Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar
Tucson, AZ ( May 10, 2018 ) – University of Arizona student Natalie Larez has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1000 scholarship in recognition of her inspiring personal narrative, excellent academic record and spirit of community service.
The Nancy Larson Foundation proudly supports students across the country majoring in elementary education by awarding scholarships to deserving students each year. Larez is one of ten recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
In her personal narrative, Natalie explained why she was inspired to become a teacher. “I grew up in a border town of 16,000 where there was a lack of resources for both community and students. This led me to believe that there has to be a better way to serve underfunded communities.” Natalie went on to say, “I chose Elementary Education with intentions of becoming a teacher in a Title 1, low-income school district and to serve as a role model for students who could identify with me. I want to provide them with the inspiration, motivation, attention and the educational skills they may need for lifelong learning. I want to teach so I can help students, propel them forward, and inspire them to pursue more than what their environments have deemed possible.”
“Our committee was really moved by Natalie’s personal experiences that set in motion her desire to teach. Her aspiration to work as a Title 1 teacher and inspire the students to become lifelong learners is exactly the type of teacher we like to support,” said Nancy Larson.
Juniors, seniors and graduate students who have declared an elementary education major are invited to submit a personal narrative about why they want to teach, what personal experiences they have had that inspired them to teach and what will make them excellent teachers. Applicants are also asked to include community service activities and experiences they have had working with children.
Larson, a former teacher and curriculum director, has dedicated her life to advancing elementary education. Nancy Larson Science K–5 programs were developed because teachers needed a classroom-tested science program that would prepare children for upper-level science classes and careers in science. The program was written to provide in-depth science content in an easy-to-teach format.