Weather sponsored by:
The Arkansas School Boards Association Educational Foundation is proud to announce Margaret “Maggie” Fakouri of Monticello High School as the recipient of the 2026 Marshall R. Hughes Scholarship, the Foundation’s most prestigious award.
This $5,000 scholarship is granted annually to one outstanding Arkansas student entering college, selected from across all four congressional districts. Applicants must be the sons, daughters, or legal wards of publicly elected Arkansas school board members. The scholarship honors the legacy of Marshall R. Hughes, a dedicated public finance expert and advocate for education who supported school districts statewide during his career.
Maggie was chosen for this scholarship based on her outstanding academic achievements, leadership, community service, and commitment to personal and professional growth. She is the daughter of Dr. Joseph (Michael) Fakouri, a member of the Monticello School Board.
Maggie is the valedictorian of her class, graduating with a GPA above 4.1 while completing a rigorous schedule of Advanced Placement, honors, and concurrent coursework. She plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Maggie is an outstanding leader and student-athlete, serving as student council president, Beta Club president, and National Honor Society vice president. She is also a four-time district tennis champion and All-State player and has been actively involved in community service, including organizing a youth tennis tournament benefiting foster care families and volunteering with local outreach organizations.
In her essay, Maggie reflects on the influence of her family, sharing that “my parents have taught me to be honest, kind, inclusive, determined, hard-working, and goal-oriented,” values that have shaped her success. She plans to continue that commitment by pursuing a career as a physician serving a rural community.
The ASBA Educational Foundation congratulates Maggie and wishes her continued success as she begins this new chapter.
