Student scholars showcased at Farm Bureau gathering

Student scholars showcased at Farm Bureau gathering

news@theeveningtimes.com

A spotlight shone on the Farm Bureau commitment to the future with the announcements of scholarships and training opportunities provided to select high school and college students Tuesday evening. The 81st Annual Crittenden County Farm Bureau Convention was marked with the latest college scholarships in two different categories and a report from the M*A*S*H program aimed at developing high school student commitment to the medical field.

Past President John Allen announced four John Stephens Memorial Scholarships. All those students were away in Fayetteville at class but parents stood in for the ceremonial award.

Scholarships went to Allie Bumbaugh, nursing science undergraduate; Jason Tanner Bratton, crop science major working a minor in agri-business pest management; Kassidy Kirkman, studying chemistry and prepharmacy; Benjamin Vaughn, studies mechanical engineering and holds hope in the aeronautical field.

Diane Hampton ASU Mid-South Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement announced three Crittenden County Farm Bureau scholarships.

“I want to give my thanks to the Crittenden County Farm Bureau for the incredible scholarships that you offer to the students at ASU Mid-South,” said Hampton.

Amazing life stories were shared from the applicant’s essays and recipients announced.

Scholarship awards went to Anna Chen, who started taking English as a second language, achieved a GED, enrolled in medical assisting and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Alex Lee, graduated magna cum laude with technical certificates in micro computer and networking and now works at the school in IT. Katrina Voigt dreams of becoming a veterinarian with her own animal clinic, received and ASU Mid-South degree with a certificate in medical assisting.

Hampton spoke about each student’s determination.

“Our students work fulltime and go to school close to full-time,” said Hampton. “Unless you go after what you want you will never get it.”

Medical Applications for Science Health (M*A*S*H) camp UAMS Director of Certified Nursing and Medical Professions based at the ASU Mid-South campus talked about how Farm Bureau support for a fine summer youth medical training program cobbled together after the Crittenden Memorial Hospital closed.

“It is my great privilege to talk to you about what Farm Bureau has been able to do with the M*A*S*H program,” said Herron.

“The past two years, M*A*S*H has not happened in Crittenden County because we hadn’t had a hospital. M*A*S*H is the UAMS partnership with Farm Bureau. They came to ASU Mid-South and asked for help and I was happy to give it to them because I know how worthy this is for students of Crittenden County. Farm Bureau thank you very much for making this a great community.

Herron also extended thanks to local medical, dental and veterinary service providers for allowing practical training to M*A*S*H summer day campers. Scarbrough Family Dentistry; Brian D.

Rhoads, DDS; Animal Health Center, Dr. Russell Bell, DVM; Fenter Physical Therapy, LLC; Outpatient Radiology Clinic PA; Broadway Health Care Nursing Home provided students the opportunity to shadow practitioners and learn the day to day ropes.

Those weren’t the only ropes in the course of the two week program. Students also traveled to East Arkansas Community College for a ropes course challenge to develop individual perseverance and teamwork skills.

An air evacuation helicopter made great impressions and landed great reviews from the students at the meeting.

Herron introduced three articulate high school students that reported their camp experiences and medical aspirations at the convention banquet. Timon Akins and Ke’Maureea George represented Marion High School, and Trinity Brooks stood up for the Academies of West Memphis and thanked Farm Bureau for the opportunities and experience they enjoyed with M*A*S*H.

“I urge each of you to get to know the young people in this county,” said Herron. “They are incredible.”

By John Rech