Our 2025 Donald G. Smith Scholarship Recipients!!

The Donald G. Smith Scholarship was created in 1996 to honor retired MilWay FCU president, Don Smith. Mr. Smith served as our president from 1970 until 1995, at which time he retired. In 2012, the board voted to increase the number of scholarships to four in the amount of $1000 each ($500 per semester.) The scholarships are awarded during the first week in July of each year, with applications accepted during the month of May. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time college undergraduate student and must maintain a 2.50 grade point average as well as be a MilWay member.

*The one-time Donald G. Smith Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Mr. Smith who passed away this past February. Caedmon Kyles is the recipient of this scholarship.

• Brandon Nguyen-University of Central Arkansas Student Nguyen, the 19-year-old son of Dung and Kim Nguyen of Texarkana, AR, is currently attending the University of Central Arkansas, where he is majoring in nursing. After college, his plans are to become a certified nurse anesthetist.
• Erin Spears-Genoa High School Graduate Spears, the 17-year-old daughter of Kenneth and Shelley Spears of Texarkana, AR, plans to attend Quachita Baptist University, where she will pursue a degree in biology. Her goals are to graduate with honors and attend medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatric cardiologist.
• Brooke Usery- Texas A&M-Texarkana Student Usery, the 20-year-old daughter of Billy and Amy Usrey of Maud, Texas, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing at Texas A&M-Texarkana. After her undergraduate work, she will continue her education to become a nurse practitioner.
• Kassidy Wardlow Wardlow is the 19-year-old daughter of Jayson and Tracy Wardlow of Fouke, AR. As a Southern Arkansas University Mulerider, Wardlow plans on completing a Bachelor of Science in nursing with a career goal of working as a Labor and Delivery nurse in Texarkana. After gaining valuable on-the-job work experience, she will further her education to obtain her Master of Science in nursing and become a midwife, helping expecting mothers.

The Donald G. Smith Scholarship was created in 1996 to honor retired MilWay president, Don Smith. Mr. Smith served as our president from 1970 until 1995, at which time he retired. In 2012, the board voted to increase the number of scholarships to four in the amount of $1,000 each ($500 per semester).

Applicants must be a member of MilWay Credit Union, must be enrolled as a full time college undergraduate student and must maintain a 2.50 grade point average.

Many of our recipients have been very successful in their studies and have gone on to professional and rewarding careers. Not only is it exciting to see these students excel, it is an honor for us to award these scholarships in Don Smith’s name.