Ozarka College is pleased to announce two new scholarships that will be awarded beginning the Fall semester of 2015. Donors, Josh and Courtney Wilson of Calico Rock, will fund two $500 scholarships, annually. Each recipient will receive $250 during the Fall semester and $250 during the following Spring semester.

Josh Wilson is the Associate Vice President of Planning and Institutional Research at Ozarka College and Courtney Wilson is the District Treasurer at Calico Rock Schools. They wish to fund these scholarships in recognition of the respective honorees' sacrifices made to their small communities and their years of dedication to educating young minds.

The first scholarship will be named the David and Phyllis Wilson Honorary Scholarship, in honor of Josh's parents' years of service in education.David graduated with degrees in Mathematics from the University of Arkansas and obtained the equivalent of a specialist degree in Public School Administration.He taught high school mathematics for 28 years and spent 11 years in administration. Mr. Wilson was serious when it came to teaching mathematics. Later his serious nature in the classroom bled over into his work as superintendent, leading the largest expansion and one of the most prosperous eras in the history of the Calico Rock School District.

Phyllis graduated with degrees in Business Ed., English, and Educational Media/Library Science from the University of Central Arkansas and obtained an elementary principal certification.   She spent 22 years in the classroom and was an elementary principal for 7 years.  Mrs. Wilson was also a go-getter in the classroom and the library, and she too, was serious about education. Most notably, Mrs. Wilson was responsible for the first comprehensive technology roll out for Norfork schools in the 1990s and later as principal, she ushered in a new era in academic excellence at Norfork's Arrie Goforth Elementary in the early 21st century.

The second scholarship will be named the Dixie Wayne Anderson Memorial Scholarship, in loving memory of Courtney's grandmother, for her years of dedicated service to Texas education and her true passion for teaching. The late Mrs. Anderson was a 1952 graduate of North Texas State College, now known as University of North Texas. She taught first grade for over 35 years at Valwood Elementary in Farmers Branch, TX and was a Lifetime Member of the Parent-Teacher Association. For many years, Mrs. Anderson also taught Sunday school for her church. Upon her passing in 2010, many of her students shared stories about Mrs. Anderson and how she changed their lives.

Both scholarship awards shall benefit students that are not only committed to their studies, but also show an interest in public service or contributing to the field of education. To apply, students must be a traditional student, a Calico Rock High School graduate, and have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Education majors will receive first preference, but not required.

For more information, please contact Suellen Davidson, Ozarka College Director of Advancement by calling 870.368.2059.