Five North Dakota and Minnesota high school educators have been selected to receive Distinguished Education Professional awards from NDSU. The honor recognizes area educators who are advocates for access to higher education and who work effectively with the NDSU Office of Admission.
The Distinguished Education Professionals will be honored at an award ceremony during the Discover NDSU event March 30-31.
The recipients were nominated by NDSU Office of Admission staff based on leadership, commitment and excellence in supporting access to higher education and support of NDSU’s recruiting efforts.
"It is an honor for us to recognize individuals who truly believe in the value of education and who place the greatest importance on helping students succeed," said Seinquis Leinen, NDSU associate director of admission. "We enjoy getting to know each of them a little better and showing them all that NDSU has to offer."
The 2017 Distinguished Education Professionals are:
• Kyle Gylland, Barnesville High School, Barnesville, Minnesota
Gylland has enjoyed a 30-year career in education, serving for the past 25 years as a high school counselor at Barnesville High School. “I enjoy the uniqueness of each student – each brings something different,” he said. “I like helping along their path, whether it be something they are struggling with or finding the direction they want to go after high school.”
His advice to students is: “There are many options and paths. Spend time researching and learning about yourself and talking to people in the work world. If necessary, start small and work big.
Gylland earned his bachelor’s degree at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, and his master’s degree in school counseling from NDSU.
• Emily Mattran, Chanhassen High School, Chanhassen, Minnesota
Mattran has been the college/career resource center manager at Chanhassen High School for six years, with a total of 17 tears of service between Chanhassen and Chaska, Minnesota, High Schools.
“Every day is different because each student is uniquely talented and curious about their futures,” Mattran said. “To be part of that discovery process for students and families is a great honor.”
She offers this advice to students: “Believe in the power of you. Be curious and check out some things you are not familiar with, stop and visit campuses wherever you are. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
Mattran earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources. She also took assorted courses at Eastern Michigan University and earned a “Global Career Development Facilitator” certificate at Normandale Community College.
• Kelsey Beckstrom, Oakes High School, Oakes, North Dakota
Beckstrom has been the high school counselor at Oakes for four years. “I have students from the time they start middle school in the seventh grade until the day of graduation. However, long after they graduate, I will still be calling them my student,” said Beckstrom, who has worked in education for six years. “Many of my upperclassman authentically share their dreams for the future with me, and thus I become so invested in them as a person that I want to see more than anything what they make happen in their lives after high school.”
Beckstrom earned her bachelor’s degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead and her master’s degree in counseling from Northern State University, Aberdeen, South Dakota.
“My students feel compelled to be ‘successful.’ I don’t focus on which college they want to attend but rather what career they see themselves in,” Beckstrom said. “From that point, I teach them how to analyze different majors and general education programs. They are challenged to become experts on those majors and what jobs they can find from their field of study.
• Heather Schieno, Dickinson Trinity High School and Belfield High School
Schieno has been the guidance counselor for Trinity High School and Belfield High School for eight years, and has been in education for a total of 19 years.
“What I enjoy about my job is helping students explore their aspirations beyond high school. In the course of seven years, they are in school approximately 1,300 hours a year,” she said. “I share their struggles, accomplishments, laughter and tears. It is truly humbling to look back and reflect on the impact I may have had on their lives.”
Schieno earned her bachelor’s degree at Dickinson State University and her master’s degree in counseling from the University of Mary.
• Leslye Erzberger, Centennial High School, Circle Pines, Minnesota
Erzberger has enjoyed a 22-year career in education, serving the past 17 years as a career center specialist for Centennial High School.
“I love the energy of the students. I love their inquisitiveness and excitement about the future,” Erzberger said. “I enjoy helping them find the best fit for a college or the best path toward fulfilling their dreams.
Her advice to students is to use all available resources and to explore options early. “Allow yourself time to think and reflect,” said Erzberger, who attended California State University-Northridge. “Make a choice that is the best fit for you, not what someone else think you should do.”
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