Scotty Burford
Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar
Manhattan, KS ( May 10, 2018 ) – Kansas State University student Scotty Burford has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1000 scholarship in recognition of his 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. Burford is one of ten recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
In his personal narrative, Scotty shared a story about who inspired him to become a teacher. “Mr. A was one of my favorite teachers, as well as the one who inspired me to teach,” Scotty said. “He was always fun, humorous, and had a fatherly air about him—he played kickball with us every day and was always considered the fun teacher.” Scotty added, ”My relationship with Jesus makes me the outgoing, active, healthy person I am. I love kids. Their creativity, honesty, and general zest for life is infectious and exhilarating. As a teacher, I plan to encourage my kids to be lifelong learners and show them that learning can be active, healthy, and fun.”
“Scotty’s personal narrative was very compelling to our committee. As teachers, we all want to encourage children to be lifelong learners. He is passionate, dedicated and focused on achieving this goal. He is 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.