A Grayson County High School graduate attending WKU has been awarded a scholarship which will allow her to complete her student teaching overseas.
Cassandra “Cassie” Key was one of 21 WKU students who earned the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad in the October 2023 application cycle, according to the university.
“The Gilman Scholarship broadens the student population that studies or interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate …,” WKU said. “The 22 WKU recipients in this application cycle earned scholarships totaling $77,500, with an average award amount of $3,500.”
Key, an elementary education major, is a 2018 GCHS graduate and will complete her student teaching this spring in Ireland. She is set to graduate from WKU in Spring 2024.
Currently, Key is student teaching at Lincoln Trail Elementary School in Elizabethtown. She will teach there for the next 12 weeks before departing for Ireland for a four week stay.
Key, who is obviously overjoyed and appreciative of the opportunity to experience a foreign country, has graciously agreed to keep Grayson County residents updated on her experiences teaching and living in Ireland via weekly articles on K105.com.
“I would not be having this experience without the encouragement of my family, closest friends and the scholarship opportunities offered,” she told K105. “I am so excited for the once in a lifetime chance to have my final student teaching placement in Ireland. I look forward to keeping all of you updated with my travels!”
All of the students recognized worked with the Office of Scholar Development at WKU to prepare their Gilman applications and with advisors in the Office of Study Abroad and Global Learning to find the best study abroad program to fit their goals.
(Photo: Cassandra “Cassie” Key, submitted)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
