Lyon College freshman Eli C. Lupton (center) receives National Army ROTC Scholarship. Also pictured (l. to r.) are Ltc. John Weatherly, professor of Military Science at Arkansas State University, and Jerry Bowling, assistant professor of Military Science at Lyon College.
Special thanks for this article by Colton Strader
A college student from Bauxite, Arkansas will be able to concentrate on his studies, after earning a large scholarship to Lyon College. The financial support is valued at approximately $129,000.
The college hosted a scholarship ceremony to honor Eli C. Lupton, a freshman majoring in Business Administration from Bauxite, for his decision to join the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. Lupton has been awarded a three-and-a-half-year National Army ROTC Scholarship, which will help him pursue his goal of becoming an officer in the United States Armed Forces.
The March 17th ceremony recognized Lupton’s commitment to both academic excellence and leadership potential. ROTC is a college program that prepares students to become officers in the United States Armed Forces.
An affiliate of the Arkansas State University ROTC program, the Lyon College ROTC program is dedicated to developing quality leaders for the United States Army. ROTC has a history of producing top-quality leaders who have gone on to hold high-paying jobs, public office, and high-ranking military positions.
“Over the course of my college education, ROTC will transform me and instill into me the Army’s values and beliefs which will prepare me for a future of service,” said Lupton.
Lupton’s decision to join the ROTC program isn’t a surprising one. Ltc. John Weatherly, professor of Military Science at Arkansas State University said, “Lupton told me he has wanted to serve since he was in the sixth grade,” said
“I believe in the ROTC program,” said Lupton. “I believe in my instructors, and the things they have already taught me. You can see how far I’ve already come even since graduating high school.”
Lupton said he was excited for his future in the program, and is thankful for the financial support so he can obtain a robust liberal arts education while he is at it. He is currently on the Lyon College wrestling team as well, so he plans to have a busy college career ahead of him.
For more information on the Army ROTC program at Lyon College, contact Jerry Bowling, assistant professor of Military Science, at [email protected]. Lyon College is a private, liberal arts institution founded in 1872. Located in Batesville, Arkansas, Lyon is the oldest college in the state with its original charter. Ranked by US News & World Report as a 2022 “Best College,” Lyon currently enrolls approximately 500 students from more than 30 states and 18 countries. Students can tailor their education, selecting from 21 majors as well as pre-professional and individualized options. Learn more at lyon.edu.