The ASMSA Foundation has established a scholarship fund in memory of school librarian Dan Benton, who died Oct. 28 from injuries received in a car accident.
Benton, who was 27, began working at ASMSA in 2006, first as a residential mentor then as a librarian. He was a graduate of the University of the Ozarks and earned a master’s degree in public history from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hot Springs where was involved with the youth group. He also spent much of his free time volunteering for several nonprofit organizations.
ASMSA Community Coordinator Michelle Barnes came up with the idea of the scholarship. “People wanted to give something in memory of Dan,” she said. “And he was big on giving, not receiving. The scholarship combines two of his passions – giving and history.”
Fellow librarian Regina Beard agrees. “He was always thinking about others,” she said. “I think he would would really love that (the scholarship). Many of our conversations were about history.”
A $500 award will be presented to an ASMSA senior who exemplifies passion for history in the classroom.
To contribute to the Daniel A. Benton scholarship fund, send a check made payable to the the ASMSA Foundation Fund, 200 Whittington Avenue, Hot Springs AR 71901. Please note on the check the donation is for the Daniel A. Benton Scholarship.