Siloam Springs High School's class of 2017 received more than $555,000 in local scholarships and $5.7 million in college, military and state financial aid at the 41st annual Scholarship Program on Thursday evening.
Over the past four decades, the community has given more than $11.6 million to the local scholarship program, said Lisa Harris, scholarship program director. A total of 578 individual local scholarships were awarded on Thursday.
The local scholarship program distributes scholarships from businesses, individuals and organizations in the community. A scholarship committee comprised of school and community leaders works to match students to scholarships.
Seven local organizations were honored during the event for contributing to the scholarship program for 25 years, including the American Legion Auxiliary -- Girls State; Backstrom Pyeatte Funeral Home; Roma Bynum Memorial; Bell Office Supply; Benton County 4-H; Houston and Company; and Key Lodge #7 F&AM of Arkansas.
After the program, students got a chance to meet their benefactors and thank them at a reception.
Earlier in the day, 16 high-honor graduates and eight honor graduates were recognized for their academic achievements at the 40th annual Chamber of Commerce Honor Graduate Luncheon, held at John Brown University's Simmons Great Hall.
In order to be considered an honor graduate, students must have at least a 3.65 grade point average and 13 honor credits. To qualify as a high-honor graduate, students must have at least a 3.9 GPA and 13 honor credits.
After a meal, served by junior National Honor Society members, each honor graduate was introduced by a business sponsor.
"We are really, really honored and really proud of the academic achievements of these young men and women," said Superintendent Ken Ramey, "and we're thrilled to death that we have such a great partnership with John Brown University, our Chamber and our businesses who have all committed time, energy and effort to be here today to celebrate the success of our students."
Ramey urged students to use their talents in service of others, and congratulated the parents and family members who made the journey with the students.
"We're expecting great things of them," Ramey said of the honor graduates. "I know your parents love you, but you need to know this community, these businesses and all of us love you, that's why we are here."
On Friday morning, more than 40 Arkansas Scholars were honored with a Chamber of Commerce picnic. To be considered an Arkansas Scholar, students must earn a grade of "C" or above in all their courses, achieve a 95 percent or better attendance record over four years, complete all of the recommended courses to prepare them for secondary education, and complete high school in eight semesters or less.
Graduation week festivities culminated with a commencement ceremony, after press time on Saturday. Three-hundred and six students were expected to walk in the ceremony and more than 5,000 people were expected to attend the event, held at the University of Arkansas' Barnhill Arena.
General News on 05/21/2017