Benton High School Senior Abigail McElhaney is the 2022 female winner of the Bill Torrey’s Rock City Running and Kinco Constructors Student Athlete Scholarship. It is valued at $1,500.
The scholarship recognizes student athletes who exemplify leadership, sportsmanship and integrity. They must have run at least two seasons of cross-country, indoor track and/or outdoor track. “Abby is the total package,” said Bill Torrey, owner of Rock City Running, “she was a natural choice to be the recipient of this $1500 scholarship. We are thrilled to make this announcement” Torrey said.
Kinco Constructors is co-sponsor of the scholarship in its second year. “A life long runner myself, it was a natural choice to partner with Rock City Running” said William Fletcher, EVP/COO at Kinco Constructors. “Investing in a student’s education is fundamentally important to myself and both companies.”
Additionally, Manfred and Sheila Galatowitsch made a personal contribution to the scholarship.
Applicants were judged based on high school achievements in track, cross country and other extracurricular activities, grade point average, class rank, and their answer to an essay question. Abby was selected out of about a dozen applications from across Arkansas.
Abby received 5A All-State Cross Country Honors, and several years of 5A All-Conference. She is a member of the City of Benton Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She ran cross country and outdoor track for Benton High School under coaches Randy Shaw and Matt Ginther. In addition to the scholarship, Abby will receive a pair of running shoes courtesy of Brooks. She committed to Ouachita Baptist University to run cross country and track.