As part of its "We Love Teachers" initiative, Arvest Bank awarded $500 grants to Hot Springs School District teachers Beth Rice and Chad Hall.
Rice, a third grade teacher at Langston Elementary Leadership Academy, and Hall, a 10th grade English teacher at Hot Springs World Class High School, were two of 11 teachers in central Arkansas to receive the grant, which goes to help teachers purchase school supplies.
"The teachers were selected by partnering with school administration based on classroom needs. In total, 142 teachers at K-12 public state-funded schools throughout the bank's four-state footprint received the award," a news release said.
"According to a 2024 Teacher Spending Survey released by AdoptAClassroom.org, teachers reported spending an average of $860 out of their own pockets for classroom supplies."
Other teachers who received grants this year include Sharon Lawrence, a seventh grade science teacher at Morrilton Junior School; Violeta Gomez, an English as a Second Language teacher at Bob and Betty Courtway Middle School; Melinda Flowers, a second grade teacher at Marguerite Vann Elementary School; Meagon Reed, a first grade teacher at Eastside Elementary School; Tracy Nicholson, fourth grade math teacher at Watson Elementary School; Deborah Austin, a learning services teacher at Mills University Studies High School; Jalarra Davis, a fourth grade math and science teacher at Jacksonville Elementary School; Stacie Cornwell, a special education K-4 teacher at Howard Perrin Elementary School; and Starlite Whitfield, a second grade teacher at Hurricane Creek Elementary School.
"At Arvest, we believe teachers are vital to shaping the future of our communities," Arvest Bank-Central Arkansas President Ron Witherspoon said in the release. "Through their dedication, teachers help build a foundation for lifelong learning and growth, inspiring students to reach their full potential. We're proud to honor these teachers, and it's our hope the award money will help contribute to a positive learning environment."
Arvest Bank has donated $539,500 to local teachers throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas since 2016, the release said.
Langston Elementary Leadership Academy third grade teacher Beth Rice is shown in the school's hallway. (Submitted photo)