Finding Greatness: Taylor Cravey

Author: News Bureau
Posted: Thursday, April 18, 2019 12:00 AM
Categories: Finding Greatness | Pressroom | Students | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences | School of Education

Macon, GA

Taylor Cravey, who graduates in May, is the President's Scholar for the Class of 2019. Each year, a graduating senior is chosen by MGA's Honors, Awards and Graduation Committee, with the approval of the University president, to be the President's Scholar based on her or his outstanding academic record, involvement in campus and/or community service activities, and demonstration of characteristics indicating the promise of a successful future.

Full Name: Taylor Lauren Cravey.

Age: 22.

Hometown and Residence: Dudley.

High School: “I graduated from West Laurens High School in 2015. I ran cross country, played softball, was a member of the Beta Club, and worked part-time at Shamrock Vending and Blush Boutique.”

Family: “My parents are Kerrie Fountain, Brian Cravey, and Tim Fountain. I have two brothers, Justin Cravey and Tyler Fountain.”

Employment: “I am currently a full-time student at MGA. I am also participating in the ‘Interns as Teachers’ program where I serve as the teacher of record for a third-grade class at Veterans Elementary School in Macon.”

Degree Objective: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Special Education with a reading endorsement.

Class Rank: Senior.

Primary Campus: Macon.

Activities: “While attending MGA, I have volunteered with the Sailor Kate Ministry, Children’s Medical Services, and CSB Clubhouse of Middle Georgia. I was a member of the President’s Torch Society in 2017 and I am currently a member of Kappa Delta Pi.”

Career Goals: “I have accepted a position at Waynesville Primary School teaching the first grade. I will begin my second year of teaching in August 2019. I plan to further my education and teaching career by obtaining a Master of Education in elementary education with an ESOL endorsement. After I obtain my master’s, I plan to move on to earning an Educational Specialist degree in curriculum and instruction to become an academic or instructional coach.”

She chose Middle Georgia State University because … “When I was choosing the right college for me, Middle Georgia State University met all of the requirements. Attending MGA has given me the ability to graduate debt free, live with my family while working a part-time job, and obtain my degree in four years. Attending MGA also gave me the opportunity to study abroad in Ireland for five weeks during the summer of 2017. In addition, because of MGA’s desire to offer new and challenging academic opportunities to students, I was able to apply for and accept a position as an intern at Veterans Elementary School with the Bibb County School District teaching third grade. The new ‘Interns as Teachers’ program allowed me to begin my teaching career early, but have the support of my professors and master teacher as well. Middle Georgia State University is the only university that I know of to offer a program such as this one.”

The greatest thing she discovered about Middle Georgia State was … “The support of my professors at MGA, which has been phenomenal. My professors are advocates for their students’ education and are always willing to do what it takes in order to see their students succeed.”

Her greatest academic experience as a Middle Georgia State student has been … “Participating in the new ‘Interns as Teachers’ program. Participating in this program has given me the opportunity to begin my teaching career a year early while still completing my bachelor’s degree. This experience has been challenging but extremely rewarding. Without the support from my professors, MGA, and the staff at Veterans Elementary School, I would have never been given this opportunity.

“Another wonderful experience that I had because of MGA was studying abroad in Ireland in the summer of 2017. I was able to study another culture’s history, language, and arts. I was also able to travel around Ireland and experience their beautiful countryside and cities and the amazing food.”

To her, “greatness” means … “Pushing yourself and working towards your goals to be the best version of yourself that you can be. Following your dreams to achieve your goals is by far the greatest thing you can ever do for yourself.”

In five years … “There will be a lot going on in my life. After I graduate, I will be moving to the coast of Georgia to Brunswick and St. Simons Island. I will begin my second year of teaching at Waynesville Primary School in the first grade. In the spring of 2020, I plan to begin working on my Master of Education in elementary education. I also plan to obtain my ESOL endorsement. My ultimate goal is to obtain my Educational Specialist degree and serve as an academic or instructional coach. Earning both of these degrees will broaden my knowledge in the field of education and provide me with more knowledge to better serve my students and other educators.”