UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Education has announced its program student marshals for its spring 2026 commencement ceremony.
The college’s commencement ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 10, at Pegula Ice Arena on the University Park campus.
Each student was selected for outstanding academic achievement and invited to choose a faculty member to escort them during the ceremony.
Education and Public Policy
Yuxin Miao, of Changzhou, China, is the program marshal for education and public policy. A graduate of Changzhou No. 1 High School, she is the daughter of Tingyu Bian and Jun Miao.
“I was initially very surprised and deeply moved,” Miao said. “As an international student, adjusting to language and cultural differences required tremendous effort that was often challenging in ways I never expected. I never imagined I would receive such a meaningful honor. I am incredibly grateful for the supportive professors and classmates I met along the way, who continuously encouraged and helped me grow. Their kindness made me feel a sense of belonging and warmth that I had never experienced before. Receiving this recognition makes me feel that all the hard work and perseverance over the years have truly been worthwhile.”
She will graduate with a 3.97 GPA (grade point average) and a minor in sociology, having been a dean’s list student in seven semesters at Penn State. Miao plans to pursue graduate studies in education. She served as an assistant intern at the UNESCO Shanghai office where she contributed to policy-oriented research on education for sustainable development, gender equity in STEM, and corporate environmental and social governance collaboration. Additionally, she has been a teaching assistant at her high school alma mater. Her faculty escort is David Baker.
Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Sophia Ketner, of Jamison, Pennsylvania, is the program marshal for elementary and early childhood education. A graduate of Central Bucks High School West, she is the daughter of Kristen and Michael Ketner.
“I was very surprised and incredibly honored to learn I had been selected as student marshal,” Ketner said. “I wasn’t expecting it, which made the news even more meaningful to me. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent the College of Education at graduation.”
While at Penn State, she received several awards and scholarships, including the President Walker Award, the President Sparks Award and the Evan Pugh Scholar Award. She is a Schreyer Honors College Scholar, where she researched why effective transition strategies matter for neurodiverse students and how teachers can best implement and facilitate them. She spent the summer of 2025 studying abroad in Florence, Italy.
In her spare time, Ketner was a committee member with THON and was involved with Kesem at Penn State.
Ketner will graduate with a 4.0 GPA and with minors in special education, human development and family studies, and psychological science. She has been a dean’s list student every semester at Penn State. She recently completed her student teaching in a first-grade general education classroom. She plans to enroll in Penn State’s 4+1 Special Education master’s program next year before pursuing a teaching position in Pennsylvania. Her faculty escort is Rachel Wolkenhauer.
Middle Level Education
Hannah DelVecchio, from Burke, Virginia, is the program marshal for middle level education. A graduate of Lake Braddock Secondary School, she is the daughter of Mollie and Mark DelVecchio. DelVecchio is part of the middle level social studies education program and will graduate with a minor in human development and family studies, an English as a Second Language program specialist certificate, and a 3.97 GPA. She was on the dean’s list for seven semesters at Penn State. She completed her student teaching in a fifth-grade classroom at Radio Park Elementary School.
DelVecchio was awarded several scholarships and awards, including the Lucy A. Valero Scholarship and the Leadership Award from the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (SPSEA), and the President Walker Award. She was vice president and involvement chair for the SPSEA at Penn State, was a captain of the club cross country team and was involved with THON as a dancer as well as serving on various committees.
“When I learned that I was selected as the middle level student marshal, I was both surprised and honored,” DelVecchio said. “I am extremely grateful to represent my cohort in the program that has helped me grow in countless ways over the past four years as an individual, student, and future educator.”
DelVecchio plans to pursue a two-year master’s program at the University of Portland through the Pacific Alliance for Catholic Education program. During the academic year, she will relocate to Honolulu, Hawaii to teach sixth, seventh and eighth grade social studies at a private middle school. Her faculty escort is Kimberly Mowery.
Rehabilitation and Human Services
Hannah Bausher, from Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, is the program marshal for rehabilitation and human services. A graduate of Southern Lehigh High School, she is the daughter of Amy and Andrew Bausher. Bausher will graduate with a 3.95 GPA, having been a dean’s list student every semester at Penn State.
While at Penn State, Bausher held various roles related to THON and was the office manager for Lion Tutors. She currently serves as a peer coach with the College of Education’s Journey Success Center.
“I was incredibly honored and genuinely surprised to learn that I had been selected as the rehabilitation and human services student marshal,” Bausher said. “So many people have helped shape my journey at Penn State and I am truly grateful. During my time in this program, I have experienced nothing but unwavering support and encouragement from my professors, adviser, and internship supervisor. This achievement would not have been possible without their guidance. In addition to Penn State faculty, I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful peers, who I am confident will go on to make this world a better place, so this recognition is especially meaningful to me. This honor is truly a reflection of the people who have supported me throughout my journey in this program. I am honored and humbled to serve as my program’s student marshal.”
Bausher plans to attend physical therapy school and work toward earning a doctorate. Her faculty escort is Jessica Henry.