May 15, 2019 Special Edition of The Polk County Pulse

A Pulse Multi-Media Publication

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 2

Graduation Edition

Congratulations To Our Graduates!

Ruth Cheng

Natalee Pearl Fowler

Host daughter of David Daughter of Nathan and Pilar and Chi Chi Harris - Central Fowler - Grace Place Academy Baptist College - Bachelor of Pre-K Arts in Music

Brooklynn Starr Granddaugher of Joyce and Jewell Watkins University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Cosmetology

Grant Stevenson

Lesia Meredith Employee of Union Bank University of Arkansas Rich Mountian - Associate of Applied Science

Jaxon Mullen

Katherine Ann Stevenson Mason Stout Daughter of John and Son of Steven and Angela Stevenson - University of Melinda Stevenson Stout - Acorn High School Arkansas - BSBA Finance University of Georgia - BBA Accounting

Son of Phil and Leigh Ann

Luke Sawyer

Noah Sharp

Grandson of Jeffery and Union Bank Employee and Grandson of Phyllis and Gregg Lesia Meredith - Vandervoort son of Lance and Melina Sirmon - Ouachita River School Kindergarten Sawyer - High School Graduate and University of Arkansas Rich Mountain AS Advanced Manufacting & Welding

Noah Stout Son of Steven and Angela Stout - Acorn High School

Hunter Wagner

Son of Justin and Ravan Wagner - Acorn Pre-K

Ashley Young Daughter of Tim and Patty Young - Blue Valley Southwest High School

MEMBER FDIC

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 3

CURT’S

CURT’S

Graduation Edition

Congratulations

TIRES AND MUFFLERS

ALL GRADUATES!

3357 Hwy 71 N

TIRES AND MUFFLERS

3357 Hwy 71 N 479-394-1394

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 4

Graduation Edition

Zakary Abbott

Makayla Anderson

Maggie Barrett

Teagan Beaty

Kendra Branson

Hunter Cox

Sydney Crawford

Christian Dilbeck

Emilee Harvey

Leo Jacinto

Tessa Kesterson

Mekinzie Kyle

Ashton Lawrence

Abby Lay

Libby Le

Drew Lyle

Christian Marschall

Adam McDaniel

Caleb McPherson

Jonathan Murr

Rachel Murr

Haley Richardson

Noah Sharp

Mason Stout

Noah Stout

Braxlie Strother

Stran Strother

Megan Vaughn

Faith Walker

Jacob Ward

Kaitlin Warren

Leonard Watts

Jeb Willborg

Avery Wood

Chassie Wornick

Cristian Zarrella

Congratulations, Tigers!

Class of 2019

#TigersMakeGreatBucks UARichMountain.edu | 1100 College Drive | 479.394.7622

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 5

Acorn High School Senior Scholarships The 2019 Acorn High School Seniors have been awarded the following scholarships: Makayla Anderson: Acorn High School Valedictorian - Arkansas Academic Challenge - $14,000, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Honors - $28,000, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame - $1,000, Lloyd Lee Lott - $750. Makayla plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Makayla is the seventeen year old daughter of Jammey & Rhonda Anderson of Mena.

Kendra Branson: UA Rich Mountain Tower - $1,000. Kendra plans to attend the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain to obtain her Associate Degree. She will later transfer to the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and major in Criminal Justice. Kendra is the eighteen year old daughter of Lee Wagner of Acorn and Kent Branson of Acorn.

Emilee Harvey: Arkansas Academic Challenge - $13,000. Emilee plans to attend the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain to obtain her Associate Degree. She will later transfer to Arkansas Tech University and major in Fine Arts. Emilee is the eighteen year old daughter of Mark and Dana Kincaid of Mena.

Leo Jacinto: Arkansas Academic Challenge - $14,000, Arkansas Tech Deans $24,000. Leo plans to attend Arkansas Tech University and major in Education. Leo is the seventeen year old grandson of Robert and Sharon Quillin of Acorn.

Tessa Kesterson: Acorn High School Salutatorian - Arkansas Academic Challenge - $13,000, Acorn School Reunion - $1,000. Tessa plans to attend the University of Arkansas Cossatot and pursue a degree as an Occupational Therapist Assistant. Tessa is eighteen year old daughter of Travis & Tina Kesterson of Grannis.

