Alana Pitts
Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar
Atlanta, GA (February 6, 2019) – Mercer University student Alana Pitts has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1000 scholarship in recognition of her inspiring personal narrative, academic achievement, and desire to teach children.
The Nancy Larson Foundation proudly supports students across the country majoring in elementary education by awarding scholarships to deserving students each year. Pitts is one of ten recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
In her personal narrative, Alana explained why she was inspired to become a teacher. “I had a teacher who made me succeed for the rest of my life by believing and encouraging me until I was ready to fly on my own. He never pushed me for a grade, but instead pushed me for understanding, for connection. A great teacher is a person that takes the time to form strong and meaningful relationships with students. I want to be the teacher that encourages students to go above and beyond their limits. A teacher that not only pushes them to their full potential in academics but also as human beings in this society.”
“The selection committee and I were impressed with Alana’s narrative and her understanding that teaching is a passion and a lifelong process,” remarked Nancy Larson. “She said that becoming a great teacher takes time, dedication, willingness to reflect, change, and to evolve over time.”
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.