Henderson announces new scholarship for Malvern grads

ARKADELPHIA — Malvern High School seniors who earn a 3.3 grade-point average and successfully complete the Honors Program can now earn a Leopard-Reddie Scholarship from Henderson State University. The award will cover the gap between their financial aid and scholarship awards and Henderson State’s tuition and fees.

Students will be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

“The Leopard Reddie Scholarship program is designed to focus on students who have the determination to finish a rigorous academic program,” said Steve Adkison, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Henderson State. “This scholarship does not require a minimum ACT score, as we firmly believe a student’s ACT score is not the sole indicator of college readiness.

“The students who receive the scholarship are the very students we want to see at Henderson State. We don’t have any doubt that they are ready to succeed.”

Malvern assistant superintendent Lillian Harper said the scholarship will “open a world of possibilities for students who may not have seen an opportunity to attend college.”

“This will also change the mindset of students who are entering high school because they will start as freshmen knowing this is an option for them,” she said. “The Malvern School District is excited about this grand avenue for higher education for the students of Malvern High School.”

Jennifer Shnaekel, Malvern High School principal, earned her undergraduate degree at Henderson State after graduating from Malvern High School.

“I am so excited for our students to have this tremendous educational opportunity offered by Henderson State,” Shnaekel said. “This great combination of Leopard Pride and Reddie Spirit will set our students up for success.”

Brian Golden, Malvern School District superintendent, said he looks forward to and is grateful for the partnership with Henderson.

“The program will be of great assistance for many of our students who are unable to afford college,” he said. “Our students and parents will be excited for this awesome opportunity with Henderson State.”

Leopard Reddie Scholarship recipients must enroll and complete 15 college hours per semester. Recipients may renew the scholarship for eight consecutive semesters as long as they complete 30 credit hours and maintain a cumulative 3.00 GPA for each academic year.