Payton Williams
Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar
Conway, SC (March 23, 2020) – Coastal Carolina University student Payton Williams has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1000 scholarship in recognition of her inspiring leadership, personal narrative, and academic achievement.
The Nancy Larson Foundation proudly supports students across the country majoring in elementary education by awarding scholarships to deserving students each year. Williams is one of eight recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
“I believe the trait of passion guides a successful teacher’s career—a passion for children, a passion for working, and a passion for learning,” shared Williams. “Without passion in each area, a teacher is not giving students the best of him/herself. I love organized plans for each day, yet I adjust quickly when it’s needed and attend to all the needs of students. I feel this is what makes a good teacher.”
“Payton describes what makes a good teacher—passion, organization, and flexibility,” Nancy Larson remarked. “Teaching takes heart, and that is what Payton brings to her classroom.”
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.