Congratulation to the Class of 2026 Skokos Foundation AHS Mission Statement Scholarship Recipients, all recent graduates of Alma High School in Alma, Arkansas. These recipients were selected for more than just their academic excellence and community involvement, but also for their commitment to utilizing their gifts and talents to lift up others and make a purposeful difference in the lives of others. Upon reading some of the quotes from their essays below, you will celebrate with us at The Ted and Shannon Skokos Foundation knowing they are the future of our country.
Easton Daily, Arkansas Tech University
I hope to become an engineer. I love design and building things. I would also like to have a small farm. I have 4 other siblings and my parents can’t just give me everything. I have to go and earn it myself. With the help of these scholarships, it will give me peace of mind that my parents don’t have to pay and I will be able to graduate debt free. I have served as Captain of my HS football team, an All-State football player, All-River and All-Conference baseball player, and was the 2025 River Valley Academic Football Player of the Year earning a cumulative 4.3 GPA in HS.
Logan English, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and then to Oklahoma State University
I currently feed 500 head of cattle for my grandparents 3hrs a day/5 days a week year round, while playing varsity baseball, and earning a 4.08 cumulative GPA in HS. I want to pursue a career in animal sciences and/or veterinary medicine. When I picture my future, I don’t just see a veterinarian, a husband, or a ministry leader. I see someone who is committed to making a positive impact on others by showing kindness, serving others, and living out his beliefs every day.
Weston King, Oklahoma State University
Since I joined FFA, I’ve fallen in love with veterinary medicine, hence my first aspiration is a career in that field. My second aspiration is a family. Living without love is nothing but survival, and not something that could satisfy me. My third aspiration is to continue loving the Lord. God is greater than anything I could imagine. He is the greatest part of my life, the one who leads me to growth and all of our paths to eternity. I have served at Boys State, worked around 20 hours per week, and earned a 4.48 cumulative GPA in HS.
Raleigh Burris, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
I want to be the mother, Christian, coworker, wife, sister, and daughter others will see as dedicated, loving, caring, determined, supportive, helpful, and enjoyable. Ultimately, I hope to have a successful career to support my future family financially, help others by leaving a positive impact on their lives, and look back and know I contributed to my family and community. I am pursuing a career in nursing and have earned a 4.0417 GPA in HS.
Marion Rust, University of Central Arkansas
In becoming a veterinarian, I hope to help animals in need. I want to be a faithful servant of The Lord and live to great expectations. I also hope that I can be a great husband and father. I have earned the honor of 2x State Dance Champion and placed 5th in the Nation for Dance in 2026. I have served as Class Vice-President and represented my HS in both football and track, while earning a 4.2 cumulative GPA.
Blake Holsted, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville
Outside of high school classes, I have worked around 20 hours per week at Harps Grocery. This taught me time management and discipline. I look forward to becoming a mechanical engineer to solve problems and design technology of the future. I am a National Merit Finalist and earned a 4.43 GPA in HS.
Leila Wood, Kansas State University
My future is to work in architectural engineering and environmental research within the engineering field. I intend to go to graduate school, have multiple internships, and do research regarding green architecture. Personally, I want to volunteer for a philanthropic organization, a church, or even just find a way to work in public policy or community outreach. I have served as President of the Technology Student Association earning a 4.185 GPA in HS.
Caleb Boen, Arkansas Tech University - Ozark
I want to become an EMT. I want to serve the people of my community who have served me. I want to have a family and be able to provide for them. I have served as an Eagle Scout and Senior Patrol Leader earning a 4.0 cumulative GPA in HS.
Arianna Strickland, Arkansas Tech University
My lifelong dream is to pursue veterinary medicine, focusing on exotics. I hope to show other young women that they are capable of working hard to achieve their dreams. I want my future to be full of animals and adventure. I would love to have a personal animal sanctuary as my home. I also want to give back to my community I am a part of by serving both people and animals. I have served as an animal haven volunteer while in HS and have earned a 4.2 cumulative GPA.