Patriot League Success Stories - Where Are They Now?

Tameka Hinton, Bucknell '95

June 22, 2005

Name: Tameka Hinton
Institution: Bucknell University
Sport: Women's Track and Field
Events: Sprints, Shot Put
Graduation Year: 1995
Undergraduate Major/Minor (GPA): Educational Research/African American Studies (3.1)

THEN:

• Dean's List (3 semesters)
• 2nd Team Academic All-American for the Black Issues in Higher Education magazine
• Knight Fellowship: independent study scholarship from Bucknell University (Summer 1994)
• Patriot League Academic Honor Roll
• Three-time Patriot League Athlete of the Meet (indoor - 1994 & 95, outdoor - 1995)
• Christy Matthewson Sports Award (highest athletic award at Bucknell University)
• Patriot League All-Decade Team
• Four-time Patriot League All-League member
• Four-time indoor 55-m and outdoor 100-m champion and two-time shot put champion
• Patriot League and Bucknell record holder in the 55-m and Bucknell record holder in the 300-m
• Bucknell's top ten: 55-m, 100-m, 200-m (indoor/outdoor), 300-m and shot put

• Boston University, Masters of Education Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education, 1997
• Johns Hopkins University, Post-Graduate Certificate in Administration and Supervisions of Schools, 2005
• Special Education teacher - Hayfield Elementary, 1997-2001
• Special Education teacher - Hammond Elementary, 2001-present
• Member of the Elementary Instructional Team Leaders Advisory Committee for Howard County Public Schools
• Special Education Team Leader - Hammond and Hayfield Elementary
• 2004 American Legion Teacher of the Year for Hammond Elementary
• Received numerous citations from Senator, House of Delegates, Howard County Council, Mayor of Laurel, and City of Laurel
• Wrote an article on reading instruction for The Readers Digest, a newsletter for the International Reading Association
• Assistant Track Coach for Hayfield Secondary, 1997-1998
• Founded and coached Special Olympics soccer and track and field program at Hayfield Elementary, 1998-2001
• Nominated for American Legion Teacher of Year - Hammond Elementary 2003, 2005
• Volunteer tutor at Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church
• Member of the Senior Usher Board at Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church
• Secretary for the Prince George's Unit of the ICUA of Maryland.

Thoughts on how your competitive experience as a Patriot League student-athlete helped you achieve professional or personal goals:

Competing in the Patriot League and for Bucknell was a wonderful and life-changing experience. My track experience was very collaborative and competitive. I always felt the drive to achieve as much as I could and take advantage of every opportunity presented. I worked hard to be a champion and a contributor to Bucknell's track team. As an educator, I continue to exhibit a competitive spirit but through teaching versus competing. I always research for new strategies to increase my students' success. Being a special educator is a job that requires a lot of skills and patience. When I competed, I worked hard to be the best sprinter I could be. When I was injured I needed to be patient through my recovery. Track and field has shaped my work ethic and has affected my relationships with co-workers and friends. I like to work with people to accomplish goals and objectives. I work hard and practice my lessons so my teaching and instruction can be better and more effective.

During my senior year I served as one of the co-captains, which placed me in a leadership role. I enjoyed motivating my teammates to be the best and work as hard as they can, especially to win a championship. My role as a leader has continued after graduation. I am an Instructional Team Leader for special education at my school. Similar to when I competed, I have to set goals for my team members and myself. We have to work together to achieve higher success.

Athletics has instilled a consistent work ethic and pride for what I do. Each school year starts like me blasting from the starting blocks. I have pace myself and plan for the finish line - the end of the school year!

The Patriot League recognized my work ethic, talent, and athleticism. I was honored to receive the Most Valuable Female Athlete awards. I worked hard and recognition was great for my self-esteem and progress academically and socially.