BATESVILLE - Twenty-six students have been awarded the academic distinction scholarship to the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, announced Melissa Sisco, director of financial aid.
Maisie Allen of Batesville graduated from Batesville High School. She plans to seek a degree in registered nursing. She said she chose UACCB because of the programs it offers.
Shelby Elizabeth Alonzo of Sulphur Rock graduated from Cave City High School. She is the daughter of Elizabeth Alonzo. She plans to seek an associate of science degree and transfer. "It is affordable and close to home," she said. "UACCB will also help me to achieve my goal of becoming a veterinarian."
Courtney L. Cross of Batesville graduated from Batesville High School. She is the daughter of Rodney and Melissa Cross. She said she chose UACCB because it was close to home.
Ryan Jordan Downs of Batesville graduated from Cave City High School. He is the son of Eric and Janet Downs. He plans to seek an associate's degree. "The thing that influenced me the most was how connected the school was to the community," he said.
Zach Franks of Cord graduated from Cedar Ridge High School. He is the son of Doug Franks and Kathy Franks. He plans to seek a degree in agricultural education. He said he chose UACCB because he had heard good things about the campus.
Donald Isaac French of Hardy graduated from Highland High School. He is the son of Mike French and DeAnn Arnhart. He plans to seek an engineering degree. He said he chose UACCB because it enabled him to receive his basic courses close to home and because of the scholarship.
Haley Dawn Gage of Sulphur Rock graduated from Batesville High School. She is the daughter of Wesley and Holly Gage. She plans to seek a degree in nursing. "The greatest influence on my decision to attend UACCB was the nursing program," she said. "I have always wanted to be a nurse."
Jessica Griffis of Batesville graduated from Batesville High School. She is the daughter of Cindy and Joe Griffis. She plans to pursue an associate’s degree in general education. She said she chose UACCB because it was close to home.
Garrett Hames of Melbourne graduated from Melbourne High School. He is the son of Lenord and Carolyn Hames. He plans to seek an associate of science degree and transfer. He said he chose UACCB because of its size and because it was affordable.
Alexanderia Mary-Catherine Harless of Jacksonville graduated from Cabot High School. She is the daughter of Cherie and Jeffrey Harless. She plans to seek a degree in sports medicine. "They (UACCB representatives) came to the college fair at school and I was interested," she said. "I visited UACCB and something just felt right. I felt at home."
Lyndsey Ireland of Oil Trough graduated from Cedar Ridge High School. She is the daughter of Michelle and Todd Ireland. She plans to seek a degree in nursing. She said she chose UACCB because it is close to home and because she has heard several great things about its nursing programs.
Jessica M. James of Hardy graduated from Highland High School. She is the daughter of Gary and Melissa James. She plans to seek an associate of arts degree. She said she chose UACCB based on advice from her high school counselor and because of the scholarship.
Jonathan Scott Johnston of Violet Hill graduated from Melbourne High school. He is the son of Dencil Johnston and Lynn Farris. He plans to seek a degree in agricultural education. "UACCB offers the courses I wish to pursue," he said. "It is close to home and the learning atmosphere is exactly what I am looking for."
Aaron M. Kahn of Ash Flat graduated from Highland High School. He is the son of Rickie and Kim Kahn. He plans to seek an associate's degree.
Jessica Lynn Kennedy of Evening Shade graduated from Cave City High School. She is the daughter of Travis and Benita Stewart and the late Rickey Kennedy. She plans to seek an associate's degree in general education.
Holly Killian of Bradford graduated from Cedar Ridge. She is the daughter of Michelle Killian. She plans to seek a nursing degree. "UACCB is close to home and I've heard a lot of good things about the college, especially the nursing program," she said.
Celina McHenry of Salem graduated from Salem High School. She is the daughter of David and Lee Ann McHenry. She plans to seek a degree in nursing. She chose UACCB because it is close to home and because it is a small campus.
Cody McKenzie of Strawberry graduated from Black Rock. He is the son of Scott and Lori McKenzie. "It is small and close to home," he said. "It's a good place to get my basic classes and I really like the campus."
Kenny Nicholson of Ash Flat graduated from Highland High School. He is the son of Jeff and Venita Forrest. He said he chose UACCB because of its location and cost.
Spencer Arleigh Qualls of Mount Pleasant graduated from Melbourne High School. She is the daughter of Jeff and Karyn Qualls. She plans to seek a degree in speech pathology. "My primary considerations were the location, the programs offered and the affordability," she said.
Kana Riley of Cushman graduated from Batesville High School. She is the daughter of Randy and Katina Riley. She plans to seek a degree in nursing. "Everyone has always told me good things about UACCB," she said. "I just recently had my grandmother go back to school and graduate with a degree. It's close to home and I feel like it's a good starting place for my career."
Casey Townsend of Batesville graduated from Batesville High School. He is the son of Jeff and Loretta Townsend. He plans to seek an associate's degree in general education. "I found myself at a point in my life where I’m ready to go out and see the world but I'm still not fully prepared for what the world has to offer," he said. "UACCB seemed like a great starting point that was close to home and affordable enough to get you on the ground moving after graduation."
Linh My Tran of Batesville graduated from Batesville High School. She is the daughter of Phat Tran. She plans to seek an associate’s degree in science. "My friends, family and teachers helped me weigh my pros and cons," she said. "Going to UACCB seemed to be the best choice."
Charles Treadway of Batesville graduated from Batesville High School. He is the son of Roger and Kay Treadway. He plans to seek a degree in wildlife management/biology.
Kristina Verstraete of Hardy graduated from Highland High School. She is the daughter of Karen Langston. She plans to seek a degree in sports medicine/physical therapy. She said she chose UACCB because of the experienced faculty members.
Beau Zeiger of Hardy graduated from Highland High School. He is the daughter of Robbie and Vicky Zeiger. He plans to seek an engineering degree. "By attending UACCB, I will be able to live at home and keep costs down," he said. "It’s also a very nice campus."
The Academic Distinction Scholarship is awarded to students with a composite ACT score of 19 or higher. It provides in-state tuition (up to 15 hours) each semester.
The scholarship is renewable for three consecutive semesters for those students completing at least 12 credit hours each semester with a 3.00 grade point average after the first semester and a 3.25 GPA after the second and third
