Bergman Graduate Receives First Sanders Memorial Scholarship
October 2007

Keisha Crow

A 2006 Bergman High School graduate, Keisha Crow, has received the first scholarship from the Millie and Ray Sanders South Shore Foundation Endowment to North Arkansas College. The endowment was made in honor of the late founders of Northern Arkansas Telephone Company at Flippin. South Shore Foundation is the charitable arm of NATCO.

An elementary education major, Keisha is the daughter of Randy and Tracy Crow. She plans to complete an associate degree at Northark and continue her education at Arkansas Tech University. The scholarship is designated for students from Marion and Boone counties who are pursuing studies in math, science, or technology or who will teach these subjects.

"I was surprised when I found out I had received this scholarship. It’s great to know my tuition is now paid," Miss Crow said.

In high school, Miss Crow was a leader in Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, a member of the National Honor Society, Senior Scholars, and Future Business Leaders of America.

When South Shore Foundation established the North Arkansas College Foundation endowment with a gift of $36,000 last year, Steven G. Sanders Jr., grandson of the Sanders couple and vice president/plant manager for NATCO, said it was a fitting memorial because his grandparents had emphasized the importance of education for their own family and all young people of this area.

Millie and Ray Sanders worked together to develop NATCO from 42 subscribers in Flippin in 1951 to a 650-square mile territory serving portions of Marion and Boone Counties. It now includes an Internet division, NATCO Technologies.

For more information or a scholarship application, those interested should contact the Director of Admissions at North Arkansas College, (870) 391-3221.

South Shore Foundation was established in 1996 by NATCO to enhance the quality of life in the South Shore, Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas region. The foundation also funds projects of nonprofit groups to advance education, preserve the environment, and develop the economy. To contact NATCO, 301 E. Main St., Flippin, call 800-775-6682, or visit NatcoNet.com, or NatcoTech.com.