Single Parent Scholarship Fund, Symphony combine for food and music

story and photos by Linda Kaufenberg

Symphony goers and supporters of Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Crawford and Sebastian Counties (SPSF) enjoyed a holiday buffet Saturday (Dec. 6), in the Holiday Inn City Center Atrium.

In addition to the buffet, a John Bell print of Burns Gables 1936 was offered as a silent auction item. Janice Yancey donated the item in memory of her husband, Frank Yancey.

The mission of SPSF is to provide supplemental financial assistance to single parents who are pursuing a course of instruction that will improve their income-earning potential.

“The scholarship money is non-restricted, which means you can use it to pay bills, provide daycare, or fill up with gasoline,” said Christy Williams, SPSF executive director. “Across the state, we have a 83 percent retention rate of graduation.”

For the fall semester, 41 scholarships were awarded. There are more than 50 applicants for the spring scholarships.

“We have increased the scholarship amount from $500 to $750 a semester and have added a summer scholarship for $250. This means an individual could receive $1,750 each year to pursue their education goals,” Williams explained. “We know when a recipient stays in school and gets an education, they are more likely to secure employment that pays enough to support their family.”

Laura Warren, SPSF recipient, received a scholarship in the fall. She has two children. Warren worked in a bank but knew this was not her career calling. She returned to college and is going into information technology.

“My children are learning how important an education is,” Warren told attendees.

Jessica Kersh also received a SPSF scholarship this fall. She has three children and is a candidate for graduation in 2009 majoring in psychology. Kersh plans to continue her education at John Brown University. Kersh said the money helped when gas prices were high.

Bill Coffelt, SPSF board president, said he knew from experience about single parents as at the age of 14, he lived with a single mother.

“SPSF is the best investment for our future we can make,” he said. “Please tell your friends about us.”

Many at the buffet then attended the Symphony performance. A sold-out crowd listened to A Keyboard Christmas presented by the Fort Smith Symphony in the Arkansas Best Performing Arts Center. The performance was co-sponsored by Arvest Bank and Coca Cola.

With all the holiday favorites in one concert, the holidays were celebrated in style with premier Pops pianist Richard Ridenour and trumpet soloist Brandon Ridenour.

Now in its 85th season, the Fort Smith Symphony is the oldest orchestra in Arkansas. The symphony is a per-service professional orchestra comprised of musicians from Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Norman, Dallas, Little Rock, New York, Florida and other communities.

John Jeter, music director and conductor of the Fort Smith Symphony, is in his 12th season.

(Individuals in photos identified left to right)

Gaevon Hoover and Carmen D’Amico, SPSF Board Members greet diners at the ticket table.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Helena Fox and Jo Alice Blondin
 

 

 

 

 

 

Christy Williams, executive director of SPSF, and Board Members Cindy Long and Ashley Ellis

 

 

 

 

Nancy and Mitch Llewelyn and Ann and the Honorable Federal Judge Robert Dawson
 

 

 

 

 

SPSF recipients Thelma Russell and Kathy Johnson. Russell was a Katrina evacuee and is a four-time scholarship recipient who is pursuing a degree in early childhood education. Johnson has received two scholarships and is earning an associate’s degree in business technology and banking from Arkansas Tech University at Ozark.
 

SPSF recipients Hazel Douglas and Jessica Kersh
 

 

 

 

 

 

SPSF Board President Bill and Marilyn Coffelt
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julie Moncrief, Sheryl Flanagin, Kathy Coleman and Cathy Williams
 

 

 

 

Danny and Alice Long with their granddaughter Kara Rice
 

 

 

 

 

 

Helen Gray, Isabel Phillips, Nancy Hornberger, Jacob Lander and Suzanne McGraw. Jacob was particularly interested in hearing trumpet soloist Brandon Ridenour as Jacob plays the trumpet in the Ramsey Junior High Band.

 

 

Jeannette Falkner, Christy Powdrill and John Hundley

 

 

 

 

 

Don and Sarah Fowler with children Alex Wright and Elizabeth Fowler