awarded scholarship for studying elementary education
Salt Lake City, UT – Western Governors University student Estevan Hernandez 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. Warshauer is one of seven recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
In his personal narrative, Estevan shared, “My desire to become an elementary teacher is the result of the experiences I went through with my teachers. English is my second language and I remember how much time my teachers spent with me. I want to pay it forward to my future students. I want to give kids hope and a sense of belonging when they face struggles similar to mine. Little kids who come from poverty, non-English speaking, undocumented households – I relate to that because that is where I came from too. I had many teachers who were there for me and my family when my parents passed away in two different car wrecks. The teachers helped us in every way. They helped us with fundraisers to bury our father. They made sure we had food and helped our aunt get guardianship rather than foster care. There were many who helped us, but Mrs. Kangus sticks out for me in elementary school. She always had food for me when I missed breakfast and she would check on me even in middle school. I want to be like Mrs. Kangus for other kids. The impact my teachers had on me is life changing and I know that I will have a positive impact on my own future students.”
“Estevan’s story of the teachers who supported and helped him, not only get an education but get through rough times, is truly inspiring. Estevan wanting to do the same for others through teaching is a wonderful thing. It is exactly the type of life experience that forms the foundation of a wonderful career in education,” remarked Nancy Larson. “Estevan understands what it takes to be a great teacher, a mentor, and an inspiration to children.”
Larson, an author, former teacher, and curriculum director, has dedicated her life to advancing elementary education. Nancy Larson® Science K–5 programs are classroom-tested and 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.