CHADRON – Chadron State College junior Mallory McClenahan of Grant, Nebraska, is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for October.

McClenahan is in the Education program and plans to earn an early childhood inclusive field endorsement. In the future, she plans on becoming a preschool teacher, remaining in a small, rural town, like Chadron. After interning at an elementary school during her senior year of high school, she discovered her love for teaching young children. She said that small town teaching supports her desire for personal connections.

“I love knowing all the kids and knowing things about them. I just don't think I could do a big school,” said McClenahan.

McClenahan has been a member of the Chadron State Spirit Team as a cheerleader since her freshman year, and it was part of her original decision to attend CSC.

“I saw the cheerleaders here and I just fell in love,” she said.

McClanahan’s older sister had been on the spirit squad, as a dancer, during her time in Chadron. Growing up, McClenahan said she would travel to watch her sister perform on Elliott Field, forming her connection to the team.

McClenahan has been a member of Project Strive since arriving at CSC.

“Mal has been an outstanding member of Project Strive. She uses the resources that are available to her to help her success as a student. Mal is a great mentor to new students and does everything with a smile,” said Jennifer Schaer, Director of Project Strive.

From the courses she has taken so far, McClenahan’s Social Dance Activities course with Dr. Donna Ritzen stands out.

“It was my favorite class I've ever taken. We learned all sorts of dances. We did line dancing. We did square dancing. We did Latin dancing. It was amazing,” she said.