The Transition Magician Endowed Scholarship

Barbara Plum, Nola Larson, and Mary Henthorne established The Transition Magician Endowed Scholarship, and have many similar backgrounds, beliefs, and concerns for quality childcare. They all…

• acquired college degrees in Early Childhood Education (Barb – now deceased and Nola – Masters).
• were employed at Western Technical College in varying capacities, all related to young children, such as;
  * teachers of young children in the Parent Child Center (campus childcare center)
  * instructors of college students in the Child Care and Development program.
  * presenters of non-credit evening school courses and workshops for teachers in the surrounding communities.
• were/are engaged in extracurricular activities, clubs, and local, state, and national organizations that strongly advocate for quality childcare.
• are co-authors of Transition Magician: Strategies for Guiding Young Children in Early Childhood Programs (hence, the title of this scholarship). The philosophy of this book, moving children through the day in creative, positive, and engaging ways, clearly emphasizes Nola, Mary, and Barb’s strong belief in, and commitment to children.

“Mary, Barb, and Nola’s dedication to children and the childcare field is reflected in their desire to provide a scholarship for a student in the Early Childhood Education program, and/or to a parent of young children enrolled in childcare.” The co-authors of Transition Magician hope this helps you “magically” transition from your outstanding education at Western, into your exciting career filled with creative energy, and a zest for teaching.