Claire Halaka Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar
Corvallis, OR (February 6, 2019) – Oregon State University student Claire Halaka has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1000 scholarship in recognition of her 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. Halaka is one of ten recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
In her personal narrative, Claire explained why she was inspired to become a teacher. “I want to teach because I want to share my passion for learning and want to help provide students with the proper educational tools needed to succeed on their own. I hope that by creating a classroom environment that is welcoming of questions and mistakes, I will help guide students to find the learning methods that work best for them as well as their passion to learn. It is important to be patient, compassionate, and a quick thinker. I hope to use these qualities to make sure that no matter the situation, the needs of my students are met.”
“Our committee appreciated Claire’s narrative and desire to be that inspiring teacher who is always happy to answer questions and assures that each student will succeed. She is a positive, dedicated and focused individual. She 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.