The Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village Branch has awarded 10 scholarships of $1,500 each to local women for the 2020 academic year. We are able to award these scholarships due to the generosity and support of branch members who participate in annual fundraising each year.

We would also like to recognize the generosity of several women who have funded endowments with AAUW HS/HSV. The earnings from these endowments are supplemented by fundraising monies. Those two sources – earnings and fundraising – are the basis for determining the amount of scholarship monies available each year.

We want to express our sincere appreciation to the following members who have provided endowments: Velma Coolidge, Ruth Fox, Becky Gifford and Pat Ormsbee.

Recipients for 2020-2021 are:

Aaron Johnson receives third AAUW scholarship

The focus of the fundraising efforts of the Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) is scholarships for local women. This year the branch is pleased to announce a scholarship award to Aaron Johnson – a three-time recipient. Johnson is a senior at UA-Little Rock, majoring in Interpretation for American Sign Language and Psychology, where she has found her passion – she wakes up every morning looking forward to doing what she loves. After graduation Johnson plans to return to her community as an interpreter and pursue a master’s degree in social work. Her goal is to be a social worker to help deaf people create the best lives for themselves and to help families support their loved ones; she plans to be an interpreter on the side. While at school, Johnson has been proud to be a resident assistant, where she is able to encourage and mentor younger students. She completes her busy schedule by volunteering at the Deaf School, tutoring children two days a week.

Johnson was one of two women that the AAUW HS/HSV chapter sponsored to attend AAUW’s NCCWSL (National Conference for Collegiate Women Student Leaders) in 2019. It was a four-day eye-opener for Johnson in many ways (she even took her first trip on an airplane). The workshops and experiences helped make Aaron prouder to be a woman and to become more aware of women’s rights. She met and networked with other young women from all over the world. AAUW is proud of the financial aid and networking support they have been able to provide to Aaron.

Mountain Pine graduate Ali Meeks receives AAUW scholarship

The Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) has awarded Ali Meeks, Mountain Pine’s 2018 salutatorian, with one of this year’s scholarships. While at Mountain Pine, where she graduated with a 3.9 GPA, Meeks also participated in the Henderson State University honors program, earning 34 hours of college credit.  Her achievements at Mountain Pine included being elected to leadership roles in both academic and athletic programs and serving as president of the junior and senior classes.

Meeks is currently a nursing student at National Park College (NPC). At NPC, she was selected for Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society that requires a 3.5 GPA for admission and has as its mission service to others in the greater community. She currently serves this international organization as its vice president.

The recent pandemic of Covid-19 has not deterred Meeks from her desire to be in the health care field. Her plan is to earn credentials as a nurse practitioner, putting the needs of others before her own. Upon completion of her work at NPC, she looks forward to a graduate degree in nursing at Henderson. She is considering specializing in obstetrical nursing, which would put her in a position to work with both mothers and babies. She is also considering becoming a nurse anesthetist.

Meeks currently serves as secretary of the nursing class of 2020-2021, and is easily described as a born leader, recognized for her hard work and determination. She says she has learned along the way “that with hard work I can be successful!” AAUW is pleased to have Meeks as one of its 2020-2021 scholarship recipients.

Amy Hronek receives AAUW scholarship

The Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village branch of the American Association of University Women is pleased to announce Amy Hronek as one of its ten 2020 scholarship recipients. Each recipient will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

Hronek, a first-time recipient of the annual AAUW scholarship, has had a 4.0 grade point average for all four semesters, has been on the President’s List, and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at National Park College. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work at UA Little Rock this fall and plans to continue her education and earn a master’s degree. She hopes to work within the criminal justice system, where she will work for better lives for those who have been incarcerated. Another possibility would be to help people, who after leaving mental health facilities, face serious issues such as drug and alcohol addictions and homelessness and need help finding homes and rehabilitation systems.

Hronek’s altruistic goals are due to the social workers who have assisted her during difficult times. She credits them with helping her value herself, to give her the confidence she needed to return to school. She says, “Social workers strive to bring about positive change in people’s lives, and I want to help people change their lives and perspectives.” She has volunteered at Eleanor Klugh Jackson House where, according to the executive director, Amy handles situations with ease, professionalism and compassion.

Hronek enjoys reading and playing video games. And she loves her one-year-old Corgi, Pixie. She is highly motivated and quite confident. She is rightfully proud of herself. She knows she is in a good place and wants to help others get into their good places.

Hot Springs softball star Jessye Rowland wins AAUW scholarship

The Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) has awarded Hot Springs native and softball standout Jessye Rowland a $1,500 scholarship for the upcoming school year.

