Arkansas Teen Wins $8,000 Scholarship Through 4-H Program

David Culver just proved that years of dedication to community service and leadership can transform a teen's future in the best possible way.

The Franklin County high school graduate received Arkansas 4-H's highest honor, the $8,000 Sue Marshall Scholarship, during the organization's annual State O-Rama event in Fayetteville. He was one of 41 young people across Arkansas who shared $91,500 in college scholarships this year.

Four other students from Franklin, Logan, and Sebastian counties earned awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. Carissa Webster from Logan County received $2,000, while Karly Jones and Drake Slate from Sebastian County earned $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Ava McCartney from Franklin County also won a $2,000 scholarship.

The scholarships reward students who spent years documenting their project work, leadership experiences, and community service through 4-H programs. Winners also showcased their personal growth through detailed portfolios including financial records, reflective essays, and professional résumés.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond the scholarships, five area students earned an even bigger opportunity. They qualified for National 4-H Congress in Atlanta this November, complete with $1,500 sponsorships covering their travel.

Franklin County's Kayla Stengel and Trace Grist will represent their communities in Performing Arts and Health and Fitness. Logan County's Emily Reddy qualified in Fabrics and Fashion, while Sebastian County sends Elly Sanders and Karly Jones for Leadership and Performing Arts.

John Thomas, managing director of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation, sees these awards as investments that multiply. "It's not just tuition dollars or travel funds," he explained. "It's the return on an investment in a young person's future."

The awards create a chain reaction through entire communities. Today's scholarship winners become tomorrow's leaders who return home with skills, connections, and inspiration to lift others up.

More than 250 young people from across Arkansas gathered at the four-day State O-Rama event for competitions, workshops, and leadership development. The university campus buzzed with future doctors, teachers, farmers, and community organizers discovering their potential.

These students show what happens when communities invest in youth programs that build character alongside skills.