LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Council for Military Children is pleased to announce that Madison Williams from Bryant has been selected as the first recipient of the Arkansas Outstanding Military Scholar Award. The award recognizes a graduating high school senior who is the child of a current or former member of the armed forces.
“As a member of the council, we are proud to recognize outstanding students of military families for their sacrifices and commitments to education and their community,” Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva said. “Madison’s outstanding academic performance, along with her leadership skills both at school and in the community, make her a perfect recipient of this outstanding award. I congratulate her on this amazing accomplishment.”
“Arkansas has been a leader for years in our support for children of military families,” said Col. (Ret.) John Kaminar, who represents the department as the council’s chair. “The council believes that because children of military service members endure many hardships and make many sacrifices because of their parents’ military service that they deserve this special recognition. Arkansas’ military children are the best in the nation, and we’re very proud of their excellence in so many areas.”
Students who are enrolled at an Arkansas Purple Star School are eligible for the award, with nominations made by superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals, and school counselors.
Williams, who is a senior at Bryant High School, was selected based on academic performance, leadership in extracurricular activities, community service learning, an essay regarding the impact of military service on the family, and an interview by the selection team. Williams received a plaque from the Arkansas Council for Military Children and a laptop computer provided by Camp Alliance, Inc.
Runners up for the award are Elizabeth Estaban, a senior at Cabot High School, and Javier Castro, a senior at Fort Smith Northside High School.
The next nomination cycle will open in January 2026.
