The Arkansas School Counseling Association (ArSCA) recently awarded Taylor Bugh, a Master of Science in counseling student in the College of Education and Health Professions, with the ArSCA Hugh Lovett Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded each year to a student enrolled in a school counseling master's degree program in the state of Arkansas. Bugh is preparing to enter the final semester of her program at the U of A and plans to graduate in December.

"It is an honor to be the recipient of the Hugh Lovett Scholarship," Bugh said. "With the fall being my last semester at the U of A, I hope this scholarship gives me the opportunity to achieve my goals and aspirations. This has given me a fresh perspective and validates my work as a school counselor." 

The ArSCA presented Bugh with her award at a ceremony in Hot Springs. The scholarship will provide her with $1,000 to cover expenses during the final semester of her program.

Bugh recently completed a practicum at Washington Elementary in Fayetteville, which she credits with expanding her passion for kids and the counseling field. She said her ultimate goal is to work in Title I or rural schools where there may be a greater need for school counselors and Licensed Professional Counselors.

"Kids at these schools need someone who sees them, supports them and encourages them to be their best selves," she said.

The ArSCA supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, personal and career development to achieve success in school and be prepared to lead fulfilling lives. 

Bugh is originally from Dallas, Texas, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education and human sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in December 2021.

This fall, she'll complete a second internship at the Don Tyson School of Innovation in Springdale and hopes to stay in the Northwest Arkansas area after graduation.

"I have grown to love this community and would love to give back to future generations of kids," Bugh said.

To learn more about the Department of Counseling, Leadership and Research Methods in the College of Education and Health Professions, visit their website.