SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Reilly is a 2022 graduate of Little Rock Central High School. She is currently enrolled at the University of Central Arkansas as an Art Education major. Her career aspirations are to teach elementary art and to eventually go on to receive her Master’s Degree in Library Media Science so that she may become a children’s media specialist. While at LRCH, Reilly was an active member of the Quiz Bowl Team (2018 7A AGQBA State Champions!), Arkansas Young Artist’s Association, and the LRCH Book Club. During her down time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, beadwork and drawing/painting as well as spending time with her family.

Sylvia is a homeschool graduate, who also attended Valley Christian School and Clarksville High School. She is a student at Harding University. During high school, Sylvia enjoyed being part of the running club, hip hop dancing and tap dancing. When she isn’t in school, she enjoys singing, songwriting, performing, cooking for her family, spending time at the lake, hiking, and trout fishing. As part of her church youth group, she worked on service projects including canned goods drive, Vacation Bible School, cleanup of a local pregnancy center, and Leadership for Christ Training. She participated in Bible Bowl, Bible Quiz, and Bible Bee and competed at nationals. Her long-term goals are to write an inspirational Christian book, open a health food franchise, and publish an album.

Gavin is a 2021 graduate from Harding Academy located in Searcy, AR. Gavin has been accepted to Harding University and plans to Major in Multimedia Communications and Sports Management. When he completes his degree, he would like to have a position with a sports team in information management or sports broadcasting. While at Harding Academy, Gavin was a member of the HA Chorus where he was selected to the traveling performance vocal group Cross-Eyed. He was an active member of Thespians and participated in Wildcat Theatre Co. performances of Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, and was cast as Dimitri in the school’s performance of Anastasia. He played on the football team and was blessed to be a part of two back-to-back state championships in 2019 and 2020. He is a member of the College Church of Christ where he enjoys youth activities. After school and evenings, he works at Slim Chickens, enjoys video games, and hanging out with family and friends.

Riley is a 2020 graduate from Stuttgart High School. Riley has been accepted in a certified nursing assistant program and plans to obtain a degree in nursing from the University of Arkansas - Little Rock. When she completes her degree, she would like to become a travel nurse. She participated in Key Club, Lions Club, Interact, Thespians, Spanish Club, Science Club, and Student Council throughout her four years at Stuttgart High School. She served as Key Club treasurer and Stuttgart High School Student Council historian her senior year. She is a member of Southside Baptist Church where she played bass guitar in the youth praise band. She also went on mission trips to Washington DC, Casper WY, and New Orleans LA with her church. She spends her afternoons at Studio Allegro where she has taken dance classes since the age of 3. Riley spends her summers teaching vacation bible school classes, being a buddy at Miracle League, volunteering at community projects with the clubs she is a member of, and working at Two Sisters boutique. She has been on the honor roll every year and is a member of the National Honor Society. Riley spends her free time watching Netflix, reading, and hanging out with family and friends.

Shakoda is a graduate from Marshall High School. She is an active member of the Arkansas 4-H organization. As a member of 4-H, she has participated in hundreds of community service projects that have included cleaning highways, planting trees at local schools and putting up bird houses around nursing homes. Her involvement with these projects has inspired her educational goals. Shakoda plans to attend Arkansas Tech University and obtain her Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and later pursue a Masters in Agricultural Leadership at the University of Arkansas.

Katelyn is a graduate of Greenwood High School where she participated in Spanish club for five years. She is a member of the National Honors Society and won first-runner up in the "It Can Wait" essay contest sponsored by AT&T and The Southwest Times Record. Katelyn is majoring in English at the University of Arkansas in Fort Smith and hopes to one day become a librarian.

Paige is a graduate of Stuttgart High School. In high school, she was a Stuttgart High School cheerleader and tennis player. Paige was also the senior reporter for the high school student council and won an All-American High School film competition in New York. Paige is majoring in journalism at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Marcy Nelson is a graduate of Conway High School. In high school, she was a member of the Wampus Cat Marching Band and was active in the youth and music programs at Woodland Heights Baptist Church, where she went on mission trips to Harrison and Monticello AR, Arlington TX, Knoxville TN, Glorieta NM, Honolulu HI, and Managua, Nicaragua. She will be attending Ouachita Baptist University, majoring in Music Education (Choral). After graduation, Marcy hopes to teach music in an elementary school setting, and she plans to explore mission opportunities in Hawaii.

Marissa Barrett graduated from Harrison High School with distinguished highest honors. She will be attending Lyon College in Batesville with plans are to earn a degree in both Molecular Biology and Chemistry. After graduation, Marissa intends to prepare for challenging work ahead in the medical professional field. She is dedicated and passionate about giving back and helping people in need, especially in medically underserved communities.

Kenneth Avery, Jr. graduated from Stuttgart High School and will be attending Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia this fall. Kenneth is planning to major in biology and chemistry to become a dentist. Kenneth plans to give back to his community that he grew up in. His goal is to help Stuttgart and the Arkansas Delta by helping people with dental issues.

Caroline Horita will be attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville this fall. While attending Morrilton High School, she initiated the "Spread the Word" literacy program which collects and delivers books to women's shelters in the local area. She intends to continue participating in the program throughout college. Caroline is planning to major in architecture. Additionally, she is looking forward to becoming involved with campus activities such as the Full Circle Food Pantry. After graduation, Caroline would like to utilize her degree designing museums and art galleries.

In response to the essay topic "How higher education will assist me in making a positive impact on my family or community", Kathy reflected on the positive impact higher education will have on her family. Her parents and grandparents emigrated from Vietnam. She is the first person in her family to pursue a college degree. By accomplishing her higher education goals, she will be a good example for her younger siblings, cousins and future generations as well as honor her family and commmunity who have provided her support.