Mekinzie Kyle: Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship - $14,000, Mary Davis $1,500, Elmer Rainwater Family - $500, Arkansas Tech University - $28,000. Mekinzie plans to attend Arkansas Tech University and major in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations. Mekinzie is the eighteen year old daughter of Sonya Kyle of Mena.

Lauren Lay: Arkansas Academic Challenge - $13,000. Lauren plans to attend the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain to obtain her Associate Degree. Lauren is the eighteen year old daughter of Rodney and Channa Lay of Mena.

Drew Lyle: Arkansas Academic Challenge - $14,000, Arkansas Tech University Leadership - $8,000. Drew plans to attend Arkansas Tech University and major in Computer Science. Drew is the seventeen year old son of Kris and Mindy Lyle of Acorn.

Graduation Edition

Rachel Murr: Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship - $14,000, UCA University Scholarship - $3,500. Rachel plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas and receive a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts in Digital Film. Rachel is the seventeen year old daughter of Michael & Stephanie Murr of Mena.

Haley Richardson: Arkansas Academic Challenge - $14,000, Robert L. Morrow $500, University of Arkansas Fort Smith Academic Excellence - $12,000, Knights of Columbus - $1,000. Haley plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and major in Surgical Technology. Haley is the eighteen year old daughter of Willard & Sandra Richardson of Acorn.

Mason Stout: Arkansas Academic Challenge - $13,000, UA Rich Mountain Faulkner - $1,000, Destination Science - $500. Mason plans to attend the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain to obtain his Associate Degree. Mason is seventeen year old son of Steven and Angela Stout of Mena.

Braxlie Strother: Arkansas Academic Challenge - $13,000, Farm Credit Softball $500, UA Rich Mountain Vice-Chancellor - $3,320, Knights of Columbus - $1,000.

Braxlie plans to attend the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain for her Associate Degree and later transfer to Arkansas Tech University and major in Wildlife Biology.

Braxlie is the seventeen year old daughter of Tim & Jewel Strother of Mena.

Megan Vaughn: Arkansas Academic Challenge - $14,000, Arkansas Tech Presidential - $32,000. Megan plans to attend Arkansas Tech University and major in Biology with an emphasis in Biomedical. Megan is the seventeen year old daughter of David and Cheryl Vaughn of Mena.

Jacob Ward: Arkansas Academic Challenge - $14,000, UAFS Academic Opportunity - $8,000. Jacob plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and major in Automotive Technology. Jacob is the eighteen year old son of Debbie Balko of Mena.

Faith Walker: Arkansas Academic Challenge - $13,000, UA Rich Mountain ViceChancellor - $3,320. Faith plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Rich Mountain to obtain her Associate Degree. Faith is the seventeen year old daughter of Allen and Amanda Walker of Mena.

Jeb Willborg: Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship - $13,000, UA Rich Mountain Pearson - $3,000. Jeb plans to attend the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain to obtain his Associate Degree. He will later transfer to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and major in Business Management. Jeb is the eighteen year old son of Bobby & Rhonda Willborg of Mena.

Congratulations Grads & Best

Wishes

on all your tomorrows!

t of u o e r ’ u Yo

! d l r o this W

Argus Lee Floyd

Union University - BS Bachelor of Science

RADIO • PRINT • WEB • VIDEO

MULTI-MEDIA

Please call 479-394-7301 today to schedule your appointment.

1102 CRESTWOOD CIRCLE | MENA, AR 71953

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 6

Graduation Edition

COSSATOT RIVER HIGH SCHOOL COSSATOT SCHOOL

Abelardo Cecilio

Adamari Aguirre

American Perez

Andrew Tallant

Anjah McBride

Ashlen Gonzalez

Ashton Loyd

Bailey Robb

Bianca Ralls

Brandon Marrufo

Brandon Williams

Briar Oliver

Britney Antunez

Caleb Willis

Colby Saddler

Deaglan Hoyle

Devin Belknap

Dominick Miller

Drew Cox

Elmer Delgado

Gaitlynn Brady

Garrett Watkins

Hector Hernandez

J.W. Overturf

Congratulations, Eagles!

Class of 2019

#EaglesMakeGreatBucks UARichMountain.edu | 1100 College Drive | 479.394.7622

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 7

Graduation Edition

Jack Dawson

Jack Dawson Jade Richardson Jennifer Hernandez Jordan Bond Josh McCoy Katya Gonzalez Kolt Richar Jade Richardson Jennifer Hernandez Jordan Bond Josh McCoy Katya Gonzalez Kolt Richardson Lauren Driver

Layne Miller

Layne Miller Leighton Williams Lindy Price Mackenzie Winkley Madison Hernandez Miguel Ortiz Molly Rho Leighton Williams Lindy Price Mackenzie Winkley Madison Hernandez Miguel Ortiz Molly Rhodes Monica Turner

Natalia Alarcon

Shanna Johnson

Natalia Alarcon Nicholas Dillard Patrick Irwin Presli Saddler Randi Jo Baker Reeselyn Manasco Rhyen Ma Nicholas Dillard Patrick Irwin Presli Saddler Randi Jo Baker Reeselyn Manasco Rhyen Martin Seth Sherwood

Shanna Johnson Sissy Alarcon Titus Owen Trenton Rosson Sissy Alarcon Titus Owen Trenton Rosson Tyler Sparks

Tyler Sparks

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 8

CRSD Senior Scholarships Natalia Alarcon ($15,000.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship 14,000.00, UARM Stevenson Grant-1000.00 Britney Antunez-Aguilar ($126,000.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00, Arkansas Tech University Scholarship-28,000.00, UCA Achievement Scholarship-24,000.00, Henderson State University Presidential Scholarship-40,000.00, University of Arkansas Silas Hunt Scholarship-20,000.00 Gaitlynn Annalene Brady ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 John Gregory Dawson ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Nicholas Tyler Dillard ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Lauren Kay Driver ($33,000.00 total) -Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholaship -14,000.00, Debbie Melton Memorial Scholarship-1000.00, UAFS Merit Scholarship-18,000.00 Ashlen Alicia Gonzalez ($1,500.00 total) - UARM Union Bank Scholaship-1000.00, TRIO Talent Search-500.00 Katya Lizeth Gonzalez ($2,000.00 total) - Shelter Insurance Scholarship-2000.00 Jennifer Hernandez ($800.00 total) - Arkansas Department of High Education, Arkansas Workforce Challenge-$800.00 Patrick Wayne Irwin ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Shanna Allyssa Johnson ($44,550.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00, Arkansas Tech University Academic Leadership Scholarship -8000.00, Henderson State University Reddie Achievement Scholarship-10,000.00, Oaklawn Jockey Club/Arkansas FFA Scholarship-750.00, UA Employee Dependent Scholarship Waiver-11,800.00

Graduation Edition

Rhyen Lynette Martin ($18,000.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00, U of A Rich Mountain Davis Scholarship-2000.00, Miss Cossatot River Scholarship-500.00, The Rachel Norman Memorial Scholarship-500.00, Arkansas State Fair Scholarship-1000.00 Jeff Wayne Scott Overturf ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Lindy Darlene Price ($6,100.00 total) - SAU Agriculture Departmental Scholarship -5000.00, Polk County Farm Bureau Scholarship-600.00, Arkansas FFA License Plate Scholarship-500.00 Jade Raquel Richardson ($90,000.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00, UA Rich Mountain Berry Scholarship-1000.00, Henderson Reddie Achievement Scholarship-10,000.00, Henderson Robert, Pauline and Huff Jones Scholarship-1000.00, UAFS Academic Excellence Scholarship-12,000.00, Arkansas Tech Incentive Scholarship-12,000.00, Ouachita Baptist Merit Scholarship-40,000.00 Trenton Jeremiah Rosson ($15,000.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00, UARM Stevenson Grant-1000.00 Colby Grace Saddler ($600.00 total) - Polk County Farm Bureau-600.00 Presli Kate Saddler ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholaship -14,000.00 Monica Lynn Turner ($1,000.00 total) - UARM Rogers Grant-1000.00 Garrett James Watkins ($17,100.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00, Polk County Farm Bureau-600.00, Rich Mountain Conservation Scholarship-1000.00, Polk Co. Cattlemen’s Scholarship-1000.00, FFA Booster Scholarship-500.00 Leighton Lane Williams ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Jeremiah Caleb Willis ($26,000.00 total) - Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00, ATU Incentive Scholarship-12,000.00

www.todayscoop.com

318 Hwy 71 S - Mena

479-394-3373

ur O o t s n tulatio ! a r g n o C ates Gradu

703 US-71, Mena, AR 71953

479-394-6201

Congratulations

to Our 2019 Graduates

Picture Not Available

Emiley Sorge Mena HS

Nicolette Ryan Megan Vaughn Kindergarten Louise Durham Elem.

Acorn HS

Megan Allison Vaughn & Hughes

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 9

Rachel Norman Memorial Choir Scholarship Awarded

Rhyen Martin, senior at Cossatot River High School is the first recipient of the Rachel Norman Memorial Choir Scholarship. Rhyen is a 4 year member of the Cossatot River High School Noteworthy Choir. She carries a 3.94 gpa and is planning on attending UARM for one semester before transferring to SAU to pursue an elementary education degree. Rhyen is the daughter of Mitch and Amy Martin.

Pictured is Rhyen (center) with Rachel's parents, Tim and Krystal Norman at the recent choir concert where she was awarded the scholarship. A huge thank you to the Norman family and Tyson Grannis plant team members for making this yearly scholarship a possibility.

Graduation Edition

Gabrielle Davis-Jones Inducted Into Phi Kappa Phi Gabrielle Davis-Jones of Mena, Arkansas, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Davis-Jones was initiated at University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Davis-Jones is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.

Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization’s notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

First United Methodist Church of Mena

Congratulates MHS Graduates

ell

Sterling Machinery Co.

479.394.4248

104 Port Arthur Avenue Mena, AR 71953-3344

Caroline Morgan, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Chris Morgan

&

Noah Swall son of Mr. & Mrs. Steve Swall

Katlyn Caldw

ns o i t la u t a gr r n u o O C f l o rs! l A o t nio

e S a Are

196 Highway 980 Mena, AR 479-394-5290

s n o i t a l u t a r g n o C Graduate!

Polk County Pulse

UMPIRE SCHOOL UMPIRE HIGH SCHOOL May 15, 2019

Page 10

Graduation Edition

AUBREY CRAWFORD

AUBREY CRAWFORD BAYLEE BEARDEN

BAYLEE BEARDEN COLTON TURNER

COLTON TURNER EMILY MCCARLEY

EMILY MCCARLEY GAVIN MURPHY

HAILEY DOWDY

HAILEY DOWDY JACOB O`NEAL

JACOB O`NEAL JADIN HILL

JADIN HILL KYLE DEER

KYLE DEER LEXI MOORE

LINDA ZARAGOZA

LINDA ZARAGOZA SAVANNAH HENEGAR

SAVANNAH HENEGAR SKYLAR BARBRE

SKYLAR BARBRE

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Lindsey Adair

Smithville High School Daughter of Rikki Taylor, SBH

Brandon Coy Burford Mena High School Son of Christina Burford, Business Office

Blaze McCoy

Page 11

Maggie Barrett

Acorn High School Granddaughter of Susie Barrett, Business Office

Conner Hughes

Mena High School Son of Terah Phillips, Med/Surgery

Joshua McCoy

Payton Belknap

Smithville High School Daughter of Stephanie Belknap, Admissions

McKayla Lane

Mena High School Daughter of Carol Lane, Business Office

Payton Medlin

CRSD Elementary - PreK Daughter of Maranda Dees, Med/Surgery

CRSD High School Son of Leslie McCoy, Rehab

Mena High School Grandson of Carmie Lance, Surgery

Aria Nelson-Piggee

Riley Schnell

Maitland A Thompson

Waldron Elementary - PreK Granddaughter of Debbie Nelson, Rehab

UA Ft Smith Daughter of Julie Schnell, Payroll

Princeton High School Granddaughter of Carmine Lance, Surgery

Graduation Edition

Luke Bowser

Harding University - BA Son of Stacey Bowser, Surgery

McKenna Law

U of A - BSBA Daughter of Kerry Summit, Accts. Payable

Maddox Mitchell

Mena Elementary - PreK Son of Sara Mitchell, SBH/Cedar Haven

Karsyn Hope Tinnell

Grace Place Academy - PreK Daughter of Heather Tinnell, Pharmacy

CLASS OF

Matthew Bowser

Mena High School Son of Stacey Bowser, Surgery

Timothy Lisle

Bethel Christian School Son of Alice Gilley, Rehab

Cora Page

Mena Elementary - PreK Daughter of Amanda Page, Rehab

Mackenzie Winkley

CRSD High School Daughter of Amanda Browning, Mena Surgical Clinic

2019

GRADUATES

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 12

Graduation Edition

Aaron Thornsberry

Abigail Baker

Alexandria Yang

Aliyah Ayres

Alyssa Maddox

Amber DeVries

Annika Schmidt

Arianna Riti

Ashlyn Soliz

Brandon Deramus

Breanna Hamilton

Brithney Dilbert Corea

Brock Strother

Brooklyn Beck

Camden Brodersen

Caroline Morgan

Carson Nash

Cassie McClaren

Chandler Fretz

Chloe Speight

Christopher Thomp...

Congratulations, Bearcats!

Class of 2019

#BearcatsMakeGreatBucks UARichMountain.edu | 1100 College Drive | 479.394.7622

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 13

Graduation Edition

Chumporn Leesura...

Chumporn Leesuravanich

Colby Murphy

Colton Baker

Colton Sawyer

Connor Harvey

Connor Nash

Cooper Hughes

Corey Curry

Coy Burford

Cristian Lua

Dalton Lunsford

Daniel Davis

Daniel Green

Dayne Turner

Dennis Jueni

Elijah Beaty

Elijah Kelley

Elizabeth Bill

Emiley Sorge

Ethan Donelson

Ethan Holloway

Fisher Nuefeld

Gabriel Simmons

Greggory Smallwood

Gyusun Jung

Halie Standerfer

Hannah McDonald

Henrik Wurpts

Ian Martin

Jada Bass

Jake Plunkett

Jaren Dillard

Jaric Shaw

Jasmine Martin

Jasper Richmond

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 14

Graduation Edition

Jonathan Gunn

Joseph Looney

Kaleb High

Kara O'Donnal

Karson Miller

Katlin Looney

Katlyn Caldwell

Kobe McDonald

Kristen White

Kyntlie Wiles

Lane Nash

Lily Himes

Lindsey Logan

Lucas Wilson

Mackenzie McCalister

Marke'l Lindsey

Matthew Bowser

Mauricio Gutierrez Rohana Mauricio Gutierrez ...

McKayla Lane

Miguel Moncada

Moeka Takahasi

Nattawat Ratkijnakorn

Nichlos Linch

Nicholas Myers

Noah Swall

Payton Medlin

Payton Tomblin

Preston Clegg

Rilee Flemens

Robert McIntyre

Robert Morris

Sarah England

Shae Brown

Shreetika Gyanwali

Sophie Rosentengel

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 15

Graduation Edition

Mena Senior Scholarships

Sumer Brown

Tanisha James

Tateli Thacker

Taylor Wiseman

Thanchanok Boon...

Thomas Kidwell

Tiffany Anderson

Tilman Portwood

Torrey Voisin

Trevor Speight

Tyler Wyman

Tyra Dollarhyde

Vinzent Ubleiss

Zachary Smith

Zackary Sparks

Zion Barnes

Not Pictured (Picture Not Submitted By School): Alisha Humphrey Raylee Thomas Renesa Khanijow Dokyung Kim

