Student earns Soy Scholarship
Connor Henry of Stuttgart is the recipient of the 2025-26 Soy Scholarship award, sponsored by the American Soybean Association and BASF.
The ASA/BASF Soy Scholarship is a $7,000 award presented to a high school senior who excels in academic and leadership roles and who plans to pursue a degree in an agriculture-related field at an accredited college or university. The scholarship is open to children and grandchildren of ASA members, according to a news release.
“ASA is proud to partner with BASF as a sponsor to help provide tools and resources aimed at empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said ASA President Caleb Ragland, who grows soy in Magnolia, KY.
“Investing in future industry leaders like Connor helps pave the future of agriculture with success and growth.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Henry plans to attend the University of Arkansas in the fall and will pursue a degree in biological engineering. Henry serves as the Arkansas 4-H state president and is also working on obtaining a State FFA degree.
He is fascinated with how drones and artificial intelligence can be integrated into agriculture and aspires to help lead others in the creation and adoption of technology to help strengthen and develop efficiencies to support farmers, according to the release.
Henry recently obtained Eagle Scout status through Boy Scouts of America. The award, which represents leadership, service and personal growth at the highest level possible, is awarded to only 5% of the scouts.
“BASF is deeply committed to investing in students who will shape the agriculture industry for future generations,” said Scott Kay, Vice President, BASF Agricultural Solutions U.S.
“We are grateful to partner with the American Soybean Association to provide the 2025-2026 Soy Scholarship to support students like Connor who have a passion for doing ‘The Biggest Job on Earth.'”
Alumni to attend Founders Week
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is celebrating Founders Week and the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association Inc. announces plans.
“Whether you’re near or far, we invite you to reconnect, relive, and rejoice in the spirit that shaped our journey,” according to a news release.
Particpants are invited to these events:
Senior Reception — Friday 4-6 p.m., Alumni House. “Come celebrate the achievements and bright futures of our graduating seniors as we pour into the next generation of leaders,” according to the release.
Sunrise Service and Alumni Breakfast — Sunday 8 a.m., STEM Building. This year’s service will include the unveiling of the Hall of Fame Honorees’ portraits.
For more Founders Week details, visit https://uapb.edu/founders-week/.
Local in Small Works display
The Arkansas Arts Council’s annual touring visual arts exhibition, Small Works on Paper, will open on May 5 at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain in Mena. A reception will be held at 10 a.m. May 8.
Work by area artists include Alexia Lams of Pine Bluff, according to a news release.
Small Works on Paper is a juried visual art exhibition that showcases artwork no larger than 18- by-24 inches. Now in its 38th year, the exhibition showcases artwork by Arkansas artists.
The artwork will be on view in the Carver Grand Hall of the Ouachita Center from May 5 through May 28.
Details: www.ArkansasArts.org.
Area Quiz Bowl team to compete
High school students from across the state will showcase their intellect in the 40th anniversary of the Arkansas Governor’s Academic Competition “Arkansas Quiz Bowl 2025” April 26, beginning at 9 a.m. and livestreaming at myarpbs.org/live.
The first round of matches begins at 9 a.m. and will include an area team: Class 6A – Russellville vs. Sheridan, according to a news release.
“Quiz Bowl 2025” will be broadcast 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
A total of 14 teams in seven conferences will compete in the state finals for scholarship money, according to a news release.
Matches will be available the week following broadcast on demand at myarpbs.org/quizbowl.
AGFC seek waterfowl habitat
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is looking for landowners to continue offering high-quality waterfowl habitat and public access to rice fields in Arkansas for the 2025-26 winter migratory season. The application deadline for this program is May 15.
Qualified landowners may receive as much as $150 per acre through the AGFC’s Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement Program, according to a news release.
To participate in the program, landowners must forgo tilling their rice fields in fall and flood the fields to make post-harvest waste grain available to migrating waterfowl.
Landowners must also allow the AGFC to conduct managed draw hunts on the property during each weekend of Arkansas’s duck season.
Private Lands Biologist David Graves coordinates between the rice producers and the AGFC.
He said many producers who participated are ready to re-enroll for the coming year, but all landowners will need to go through the evaluation process to ensure any new participants have an opportunity to be a part of the program and the best habitat is created.
The WRICE Program is coordinated through the AGFC’s Private Lands Habitat Division and is made possible by Greenway Equipment, an AGFC cultivating partner.
Details: David Graves at (870) 319-0668 or visit www.agfc.com/wrice.