ASBA Educational Foundation Awards 2025 Scholarships to Six Outstanding Arkansas Students
The Arkansas School Boards Association (ASBA) Educational Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 scholarship awards, honoring six exemplary students from across the state for their academic achievement, leadership, service, and future aspirations.
The ASBA Educational Foundation Freshman Scholarship Program supports the sons, daughters, or legal wards of publicly elected Arkansas school board members entering two- or four-year colleges. Five scholarships are awarded annually through this program, including one statewide award—the Marshall R. Hughes Memorial Scholarship—and four congressional district scholarships. Additionally, one upper-level education student receives the J.K. Williams Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a junior or higher enrolled in an Arkansas college of education who is a publicly elected Arkansas school board member or the spouse, child, grandchild, or legal ward of a publicly elected Arkansas school board member.
🎓 2025 Scholarship Recipients
Lydia Bishop
Scholarship: J.K. Williams Memorial Scholarship – $2,500
High School: Trumann High School (Alumna)
College Attending: Arkansas State University
Major: Elementary Education
Lydia, daughter of Trumann School Board member Kevin Bishop, is a dedicated education major active in student government and service organizations. She is passionate about becoming an elementary teacher and giving back to her community.
Alexis Cannon
Scholarship: Marshall R. Hughes Statewide Freshman Scholarship – $5,000
High School: Concord High School
College Attending: North Arkansas College
Major: Radiologic Technology
Alexis (Lexy) is the daughter of Concord School Board member Jody Cannon. She is a compassionate and goal-oriented student preparing for a career in Radiology. Lexy's commitment to service is reflected in her consistent volunteer work and a deep desire to give back through a future career in the medical field.
Cayla Schaefer
Scholarship: District 1 ASBA Freshman Scholarship – $2,500
High School: McCrory High School
College Attending: University of Arkansas – Fayetteville
Major: Poultry Science
Cayla, daughter of McCrory School Board member Angela (Nikki) Schaefer, is ranked first in her graduating class. She is a dedicated student-leader and volunteer. She will pursue a degree in Poultry Science, with an eventual goal to attend medical school and become a surgeon.
Owen Nelson
Scholarship: District 2 ASBA Freshman Scholarship – $2,500
High School: Bryant High School
College Attending: Ouachita Baptist University
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Owen is the son of Bryant School Board member Tyler Nelson. With a strong academic foundation and deep involvement in athletics, missions, and STEM, Owen has proven to be a dedicated student and servant leader. His drive and dedication position him for success as he takes the next step in his educational journey.
Mason Meador
Scholarship: District 3 ASBA Freshman Scholarship – $2,500
High School: Green Forest High School
College Attending: North Arkansas College
Major: Agriculture
Mason, son of Green Forest School Board member Alechia Meador, is an exceptional student-athlete and second-generation farmer. Mason’s commitment to his community and strong work ethic are evident in his extensive volunteer service. He plans to earn a degree in agriculture and return to manage his family’s farm, contributing to the agricultural industry.
Reese Montgomery
Scholarship: District 4 ASBA Freshman Scholarship – $2,500
High School: Mena High School
College Attending: John Brown University
Major: Nursing
Reese is the daughter of Mena School Board member Clint Montgomery. A distinguished student, athlete, and volunteer, Reese will major in nursing while continuing to compete in collegiate volleyball. Her leadership roles and community service reflect the spirit of the ASBA scholarship program.
The ASBA Educational Foundation congratulates these remarkable students and their families. Their achievements represent the excellence and potential of students across Arkansas, as well as the invaluable support of public school board leadership!
For more information about the ASBA Educational Foundation and how to contribute, visit arsba.org/page/educational-foundation or contact Jessica Prothro, Director of Communications, at jprothro@arsba.org or 501.492.4820.