<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><item href="/education/features/swalker/index.php" dsn="news"><featured/><top-stories/><pubDate>12/11/2019 03:09:38 PM</pubDate><title>Graduation Spotlight: Shontoria Walker Leads the Way in Literacy</title><subtitle/><description>Doctoral student Shontoria Walker said she let out tears of joy when she learned she would get extra recognition at the University of Houston College of Education’s fall commencement. In honor of her high academic standing, she will lead the graduation processional — and sit on stage — as a banner bearer for the Department of Educational Leadership &amp; Policy Studies.&amp;#13;&amp;#10;“I never thought that was an honor I could receive,” she said. “I’m hoping I don’t cry while I’m sitting on stage.”&amp;#13;&amp;#10;For those who know her, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Walker has not taken a break from academic studies since high school and is now set to graduate with an Ed.D. in professional leadership with a specialization in literacy.&amp;#13;&amp;#10;Learn more about her journey to become “Dr. Walker” in the Q&amp;A below.</description><author/><author-email/><author-phone/><image><img src="" alt=""/></image><categories/></item>