West Fraser - Daisy Bates Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is established to honor the life, legacy and memory of Mrs. Daisy L. Gatson Bates, 1914-1999.

Daisy Bates was born November 11, 1914, in Huttig, Arkansas. After marrying L.C. Bates, Daisy moved to Little Rock and the couple operated the Arkansas State Press, a weekly newspaper. Daisy Bates was active in the Civil Rights movement, and served as the President of the Arkansas Chapter of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1952.

She played a critical role in the fight against school segregation. In 1957, Daisy helped nine African American students—known as the Little Rock Nine—enrol and attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock. The Bates home served as the headquarters during this pivotal school year in the movement to desegregate the school.

In recognition of her historic work, advocacy, and activism for social justice, the state of Arkansas proclaimed the third Monday in February as Daisy Gatson Bates Day.

The West Fraser – Daisy Bates Scholarship is established in her to ensure students from the Strong-Huttig School District always know the positive impact she has had on public education and the role she played in American history.

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria to be used by the Advisory Committee in the selection of recipients who are worthy graduates of Huttig-Strong High School, Strong, Arkansas shall include, but are not limited to, academic merit, character and financial need.

Successful applicants must: 

• Be a graduating senior from Huttig-Strong High School, Strong, Arkansas
• Have a grade point average of 2.5 or better
• Submit with their application both a letter of recommendation and a one-page essay on the importance of school and community involvement

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Available to students at Strong High School, Strong, Arkansas.

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