Miranda Dawn Blanchard
2012 David M. Cooper Scholarship
Miranda Blanchard is a graduate of Liberal High School, Liberal, Missouri. She is currently attending Missouri Southern State University – Joplin, Missouri, majoring in Secondary Education with an emphasis in History Education.
Do you know why I want to be a teacher in a rural school? Because that is what I LOVE! A rural school is what I grew up with and that is where my heart is. I was raised on a small family farm with my three siblings where we were taught a strong work ethic, team work, commitment to projects and activities, and healthy dose of competition. Looking back on my experiences at a rural school, one of the things that I appreciate the most is the smaller class sizes. Smaller classes allow the students to build a solid, one-on-one relationship with their teacher allowing them to look to their teacher as a role model. I want to help students become life-long learners who will continue to dig into different periods of history even when they are “finished” with their education.
A college instructor shares that he especially liked the enthusiasm that Miranda brought to the class. Another shares that Miranda’s personality is a strength as she always maintained positive relationships with her peers and the staff alike. The encouragement to other students always caused them to look to her for support. Many of the struggling students owe their success, in part, to Miranda.
Following the philosophy that teaching in a rural school, helps students dream big, we offer congratulations to Miranda Blanchard as the 2012 David M. Cooper Scholarship recipient.