Single Parent Scholarship Fund thanks corporate partners
Posted on Friday, May 16, 2008
BENTONVILLE - To show their appreciation for corporate partners, the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County invited the partners to a luncheon program at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center here Thursday. Attorney Kyle Heffley, chairman of the SPSF / BC Board, expressed gratitude on behalf of the organization for the time, money and support generously given.
Heffley's remarks followed the invocation offered by Dr. Stephen Brown, past board president and current member of the SPSF / BC advisory council. Heffley recognized several key individuals who have nurtured and grown the program since its 1984 beginning, including founders Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe and Ralph Nesson.
Student speaker Anita Solis received a standing ovation. She appeared to speak straight from her heart about the struggles she faced as a young woman with little hope of a bright future. Her son was born in 2001, the same year she was given legal guardianship of her 15-year-old brother. Her husband left, and Solis knew she had to improve her lot.
"A high school friend of mine told me about working for a dialysis center and suggested I apply," Solis explained. "I began as a technician and was later trained and certified. I loved working with people and helping them. That's when I knew I wanted to be a nurse. A coworker told me about SPSF / BC and I applied. I was given so much - counseling, help getting a computer, emotional support, and my son and I have been part of the Giving Tree at Christmas.
"As wonderful as all that is, and I will graduate in December with a bachelor's degree in science and nursing, I think the gift of believing in myself is the best I could ever receive. I'm the first person in my family who has gone to college. There are no ifs in regard to my son's college. He has watched me achieve my goals, and that's what I want for him. Thank you. Thank you from my son, and thank God for giving us the blessing of each other."
Corporate partner chairman Jim Russell showed slides of the organization's new building at 2601 S. W. D St. in Bentonville. He acknowledged Jay Elliott with CCF Brands and Jennifer Bray with Colgate Palmolive for their help in furnishing the new building. They were given symbolic keys, along with applause from the crowd.
The luncheon program was called "Hitting a Home Run," both in reference to the accomplishments of the corporate partners and the students.
Cameron Smith, president and CEO of CSA in Rogers, is a huge supporter of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund. Smith uses his company's resources to give SPSF / BC graduates a workshop on preparing resumes and the interview process. Smith, a pioneer of girls fast-pitch softball for Arkansas, pitched professional fast-pitch softball with The King and His Court and The Hollywood All-Stars. Touted as one of the top 100 fast-pitch pitchers of all time, his pro pitching record includes 26 no-hitters and five perfect games, and in one game, he struck out all 21 batters. In 1993, his fast pitch was 104 mph.
Smith entertained with some fancy pitching and fast talking, wholly amusing. Smith concluded by reminding the audience that few people have a tougher time than single parents. Coming from a single-parent home, Smith appreciates the sacrifices made by the students for their children.
"Through Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County, the students can develop an attitude of success. That's why we're here, to help the students and their children have better lives."
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online