Grant Larson
Grant Larson, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education, will deliver the student address at spring commencement. Hailing from a farm near Leeds, N.D., Larson is the fourth generation in his family to pursue a career in teaching. Throughout his time at VCSU, Larson demonstrated a deep commitment to both his studies and his campus community.
What are some of the campus activities you were involved in? Any big accomplishments?
One thing I am especially proud of his authoring the petition for the Shooting Sports Team which is now a competitive club sport at VCSU. I also was the president of the VCSU Trap Club, a resident assistant, member of both the fisheries and wildlife clubs, member of Chi Alpha and a New Student Orientation (NSO) Leader. One of my favorite accomplishments was being part of the team when we received the state championship at both the 2023 and 2025 North Dakota Collegiate State Trap Tournament.
Where did you do your student teaching?
Tell us about that experience.
I did my student teaching at Washington Elementary here in Valley City. I was in a 6th grade science classroom with Katie Gordon as my cooperating teacher. It was an experience that taught me the value of resilience and never giving up when things get tough. It revealed to me how much of a positive impact a teacher can have on students, even in just a few short months. I aimed to have each of my lessons incorporate a real world skill so that a student could walk out with something meaningful.
What did you enjoy most about your time at VCSU?
I’ve enjoyed learning that there’s no need to wait for opportunities to come my way when I can create them myself!
What, or who, inspired you to go into teaching? What do you enjoy the most about the profession?
Ultimately, it was my family that inspired me to go into teaching. I will be the fourth generation in my family to do so. What I enjoy most about teaching is when I can hear students in the hallways excitedly telling their friends about the things they did in class, like aging a meteor fragment, holding an ancient Roman coin or reading a letter from a soldier who stormed the beaches of Normandy. It made the students want to come back as much as I did.
Do you have any plans set in place upon graduating?
After graduation, I will be moving to Watford City to start a job at Watford City Middle School as a 6th grade history teacher. I also plan to pursue a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in the near future.
Any last thoughts as you wrap up your time at VCSU?
My college journey has been more memorable and enjoyable than I would’ve thought possible; I leave feeling incredibly fortunate that I met so many good people along the way. I’d like to send a special thanks to Gannon and Breanne Larson, Katie Gordon, Dave Hanson, Dave Bass, Nick Galt, Al LaFave, Erin Klingenberg, and the friends I made along the way. My advice to fellow students would be to work as hard as you can to get the best grades possible, it will provide you with additional scholarships that can free up the funding for marvelous hunting expeditions! As I depart from VCSU, I think of Matthew 6:33, which says, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’
