Scholarships and Symphony: Supporting mind and soul

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Crawford and Sebastian Counties hosted a Holiday Buffet Dinner in the atrium of the Holiday Inn City Center on Saturday (Dec. 5).

Dinner organizers labeled it “a perfect place to dine” before Fort Smith Symphony’s presentation of “Messiah.”

The Fort Smith Symphony performed Handel’s “Messiah,” and was joined with a special performance by the combined choirs of the Fort Smith Chorale and the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Chorale. Also participating were UAFS faculty soloists Katherine White, Rager Moore II and Edward White. A large audience turned out for the performance.
 
The purpose of Single Parent Scholarship Fund is to provide supplemental financial assistance to those single parents who are pursuing a course of instruction that will improve  their income-earning potential. The scholarships are made possible by private donations and grants.
 
More than 65 applications were submitted for the spring semester and interviews will begin Dec. 15. The students are notified and given their award after Jan. 1. Only five years old, with the support from members of our community, more than 400 scholarships totaling more than $250,000 to single parents in Crawford and Sebastian counties have been awarded.
 
A mentoring aspect was added to give added support for our recipients by pairing them with volunteers in the community. Single parents who complete their education are taking the first step to a successful career and are inspiring their children to value education as well.
 
The scholarships are unique in that the funds are non-restricted. Recipients are required to apply for a federal Pell Grant, which will normally cover the costs of their tuition and books. However, trying to finish school while working and raising a family presents financial challenges. Many SPSF recipients report using their SPSF scholarship funds for utility bills, gas, car maintenance and medical bills.