Teacher scholarship application due date approaching

The Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation will accept applications until Monday, March 25 for two teacher scholarships for summer travel to Hanamaki, Japan, Hot Springs’ sister city.  Application information is available through the Sister City Program link on the City of Hot Springs’ home page, www.cityhs.net .

Teachers or school administrators currently employed in Garland County public schools are eligible for the scholarship program. The scholarship will fully fund travel costs for a 7-day trip to Hanamaki, Japan in mid-June. The City of Hanamaki will provide home stay living arrangements along with tours and educational opportunities during the teachers’ visit.

The purpose of the travel scholarships is to provide Garland County public school educators the opportunity to interact with teachers and students in Hanamaki schools; to observe and learn about the culture of Hanamaki; and to incorporate information learned into their own classrooms and schools. Juli Stoyanov, former scholarship recipient and sixth grade teacher at Lakeside Middle School, said of her trip: “This opportunity as a teacher scholarship recipient has not only impacted my teaching but also given me the tools, experience, and resources to expose my students to cultural similarities and differences on a global scale. On a personal level, this trip made a lasting impression on my lifestyle and values. The beauty of the Hanamaki people, culture, and landscape will forever be admired.”

The scholarships will be awarded in early April and are provided through grant sponsors along with individual private donations. For more information, email sistercity@sbcglobal.net .