Meet Our Students

GEMS Graduates

Photo of Gracey Motley
Gracey Motley

Major: Biology

Hobbies: Drawing, crafting, listening to music, and playing video games.

Why be a teacher? I enjoyed going to school, doing assignments and projects, but most importantly I loved to learn. I have always loved learning, learning new
things has been something I have always strived to do. I want to be a teacher so I can share my love of science and show my students the importance of science and STEM education.

Photo of William Clock
William Clock

My name is William Clock and my major is biology. I love playing guitar, watching football, camping, spending time outside, and spending time with friends. I want to teach because I enjoy exploring our world and discovering where in it I fit, and being able to interact with kids and help build foundations of growth and knowledge that enable them to do the same is something very fruitful to pursue.

Photo of Courtni Mundy
Courtni Mundy

My major through the MonarchTeach Program is Biology, where I hope to be able to share my love for science with the young minds of our community! When I am not doing schoolwork, I am either enjoying the animals at the zoo or doing some type of craft at home. I love to crochet and drink coffee, all while watching some of my favorite Disney movies.

I did not know I wanted to be a teacher until I finished my first year of college. I was originally planning on becoming an eye doctor, but the more I thought about it, I wanted to make an impact on kids the way one of my teachers in high school did. I chatted with her about her job at that time and what she did to get there and the more we talked, the more I realized I wanted to be in this profession. I hope to be as inspirational as her one day, in my own way!

Melissa Pineda

Major: Ocean and Earth Science, BSCE May 2021

Hobbies: Outside of school and work, I love creating music and visual art. My other interests include biking, hiking, and building in Minecraft.

Why be a teacher? I want to become a teacher to encourage young students that learning can be fun, promote curiosity and exploration of our natural world, and advocate for their personal success. I am deeply inspired by my own mentors, as well as the students I’ve worked with since graduation.


GEMS Scholars

Dominique Wright

Major: Earth Science

I enjoy taking walks when the weather is nice and love watching romantic comedies and sci-fi movies. Crafting is another hobby of mine that I find really enjoyable.

As an Earth Science Educator, I am driven by the incredible potential of this field to transform our planet and inspire future generations. By understanding the history and workings of our Earth, we can unlock scientific breakthroughs that will benefit humankind and preserve our natural environment. With this knowledge, we can prevent and reverse permanent consequences to our planet’s natural processes. I am passionate about sharing this wealth of knowledge and inspiring my students to explore the wonders of Earth Science.


GEMS Sprouts

We will have a new group of Sprouts starting in Fall 2025, so check back to meet them!