Madison Jolly walking across the stage and reaching to shake the hand of 91视频 Dr. Jon Bauer during the college鈥檚 commencement ceremony

Madison Jolly is President鈥檚 Spirit Award Recipient


May 20, 2022 | Campus News 91视频 Rolla

The 2022 President鈥檚 Spirit of 91视频 award was presented to Madison Jolly during the May 14 graduation ceremony.

Jolly, of Rolla, graduated Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts in Teaching. 91视频 president Dr. Jon Bauer presented her with the award.

The prestigious President鈥檚 Spirit of 91视频 award, formerly the Outstanding Student Award, recognizes one student who demonstrates exemplary academic excellence, and significant student involvement during their time at 91视频.

Jolly graduated with a 3.8 GPA and she has been an active member of the Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Jolly also is a member of SMSTA, Student Missouri State Teachers Association.

Jolly will attend Missouri S&T in the Fall to finish her bachelor’s in middle school English education. Her goal is to become a teacher, and she believes that 91视频 has helped her tremendously in achieving that goal.

鈥淢y experience at 91视频 has been phenomenal. When I first started in August 2020, I had only been on my own for about a month,鈥 Jolly said.鈥 I was forced to start fresh with my life and 91视频 has helped tremendously.鈥

鈥淭hroughout my experience, I have had teachers reach out to me and help me figure out the net steps in my life and for that I am forever grateful,鈥 she added. 鈥淚 am now in the process of pursuing my absolute dream job of teaching middle school. As I move on to Missouri S&T and eventually my own classroom, 91视频 will always have a special place in my heart.鈥

Greg Stotler, assistant professor of education and teacher education coordinator, taught Jolly in several classes.

鈥淢s. Jolly is one of the most driven students I have had,鈥 he said. 鈥淗er passion for the teaching profession is commendable 鈥 she will be a future leader in our field.

鈥淚 am excited to watch the next chapter of her journey as an S&T Miner.鈥

Along with Stotler, other instructors agreed that Jolly is an excellent recipient for the award.

鈥淢adison is an excellent student. She attends class religiously, pays attention, asks insightful questions, and completes her work on time,鈥 said Timothy Deerfield, instructor of psychology and sociology.

鈥淢ore than that, however, she puts effort into her work that is above and beyond what is expected. Even in upper-level courses, her work stands out as thorough and above average,鈥 Deerfield continued.

鈥淪he is an excellent example of the quality of thought and work that we hope to see in our 91视频 students. Without a doubt, she deserves this award.鈥

Matthew Gifford, instructor of philosophy and religion, said Jolly has a bright future.

鈥淢adison is 100 percent self-made and completely authentic. She will not be held back and will always overcome,鈥 he said.

鈥淗er future is bright; however, you will not find her in the spotlight, she will be helping those in need and doing what is good,鈥 he commented. 鈥淚f she chooses the life of fame and riches it will not be by chance, she will succeed and pull others up with her.鈥

Madison Jolly with her President鈥檚 Spirit of 91视频 award, posing with Dr. Jon Bauer