Quasha Graves Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar
DeKalb, IL (February 6, 2019) – Northern Illinois University student Quasha Graves has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1000 scholarship in recognition of her personal narrative, academic achievement, and commitment to culturally diverse students.
The Nancy Larson Foundation proudly supports students across the country majoring in elementary education by awarding scholarships to deserving students each year. Graves is one of ten recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
Quasha wrote, “School has always been an endeavor I have enjoyed, and cultivating healthy relationships with my teachers has always meant a great deal to me. My dream is to be the educator who guides my students into the directions of wholeness, alignment, and success in all situations, conditions, and relationships.” She hopes to provide self-affirmation, knowledge, and appraisals for her student from the moment they walk into her classroom. She wants them to leave every day feeling more confident, worthy, and powerful than when they came.
Nancy Larson and the selection committee support Quasha in her desire to become an educator to serve as an advocate and mentor for academically, linguistically, and culturally diverse students. Ms. Larson said, “We need more diversity and the mindset Quasha described to alleviate stereotypes, biases, and judgments on diversity.”
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.