Rowland, a first-time AAUW scholarship recipient, graduated from Lake Hamilton High School in 2019. She played softball for the Lady Wolves for four years as a starter (playing catcher and first base).

In addition to her accomplishments on the ballfield, Rowland also graduated with honors and was a member of Beta Club, National Honor Society and the English National Honor Society.

She is studying health education and planning on getting a master’s degree to become a college softball coach.

Rowland has been working since she was 15 years old, but in her free time she enjoys being outside (usually on the softball field – playing, practicing or watching) and playing with her puppy, Ralley.

Rowland said she has faced a few personal challenges in her life, but the most serious was tearing her ACL during her freshman year in high school. It was the first major obstacle she had encountered, and overcoming it was a major milestone.

When asked about advice for younger women going through school and life, she said, “I would just tell them to follow their dreams and do what your heart tells you. Don’t listen to what others think or believe you should do.”

MARIE LINDEN-COX RECEIVES $1,500 SCHOLARSHIP

Local women are able to receive scholarships as a result of fundraising done by the Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The branch announces that Marie Linden-Cox of Hot Springs is a recipient of one of its $1,500 scholarships. Linden-Cox was also awarded a scholarship from the branch last year.

Linden-Cox is in her second and final year of the Radiologic Technology Program at National Park College. She is involved in both class work and clinical experience. She says, “I absolutely love every day I spend at clinicals and can’t wait to help my patients every day.”  After graduation in the spring of 2021, she hopes to work in the Hot Springs area and continue her education by working toward her bachelor’s degree online through the University of Arkansas Fort Smith.

Coming from Germany, Linden-Cox began her career at National Park College as a nontraditional English-as-a-Second-Language student. She jumped right into anatomy and physiology taught in English! She persevered and studied and ended up serving as president of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society of two-year colleges. She also took the responsibility of being treasurer of the Student Government Association at National Park.

Linden-Cox believes that each of us can make a difference. She volunteers her time at The Caring Place. She is a member of the Women’s Leadership Council in Hot Springs, a group that helps to support leadership for young women in high school. In addition, she belongs to the Hot Springs Young Professionals, a branch of the Chamber of Commerce.

Laury Ramos receives second AAUW scholarship

Laury Ramos will begin a dual enrollment this fall at National Park College and Henderson State University. In recognition of her many achievements, Laury has been awarded a scholarship, for a second year, in the amount of $1,500 from the Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

In 2018 Laury graduated from Centerpoint I.S.D. in Amity, Arkansas, and that fall enrolled at National Park College seeking a nursing degree. Her decision to pursue nursing began at a young age, when she was needed as a translator for her parents and friends during medical appointments. She was impressed with the kindness and assistance the medical staff gave, especially the nurses. Those experiences drove Laury’s goal of a nursing degree.

While at National Park College, Laury has excelled. She has received two President Awards, one Dean’s Award, and the NPC Academic All-Star. The Arkansas Community College Academic All-Star is awarded annually to a student from each of the two-year colleges in Arkansas as recognition of their academic and service achievements. Recipients must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25, be involved on the campus and in the community, and plan to transfer to a four-year university in Arkansas. Laury has a 3.5 GPA. After graduating from NPC, Ramos will be continuing her education by transferring to Henderson State University to obtain a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

As a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Laury has pursued volunteer opportunities that include translation for patients. She has served an internship with Christian Corporative Ministry and Clinic in Hot Springs.

Now with COVID-19, Laury is even more determined to complete her nursing education. Laury is following in the footsteps of her sister, Patricia, who worked diligently to graduate. Patricia is a past recipient of an AAUW scholarship.

Leslie Camacho, RN, awarded AAUW scholarship

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is delighted to announce the awarding of one of this year’s $1,500 scholarships to Leslie Camacho, a graduate of National Park College and current student at Henderson State University.

Camacho, originally from Mexico, earned her associate nursing degree from NPC and will complete her BSN at Henderson State University in the summer of 2021. She then plans to pursue a master’s degree to become a CRNA, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. All of this is within reach of this academically outstanding young woman, who is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society. In June 2020, Leslie began a one-year residency program at CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs, working as an RN in the Intensive Care Unit. She rotates between day and night shifts, which gives her an opportunity to see the full picture of an ICU. Leslie works directly with patients under the supervision of a nurse preceptor.

