LETTERS

Honor the many community scholarship donors

On Thursday, May 16, the 37th annual Siloam Springs High School Scholarship Awards Program was held in the High School Theater for the graduating Class of 2013.

Special presentations were made to Charlotte and Delbert E. Allen Sr.

Endowment, Cobb-Vantress, Leah Houston, Laureate PSI Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and SSHS Alumni Class of 1955 who have donated for 25 years.

All 171 students on stage received at least one scholarship. The community of Siloam Springs has always realized the importance of education for its youth.

This year the total amount donated in local scholarships was $673,950. If you combine the local scholarships with the Arkansas Academic Challenge scholarships, college funding and military funding, the total comes to more than $5 million dollars awarded to the Class of 2013 that evening.

A very special thank you to the donors and many business, community and school volunteers who helped in every aspect of this event.

Teachers, you make a difference

Well forgive me if I get a little sentimental and reflective, but when your last of three kids graduated from high school this past week, you can’t help it. Along with the great memo- From: ries of school projects, the Mike Markovich band concerts, the long rides Siloam Springs home from ball games, the long study nights, and all the laughter along the way comes a heart full of thanks to the teachers, faculty, staff, and coaches who made it possible.

Thank you ...

◊Ms. Pittman for welcoming an energetic 5-year-old boy to your kindergarten class more than 20 years ago. My son still loves to learn today and it started with you.

◊Ms. Kidd for reading Junie B. Jones to my daughter and teaching her to enjoy stories,

◊Mr. & Ms. Lane for your enthusiasm and humor, it made an impression on all three of my kids.

◊Mr. Rutledge for having excellence in your band program. If there were state championships for band, Siloam would have many.

◊Coach Cheek for teaching my daughter the value of team. The 3 state championships were fun, the value of relationships have left a lasting impression.

◊Carla Engle for the Odyssey of the Mind group. You combined learning and creativity in a wonderful environment.

◊ Mr. Rogers for teaching my son to work with his hands.

◊Coach Ault for believing in my daughter. You told her in junior high she would play college basketball. Today she is.

◊Ms. Stinnett for being great at the craft of teaching. My son said you were a great teacher.

◊Coach Goddard for teaching all three of my kids how to swim and enjoy competing. Your love for the kids was noticed and appreciated.

◊Ms. Morris & Ms. Flory for modeling fun and passion - how they described you - some great tools to give kids for life.

Thank You!