Insights > Entergy Helps Single Parents Face Future with Scholarships

Entergy Helps Single Parents Face Future with Scholarships

By:

12/12/2018

Entergy has long been a supporter of the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, a non-profit organization that helps single parents attain self-sufficiency through post-secondary education. In recent months, several deserving parents around the state have received much-needed assistance.

Mountain View

As a single parent, Catherine Reaper is working hard to build a better future for her family. She balances the roles of full-time student and mother while working as a substitute teacher in Mountain View. Reaper was recently awarded the fall 2018 Entergy scholarship from the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, making her challenges this semester a little less daunting.

"I had homeschooled my children for 12 years and had never had a paying job," Reaper said. "I had attempted college but was told I didn't need an education to stay at home with my children. When I became a single parent, things changed, and I now need an education more than ever before. It is now up to me to support my family.

"With the scholarship from Entergy, I will be able to buy gas to go to my classes,” she said. “It keeps me from stressing over bills during midterms and finals, and it gives me peace of mind when things go wrong. None of this would be possible without the Entergy scholarship from the Single Parent Scholarship Fund."

Rebecca Wilson of Entergy Arkansas (left) presents an Entergy scholarship to Catherine Reaper.

Augusta

Whitney Watson started working as a certified nursing assistant in 2011 and fell in love with nursing. As a single mom, working and pursuing her education have required a lot of changes. The Arkansas Single Scholarship Fund selected Watson as the Entergy scholar for Woodruff County.

Watson talks about her love of nursing and balancing life as she pursues her dream to become a registered nurse.

"When you are a single mom, going to college is not easy,” she said. “I realized that if I was going to achieve my educational goals, I was not going to be able to work full time. Dropping to less than 20 hours a week has been a huge adjustment for me. I am having to do more with less money, and it’s tough.

"When I found out I was selected as the Entergy scholar, I could not believe it!” she said. “I’ve been learning how to survive on a small budget, study and find time for my daughter. Every month is a challenge. I realized this is a new journey in my life that is now possible, thanks to Entergy and the Single Parent Scholarship Fund.”

Woodruff County volunteer Eleanor Brown of the Department of Workforce Services (left) presents an Entergy scholarship to Whitney Watson.

Newport

Megan Hewitt, a mother of three and an Entergy scholarship recipient, is pursuing her bachelor's degree in healthcare administration. Hewitt maintains a 3.9 GPA and works at Quest Diagnostics.

"Time is the most important — it’s something so many of us waste and will never get back,” she said. “We have to use it wisely. I was told that to advance in my job, I need a degree. Divorced with three kids, I began trying to find time. Then, my mom became ill and had to move in with me. My time is now, and I want to be a success for myself and my children.

"The decision to go back to school was a hard one,” she said. “I work full-time. I was so afraid that my children would feel the effects of my working and going to college, but they are my biggest fans. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank Entergy for their support. None of this would be possible without the Entergy scholarship from the Single Parent Scholarship Fund.”

Batesville

As a single parent, Shana McAnally is balancing the roles of full-time student and mother, working as a substitute teacher while pursuing her bachelor's degree in education. McAnally was awarded the fall 2018 Entergy scholar award from Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund to help her achieve her educational goals.

"As the daughter of an Entergy retiree, this award is very special to me,” she said. “My dad spent many years with Entergy and was able to provide for his family and his community throughout his life. That is why this award is means so much to me and my family.

"I love teaching and constantly work to be a positive role model for my kids,” she said. “I see a new path for my life and my children's lives. I have a passion to help others, and I know that I will make a difference as an educator. I am starting over, and the Single Parent Scholarship fund and Entergy are helping to make it possible."

Entergy Arkansas Line Supervisor Joe Frans presents an Entergy scholarship to Shana McAnally.