Ayres, Aliyah Ellen ($2,000.00 total) - UARM Brotherton Endowmen-2,000.00 Baker, Abigail Dontreece ($1,000.00 total) - UARM Harris-Percifull-1,000.00 Bass, Jada Tatyana ($28,000.00 total) - University of Central Arkansas University-14,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Bowser, Matthew David ($60,200.00 total) - Ouachita Baptist Colligate - 44,000.00, First Baptist Church Mena Memorial-2,200.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Brown, Sumer Lyn ($48,000.00 total) - University of Central Arkansas Distinguished-34,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Caldwell, Katlyn Marie ($14,500.00 total) - Polk County Fair and Rodeo Association Royalty-500.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Davis, Daniel Patrick ($7,000.00 total) - Missouri Southern State Presidential - 7,000.00 Devries, Amber Renee ($28,300.00 total) - University of Central Arkansas Future Leaders-4,000.00, JAG Scholarship-300.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Dollarhyde, Tyra Denise ($15,000.00 total) - UARM Mena-1,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 England, Sarah Maye ($14,500.00 total) - Ouachita Arts and Crafts Guild Scholarship-500.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Flemens, Rilee Jean ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Green, Daniel Wayne ($126,000.00 total) - Arkansas Tech Presidential and Band-48,000.00, Southern Ark SAU-Presidential and Band-64,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Gunn, Jonathan Layne ($76,000.00 total) - Arkansas Tech Leadership - 8,000.00, Lyon College Scholarships - 54,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Harvey, Connor Ray ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Challenge Scholarship -14,000.00 Holloway, Ethan Shane ($38,000.00 total) - University of Central Arkansas Achievement-24,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Hughes, Cooper Lee ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Challenge Scholarship -14,000.00 Lane, McKayla Dawn ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Linch, Nichlos Allan ($26,484.00 total) - GI Bill-26,484.00 plus full tuition and fees at an Arkansas University Logan, Lindsey Ann ($53,000.00 total) - University of Arkansas Fort Smith Distinction and Housing-18,000.00, Association of Federal Coordinators-1,000.00, Insurance Scholarship-20,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Martin, Jasmine Rose ($26,484.00 total) - GI Bill $26,484.00 plus full tuition and fees at an Arkansas University McDonald, Hannah Evangeline ($206,000.00 total) - Henderson Distinguished Freshman - 48,000.00, Mississippi State Academic, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00, Excellence/Colvard/Nonresident Tuition-64,000.00, University of Alabama UA Scholar-80,000.00 McIntyre, Robert Judah ($17,320.00 total) - UARM Vice Chancellor-3,320.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Medlin, Payton Shane ($62,300.00 total) - University of Central Arkansas Distinguished-34,000.00, JAG Scholarship-300.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Morgan, Caroline Darby ($42,500.00 total) - First United Methodist-500.00, Arkansas Tech-28,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 (Continued on Page 17)

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 16

Graduation Edition

-Mena Scholarship, from pg. 16 Morris, Robert Axell ($26,484.00 total) - GI Bill $26,484.00 plus full tuition and fees at an Arkansas University Murphy, Colby Shawn ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Nash, Connor Logan ($1,000.00 total) - UARM Mena-1,000.00 Neufeld, Fisher David ($185,000.00 total) - Henderson State Presidential Academic, Vocal, and Piano-66,500.00, University of Arkansas Monticello Academic and Band-72,000.00, U of A Fayetteville Jewel Minnis–Razorback Connection-5,000.00, Arkansas Tech-28,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 O’Donnal, Kara Lee ($43,150.00 total) - Southern Arkansas SAU Blue and Gold Award-26,400.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00, University of Central AR EAST Initiative-2,750.00 Portwood, Tilman Willis ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Sawyer, Colton Scott ($30,500.00 total) - University of Arkansas Fort Smith Academic Excellence and Lion Den-14,000.00, Dallas Masonic Lodge-500.00, Sheriff Wives Scholarship-2,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Smallwood, Greggory Dean ($2,000.00 total) - 40 Year Club-2,000.00 Sorge, Emiley Hope ($43,000.00 total) - University of Central Arkansas Excellence-28,000.00, Phillip Speer Memorial-1,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Speight, Chloe ($8,000.00 total) - Arkansas Tech Leadership-8,000.00 Speight, Trevor Dylan ($100,000.00 total) - Southern Arkansas University Award-36,000.00, SCAD Academic Honors-40,000.00, University of Central Arkansas Achievement-24,000.00 Standerfer, Halie Nicole ($43,000.00 total) - U of A Fort Smith Chancellor’s-28,000.00, Chamber of Commerce-1,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Strother, Brock Matthew ($14,000.00 total) - Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Swall, Noah Steven ($97,500.00 total) - Lyon Institutional-52,000.00, Arkansas Tech-12,000.00, U of A Fort Smith Academic-14,000.00, University of Central Arkansas Future Leaders-4,000.00, Chamber of Commerce-1,000.00, First United Methodist-500.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Thacker, Tateli Lynn ($20,860.00) - University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Chancellor’s-4,860.00, 40 year Club-2,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Thompson, Christopher Michael ($244,868 total) - National Merit Scholarship Winner-2,500.00, Baylor University Faculty-171,368.00, Baylor Baptist National Merit-4,000.00, Invitational Excellence-2,000.00, University of Colorado Boulder Merit-25,000.00, Arkansas Governor’s-40,000.00.

