The 2013 Family of the Year is the Horner family of Wildwood, Mo. Nominated by Shannon Horner, a senior instrumental music education major, the Horner family will be honored during the pre-game of the Arkansas v. Southern Mississippi game on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Shannon Horner, her grandparents, Ralph and Mary Kay Scott, and her uncle will represent the family at the game. The family will be presented with an Arkansas print on the field, four tickets to the chancellor’s box to watch the game, and the Pork Chop package, which includes entrance into various Family Weekend events. The family will also enjoy dinner with the ASG executive officers Friday night.

Shannon Horner said of her family: “They are my inspiration and have taught me many things: how to drive a tractor, how to make strawberry jam, and how to drive stick shift. But most importantly, they taught me how to be a Razorback.”

“While each family member being honored has attended Arkansas, each one has explored a different area of expertise,” said Ellie Keffler, ASG vice president. “They all pursued different passions while sporting the same shade of red. Dr. and Mrs. Scott have displayed such a commitment to education. That is the kind of commitment that leads the children and grandchildren of alumni right back to the University of Arkansas. This family, and so many like it, shows how a degree from Arkansas seldom stops there. This is truly a deserving family for this honor.”

Shannon served as a resident assistant in Yocum Hall for three years and participates in various events campuswide. Her grandfather, Ralph Scott, graduated with a Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Arkansas. He then dedicated his life to education, serving as a teacher and as superintendent in Monett. Shannon’s grandmother, Mary Kay Scott, received a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas the same year her husband earned his doctoral degree. John Scott, Shannon’s uncle, earned both a bachelor's and a law degree at the University of Arkansas. In addition, John Scott is a Circuit Court judge in Benton County.

The Associated Student Government and Parent & Family Programs sponsor the annual Family of the Year. The Family of the Year represents the university as the model Razorback family. The model Razorback family exemplifies the Arkansas spirit and provides exceptional support for their students to succeed at the university.

 

The difficult selection of the Honorary Family was tasked to a selection committee consisting of student leaders and staff from across the university. Any questions should be referred to Ellie Keffler, ASG vice president, at asgvp@uark.edu.