- Walton Scholars reach out in many ways Sam and Helen Walton, founders of Wal-Mart, began a program in 1985 which provides full scholarships to three Arkansas universities for Central American students. Since they receive so much, Walton scholars have been happy to help others in return. "Sam Walton felt that service projects were a very important part ofthe program. That was one of the things he insisted on," said Nicky Boyd, director of Harding's Walton scholarship program. "Students try to participate in projects that interest them." Juan Brenes, a senior from Costa Rica, enjoyed coaching a local soccer team. "I always like being around kids and helping them,' ' Brenes said. Many Walton scholars tutored. Monica Torres of Mexico worked with Boyd to help him improve his Spanish. "We usually just talk in conversational Spanish,' ' she said, adding with a smile, "He is getting better." Torres said the service project inspires a serving attitude. "When I go back to Mexico, I want to help my people." Kelly Harsin - Tupelo, Miss. Corey Harvison - New Iberia, La. Cody Hastings - Rosston, Ark. David Haustein - Chesterfield, Mo. Sokol Haxhiu - Vlora, Albania Jeremy Hayes - Jackson, Tenn. Dean Haymes - Port Colborne, Ont., Canada Laura Hebard - Maumelle, Ark. Michelle Hebard - Maumelle, Ark. Elizabeth Hedley - St. Peters, Mo. Scott Hefty - Davenport, Iowa Kelly Helmlinger - Gainesville, Fla. Mary Helmlinger - Gainesville, Fla. Todd Hendon - Searcy, Ark. Carmen Hendrix - Antoine, Ark. Jennifer Henry - Freeburg, Ill . Rebecca Henson - Englewood, Colo. Robert Henson - Farmers Branch, Texas Robin Henson - Austin, Ark. Damon Herren - Valparaiso, Ind. Mark Herrera - Mirimar, Fla. Christina Herrington - Little Rock, Ark. Adam Hesselrode - Houston, Texas Kim Hibdon - Murfreesboro, Tenn. 110 Freshmen Kendall Lopez volunteered at White County Memorial Hospital. "When you are at Harding, it is like being in a bubble. By working in the 'real world,' I get to know more people. I will miss working at the hospital when I graduate,' ' Lopez said. "One woman could only speak Spanish, and I was able to translate for her. It really made me feel helpful." Some students, including Carlos Hernandez ofHonduras, translated prison literature and edited the translation of Bible commentaries. "Serving is an important part of life, and, if the Walton family had not been so serving, I would not be here," Hernandez said. Although service projects required time during busy schedules, Walton scholars were happy to share their talents and serve others. - Darcia Woodard Regina Clara, Vince Hernandez and Juan Jose Gonzalez discuss a difficult passage to translate. Walton scholars spent many hours each week helping others in a variety of ways. Photo by Aaron Gillihan.
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