Edna Wilhelmina Snell Nichols Scholarship Fund
Edna Wilhelmina Snell Nichols began her teaching career at age 17 in Wisconsin after graduating with honors from Seymour High School. As was the custom in 1919, she was eligible to become a teacher after passing a qualifying examination and taking a short course in teacher responsibilities. She taught in Wisconsin for seven years in one-room schools while boarding with a family in the community. In addition to teaching, her duties included all janitorial work and keeping the wood stove stoked. Her continued employment depended on the achievement of her students and the quality of the students' activities, including the Christmas program.
In 1926, she married and moved to Florida where she secured a teaching position in Waldo. She cried when she was told that her salary was to be half as much as she earned in Wisconsin. Later she moved to the Jacksonville area where she taught for the following 47 years. Her favorite assignment was first grade and all her students loved her. They respected her strict standards and enjoyed her wonderful stories that were everyday rewards. After retirement, she was frequently called upon to substitute in the school system and former students regularly told her how influential she was in their lives. She was always honored at the annual Wesconnett Old Timers Reunions.
In 1957, she authored a children's book, "Papoose," which is about a cow brought to her small farm in a burlap sack and about the events on the farm when her four children were young.
During her later years, she became an accomplished painter of fine porcelain china. She always had a desire to learn and to teach whether in a garden club, church group, or the everyday routines of creative activity.
In 1993, at the age of 91, Edna Wilhelmina Snell Nichols established this scholarship fund for the assistance of students who wish to become teachers.
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