UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Nicholas Palermo, a secondary social studies education major from Wexford, Pennsylvania, has been named the Penn State College of Education student marshal for the fall 2024 commencement ceremony.
Palermo, the son of Vincent and Jennifer Palermo, also will graduate with minors in history, political science and music performance.
“Being chosen as the student marshal is an incredible honor and privilege,” Palermo said. “This recognition reflects the hard work, determination and passion I’ve put into my academic journey at Penn State and all the support and encouragement I have received. Above all else, being selected as student marshal stands as a testament to the values my family has instilled in me: if you believe in yourself and commit to your goals and aspirations — day in and day out, not just for the week or the month, but for years — there is no limit to where you can go in life.”
Palermo has a 4.0 grade-point average, is on track to graduate summa cum laude, and has received several awards at Penn State, including the Provost’s Award, President Walker Award, and the Evan Pugh Scholar Senior Award. He has been named to the dean’s list every semester since enrolling at Penn State and served as a resident assistant during his second year.
Palermo is currently completing his student teaching in a ninth-grade social studies classroom at Upper St. Clair High School in Pittsburgh. He previously student taught in a ninth-grade social studies classroom in the Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District in Centre County. Prior to that, he spent three months as a substitute teacher in the State College Area School District and for two years taught 12th grade English language arts (ELA) for the Upward Bound Summer Academy at Penn State.
Palermo also was an active leader on the College of Education Student Council and served as faculty council representative.
Pursuing his interest in music, Palermo was a member of the Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra and the Penn State Bass Studio. He frequently performs professionally as a double bassist with the York Symphony Orchestra (YSO) and recently played with the YSO for a commercial recording for Centaur Records.
Following graduation, Palermo said he wants to pursue a high school social studies teaching position in the Pittsburgh area. He plans to eventually pursue master’s and doctoral degrees with hopes of one day receiving his principal certification and superintendent letter of eligibility.
Penn State’s fall commencement is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 22, at the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus. The ceremony for students receiving master’s and doctorate degrees begins at 9 a.m. The ceremony for College of Education students receiving baccalaureate and associate degrees begins at 4:30 p.m. and will be held in conjunction with the College of Arts and Architecture, the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, the College of Health and Human Development, the College of the Liberal Arts, the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, and the Eberly College of Science.