Lotus Club awards scholarships to NPC students
National Park College students Kelli LaRue and Dianna Mikkelsen were recently awarded the first scholarships presented by the Lotus Club.
Each student received a $500 scholarship that can be used to pay for tuition, books, fees, licensures and testing expenses. The scholarship is awarded to female students with a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must submit an essay and letters of recommendation.
LaRue is a nontraditional student and mother of three children. She attended Fountain Lake schools and completed her Arkansas High School Diploma through General Educational Development at NPC in 2008. She is working on a teaching degree and hopes to teach high school math before working on a master’s degree to teach college-level math.
“Mathematics has always come easy to me,” LaRue said. “It is easy for me to love math and I believe I can make a difference for those who struggle with math.”
LaRue said her husband helped her most while she has been in school. She said she appreciates his stability and support, and his willingness to work harder so she can pursue the opportunity.
Mikkelsen is also a nontraditional student, returning to college after many years. She is enrolled in 22 credit hours at NPC and the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. She is working toward a teaching degree in family and consumer sciences because of her passion for nutrition.
“In this field, the lessons are new each day,” Mikkelsen said.
Mikkelsen credited her best friend, Elissa Kirchem, with helping her through the challenges of college.
“Though we aren’t in the same degree program, we collaborate to help each other with studying and proofreading assignments,” Mikkelsen said.
The Lotus Club established a scholarship fund earlier this year after members raised money during Arkansas Gives in April.
“I spoke to their group in February about providing scholarships to our students,” said Sara Brown, director of development at NPC. “At the time, they were going to give $250. After hearing a few of my stories of our mission and how we help our students, they raised $1,000 for their scholarship fund.”
The Lotus Club is a book club that focuses on supporting reading, education and culture. The group has been active in Hot Springs for 127 years and has 20 active members.