05/30/2026
Had a wonderful time at the Springdale Public Schools Education Foundation Donor Scholar Reception, and had the chance to sit down and speak with the very first Stephanie Hager Memorial Scholarship recipient.
Meet Sepesim Francis, a 2026 graduate of Springdale High School.
After experiencing the loss of her father shortly after 4th grade, Sepesim faced challenges that would have altered the course of many young lives. Instead, she responded with resilience, determination, and a commitment to serving others.
Throughout high school, she maintained a 3.85 GPA while completing the rigorous International Baccalaureate Program, worked a part-time job, served as Student Body President, and became the first female Pacific Islander to hold the position. She dedicated five years to the Marshallese Educational Initiative, served as an IB Mentor, participated in National Honor Society, Key Club, and Student Council, and was selected as a Nuclear Peace Summit Speaker. Her leadership and compassion were further recognized through the IB Characteristic Award for Caring.
Sepesim’s accomplishments reflect not only academic excellence and leadership, but also remarkable perseverance in the face of adversity. She has turned personal loss into motivation to succeed, serve her community, and inspire others.
This fall, Sepesim will attend the University of Tulsa, where she plans to major in Business. We are proud to recognize her as the first recipient of the Stephanie Hager Memorial Scholarship and look forward to seeing the impact she will make in the years ahead. 🌻🎓❤️
