Grace Liu Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar
Urbana-Champaign, IL (February 6, 2019) – University of Illinois student Grace Liu has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1000 scholarship in recognition of her personal narrative, academic achievement, and commitment to spark and inspire students who have struggled.
The Nancy Larson Foundation proudly supports students across the country majoring in elementary education by awarding scholarships to deserving students each year. Liu is one of ten recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
Grace wrote, “By the third grade, I had moved to my third elementary school, and I had given up on trying to make new friends. However, my teacher noticed my loneliness and decided to invest in me, demonstrating her care and compassion. Once I felt safe and loved in her classroom, the door opened to learning, and I discovered a hunger for knowledge that can never be satiated. I aspire to make the same impact on my own future students. That is exactly why I want to teach. Every student deserves to see and reach his or her potential. I want to be my students’ biggest fan and a mentor who guides them to the success of which I know they are capable.”
Nancy Larson said, “Grace feels education breaks down barriers, empowers students, and enhances the future. She cannot think of a profession that is more fulfilling or meaningful than teaching. We are proud to support Grace in furthering her career.”
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.