Trotter gives $25,000 to SEARK Athletics
Southeast Arkansas College announced a $25,000 donation from Trotter Auto Group to its athletic department’s capital campaign.
The donation will go toward supporting SEARK athletic programs. The college has begun competing in NJCAA athletics this year.
“We are immensely grateful for Trotter Auto Group’s generous donation to our Athletics Capital Campaign,” former SEARK President Steven Bloomberg said in a news release. “Their support will have a profound impact on our student-athletes and the overall success of our athletics programs. This contribution is a testament to Trotter Auto Group’s commitment to our community and their belief in the transformative power of education and sports.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
According to a news release, the donation from Trotter Auto Group underscores their dedication to investing in the future of Pine Bluff and the surrounding region. Ford Trotter, owner of Trotter Auto Group, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting SEARK Athletics and the significance of this partnership for the inaugural season.
“We are honored to support Southeast Arkansas College and its athletics programs as they embark on this historic inaugural season,” said Ford Trotter. “SEARK plays a vital role in our community, and we believe in the positive impact that athletics can have on students’ lives. This donation represents our commitment to fostering growth and opportunities for young athletes in Pine Bluff and the Southeast Arkansas Delta Region. We are excited to see the SEARK Sharks thrive on and off the field.”
The generosity of Trotter Auto Group will provide essential resources to enhance facilities, equipment, and opportunities for student-athletes at SEARK. This contribution will help lay the foundation for a successful athletics program that fosters excellence, teamwork, and academic achievement.
Details on SEARK Athletics and how to contribute: Visit searksharks.com or contact Barbara Dunn, executive director of institutional advancement, at bdunn@seark.edu.
Superintendents’ scholarship to be awarded
An academic scholarship created by four former southeast Arkansas school superintendents is now available.
The Anthony, Gathen, Rainey and Tolbert Scholarship is a $1,000 award given to a student in each school district or zone represented by the superintendents. Frank Anthony was superintendent in the Pine Bluff School District for 12 ½ years, Thomas Gathen was superintendent in the Dollarway district for 10 years, David Rainey was superintendent in the Dumas district for three years and Andrew Tolbert was superintendent for 13 years in the Warren district. A student in the former PBSD and Dollarway zones will receive a scholarship.
The scholarship was developed to assist students from low-income families in going to college, according to a news release. To be eligible, the student must be a graduating senior in the class of 2024, have a minimum grade-point average of 2.50 and provide a letter detailing why they deserve the honor and their career choice.
Applications are available by contacting the high school counselor in each district. The deadline to apply is May 1.
“With their combined contributions of $4,000, it is their hope that a deserving student in each school district will have an opportunity to attend college,” according to the release.
First Baptist sets Good Friday service
First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel St., will host its annual Good Friday Worship Service at 6 p.m. Friday. An organ prelude will begin at 5:45 p.m.
The community is invited to attend. Admission is free. The service will feature the Sanctuary Choir, guest instrumentalists, and a time of prayer and reflection.
“First Baptist invites believers from all walks of life to come together in solemn remembrance of the sacrificial love demonstrated through Jesus Christ’s crucifixion,” according to a news release. “Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in the Lord’s Supper as a tangible reminder of the grace afforded to us through Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.”
Details: Bryan Bolton, Minister of Music and Children, (870) 534-4741 or bbolton@cablelynx.com.
Pleasant Grove to open pantry Saturday
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1801 Indiana St., will open its soup kitchen and food pantry to feed those in need from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The giveaway is being provided in partnership with First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry, according to a news release.
Details: Stephanie Gulley at sistergulley.pleasantgrove1801@gmail.com.