Foundation scholarship allows Hester to focus on studies

Daniel Hester is making the most of his opportunities. The 2008 Rector High School graduate recently completed his first year of classes at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, making a successful start to his journey into adulthood.

"It's definitely a big change," Hester said of the transition from high school to college. "You're in a world that's so much bigger than you realized. You've got to try and stay focused. There's so much going on. If you're not focused, it's easy to get lost."

Hester, who lives on campus while attending class, has come back home for the summer.

"It's good to get back home. It lets you clear your mind some and get ready to start again in the fall."

While the freedom and fast pace of university life in a larger city is undeniably exciting for most young adults, Hester says he's proud of his small community roots.

"There's nothing quite like growing up in a small town. You're able to form all these connections with everyone because you know each for so much of your lives. What really makes a difference is how much everyone looks out for one another. Just knowing there are people there who will help you when you need it is amazing."

Hester knows first hand what assistance can make possible in the life of a local teen. He was the first recipient of the Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation's James W. Graves Memorial Scholarship, which provides $20,000 over four years.

The James W. Graves Memorial Scholarship was established by the family of the late Jimmie Graves, a local businessman, through a partnership between the family and the Helping Hands Foundation. Its aim is to help Rector students reach that next step along their journey to success.

The generous scholarship already is making a big difference in the life of one young man.

"It's allowed me to focus on my classes without worrying about how I am going to pay for everything," Hester said. "It's definitely made things a lot easier for me."

Hester says he is grateful for the help he has received.

"I think what Helping Hands does is great. It's an organization there to help the community no matter what. They do so much for other people. It's incredible to know there are people here who care so much and want to help. Without this scholarship, college would be a lot more difficult for me. I can't thank them enough."

Hester also received the Sam Walton Community Scholarship, Arkansas Future Leaders Scholarship and the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.