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.
2024 Don Stemple Scholarship Opportunity:
Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative is now accepting applications for its 2024 Don Stemple Scholarship. The scholarship opportunity is open to area high school 2024 graduates whose parent or grandparent is a cooperative member.
Named in honor of retired Cooperative board member and Sevier County educator Don Stemple, the scholarship is valued at $2,000 and is co-funded ($1,000) by Today’s Power, Incorporated (TPI), the managing corporation of the Cooperative’s C. Wayne Whitaker Solar Power Generation Facility, and a matching donation funded by Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative.
The Don Stemple Scholarship will be awarded to one high school senior each year and may be used at a college or technical/trade school.
To be considered as a scholarship candidate the student’s parent or grandparent must be a cooperative member and applicants will be asked to submit an essay of at least 1,000 words.
The topic for the 2024 essay is, “One of the Seven Cooperative Principles is Concern for Community. What can Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative do to contribute to the well-being and development of the communities we serve?”
In addition, the following information should accompany the completed application and essay:
- Your most recent academic transcript and achievements
- A copy of your college entrance exam scores (ACT and/or SAT)
- Two letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or employer
- Documented high school and/or community activities and school and/or community honors along with community service and leadership
The deadline to submit the application and information is April 29.
Submissions may be emailed to rmorrow@swrea.com or delivered to 2904 E 9th Street, Texarkana, Arkansas.
A link to the scholarship application is available by clicking HERE.
For additional information, call Rhonda Morrow, Administrative Assistant, at 870-772-2743 ext. 1201.
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.