Carin Schoppmeyer: Burlsworth winner named, SPSFNWA celebrates

Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett IV took home the 13th Annual Burlsworth Trophy, which was presented at a ceremony held at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art on December 5.

Created in 2010, the trophy “recognises the greatest NCAA Division I football player who began his career as a walk-on.”

At the reception leading up to the ceremony, Bennett had even more good news. He received word that he was announced nationally as a Heisman Trophy finalist, with Bennett and the #1-ranked Georgia Bulldogs joining #3-ranked Texas Christian University at 6:30 p.m. to play his second national championship championship at stake.

Other finalists for the award were Troy University linebacker Carlton Marshall and Purdue University quarterback Aidan O’Connell.

A spokesperson for the Burlsworth Trophy said: He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft, but died in a car accident 11 days later. “

Proceeds from the ceremony will fund the Burlsworth Foundation, whose mission is to “support the physical and mental needs of children, especially those who have limited opportunities,” according to organizers. The organization’s offerings include Burls Kids, which gives disadvantaged children the chance to visit college campuses and watch an Arkansas Razorbacks football game for the first time. The Burlsworth Character Awards are available to all high school football his programs in the country. Eyes of a Champion provides comprehensive vision screenings and glasses to children in need in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma with a goal of working in all 50 states.

single parent fund

Northwest Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (SPSFNWA) leaders welcomed nearly 450 supporters for the group’s annual Jingle Mingle at Heron Crest in Springdale on December 8. . According to the organizers, the annual event will “celebrate the success of the winners, thank our supporters and guests, and encourage single mothers and singles attending higher education in search of a better future for themselves and their families.” It’s a night to raise money to support Father.”

SPSFNWA recipient Katie Smith shares her experience with non-profit organizations and her enthusiasm for applying her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and leadership in the non-profit sector within her community to those who have gathered. Did. Smith graduated in December.

Jingle Mingle guests enjoyed live jazz from The Cocktail Club and food from The Event Group.

Jingle Mingle’s sponsors included their sponsor, Chambers Bank. Other sponsors include Erstine Holding Company Inc., Grand Savings Bank, Lewis Automotive Group, Professional Business Solutions, and Ritter Communications.

More event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.

You can contact columnist Carin Schoppmeyer by email. [email protected]

Jim and Kathy O’Connell (left to right) and Aidan and Jail O’Connell attend the Burlsworth Trophy unveiling ceremony on December 5th, with Aidan being a trophy finalist. (NWA Democratic Gazette/Karin Shopmayer)

Jim and Kathy O’Connell (left to right) and Aidan and Jail attend the Burlsworth Trophy unveiling ceremony on December 5th, with Aidan being a trophy finalist. (NWA Democratic Gazette/Karin Shopmayer)

Burlsworth Trophy finalist Carlton Marshall is with his parents Elizabeth and Filbert Marshall at the unveiling ceremony on Dec. 5. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Burlsworth Trophy finalist Carlton Marshall is with his parents Elizabeth and Filbert Marshall at the unveiling ceremony on Dec. 5. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Brandon Burlsworth Foundation Trustees Tommy Tice, Rick Burroughs, Anita McCabe, Marty and Vicky Burlsworth, Mike McFarland, Nathan Waldrip and Patrick Swope at Crystal Bridges on December 5 • Welcome guests to the Burlsworth Trophy Ceremony at the Museum of American Art. (NWA Democratic Gazette/Karin Shopmayer)

Vickie Burlsworth (left to right) Stetson Bennett IV, Aidan O’Connell, Carlton Martial and Marty Burlsworth pose for a photo with the Brandon Burlsworth trophy of which Bennett, O’Connell and Martial were finalists. (NWA Democratic Gazette/Karin Shopmayer)

Matt Hickson (left to right), Leanna McKinnie, Lori Walker, Ivy Roberts, Ben Bigger, Leah Neal, and Colton Brannan at NWA’s Annual Jingle Mingle Single Parent Scholarship, December 8th at Heroncrest, Springdale. Represents Chambers Bank on the foundation. (NWA Democratic Gazette/Karin Shopmayer)

Northwest Arkansas Scholarship recipient Katie Smith of the Single Parent Scholarship Foundation and Executive Director Tyler Clark visited Jingle Mingle. (NWA Democratic Gazette/Karin Shopmayer)

Northwest Arkansas Scholarship recipient Katie Smith of the Single Parent Scholarship Foundation and Executive Director Tyler Clark visited Jingle Mingle. (NWA Democratic Gazette/Karin Shopmayer)

Laura Farner and Taj Johnson (left to right), Vicki Knight, Kathy and Jim Crouch support the Northwest Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund at Jingle Mingle on Dec. 8 at Herocrest in Springdale. (NWA Democratic Gazette/Karin Schopmayer)

Jill and Tommy Lewis of Lewis Automotive Group will help support SPSF NWA at Jingle Mingle on December 8th. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Allie Eaton (left to right), Talia Reyes, Illian Cruz and Jennifer Grande enjoy the Jingle Mingle on December 8. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)