Tomblin, Payton Phillip ($26,484.00 total) - GI Bill-26,484.00 plus full tuition and fees at an Arkansas University Voisin, Torrey Alec ($25,000.00) - U of A Razorback Connection-3,000.00, U of A Leadership-8,000.00, Arkansas Challenge-14,000.00 White, Kristen Nicole ($1,500.00 total) - UARM Mena-1,000.00, Polk County Fair and Rodeo Association Royalty-500.00 Wiles, Kyntlie Faylyn Melissa ($46,000.00 total) - Connors State College-20,000.00, Arkansas Tech-9,000.00, Southern Arkansas-8,000.00, Farm Bureau-1,000.00, American Culinary Institute-8,000.00 Wilson, Lucas Zeb ($17,500.00 total) - Savannah College of Arts and Design -3,000.00, Beta Sigma Phi-500.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00 Yang, Alexandria Khao Zoua Pa ($17,000.00 total) - University of Arkansas Fort Smith Academic Opportunity and Housing-3,000.00, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship-14,000.00

myPULSENEWS .com

Class of 2019!

Drew Lyle ACORN

Ashton Lawrence ACORN

Tori Janes DIERKS

Collin Youngblood

Jacob O’Neal UMPIRE

Madison Hernandez

SMITHVILLE

Zeb Wilson MENA

COSSATOT

Noah Swall MENA

515 Janssen Ave. - Mena

394-4140 WWW.RMEC.COM

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 17

Brandon Deramus - Mena High

Emily Kyrouac - Manteno High

Son of Tony & Melinda Deramus

Granddaughter of Tim & Laura Kyrouac

Brandon Lewis - Oden High

Colby Murphy - Mena High

Nephew of Andy & Stacy Kennedy

Son of Randy Murphy & Grandson of Debbie Murphy

Christian Faber - Drake University

Emily McCarley - Umpire High

Grandson of Tim & Laura Kyrouac

Granddaughter of Cassie Wright

Grace Carmack - Home School

Daughter of Billy & Tawana Carmack

Jordan Foster - Caddo Hills High

Son of Frank & Jennifer Foster

Jaidan Thomas - Hot Springs High

Granddaughter of Cathy & Steve Barton

Tyler Wyman - Mena High

Shauna Horner - Henderson State

Daughter of Scott & Kathy Horner

Jeric Shaw - Mena High

Grandson of Rocky & Linda Wyman

Grandson of Rocky & Linda Wyman

Megan Vaughn - Acorn High

Shelbie Kennedy - UARM

Mya Sparks - Acadamy High

Daughter of David & Cheryl Vaughn

Daughter of Andy & Stacy Kennedy

®

Colby Kennedy - Arkansas Tech

Son of Andy & Stacy Kennedy

Graduation Edition

NIDEC Motor Corporation 500 N Morrow St - Mena AR

2019 Graduates

Granddaughter of Shane & Loretta Henry

Sarah Tolbert - Ft Smith Southside

Grandaughter of Rocky & Linda Wyman

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 18

How Families Today are Paying for College (StatePoint) The way families pay for college is a good indicator of how much planning takes place before the first tuition bill arrives. A new study by Sallie Mae suggests that while families are feeling confident in their decision making, nearly 40 percent do not have a plan to pay for college.

Last year, family income and savings covered 47 percent of all college expenses, according to “How America Pays for College 2018,” the national study from Sallie Mae -- the nation’s saving, planning, and paying for college company -and Ipsos, an independent global market research company.

The annual report examines how families pay for college, how much they spent, and how they made their funding decisions. The average amount spent on college in 2017-18 was $26,458.

While income and savings cover the largest portion of college costs, scholarships and grants cover 28 percent of college costs, and students and parents use loans to account for 24 percent of college costs. Extended family and friends paid an additional 2 percent of college costs.

While no single resource is used by all families, the most prevalent college funding sources -- scholarships, grants, and parent income -- are each used by about three in five families, with scholarships being the single mostused resource. In addition, 57 percent of families used scholarships last year, paying for almost a fifth of total college costs. Unfortunately, about a third of families don’t

even apply for scholarship opportunities.

