Harry O. Hamm Scholarship Awards Announced

Van Buren High School (VBHS) Seniors Gracie Johnson and Bailey Smith have been selected as the 2024 recipients of Harry O. Hamm Foundation Trust Scholarships.

Administered by the Trust Department of Citizens Bank & Trust Company, the Hamm Foundation Scholarships are funded from an endowment by Harry O. Hamm, who died in 1997. Mr. Hamm attended elementary school in Van Buren and left his entire estate to provide scholarships for the post-secondary education of Van Buren High School graduates. The individual scholarship awards are for up to $8,000 per academic year, for up to five years.

Gracie Johnson is the daughter of Emily and Bradley Johnson. She plans to further her education at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, where she will major in Biology/Pre-Medicine. Her goal is to pursue a career in Obstetrics/Gynecology. Gracie is involved in numerous school activities. She is a member Mu Alpha Theta and throws shotput and discus on the VBHS Track Team. She is also part of the VBHS Theatre program and was named a member of the program’s All-State cast. In addition to school, Gracie works as a waitress and volunteers her time throughout the Van Buren School District. She has helped at elementary school fun days, read in classrooms, and served as an assistant stage manager and student director for a school production. Upon graduating college, she plans to return to Van Buren to give back and help grow the community.  

Bailey Smith is the daughter of Ronald Smith and Stephanie Everitt Smith. She plans to obtain a degree in Exercise Science from the University of Arkansas and pursue a career in Pediatric Physical Therapy. For the past four years, Bailey has been a member of the VBHS Dance team, Marching Band and Color Guard. She also has participated in the VBHS Winter Guard, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Mu Alpha Theta and completed courses through the VBHS Concurrent Credit program. Bailey has earned numerous honors including All-American Dance in 2023 and All Region Band from 2020 to 2023. She was also a member of the State Champion VBHS Pointer Marching Band. Bailey has volunteered her time assisting at various school functions, including clothes drives, dance lessons, and band camp. After graduation, she plans to help better her community and give back to those in need.