The Cherokee Village Fire Department Auxiliary has
awarded scholarships to four Highland High School seniors who will be entering their
freshman year of college this fall. Originally introduced as a $1000 award that could be split
equally between two deserving students, the quality of applications in this first go-round
spurred Auxiliary members to vote to double the available funds.
This first-of-its-kind scholarship program is based on having an immediate family
member – be it father, grandfather, or a sibling – who is or was either a volunteer or
professional firefighter, regardless of fire station locale. That relationship and a two-page
essay that addresses school life, extracurricular activities, community service, goals and
aspirations, and financial needs are the requirements to be eligible for this scholarship.
Funds will be paid directly to the college or trade school to be used for tuition, books, and
course materials.
Elizabeth Burgess, of Williford, will be attending Ozarka College to begin her
planned course of study in Education. Her father, Brent Burgess, is a 12-year veteran of the
Ozark Acres Volunteer Fire Department.
Lance Burris, of Highland, has been accepted at Harding University, in Searcy,
where he will major in Mechanical Engineering. The Burris family of firefighters include Mike
(1994-96) and Howard (1994-2000), both with Camp Volunteer Fire Department, and Bill
(2010-present) now with Saddle Volunteer Fire Department.
James Cael Carter, of Ash Flat, will enroll at Ozarka College to complete core
coursework for an associate degree before heading off to pursue studies in Mass Media at
Arkansas State University. His brother, Ethan Barnes, is a volunteer with the Hardy Fire
Department.
Archer Dienst, of Highland, will attend Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge.
His major course of study will be in Christian Ministry. Archer’s father, Kal, has served for 26
years as a firefighter in Hardy, Highland, and in Cherokee Village, where he is now Chief.
Applications for the Cherokee Village Fire Department Auxiliary scholarships can be
obtained year-round at the Highland High School counseling office, or at Baseheart Fire
Station, 1 Baseheart Rd, in Cherokee Village. The deadline for receipt each year will be the
first Monday in April.
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
