Four graduating seniors from the College of Education have been chosen as members of the inaugural Senior 27 Honor Society. Sarah Childress, Geordie Daniel, Claudia Rex and Terrill Taylor are being recognized for their hard work, dedication and energy.

Sarah Childress is graduating with a B.S. in Health and is a Senior Research Coordinator for the Social Determinants/Health Disparities Lab in the UH College of Education.  She has also been awarded a Provost’s Undergraduate Research Scholarship, a Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship, and has coauthored and presented her research in local and national forums.

"It’s been my privilege to work so closely with her," said Health professor Lorraine Reitzel.  "I am excited to see what her future holds. She is a natural choice for the inaugural Senior 27 year, as she is truly one of UH’s best and brightest!"

"Dr. Reitzel has helped me to build my career as a budding researcher, and I will forever be in her debt as I continue to build my own professional career," said Childress. "She pushed me to do more, to do better, and to reach outside my comfort zone to places that I would have never sought out myself." 

After graduation Childress plans to remain on Dr. Reitzel’s research team, working on project FRESH AIR (Focused Research in Enhancing Social Health Among Individuals in the Rainbow), which contributes to the better understanding of health disparities in the sexual minority community. Future plans include continuing her education by attaining a Masters of Public Health (MPH) and eventually seeking a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH).

Geordie Daniel is graduating with a B.S. in Teaching & Learning and has been a Resident Advisor for UH Student Housing and Residential Life, a Mentor for the UH UScholars program, Peer Assistant for the UH New Student Orientation program, and was recently inducted in the inaugural class of the National Residence Hall Honorary.  "He has always been a shining light in our program, and represents UH and the College of Education in the most positive manner," said Education Advisor Alyssa Adame. "He carries himself with confidence marked by joy and laughter. I am overwhelmed with joy for Geordie as he is honored by the Senior 27 Honor Society!"

"Starting as a freshman here at UH, I had no idea what it meant to become a proud Cougar," said Daniel. "Through my years, I found the beauty that defines our University: the diversity, the accolades, the professionalism, the leadership, the pride, and being the Powerhouse that our city and nation needs."

Daniel plans to begin teaching math in a Houston area middle school and, in order to better provide for K-12 students, hopes to eventually complete a Masters of Education program.

Claudia Rex is graduating with a B.S. in Teaching & Learning and is also president of Kappa Delta Pi, an honor society in education.  Rex has worked tirelessly this past academic year to keep the organization active and meaningful for its members. She has had the opportunity to learn under incredible professors, mentors, classmates and family that helped guide and mold her into the person she is today.  "I think crossing paths with all of these remarkable people is something that I will never take for granted," said Rex.  "The College of Education has provided me with positive learning experiences that is allowing me to blossom into the teacher that I have always wanted to become."

Rex has accepted a job at Worsham Elementary in the Aldine Independent School District serving as a first grade bilingual generalist. "Claudia epitomizes the best of all the professional attributes by which we evaluate our teaching candidates," said Eleanor Tyson, Curriculum & Instruction professor.   "She will be the kind of teacher one would want one's own children to be fortunate to have." 

Suzanne DaVanon, Curriculum & Instruction professor added,  "She is going to be a wonderful addition to the field of education and a blessing to the children privileged enough to call her their teacher."

Terrill Taylor is graduating with a B.S. in Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS) and is a member of the Human Development Student Association, an intern in the Office of Undergraduate Studies, and a participant in UH Day at the Capitol, lobbying for University funding.  Taylor also works in the Academic Mentoring Program for Enrichment and Development (AMPED) research lab at the UH College of Education.  AMPED is a school-based youth mentoring program designed to promote academic and behavioral wellness for middle-school students in the Houston area. 

"Working in the research lab has given me the experience with undergraduate research and has allowed me to build a closer connection with Dr. Samuel McQuillin and other professors outside of the classroom setting," said Taylor. "Dr. Sharon Johnson has also inspired me by setting a good example of an outstanding instructor and has really encouraged student growth and development in the HDFS program."

Taylor plans to continue his studies at UH by pursuing an M.Ed. in Counseling.  He also plans to continue working in the research lab fostering positive relationships with additional faculty, staff and students. His long-term plans include seeking a doctorate in Counseling Psychology, becoming a professor and a counseling psychologist. 

"Terrill was an outstanding student who integrated course knowledge and applied it to actual situations," said Sharon Johnson, professor and HDFS program coordinator.  "He articulated clearly his understanding of the course material. He was a pleasure to teach."

The Senior 27 is an exciting and brand new honor society for the best and brightest graduates from the University of Houston.  Students will be honored at a banquet on May 13^th.  The honor society recognizes the hard work, dedication and energy that 27 of our most highly acclaimed and involved students have worked for during their time at the University of Houston. These students have made significant contributions during their time at UH to showcase and grow the university’s profile among its students and in the community. The Senior 27 Honor Society is sponsored by the University of Houston Alumni Association.