Three Holy Cross Students Awarded Scholarships to Pursue Teaching Careers

Three students at the College of the Holy Cross—William J. Geddes ’14, Matthew D. McCormick ’14, and Zachary R. Kenny ’13—have been honored with Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarships. Supported by the National Science Foundation, the scholarship encourages talented students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to become middle and secondary school teachers in these disciplines. Each year, these $22,000 awards are given to students who are enrolled in the Teacher Education Program, and who maintain a high grade point average as either math or science majors, with the expectation that they will commit to at least four years of teaching in under-resourced school districts.

“Holy Cross is proud to be part of the important national effort to prepare highly qualified STEM teachers for our nation’s schools,” says Danuta Bukatko, the Joseph H. Maguire ’58 professor of education at Holy Cross. “These three young men have been participants in our Noyce program from their very first day on campus. They have displayed their passion for education and the steadfast belief that they can make a difference in the lives of children and adolescents.

William J. Geddes ’14, a physics major, from Cumberland, R.I., is a member of the College Honors Program, and serves on the student advisory committee for both the physics and education departments. An orientation leader during the fall, and third baseman for the College’s club baseball team, Geddes started tutoring in 2010 at Claremont Academy, and then at Burncoat High School, both of which are located in Worcester, Mass. At each school, he tutored high school sophomore, juniors and seniors in math. After graduating, Geddes plans to teach in high school for at least four more years, before going into educational administration. “I want to become a teacher because I want to make an impact in the community,” says Geddes. “I see no better way to improve any given neighborhood than working to make its children informed citizens.”

Matthew D. McCormick ’14, a mathematics major, started tutoring his freshman year of high school in his hometown of Needham, Mass., and continued at Holy Cross. He has worked with seventh – 11th graders at Claremont Academy and at Burncoat High School in Worcester, Mass. He currently works with fifth graders at the Vernon Hill Elementary School, also located in Worcester. A math tutor, McCormick explains that he is excited to become a high school teacher. “Being a teacher allows me to do something I love and presents me with endless opportunities to positively influence the lives of others,” he says. “What I like most is knowing that I have the chance to make a difference in a student’s life.”

Zachary R. Kenny ’13, a mathematics major, from Cortlandt Manor, N.Y, started tutoring Claremont Academy seventh-12th graders his freshman year at Holy Cross. A tuba and guitar player in the College’s marching band, Kenny plans to become a math teacher. “I have been given an exceptional opportunity to reach out and spread my passion and knowledge of mathematics,” he shares. “Since I have that opportunity, this is something I have to do.”