Nan Whybark isn’t your typical returning student.
After raising five children and retiring from a 25-year career as a para-educator, Whybark moved to Davenport, Washington with plans to return to college and earn a degree in studio art from EWU.
“I’m an older student. I’ll be 70 in December,” says Whybark, who was thrilled to be chosen as one of two students to receive a Golden Eagle Scholarship this year.
Whybark arrived at EWU with an associate’s degree she earned from Everett Community College some 15 years ago while working full time and taking night classes.
Going back to school “was kind of a culture shock for me,” Whybark says, “but I’ve made lots of friends and I’m really enjoying the environment.”
A lifelong artist and author of children’s books, Whybark wove her talents into the fabric of elementary and middle schools in western Washington, working as an educator to enrich curriculum and provide opportunities for students to tap into their creative energies.
She has also authored a series of five children’s books titled “Earth to Irth” that are written for ages 8-12, but have a much wider audience. Artwork on the cover, and on the inner chapter introductions, was illustrated by Whybark herself. A sixth book will soon be in the works to wrap-up the series. And, the education from EWU, supported by the scholarship from the EWURA, will further hone her illustrative talents.
“That the retirees of this school would consider me – I just thought that was a great honor,” Whybark says. “It’s really helping to fund my education for the year while also giving me a lot of encouragement. I just feel special.”
