NAGC Announces 2021 Javits-Frasier Scholarship Recipients

Thirteen educators from across the United States have been selected to be in the 2021 class of Javits-Frasier Scholars by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). Each year, NAGC recognizes passionate teachers, school counselors and psychologists, and others who help gifted students in Title I schools with the Javits-Frasier Teacher Scholarship.

The primary purpose of the Javits-Frasier Teacher Scholarship is to increase culturally and linguistically diverse students’ access to talent development opportunities through educator training and support related to equity and excellence in gifted education. NAGC recognizes the vital role that teachers and counselors play in identifying and developing gifts and talents in today’s diverse student body and supports nationwide efforts to provide training to ensure highly qualified teachers and counselors in every school. Scholars receive a complimentary registration and travel stipend to attend the NAGC Annual Convention, a professional mentor from the NAGC community, and a two-year NAGC membership.

NAGC is excited to announce the following 2021 Javits-Frasier Teacher Scholars:

• Jenny Carlisle: Eichelberger Elementary School, Bolingbrook, IL
• Marnita Coenraad: Riverbend Elementary, Juneau, AK
• Tripti Desai: Holman Elementary School, Jackson, NJ
• Megan Gilman: Vic Robertson Elementary, Round Rock, TX
• Laycica Harjes: Brown Middle School, Ooltewah, TN
• Melissa Kalwanaski: Westmont Hilltop School District, Johnstown, PA
• Kendra McLemore: Snow Hill Elementary, Ringgold, TN
• Anessa Melnick: Jackson Elementary School, Jackson, WY
• Andrea Nadeau: Beulah Elementary School, Colonial Heights, VA
• Holly Rainville: Greencastle Elementary School, Ellicott City, MD
• Alesandra Rodriguez: Monarch Montessori of Denver, Denver, Colorado
• Jamie Scavillo: Norristown School District, Drexel Hill, PA
• Robin Shirley-Granville: Monte Vista Middle School, Del Norte, CO

“I congratulate each one of these outstanding scholars, who have devoted themselves to increasing access to gifted education programs for culturally and linguistically diverse students in some of our nation’s most economically disadvantaged schools,” said Lauri Kirsch, NAGC Board President. “The Javits-Frasier Scholar Program was designed to recognize dedicated educators such as these and provide them with the resources and support to continue their work in increasing equity for our gifted and talented children. I look forward to hearing about all of the remarkable accomplishments these scholars make in the many years to come,” she concluded.  

This year’s Javits-Frasier Scholars will be recognized and honored during The 68^th Annual NAGC Convention in Denver, Colorado, November 11-14, 2021.

Applications for the 2022 Javits-Frasier Scholarship will open early next year. Please continue to check the scholarship website for the latest news and updates.