03/19/2026
ATTENTION All Austin High SCHOOL SENIORS!!! If you are a high school senior or know a high school senior tell them to apply for this Scholarship!
We do this scholarship every year in memory of Ron Atkins. Ron was a high school English/history teacher at Austin High School from 1981 to 2010. When he retired, he worked with us at the hardware store and continued to teach us things everyday.
Throughout his teaching career, he had a positive influence on his students, always going above and beyond his contracted duties. In his classroom, he was firm but always fair. Fun was always had in his classroom, but learning always happened with it. There were many academic lessons taught in his room, but a lot of life lessons were taught as well. Ron was a selfless teacher, giving his all to his students. He was always there, pushing them to go the extra mile. He always saw the potential in them that they couldn't yet see in themselves. Ron taught us to stand for what's right, to be fair, to work hard, to take care of your family, take care of yourself, to always do the best you can, and most importantly, to have fun. Ron would never believe what he meant to this community, and the people in it. He would say he was just doing his job. This scholarship is our attempt to carry on Ron's legacy. One well known aspect of Ron's 11th grade English class were his journals. Every student had to keep a journal. The journal wasn't about the stresses of a high school teenager, or your normal journal entries. Ron would pose a question or a scenario on the board and each student would have to give an answer. The questions and scenarios were often something Ron thought was funny. They were some of the most off the wall journal entries you could think of, but it made writing fun. His goals with these journal entries were to get students writing, make it fun, and possibly get a laugh out of it for himself. Many students have held on to these journals over the years, often referencing them for a good laugh. Honor our dear friend and teacher Mr. Ron Atkins by writing the best journal entry you can, and most importantly, have fun doing it.
We give out 2 $500.00 scholarships, and it doesn't matter your gpa or what you are doing after school. You receive the check the day we present the scholarship.
Last couple of years not many have applied, and this is the easiest one you can do!
Ask Cindy and Beth what the topics are this year!! There is always 2 to choose from. Pick one!!
THE DEADLINE IS APRIL 8TH AT 3PM.
