Six Receive Renewable South Shore Academic Scholarships
June 2003

Six students from area high schools are receiving $1,000 renewable scholarships from the South Shore Foundation, the charitable foundation of NATCO, the telephone company serving portions of Marion and Boone Counties.

Students receiving the scholarships and their schools are: Samantha Lynn Farmer, Bergman; Byron Cothran, Bruno-Pyatt; Candice Brainard, Flippin; Abbie Thompson, Lead Hill; Jesse Courtney, Omaha; and Caitlin Streett, Yellville-Summit.

School administration officials select their school's recipient from applicants based upon their academic record and financial need. The $1,000 grant can be renewed each year if recipients meet the requirements of attending an Arkansas college or university, earning a "B" average, and being a full-time student. The South Shore Academic Scholarship program began in 1996 when the foundation was founded by NATCO and took over the scholarship program NATCO had started in 1994.

Bergman High School's scholarship recipient, Samantha Lynn Farmer, plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas and study nursing. Active in sports during high school, she earned the basketball, softball, and golf awards and was recognized by Who's Who Among American High School Students and National Honor Roll. She was a member of Future Farmers of America, Senior Scholars, Senior Beta, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Council, and a Student of the Month. Outside of school, she is a member of a church youth group and choir and volunteers to assist the elderly through her church. Samantha is the daughter of Tina and Timothy Farmer.

Bruno-Pyatt School's South Shore Academic Scholarship recipient is Byron Cothran of Everton. He plans to attend Arkansas Tech University at Russellville to study pre-dentistry.

In high school Byron was an athlete who was selected All-Conference and All-Regional in basketball, had the best free-throw percentage, was named best passer, received the Coach's Award, and was team captain. Cothran was named All-Conference in baseball. He received a scholarship to attend Rotary Youth Leadership Camp. He was Bruno-Pyatt's Student of the Year. He is the son of Ronald and Beverly Cothran.

Flippin High School's South Shore Academic Scholarship recipient is Candice Brainard. She plans to attend Arkansas State University Mountain Home, taking general education courses to prepare for an elementary education or special education degree. In high school, Candice was on the volleyball team for two years, a member of S.A.D.D., Art Club, Junior Pride Team, and the Flippin High School Fighting Bobcat Band. She received awards in environmental science, American history, band, and GPA 3.0 and above awards. Transferring from Iowa when she was a ninth grade student, Candice resides with relatives James and Tina Deery.

Lead Hill High School's recipient is Abbie Thompson, the valedictorian of her graduating class. She plans to attend the University of Arkansas to study for a career in speech pathology.

Abbie participated in golf (All-State qualifier as junior), softball, cheerleading, and band, was yearbook editor this year, president of the school chapter of National Honor Society, president of FBLA, and a delegate to Girls State last year. Academic awards she has received include English, math, science, Spanish II, civics, and computer technology business applications. She won first place in the school science fair and won awards at the district level for Voice of Democracy essays. In addition, Abbie has been selected by classmates for honors such as "Best All-Around" and was active in volunteer projects in her community and through her church. She is the daughter of David and Diane Thompson.

Jesse Courtney of Omaha is Omaha High School's recipient of the South Shore Academic Scholarship. The salutatorian of his class, Jesse plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas to study agri-business and physical education.

Jesse was named an all-conference athlete in both baseball and basketball. He is a member of National Honor Society and was recognized by Who's Who Among American High School Students. His awards include Presidential Academic Achievement Award, Science Award, Eagle Pride Award for leadership in basketball, and Perfect Attendance Award. Jesse is a member of the Omaha Stream Team. He has worked in a family landscaping business and for a resort. He is the son of Deborah and Larry Courtney.

At Yellville-Summit High School, Karen Caitlin Streett is the South Shore Academic Scholarship recipient. Caitlin plans to attend the University of Arkansas and major in English and journalism.

Caitlin has been a golf team member and cheerleader. She was vice president of the senior class and editor of the Yellville-Summit School newspaper. Caitlin also is active in National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and Yellville Environmental Awareness Club. Caitlin is the daughter of Margaret Streett and Mike Streett.