helps both the college and university to achieve national and international recognition for the work in serving students and the world. The support of our alumni are helping the college show the world that the Gator Good — and the EduGator Good — is the Greater Good.

James Patterson Scholars

Fostering Future Educators and Young Readers

Best-selling novelist James Patterson believes one way to champion books and reading for children is by supporting our future teachers. That explains why his family foundation has made annual gifts over the past four years, totaling $432,000, to the UF College of Education to create the James Patterson Teacher Education Scholarships, benefiting 26 students in elementary education. The scholarships provide yearly financial support during the students’ five-year master’s studies and internship.

Each scholarship recipient shares a passion for cultivating a love for reading in their future students. Not surprisingly, Patterson, a Florida resident largely known for his Alex Cross crime-mystery-thriller novel series, asks that each new Patterson Scholar do some writing of their own–submitting a written essay after their first academic year describing how they plan to apply what they’ve learned in their future classrooms.

Scholar Spotlights

Each James Patterson Scholar carries a story worth sharing, a goal rooted in education, and a passion for inspiring young readers, a drive we proudly call “the Patterson passion.”

Read Scholars’ Story below

Michelle was inspired to major in elementary education because she wants to teach children all over the world about the importance of learning and reading. One day, she hopes to own a daycare center or preschool.
“The James Patterson award is meaningful because it focuses on reading. I truly believe that reading is essential for young children, so essential that I chose to focus my career around it.”

Michelle Beisel

Angel is an education major because he wishes to help children succeed to their maximum potential and inspire them to develop a love for reading. He is also a member of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society.
“With my degree, I plan to teach at the elementary level to help develop the fundamental skills and foundations needed to help students succeed in the rest of their academic careers.”

Angel Berlanga

Ashley sees herself teaching first graders after graduation, and subsequently pursuing a career in education administration as a principal. In her opinion, reading is a fundamental aspect of society because it helps people grow and develop.
“Not only does reading promote intellectual development, but it also promotes creative development. It’s something we use every day, and it’s essential to children’s learning.”
Ashley Burnam

After she earns her degree, Shannan aspires to teach reading to second or third graders. As a full-time student with a full-time waitressing job, Shannan still finds time to teach local kindergartners how to read. She believes reading is an essential part of our world, not only for students, but for everyone.
“I want to inspire students to read and feel confident when they’re reading, because reading is one of the most important aspects of life.”
Shannan Campbell

Madelyn is a junior pursuing her passion to become a teacher. She is very excited for her future as a possibly second grade teacher.

“I chose this path because I want to impact children in a positive way and help them become their best selves. I am currently a member of KDPI where I am able to collaborate with likeminded individuals and am interning in a first grade classroom.”

Madelyn Casal

After Gabriel earns his degree in elementary education, he plans to pursue a doctorate at UF and become a college professor. One of his favorite parts of teaching can be explained in two words: student empowerment. Gabriel believes reading lends itself to student empowerment because it opens doors to alternate realities.
“Reading is so important because it opens portals into new dimensions. Children can learn about anything from science to social studies, and fictional and nonfictional stories can transport them into new worlds.”
Gabriel Chavez

Carli is passionate about teaching elementary school children how to read. After all, it was in elementary school where she first read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and fell in love with reading herself.
“The James Patterson award is meaningful to me because I think it is important that future educators are recognized for their dedication and passion for teaching. I believe the field is undervalued and it’s crucial that the effort put forth by current and future educators is shared with as many people as possible.”
Carli Chiarelli

Kristina Denarski has always known she wanted to be a teacher. As a future second grade teacher, she wants to focus on establishing an inclusive learning environment while meeting the needs of all of her students. She hopes to continue to pass on her passion for learning and teaching to future generations of students.
“Educators play many roles. For most students, an educator is like a second parent. It is important to remember that every child comes from a different living situation. I aspire to become an educator who provides a stable and secure learning environment for all my students. It is within these moments that I can make a difference in a child’s life.”
Kristina Denarski

Hailey is excited to be part of the University of Florida’s Elementary Proteach Program and hopes to teach first through third-grade students after graduation. Hailey has always loved working with younger children and has learned so much through interactions with my professors, mentor teachers, and students.
“It was the Harry Potter series in third grade that opened my eyes to how much fun reading can truly be. It is my goal to instill this same love for reading in all my future students.”
Hailey Egert

Paige recently decided on a major in elementary education. She views the Patterson scholarship as a sign that this is the path she is meant to take in life and plans to teach first grade.
“Becoming a teacher is so meaningful to me because I want to bring heart and passion into the classroom, and make students excited to learn. I love the idea of making a positive impact on somebody’s future.”
Paige Fitzpatrick

When Emily becomes an elementary teacher after college, she hopes to help her students understand how something as simple as learning to read gives them the chance to change the world. She hopes students will remember her as someone who made an impact on their lives.
“What I love most about teaching is just getting to interact with students. Young children are always optimistic and we can learn a lot from them. They always think that good triumphs evil and look at this world in a perfect way.”
Emily Flynn

Julia first became interested in pursuing education while enrolled in a developmental psychology class in which she learned the importance of elementary teachers to a child’s development. She hopes to make a difference among children and inspire them to develop into their best selves.
“I hope to work as a 2nd or 3rd grade teacher focusing largely on inspiring a love for literature and creativity. I am so honored as a recipient of the James Patterson Scholarship and look forward to using it to build my future as an aspiring educator.”
Julia Gruber

After having been a medical assistant for many years, Brooke was inspired while volunteering in a kindergarten class to return to school myself to become a teacher. With the love and support of my family, Brooke will be graduating with my master’s degree in elementary education next spring.
“I feel strongly that every child has it within themselves to achieve great things. My goal is to encourage and inspire each of my students to believe they can accomplish all that they set out to do.”
Brooke Herman

Emily comes from a family of educators and Gators. She is excited to teach in the middle-to-upper elementary grades after acquiring her M.Ed. and Reading Specialist Certification. She feels so blessed by the opportunities that the James Patterson Scholarship has provided for her, and she is committed to expressing her gratitude by investing wholeheartedly in the lives of all her future students.
“I didn’t always see myself becoming a teacher, but now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. It is one of my greatest passions and joys in life to help a child feel known, loved, respected, valued, and empowered in their learning. Keep in mind that your students are little people with a lot of room in their hearts and minds, and you have the opportunity to fill both!”
Emily Hoenigmann