Bridget Drain Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar
Charlottesville, VA (February 6, 2019) – University of Virginia student Bridget Drain has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1000 scholarship in recognition of her inspiring personal narrative, academic achievement, and advocacy for children with special needs.
The Nancy Larson Foundation proudly supports students across the country majoring in elementary education by awarding scholarships to deserving students each year. Drain is one of ten recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
In her personal narrative, Bridget explained why she was inspired to become a teacher. “In this new generation of teachers, we are changemakers. Now, we can improve the quality of education for so many students, including those with special needs. I am inspired by my own educational strife to become an advocate for the students that often feel defeated. I want to educate young minds, but more so, I want to mold good people with a strong sense of character, empathy, self-worth, and empowerment.”
“Bridget’s desire to cultivate strong relationships with her students to give them a sense of true ownership of their learning impressed our selection committee,” Nancy Larson said. “She brings compassion, drive, and spirit to education, and we want to nurture teachers like her.”
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.