The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-McGehee’s Star Student for the month of September is Mary Raney-Lucas, a sophomore early childhood education student from Monticello.
Kim Burgess, Early Childhood Education program coordinator for the UAM College of Technology-McGehee, said “Mary is a non-traditional student who strives for excellence for herself. When an assignment or project is assigned, you can be assured that Mary will begin working on it immediately and will be asking questions along the way. She wants to ensure she submits work that she can be proud of and represents her commitment to her education. In addition, she is always willing to assist other students to help them be successful as well. She is a joy to have in the early childhood education program!”
Raney-Lucas has been a Home-Based Educator for the Southeast Arkansas Education Cooperative for the past seven years. She says “Continuing my education and focusing on early childhood development will allow me to better understand our young students and improve the quality of my work. Therefore, after graduating, I plan to continue my work with the HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters Program) program.”
Raney-Lucas is married with two children. She is a 2007 graduate of Drew Central High School. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, riding ATVs, and caring for all the family animals.
Each month, the UAM College of Technology-McGehee recognizes one student who exhibits a love of learning, a passion for knowledge, and a hunger to develop and grow academically.