2021 Optus Family Scholarship Winner
JONESBORO, ARKANSAS (March 1, 2021) — Optus, Inc., a national leader in technology delivery, announced the recipient of this year’s Optus Family Scholarship in memoriam of Adam Harrington. The 2021 recipient is Hannah Ponder. Hannah is a 2021 graduate of Walnut Ridge High School, earning a GPA of 4.08. She received several academic awards, including the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, All-A Honor Roll 9-12 grade, and the Mack Davis Math Award. She also participated in several extracurricular activities, including the National Honor Society, FCCLA, the Gifted and Talented Program, and Cheer. She is the daughter of Spencer and Shannon Ponder. Shannon has been with Optus for 15 years, and she is the Credit and Collections Coordinator.
To qualify for this scholarship, Hannah had to be a full-time student working towards an undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university, have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0, and be the child or grandchild of a current full-time Optus employee. The $1,000 per semester scholarship will be renewed by Optus for up to 3 additional years. In addition, Optus plans to continue awarding new recipients each year.
Adam Harrington was the son of Neal and Rhonda Harrington, formerly of Jonesboro. Adam died suddenly in August of 2006. Adam was a graduate of Nettleton High School and was attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Neal Harrington was a long-term employee of Optus who recently relocated to the Hot Springs area.
“We are honored to offer this benefit which pays tribute to the memory of Adam Harrington to our employees. We are pleased to give this scholarship to a student such as Hannah, who possesses so many of the same qualities Adam was known for—leadership, service, and dedication to academic studies,” commented Mark Duckworth, President and CCO of Optus, Inc.
