Lotus Club announces three scholarships
National Park College students Kelli LaRue, Melissa Krafft and Emma McKnight were awarded scholarships from the Lotus Club this month.
This is the second year for the scholarship after a fund was established in 2017. Members raised money during Arkansas Gives Day in April.
Each student received a $500 scholarship that can be used 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 first-generation college student and mother of three, and a two-time recipient of this scholarship.
She attended Fountain Lake schools and completed her G.E.D. from NPC in 2008. LaRue is currently working on a teaching degree and hopes to teach high school math while working on a master’s degree.
“Mathematics has always come easy to me,” she 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 has helped her most while she has been in school and she appreciates his stability, support, and his willingness to work harder so she can pursue this opportunity.
Krafft is studying graphic design and hopes to transfer to the Savannah College of Art and Design in December. She wants to pursue a master’s degree in user experience.
She said this scholarship will allow her to continue her education without taking out loans.
“At NPC I’m not a number,” Krafft said. “I have met people here who have taken me under their wing and provided mentorship to me.”
McKnight plans to transfer to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville next fall and said the scholarship will help her cover the cost of summer classes.
She plans to study international business after being inspired by a recent trip to China with her family.
“I took a trip to China and I loved traveling, I loved seeing the different cultures and how everything works,” she said.
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.