Two local high school seniors are receiving $500 scholarships to be applied to their college expenses. For the seventh year, the local Beta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International is issuing these scholarships to young ladies who plan to become teachers. The organization is pleased to support and encourage these future educators with this financial gift and award.

The first recipient is Michaela Breanne Simmons of Ben’s Ford Christian School in Bogalusa. She is the daughter of Jeffery and Sheree Simmons, of Franklinton.

She has attended Ben’s Ford for her entire school career, and has excelled in many areas during her high school years. She is an active member and officer of the National Beta Club as well as the National Honor Society. Last year, she was chosen to attend Louisiana Girls’ State in Natchitoches. She has played basketball and softball for many years, winning recognition in both sports. She has also taken many leadership roles in her church, including Bible teacher for children and youth. Because her mother is a teacher, she has observed first hand what joys and challenges are involved in that profession.

Simmons plans to focus on special-needs children because of her “love and compassion” for those students. The local organization is excited to present this scholarship to Simmons at her graduation from Ben’s Ford Christian School at 7 p.m. on May 15. After graduation, she plans to attend Delgado and then transfer to Southeastern Louisiana University to complete her studies.

The second scholarship recipient is Hope Michelle Ryals of Bowling Green School. She is the daughter of Bill and Niki Ryals of Tylertown, Miss.

During her years at Bowling Green, she has also been an outstanding student in every way. She maintains a high grade-point average and has been awarded many medals in numerous areas of study. She is the current Miss Bowling Green School and has been a member of the dance team for several years. She is active in Beta Club, Interact, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and on the Student Council. She has contributed many hours of community service through Dream Factory, Toys for Tots, serving the elderly at luncheons, etc. She also works at her family farm, Grade A Creamery, in Tylertown.

Ryals aspires to be a teacher because she realizes how “being a positive role model for a young child” is so critical in that child’s development and future. She plans to attend Southwest Community College in Summit, Miss. after graduation. Beta Rho Chapter presented her award and scholarship check at her Baccalaureate Program at First Baptist Church in Franklinton on May 6.

One goal of Delta Kappa Gamma International is to support and promote future teachers. Good teachers and a superior education are important keys to the future of our children and our nation. Outstanding local teachers who are members of the Beta Rho Chapter are proud of the two senior girls who have been chosen, and wish them success in their college careers as they prepare to be future educators.