awarded scholarship for studying elementary education
Manhattan, KS (April 23, 2024) – Kansas State University student Mirna Linares has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1500 scholarship in recognition of her inspiring leadership, personal narrative, and academic achievement.
The Nancy Larson Foundation proudly supports students across the country majoring in elementary education by awarding scholarships to deserving students each year. Linares is one of nine recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
In her personal narrative, Mirna explained, “When I first started school, I was very excited and ready to learn until I was not. I could not understand anything and everything sounded like gibberish to me. It was hard being the only student who spoke Spanish. However, my whole world changed when I met my ESL teacher. She took the time to get to know me and my culture. This was apparent in the content and activities she had me do. I was getting excited because suddenly the gibberish was not gibberish anymore. We would celebrate my successes, and she kept challenging me and always had high expectations for me. I would go into the ESL classroom excited to learn more and talk more with my favorite teacher. It was in these moments that I aspired to be a teacher. I want to continue to help students who are just like me.”
“Mirna’s story is inspiring because she knows first hand how much of a difference a good teacher can make. This is exactly the type of life experience that forms the foundation of a wonderful career in education,” remarked Nancy Larson. “She understands what it takes to be a great teacher, and a mentor to children.”
Larson, an author, former teacher, and curriculum director, has dedicated her life to advancing elementary education. Nancy Larson® Science K–5 programs are classroom-tested and 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.
About Nancy Larson Foundation
The Nancy Larson Foundation, founded in 2006 in Old Lyme, CT, awards prospective elementary educators scholarships to encourage and support their education. For more information, visit www.nancylarsonfoundation.org.