Ryan Flanagan
2011 David M. Cooper Scholarship
Ryan Flanagan is a graduate of Elsberry High School, Elsberry, Missouri. He is currently attending Central Methodist University - Fayette, Missouri, majoring in History Education.
Ryan shares that the primary reason for his pursuit of a career in the field of education is because he believes that children are our future. The future is inevitable but there seems to be some political reformers who would like to prevent this from happening as long as possible. Ryan goes on to share that teachers are the second biggest contributor to framing the minds of our youth, after the child's parents. Every day, when I go to work, I want to feel like I am making a difference or that I am framing a better future not just for myself or my students but for the United States as a whole.
Another reason Ryan's interested in a career in education is the benefits he has observed with the involvement of both his parents in the field of education. With their support and encouragement through the years, it has allowed me to maximize my full academic potential.
One of his professors/coaches shares that Ryan is a man of character and a great leader. He has established himself not only in the classroom but also among his peers on the football field. I believe that the moral and ethical decisions he makes on and off the field are reflective of the way we want our young men to conduct themselves.
One of his former teachers shares that with excellent leadership skills, Ryan was selected to serve as a tutor for high school students that were struggling. He was patient, humble, and students were comfortable working with him.
Following the philosophy that if one strives for excellence and is able to hang his hat up at the end of every day knowing that he did everything to the best of his ability, then there is always success in future endeavors.
Congratulations to Ryan Flanagan, the 2011 David M. Cooper Scholarship recipient.