The scholarship is named for long-time Board Member Don Stemple of Sevier County, Arkansas. Mr. Stemple served on the Cooperative’s Board of Directors for 54 years. The scholarship is awarded to one graduating high school senior each fall, may be used at a college or technical/trade school, and is valued at $2,000.
A graduate of Gillham High School, Mr. Stemple earned a Bachelor of Agriculture Education degree from Oklahoma State University and returned to his high school alma mater as the Vocational Agriculture teacher where he worked for 15 years. Following his time of teaching, his focus moved to cattle, poultry, and swine farming.
Throughout his years with the Cooperative, Mr. Stemple also served in a number of other leadership capacities in the State of Arkansas and in his own community such as on the boards of Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation, Sevier County Water Association, Central Production Credit Association, and First State Bank. His memberships include the Arkansas Cattle Association, Sevier County Cattle Association, Sevier County Farm Bureau, and Sevier County Fair Board.
The deadline has expired for the 2024 candidate submission.
PAST RECIPIENTS:
Chelsey Teague
2023 Recipient
Chelsey Teague, a graduate of Bradley High School and daughter of Leah and Tommy Teague of Taylor, Arkansas, was recently named as the 2023 recipient of the Don Stemple Scholarship from Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative.
Caroline Collins
2022 and First Recipient
Caroline Collins, a graduate of Kirby High School and daughter of Josh and Jill Collins of De Queen, Arkansas, was recently named as the first recipient of the Don Stemple Scholarship from Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative.