Three locals win scholarships

The Arkansas Governor’s Commission on People with Disabilities (GCPD) will award 40 students with scholarships during its annual scholarship banquet at the Governor’s Mansion today, June 16 at 4 p'm. This year’s theme is, “Achieving Our Goals,” and will feature a keynote address from Governor Mike Beebe’s Director of External Affairs Sericia Cole.

The GCPD will award 37 recipients with $1,000 scholarships for the 2011-2012 school year. The students were chosen from more than 100 applicants based on academic achievement, community involvement, and the goals and challenges each student faces. In addition to the scholarships, three students were randomly selected from the pool of applicants to each receive a $200 book scholarship donated from Off-Campus Bookstores.

Local winners include:
Timothy Burrell / Hot Springs Village / University of Arkansas-Little Rock
Jessica Dailey / Jessieville / Arkansas Tech University
Brady Hobbs / Jessieville / University of Arkansas

“This year’s selection process was very competitive,” GCPD Executive Director Leonard A. Boyle said. “The scholarship committee worked diligently for more than three months to grade the applications. All of the applicants worked very hard, and it was difficult to narrow things down. These honorees are an exciting example of the future of our state, and I know Gov. Beebe is just as proud of them as I am.”

The Arkansas Governor’s Commission on People with Disabilities is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of Arkansans with disabilities by promoting advocacy and education, creating independence and celebrating life. For additional information, contact the office at 1616 Brookwood Drive, Little Rock , AR 72203 or call (501) 296-1637. The Governor’s Commission on People with Disabilities is a program of the Arkansas Department of Career Education’s (formerly the Arkansas Department of Workforce Education) Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Division.