Arkansas Trucking Association

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Cabot Senior Receives Technician Scholarship from Arkansas Trucking Association

The Arkansas Trucking Association is pleased to announce the 2024 recipient of the Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship Fund. High school senior Shawn Frasier of Cabot High School will receive $7,500 to pursue training for a career in medium/heavy duty truck technology.  

“A thriving supply chain that delivers the goods we want and need requires finely tuned machines, powered by complex and well-maintained technologies. We rely on the skills of men and women who keep trucks moving safely,” said Shannon Newton, president, Arkansas Trucking Association. “I am proud to welcome Shawn and his passion to the trucking industry. We are excited to see him grow, learn and apply himself in the industry that moves our state and nation forward.”

Frasier lives in Austin, Ark. and graduated from Cabot Panther Academy in May. While in high school, he enrolled in courses in brakes, electrical systems, suspension and steering, engine performance and auto service labs that demonstrated an above average aptitude for a successful technical career.

He was a member of the National Technical Honors Society for three years and a member of the Cabot Cruiser Club, which raises funds for childhood cancer patients by presenting a spring car show each year. Frasier’s recognitions include winning the National Technical Honors Society Career Award in 2023. He also represented his school during the Governor’s Scholastic Honors Day in 2024.

In the fall, Frasier plans to continue his education at the Arkansas State University Beebe, Searcy campus.

Since 2017, the Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship Committee has provided $97,500 in scholarships to 13 students entering the medium/heavy duty truck technology field. “The talented level in this year’s candidate pool was outstanding. It signals to me that the next generation of highly skilled technicians will be ready to keep our industry rolling,” said Ross Hoover, general manager of Rush Truck Centers and member of the scholarship committee. “Shawn’s maturity and enthusiasm made him stand out in an elite group of candidates. We are all excited to have such a great individual be awarded in Mr. Tapp’s memory. Look for Shawn to do great things in our industry for years to come.”

The Arkansas Trucking Association’s Maintenance & Technology Council established the Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship Fund to celebrate Carl Tapp, the council’s first chairman, and his career-long commitment to nurturing new talent in the industry. The Fund is intended to enable and encourage growth in the state’s diesel technician workforce and to help assure that the safest, most knowledgeable and skilled technicians are working on the trucks and trailers on our nation’s roads. Candidates were evaluated based upon their interest and performance in STEM courses, teacher and mentor recommendations and personal interviews with the scholarship committee of industry experts.

These scholarships have been made possible by the vision and investment in the future of trucking in Arkansas by the following companies and individuals: ABF Freight, ArcBest, Bruce Purkey, DAVCO Technology, Doggett Freightliner of Arkansas, FleetNet America, Hoover Family, Inland PacLease, JM Bozeman Enterprises, Kenneth Calhoun, Kudos Research, Maverick Transportation, McConnell & Son, McKee Foods Transportation, MHC Kenworth Leasing, Mike and Pam Martin, Momentum Fuel Technologies, NorCal PacLease, PACCAR, PACCAR Leasing Company, PacLease Dallas, Pressure Systems International, Rush Truck Centers, Southland PacLease, TechForce Foundation, The Tapp Family, TLG Peterbilt, Truck-Lite Co., University of Central Arkansas and Walt Luethy.

In May 2024, the Arkansas Trucking Association Scholarship Fund received 501c3 status, and all donations to the Carl Tapp Technician Scholarship are considered charitable and deductible. To join this list of donors who are funding the future, visit www.arkansastrucking.com/tech-scholarship.

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Arkansas Trucking Association
PO Box 3476 (72203)
1401 West Capitol Ave.
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Little Rock, AR 72201

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