Meet Shelby Summer '22: Educator, Math Whiz, Teammate, and Bearcat
By Tina (Napper) Tebbe '08
What do you get when you add academic excellence, outstanding athleticism, unflappable
diligence, and a zeal for extracurricular activities? Two words: Shelby Summer. This secondary education mathematics major has been involved in nearly every aspect
of college life on McKendree’s campus, but her true passions lie in numbers and helping
the next generation understand them in a clear, engaging way. Read all about one of
McKendree’s most remarkable students below:
Exceptional Extracurricular Excellence
A rich college life can present countless opportunities for any student: the opportunities
for leadership, networking with likeminded peers, forming lifelong friendships, and
creating treasured memories. To say that Shelby has truly taken advantage of what
McKendree has to offer is an understatement. She’s been inducted into a handful of
impressive societies, including Phi Eta Sigma, Kappa Delta Pi, Pi Mu Epsilon, and
Phi Kappa Phi, holding officer positions in many of them. She has also been involved
with Student Government Association (SGA), New Student Orientation, and McKendree
Rotaract – serving as Vice President from 2019-2020 and President from 2020-2021.
Shelby’s hard work in and out of the classroom hasn’t gone unnoticed. She has been
named to the President’s List each semester since she became a Bearcat in 2017 – and
still maintains a 4.0 GPA. She has also received several awards, including the Brother
James Gaffney Distinguished Scholar Award for the past three years, the Council of
Presidents Academic Excellence Award in 2021, the GEICO Academic All-GLVC Award during
all four years, and was named an NFCA Scholar-Athlete Honoree in 2018. Shelby has
received nearly half a dozen scholarships for all her hard work as well, including
both the Presidential Scholarship and the Leadership Scholarship at McKendree, the
Lauren S. Young Endowed Scholarship, the 2020 Phi Eta Sigma Distinguished Scholarship,
and the 2021 NCAA Division 2 Degree Completion Scholarship.
“To win these awards and scholarships means a great deal to me,” Shelby said.
"It shows that my hard work in the classroom and on the softball field has paid off!"
Unafraid to Step Up to the Plate
An outfielder for the McKendree softball team, Shelby also shines on the field. Most
recently, her four RBIs led the Bearcats to an impressive 9-1 victory over the Drury
Panthers during the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament held in East Peoria,
Ill., this past May. It was the first inning when Shelby swung her bat and got the
Bearcats on the board, thanks to a 2-run infield single. Perhaps she felt a surge
of determination from being close to her stomping grounds of Washington, Illinois.
Regardless, her proudest moment on the team was helping her teammates make it to their
first ever NCAA tournament.
But her favorite part about being on the Bearcat softball team? Meeting her friends.
"These are my life-long friends – friendships that will last forever!" she said."
Making Math Add Up for Future Generations
Shelby always knew that she wanted to be a teacher, but it wasn’t until the 5th grade that she knew she wanted to teach math, thanks to her own math teacher. “I
knew after learning mathematics from Mr. Lediger in the fifth grade that I wanted
to be a mathematics teacher,” Shelby said. “He changed my perspective on teaching
mathematics because he used manipulatives, interactive games, and board work to not
only teach but also enhance our learning. I plan to use my knowledge and pay it forward
to my current and future students.”
Her deftness in the field seems to come naturally. She was told at an early age that
she would excel as a teacher, and earlier this year McKendree recognized her for her
excellence in study of mathematics. Moreover, what fuels Shelby is her determination
and passion in helping students better understand what is usually considered a difficult
subject. “I want to show them if you have the right mindset, you can master anything,”
she added.
Now, Shelby is in the middle of her student teaching experience at Breese Central
High School under the supervision of her cooperating teacher, Mrs. Julianne (Harris)
Jacob ‘07, and, unsurprisingly, she seems to be fitting in quite well. “The most enjoyable
part of student teaching thus far is getting to know my students,” Shelby said.
"It feels great that even though I am only a student teacher that my students feel comfortable
coming to me with questions."
Forging Unbreakable Friendships at McKendree
Choosing where to attend college is one of the most important decisions any high school
student can make. Shelby realized this when she chose McKendree – “primarily for the
education program,” she said. “This university is well known for their education program,
and it did not disappoint. I also loved the hometown feel of Lebanon – it reminded
me of my own hometown.” In addition, she decided to become a Bearcat because of her
desire to continue her softball career. “I knew Coach Fleming and Coach Thomas would
help me grow as an athlete, and most importantly, as a person. I learned a great deal
from them and will forever be thankful they chose me to be a part of their program,”
she said.
While Shelby of course invested in McKendree for her educational and athletic experiences,
she gained something even more precious – treasured relationships with others. “Making
lifelong friends has been the best part of my experience at McKendree,” she reflected.
“From the students to my teammates and even my professors, I have gained priceless
friendships. Also, experiencing softball at one of the highest levels has been a lifelong
dream and has given me some great memories.”
"From the students to my teammates and even my professors, I have gained priceless
friendships. Also, experiencing softball at one of the highest levels has been a lifelong
dream and has given me some great memories."
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