Lisa Parks, a paraeducator at Sawyer Woods Elementary, is the latest recipient of the Kent Association of Paraeducators’ Paraeducator to Certification scholarship.

The $1000 scholarship is awarded to paraeducators engaged in the student teaching assignment required by their teacher certification program.

After working as a paraeducator for the past 10 years, Parks decided to pursue her teaching certification.

“I wanted to challenge myself professionally and take on more responsibility, while continuing to do what I love which is teaching children,” Parks said. “I am very thankful for the KAP scholarship, which covered the entire cost of my student teaching.”

Parks is currently enrolled in a dual license teacher preparation program through Western Governors University. When she graduates, Parks plans to find a teaching position in the Kent School District and pursue a masters program for English language learning.