The University of Arkansas received a $50,000 gift from the Plumley Foundation for the establishment of the Officer Kevin D. Apple Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship honors the life and legacy of Officer Kevin D. Apple of the Pea Ridge Police Department and will be awarded to graduates of Pea Ridge High School who are enrolled at the U of A.

“This scholarship for Pea Ridge students is a profoundly meaningful way to honor Officer Apple, who dedicated his life to serving his community,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “We are thankful to the Plumley Foundation for ensuring that Kevin Apple’s legacy will live on through the dreams and achievements of generations of Razorbacks from Pea Ridge.”  

Officer Kevin D. Apple’s watch as a law enforcement officer ended on June 26, 2021, while acting in the line of duty protecting the community he loved. Officer Apple was known for his sense of humor and served in law enforcement for nearly a quarter of a century during his career. This scholarship will honor Officer Apple’s dedication and commitment to helping youth and his service as a member of the Pea Ridge Police Department who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving others.

“Officer Apple served this community with pride and dedication,” said Russ Plumley. “By supporting Pea Ridge students through this scholarship, we hope to inspire them to carry forward his legacy of service and help the next generation pursue their dreams.”

The Officer Kevin D. Apple Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to a University of Arkansas student who is a graduate of Pea Ridge High School who achieved a good or strong academic record of success and was a good citizen as a student at the high school. As part of the scholarship application process, the student will write and submit an original 500-word statement reflecting on the life and legacy of Officer Apple.

“We are honored and grateful to Russ, Lucretia and Danielle, for their gift to establish the Officer Kevin D. Apple Endowed Scholarship on behalf of the Plumley Foundation,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “This scholarship will support students from Pea Ridge High School and provide life-changing opportunities while honoring the life and legacy of a hometown hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Officer Apple’s commitment to service, integrity and community leaves a lasting impact. The establishment of this scholarship ensures that his memory will live on through the achievements of future scholars. The Foundation’s gift is a wonderful tribute to his life and a powerful investment in the potential of students from the very community he so faithfully served.”

Officer Apple served as a member of the Pea Ridge Police Department for three years and left a lasting impression on the Pea Ridge community. In 2021, the city declared Dec. 12 Kevin Apple Day to honor Officer Apple whose badge number was 1212. That same year on Dec. 12, the city unveiled a sign declaring a portion of Highway 72 Officer Kevin Apple Memorial Highway. Every year, the community holds a candlelight vigil on the anniversary of Officer Apple’s death to commemorate his life and sacrifice.

A special ceremony held yesterday celebrated the awarding of the first-ever Officer Kevin D. Apple Endowed Scholarship. At the event, a senior at Pea Ridge High School was recognized as the inaugural recipient of the scholarship and the award was presented by Benton County Sheriff Shawn Holloway.

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About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy  through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.