More than half of families, 53 percent, borrowed money to help pay for college last year and two-thirds of these families said they had always planned to borrow to pay for college. When it comes to planning to repay loans, however, 39 percent of families say they haven’t researched any repayment topics.

“It’s gratifying that families are so confident in the financial decisions they make regarding paying for college,” says Raymond J. Quinlan, chairman and CEO, Sallie Mae. “Still, there’s more work to do to equip families with the tools and information that will help them manage education expenses, whether it be applying for financial aid earlier in the process or taking steps to minimize student loan financing costs.”

When it comes to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, (FAFSA), three-quarters of families report filing the form last year. However, the majority of them are not taking advantage of the earlier availability of the form: 69 percent of families are waiting until January or later to complete the FAFSA, which is now available on Oct. 1, and are potentially missing out on aid that’s awarded first-come, first-served.

The complete report and other resources are available at SallieMae.com/HowAmericaPaysForCollege. To join the conversation, use #HowAmericaPays. For more information, or to start your plan to pay for college, visit SallieMae.com.

Experts say that with the right tools and knowledge, families can develop a smart strategy for paying for college.

Graduation Edition

Congratulations

Argus Lee Floyd

we are proud of you for completing your BS degree in Science

Onward & upward!

Love,

Your family

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 19

How to Plan for Your Child’s College Education (MENA) As students across the county will graduate from our area high schools, we know that the transition into the “real world” can be a challenge.

Here are 10 tips that will help make the transition a little easier.

1. Go on a road trip with friends before college. It may seem cliché, but a day trip with your besties can be the best final goodbye. A road trip gives you a new feeling of independence, and it doesn’t have to be very far! It could be downtown, or the next state over. Just sit back, relax, and cruise.

2. Celebrate your accomplishments. Let’s face it, graduating high school is a big deal! Don’t forget to give yourself the credit you deserve.

3. Enjoy your time at home and spend time with your family because you will definitely miss them while you’re away. Your parents may have been quirky around your friends, and sometimes even annoying, but they’ve put a lot of work into supporting you throughout your entire academic career (and your normal life too!)

Make sure that you take the time to thank them and spend time with them. And when you’re with them, make sure you give them your undivided attention.

4. Find something you’re passionate about and invest some time into it. It could be something you loved to do in high school or a new-found interest. Passions can keep you from being bored in the Summer and keep your brain and body active while waiting for the Fall semester to come around.

5. Relax, you don’t need your whole life planned out now. A lot of new grads feel like they have to know and plan out the next four years of their life and on. You’re young, be flexible, be present, and enjoy. Think about it this way, you’ll never be surrounded by this many people your age again, so YOLO. 6. Start saving money as soon as you can. Investing now can have a lot of pay off at the end of your college career! If you don’t already have one, open up a savings account and put in $20 every payday. You’ll thank yourself on a rainy day.

7. Hold no regrets. Living with regrets can taint your view of the future, keep you from growing, and hurt you in the end. Try not to hold too many regrets from high school and going forward in life. You’re human – you make mistakes. Learn to forgive yourself and think of it as a learning experience.

8. Be open to new experiences. Chances are, you’ve spent the last four years with the same group of friends, doing the same after school activities, and taking the same classes. Don’t be afraid to open your doors to new people and opportunities! College and the outside world has so much more to offer than what you were exposed to within those four walls of high school.

I have found out that I have different groups of friends in my life. I have friends from my high school days in Conway, friends from college in Illinois, friends from my many years in Pennsylvania, friends from the broadcasting and journalism worlds, friends that I have made from the other places that I have lived in, and new found friends here in Polk County.

9. This is an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Don’t take anything from anyone.

The you from high school is long gone! Take graduation as a chance for a fresh start. Find ways to make yourself more confident. Try a new fashion trend, style your hair in a way you wouldn’t have dreamed of before, start listening to different music - become the person you that you’ve always wanted to be. Don’t let anyone stop you!

10. Let the good times roll!

Always remember to follow the correct path that is best for you. Whether it is a path toward college, the military, or to the job force, make sure that it is the direction that is going to be the best possible destination.

No matter what, make sure that you are happy with the choices you make.

NO REGRETS.

Graduation Edition

Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2019

Page 20

Graduation Edition