Two Fort Smith Public School Teachers have been named winners of the Parsons-Burnett Memorial Grant from the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association. Virginia Lopez, Ballman Elementary School, and Josh Adams, Southside High School, were two of the three educators awarded the $1,500 continuing education grant by ARTA.  

The Arkansas Retired Teachers Association provides continued support for educators through scholarships and other opportunities. Although its primary focus is on protecting and improving the welfare of retired school employees, ARTA is also committed to life-long learning and to helping current educators enhance their professional skills. The scholarship is funded by members’ contributions made to the memorial fund.

Fort Smith Retired Teachers Association is a chapter of ARTA and is responsible for distributing information to FSPS employees. The local association boasts a large membership of retired educators from the District. The group works in cooperation with the District to help promote ARTA and to encourage Fort Smith teachers to participate in opportunities such as the Parsons-Burnett Grant.