School of Education E-newsletter

The Hirshey Awards are presented each spring to both cadet and graduate students exemplifying excellence in education in honor of Dr. Charles Hirshey, the head of the Department of Education from 1969 to 1979. Dr. Hirshey, a pioneer of graduate education in the Lowcountry, was a founding member of what is now The Citadel Graduate College. This year's Hirshey Award recipients are:

Donna Eby-Meeks

Donna Eby-Meeks completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Women's Studies from Indiana University-South Bend in 1989. She has spent over 20 years in direct services working with children and families. Currently, she is an elementary school counselor at James Island Elementary School. She is a member of the Alpha Tau Chi chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the International Counseling Honor Society, and she is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American School Counselor Association, the South Carolina Counseling Association, and the South Carolina Counselor Association.

As a student in the School of Education's school counseling program, Ms. Eby-Meeks completed a supervised practicum at Laing Middle School and a supervised internship at Pinckney Elementary School. In addition, she demonstrated her leadership skills through serving as president of the Graduate School Counseling Association in 2007.

Donna Eby-Meeks completed her master's degree in December 2007 with a GPA of 4.0 in school counseling and is a certified elementary school counselor. Donna is married and the proud parent of an adult daughter, Keanna Eby.

Barbara Ellen Rabon

Born on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and raised everywhere from Arkansas to Denmark, Ms. Rabon's background is diverse. Upon graduation from high school in New Bern, N. C.--where she distinguished herself as a cross country runner and as a founding member of the Habitat for Humanity club-Barbara attended Stetson University majoring in elementary education. In addition to her studies, Ms. Rabon demonstrated her commitment to those in need both in Deland and Daytona, Florida and in New Orleans, Louisville, and in Chattanooga. She also spent 12 weeks in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand helping impoverished families. After completing her degree, Barbara taught 2nd and 3rd grade for six years before becoming a Teacher Coach at Midland Park Elementary School. She also completed her masters in school administration at The Citadel during this period and is now a student in The Citadel's Educational Specialist program in educational administration. Her goal is to achieve her doctorate in education and to eventually teach at the college level and to share her love of education with those pursuing careers in education.

Cadet Justin Nicholas Kloc

The recipient of this year's (2007/2008) undergraduate award for excellence in education is Cadet Justin Nicholas Kloc, the son of Walter and Marianne Kloc of Yardley, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Pennsbury High School, Cadet Kloc has developed into a principled educational leader during his four years at The Citadel. Cadet Kloc has been an active member of The Citadel's Education Leaders Club and has served in numerous leadership roles as a member of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. His leadership roles include: serving as a Presidential Aide; as a member of the Junior Sword Arch; as Battalion Administrative Clerk; as Company First Sergeant; and as Mike Company Commander. Justin is also a member of the Summerall Guards.

Cadet Kloc has been recognized for both academic and military accomplishments. He has made the Dean's List twice, earned three Gold Stars, and has been recognized on both the Commandant's List and President's List. Justin graduated cum laude on May 3rd with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Social Studies. He intends to teach beginning this fall.