Skilletts honored at reception
Annual scholarship established in honor of Bella Vista couple
GRAVETTE — Jack and JoAnn Skillett of Bella Vista were honored at a retirement reception Thursday, April 26, in the dining room at the Gravette Middle School. Jack has retired after serving 20 years on the Gravette School Board. Many friends, area citizens, fellow school board members and school administrators attended to show appreciation for his service.
Richard Page, superintendent of Gravette Public Schools, welcomed guests at the reception and gave a brief synopsis of the couple’s service to the school district. He first focused on JoAnn, who was quick to tell everyone that she was not retiring. She has volunteered for over 20 years in several capacities throughout the district, most notably working in the school libraries and tutoring upper elementary students in math. She has assisted with high school enrollment and has spent many evenings working in the concession stand at ballgames.
Page presented JoAnn with a plaque in appreciation for her dedicated service in volunteer work at the schools. He then introduced school board secretary Heather Finley, who presented JoAnn a plaque from Bright Futures recognizing her as Volunteer of the Year at the high school.
Page told about several highlights of Jack Skillett’s lifetime career in education, as a teacher, college professor and school administrator. He focused particularly on his 20 years of service on the Gravette School Board and his positive influence during the planning and building of new school district facilities. During his tenure on the board, Jack served on the Architect Search Committee, the Facilities Committee and as chairman of the Performing Arts Center Advisory Committee for 15 years. He served as board president, Booster Club president and as a fundraiser for the annual Lions Golf Classic which benefits many school programs.
State representative Kim Hendren was present and presented Skillett with plaques recognizing his service from both the Arkansas House of Representatives and the Arkansas State Senate.
Page announced that the Skilletts’ three children, Jerry, Dianne and Judy, have established a scholarship to be given in their honor. The $500 Jack and JoAnn Skillett Educational Scholarship will be given to a graduate of Gravette High School each year beginning in May 2019. Scholarship recipients must have a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, be an elementary or secondary education major and meet need-based qualifications.
Jack Skillett made a few remarks at the conclusion of the program. He expressed his thanks to all who came to honor him and his wife and recognized several people present with whom he had worked in accomplishing goals and making improvements at the school.
Refreshments were served at the reception. Flowers for the table decorations were provided by the Skillett children.