Elizabeth’s love for special needs children unfolded at the early age of six. She traveled with her mother and brother to the Ukraine to work with orphans, and special needs children, at facilities in that country. These summer mission trips fostered Lizz’s desire to become a therapist and educator for special needs children. At home, she continued her love of working with special needs children by babysitting for two little girls with Down’s Syndrome.
Fluvanna County High School provided her with direct access to the world of teacher education through her classes in the Teacher Cadet program. Additionally, she enrolled in Piedmont Virginia Community College classes while attending Fluvanna County High School, thus enabling her to start college with 24 credit hours. Lizz had the opportunity to play on the girl’s lacrosse team and be a part of that first year program, which was fun for her because her coach was her mother!
Elizabeth Jensen looks forward to her adventure at Shenandoah University. As a young woman, she displays a great appreciation for life and its blessings. She recognizes that her mother’s love and determination for her and her brother has made many things possible for them. The scholarship money is a blessing to her family. Elizabeth thanks the FEA for the scholarship and for what the organization does to support Fluvanna Education.
Elizabeth Jensen is the daughter of Jenny Payne, an English as a second language teacher in Fluvanna County Public Schools. She is also the granddaughter of Tom and Windy Payne, long time Fluvanna County residents and supporters of Fluvanna County Public Schools.