According to Leslie, time management is a basic, necessary skill in managing such a demanding schedule. She says, “The patient is my client. I speak for the client. I am his advocate.” With her limited free time, Leslie enjoys dance – dance of all kinds, including the tango! She also enjoys reading and travel. She spent a year in Germany as an exchange student and has travelled to Japan and India. Next on her list are visits to Alaska, Canada, Brazil and northern Europe. Leslie volunteers at Kindred Hospice, providing companionship to patients and respite care for their family members. She is described as having an outstanding work ethic, compassionate, “in love” with her work, and shows great initiative. Leslie’s daily goal is to “open MY windows and doors.”

Jamie Huisman receives AAUW scholarship

The American Association of University Women’s Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village branch is pleased to award a scholarship to Jamie Huisman, from Hot Springs, a 2003 graduate of Lakeside High School. Huisman is a nontraditional art education student who will transfer to Henderson State University this fall. Huisman is married and the mother of three sons aged 9 and under.  Before Covid-19, Huisman was an active member of the Women’s Bible Study Fellowship Class in Hot Springs, and the Lakeside Primary and Intermediate Parent Teacher Organization at her son’s school. She is also a member of the TRIO program, and Phi Theta Kappa at National Park College while a student there.  Huisman worked at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort before Covid-19 and is no longer employed. However, she will be a substitute teacher in the Hot Springs school system once classes begin this coming school year.

Huisman completed her sophomore year at National Park College in the spring of 2020 and will attend Henderson State University this fall. She was looking forward to attending her classes on the campus of Henderson State, but just recently found out that she will be taking her classes remotely.

Huisman is happy with the decision she made in her second year at National Park to pursue a degree in art education.  Huisman recalled how she admired and was inspired by her NPC instructor, Lana Taliaferro, who related her experience as a nontraditional student, acknowledging that the path has challenges, but the rewards can last a lifetime. It also helped her to focus on her career choice of art education, enhanced by her memory of how much she enjoyed art when she was in elementary school, and the activities she participated in related to the subject. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in art education, Huisman plans to get a master’s degree and teach at the college level.

Stacie Spickard wins AAUW scholarship

After 23 years of life experience and several attempts at college, Stacie Spickard courageously grabbed onto a second chance by enrolling, and then excelling, in her studies at National Park College nursing program.  She acknowledges that it’s challenging being an unconventional, older student, but also knows that she brings valuable life lessons and insight to her classes, placements and work. Those are qualities leading to her being awarded a $1,500 scholarship by the Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village American Association of University Women.

Stacie made the Dean’s List in 2019 while studying full-time, working, and caring for her family. As the mother of two and proud grandmother of one, she has faced many adversities with courage, determination and empathy.

After an abrupt life-changing event in 2015, Stacie chose to go into nursing, not because she wanted to change someone’s life, but because she needed some stability in her own life and a career that no one could take from her. This outlook quickly changed when she entered the program. Her eyes were opened and so was her heart.

She vowed she would fulfill her 25-year-old dream of obtaining a bachelor’s degree, an LPN and a RN nursing degree, all in five years, and she’s doing it! In 2019 she was awarded an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).

Her experience working as a correctional nurse at the Arkansas Department of Correction in Malvern has given her new insight into the intricacies of health care systems, deepening her understanding of humanity, opening her heart and strengthening her compassion for all people.

She sees her future as a travel nurse.  In her own words, “being a nurse can be physically exhausting and most days emotional, but every day it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It is why I chose nursing!”

Melissa Kennedy awarded 2^nd AAUW scholarship

The Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has been awarding scholarships to outstanding local women for decades, and Melissa Kennedy is a prime example.

Kennedy was raised by a single father who is a military veteran. She graduated from Cutter Morning Star High School in 2018 with a 4.0 GPA. She concurrently earned a certification in Family Consumer Science education. She was active in choir, Talent Search, Drama Club and Family Career Community Leaders of America, where she served as Vice President her senior year. She participated in multiple volunteer projects while in high school. A high point was meeting and interviewing Sen. John Boozman to discuss educational opportunities for the children of military veterans.

In May of this year, Kennedy graduated from National Park College (NPC) with an associate degree in business. She began her studies at Arkansas Technical University in the fall semester for a business degree with a focus on digital media marketing. Graduation is planned for 2022, at which time she hopes to find employment as a brand manager or social media manager. She hopes to incorporate her photography hobby into her digital media work.

Kennedy has been working as a sales associate in Hot Springs. She did so while at NPC also, and maintained over a 3.6 GPA. Her hours have been cut due to the COVID crisis, making this scholarship even more crucial to her goal of earning a college degree and meaningful employment. AAUW is so pleased to be able to assist such a deserving young woman in her pursuit of excellence by awarding her a second AAUW scholarship.