The Upward Bound Program at Southern Arkansas University held its annual Senior Recognition and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Rev. L.C. Gilliam Magnolia, was the keynote speaker.
Thirty-two students from 10 schools received Upward Bound diplomas: Gabriell Tharp, Blevins High; Lacorius Earley, Bradley High; Tia Breland, Camden Fairview High; Jalen Evans and Ra’Nasheuna Montgomery, El Dorado High; Detrick Cheatham, Erika Juarez, Davionna Perkins, Charitie Phillips, and Na’Tyja White, Hope High; Doria Beasley, Demarian Carter, Dalton Claiborne, Morgan Holly, Deandreia Hunter, Soraya Iverson, Dorian Pressley, Sierra Putney, Le’Aijillon Williams, Qua’Najah Willis, and Tyrese Wilson, Magnolia High School; Kazhya Henry, Kynedi Hughey, Malaijah McClenton, and A’Vonni Parham, Nevada High School; Tatyana Adair, Kendall Laughard, Jada Sharp, Essence Thomas, and Heavenly Zachery, Prescott High; Jared Hall and Jordan Hall, Taylor High School.
Upward Bound Scholarships were awarded to Doria Beasley, Magnolia High School; Soraya Iverson (Upward Bound Charles Hughey Scholarship), Magnolia High School; and Essence Thomas, Prescott High School. The Scholarships are valued at $5,000 ($2,500 /semester for the 1st 2 semesters). These three students and twelve others from the 2021 Upward Bound graduating class are attending Southern Arkansas University this fall.
Other award recipients were:
- Co- Valedictorians: Sierra Putney and Na’yTja White
- Co – Salutatorians: Le’Aijilon Williams and Heavenly Zachery
- Honor Graduates: Tatyana Adair, Dalton Claiborne, Doria Beasley, Morgan Holly, Deandreia Hunter, Soraya Iverson, Jada Sharp, Davionna Perkins, and Essence Thomas.