Hilo, HI (July 30, 2026) – Augustana College student Walahuli Akau 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. Akau is one of seven recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
In her personal statement, Akau explained, “Many experiences lead me to teaching. My mom was an Autism Resource Teacher and I often helped her. Later, I taught my teammates water polo and that was a blast. I knew then, I loved teaching. Being a Native Hawaiian student, many values have been instilled in me throughout my life. Values such as respecting and caring for the land that gives us life and family integration and genealogy into cultural identity. I aim to encourage my students to be proud of who they are and where they come from. I want to provide my future students with an opportunity to engage and feel deeply connected to what they learn, help them have a voice in the classroom, and get the best opportunities to learn.”
“Walahuli is very empathetic, enthusiastic, and energetic about both her Hawaiian culture and education. Her desire to help children believe in themselves impressed the committee,” remarked Nancy Larson. “She has shown us that she has the heart, inspiration, and desire to be a great teacher.”
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 elementary educator majors scholarships to encourage and support their education. For more information, visit www.nancylarsonfoundation.org.