The New Beginnings Scholarship Recipients!

It was so good to back at home for the Stuttgart High School Awards Ceremony. I was so excited about finally announcing the "New Beginnings Scholarship" recipients. I have spent months planning, fundraising, advertising, and ultimately selecting two applicants to receive a $750 scholarship each. I consider it a pure blessing to be involved in a scholarship process and give the invaluable gift of educational opportunity. This scholarship ties directly into my platform of "Second Chances: Empowering Youth to Rise Above." The purpose of this scholarship is to provide opportunity to "first-generation college students," implying that the parents of these applicants have not received a bachelor's degree from a university. I was thrilled to receive so many great applications, but two applicants stood out above the rest. Jalyn Henderson and Candace Amos exhibited incredible leadership, academia, service, and school involvement! I wish the best of luck to Jalyn and Candace! There is no doubt that you will make a difference in the lives of those around you!

Candace Amos, myself, and Jalyn Henderson

Below is the article sent to the Stuttgart Daily Leader:

Candace Amos and Jalyn Henderson were named as recipients of the New Beginnings Scholarship on Thursday, April 28, at the Stuttgart High School Awards Program. From a pool of ten applicants, Amos and Henderson were selected the top two, and each will receive $750 in scholarship funds. Applicants were confined to those considered “first-generation college students.” These students come from homes where parents did not receive a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university.

Amos, daughter of Joyce Fitzpatrick, plans to attend Arkansas State University and major in Pre-Pharmacy. Amos exhibits impressive school involvement in serving as 2010 Homecoming Queen, Senior Class Reporter, National Honor Society Parliamentarian, and President of Mu Alpha Theta. When asked to tell in her own words the meaning of “leadership”, she responded, “The ability to inspire others and be a great role model defines leadership.”

Henderson, daughter of James and Demeytres Henderson, plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas and major in Biology. Henderson excels in academics and extracurricular activities, as she was named Girls’ State Delegate, Outstanding Senior, All-Region Band Member, and Student Council Reporter. Henderson makes service a high priority, serving at the church food pantry every month. “Although assisting in the food pantry is not the easiest job, it is delightful to know that I am being a part of helping the community in alleviating hunger.”

The New Beginnings Scholarship was made possible through private donations, a chili fundraiser in January at First Baptist Church, and overwhelming community support. Kristen Glover, 2007 graduate of Stuttgart High School, brainstormed ways to impact her community after seeing the need for additional opportunities and second chances for her generation. “Although some people may have lost hope in my generation, these girls defy that social expectation. Amos and Henderson possess extraordinary leadership and service qualities. Given the opportunity to complete their education, I know that these girls will change the world!”

Glover posts frequent stories and pictures on her blog (secondchangeskg.blogspot.com) as she continues to promote her personal platform, “Second Chances: Empowering Youth to Rise Above.” The current Miss Ouachita Baptist University, Glover will be competing for the title of Miss Arkansas in July. She plans to continue the New Beginnings Scholarship for many years to come, encouraging first-generation college students by awarding financial assistance.