The Arkansas School Boards Association (ASBA) Educational Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2026 scholarships, recognizing outstanding Arkansas students and education leaders for their academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to service.
Margaret “Maggie” Fakouri – Marshall R. Hughes Scholarship
Margaret “Maggie” Fakouri of Monticello High School has been named the recipient of the 2026 Marshall R. Hughes Scholarship, the Foundation’s most prestigious award.
This $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually to one exceptional student from across all four congressional districts. Fakouri was selected for her outstanding academic performance, leadership, and community involvement.
A valedictorian with a GPA above 4.1, she has completed a rigorous schedule of Advanced Placement, honors, and concurrent coursework. She has served as student council president, Beta Club president, and National Honor Society vice president, and is a four-time district tennis champion and All-State player.
Fakouri has also demonstrated a strong commitment to service, organizing a youth tennis tournament benefiting foster care families and volunteering with local outreach organizations. She plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and pursue a career as a physician serving rural communities.
She is the daughter of Dr. Joseph (Michael) Fakouri, a member of the Monticello School Board.
Jordan Smith – J.K. Williams Memorial Scholarship
Jordan Smith has been named the 2026 recipient of the J.K. Williams Memorial Scholarship.
This $2,500 scholarship supports ASBA-affiliated individuals pursuing a degree in education and honors the legacy of former ASBA Executive Director J.K. Williams.
Smith, a member of the Des Arc School District Board of Education, is currently attending Arkansas State University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree. A non-traditional student, he returned to college while working full-time as a pest control technician and has achieved a 3.92 GPA.
A husband of more than 15 years and a father of three, Smith credits his family as the driving force behind his decision to return to school. His experiences on the school board have also inspired his goal of becoming “the kind of educator he wished every student could have,” particularly in rural communities.
Maci Sickel – District 1 Freshman Scholarship
Maci Sickel of Hazen High School has been selected as the 2026 Freshman Scholarship recipient for District 1.
Sickel was chosen for her academic excellence, leadership, and community service. She ranks in the top 5% of her class, having completed advanced coursework and earning more than 25 hours of concurrent college credit.
She has been actively involved in extracurricular activities, serving as captain of the varsity cheer team, yearbook editor-in-chief, and a leader in organizations such as National Honor Society and Beta Club. She has also contributed to her community through volunteer work and local fundraisers.
Sickel plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville to pursue a degree in communications, with the goal of becoming a family attorney.
She is the daughter of Mason Sickel, a member of the Hazen School Board.
Dalton Greene – District 2 Freshman Scholarship
Dalton Greene of Concord High School has been selected as the 2026 Freshman Scholarship recipient for District 2.
Greene has maintained a 4.0 GPA while completing a rigorous academic program that includes concurrent college courses. He has been actively involved in FBLA, basketball, baseball, and FCA, serving as FBLA president, class vice president, and basketball team captain.
Under his leadership, his basketball team advanced to the state tournament. He has also been engaged in his community through volunteer work with Special Olympics, local food drives, and youth athletics.
Greene plans to attend the University of Arkansas and pursue a degree in finance, with the goal of helping low-income families through financial literacy and investment education.
He is the son of Kara Greene, a member of the Concord School Board.
Emma Faddis – District 3 Freshman Scholarship
Emma Faddis of Bentonville West High School has been selected as the 2026 Freshman Scholarship recipient for District 3.
Faddis has earned a weighted GPA above 4.0 while completing Advanced Placement and concurrent college coursework. She has been actively involved in student leadership through student council, National Honor Society, and cross country.
In addition to her academic and extracurricular involvement, she has mentored younger students through her church. She plans to attend Ouachita Baptist University and pursue a career as a therapist, helping others through guidance and support.
She is the daughter of Jennifer Faddis, a member of the Bentonville School Board.
Carlee Mounts – District 4 Freshman Scholarship
Carlee Mounts of Dierks High School has been selected as the 2026 Freshman Scholarship recipient for District 4.
Mounts will graduate as valedictorian, earning college credit hours and two technical certificates during high school. She has been actively involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, FCCLA, and FCA, and is an All-State athlete in both cross country and track.
She plans to pursue a career in the medical field, specializing in sonography and CT scans, and will attend National Park College before transferring to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
She is the daughter of Jeffrey Mounts, a member of the Dierks School Board.
The ASBA Educational Foundation Scholarship Program supports the sons, daughters, and families of Arkansas school board members as they pursue higher education. These students represent the next generation of leaders committed to serving their communities and strengthening public education across Arkansas.