Kutztown U.

Lauren Kathryn Sobczak, of Fogelsville, recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in secondary English and special education from Kutztown University.

She also earned an autism endorsement certification by taking graduate-level courses while an undergraduate student.

Sobczak has been a member of the KU Honors program and the dean’s list, and is a recipient of the Cyrus E. Beekey Scholarship, the Dr. Walter Nott English Scholarship, the M. Rick Smith Undergraduate Award, the Ruth Bonner Scholarship and the Penn Northeast Conference Scholarship.

She also received recognition in Who’s Who Among College and University Students.

Sobczak served as a presidential ambassador, president of the English club, and was selected as a mentee for the PA State T.E.A.C.H. program.

She also is a member of the National Association of Multi-cultural Education, KU Writing Center, Phi Kappa Pi, Pi Lambda Theta, Kappa Delta Phi, Sigma Tau Delta, and the Allies Organization.

Performing with the University Choir, After Hours Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and the Chamber Choir Vocal Ensemble, provided her with a variety of amazing experiences.

Sobczak was a 2016 recipient of the Chambliss Award, a silver medalist for her research in the field of teaching higher level English skills to students with autism.

Sobczak conducted research on Shakespeare’s Later Plays and presented her research at the Ohio Valley Shakespeare Festival Conference at Ohio State University; her work was also featured in the Lehigh Valley Vanguard literary magazine.

She created a website aimed at providing information on Shakespeare and autism, disabilities awareness and other topics.

Sobczak plans to pursue employment as a secondary education/special education teacher.

She is the daughter of Cassandra and Thomas Sobczak.