Barry Ratliff Memorial Scholarship
Barry Ratliff was an avid musician playing his music anywhere and everywhere he could. His love for music and his stylish guitar playing could be heard almost any weekend in the clubs around Northwest Arkansas. Barry also had a very large following and made friends with everyone he met. Although Barry passed away over 8 years ago, his music lives on.
Because of Barry’s musical influence on many people in this area, his friend Tim Wilson began a Memorial Fundraiser in the name of Barry Ratliff.
Barry was a very close friend of Tim’s, and because of Barry’s love of music, Tim wanted to do something to foster the memory of Barry, and to help young musicians in our area which is something Barry would have certainly approved of. Several years ago, Tim decided to host an annual Barry Ratliff Fundraiser, and chose the Riverfront Blues Society as his partner to receive the proceeds from the Fundraiser and to issue scholarships to young people wishing to study the field of music.
Since 1996, Tim Wilson and his many musician friends have hosted and performed at the Annual Barry Ratliff Memorial securing the success of the Scholarship. In April of 2003, the Scholarship Committee along with Tim Wilson and the Riverfront Blues Society gave their first scholarship at the annual Barry Ratliff Memorial Eve
Apply for the Barry Ratliff Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Requirements:
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Students shall be full-time (12 credit hours or more per semester)
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Students must attach an essay, one page or more, describing educational and career goals
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Students must attach two letters of recommendation.
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Scholarship renewal is not automatic.
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Scholarship will cover tuition, fees, and books up to $1000.00 per semester.
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Recipients will be selected by the Scholarship Committee
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Scholarship shall only be applicable to students enrolling and majoring in the study of Music offered by any accredited College or University in the United States.
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Recipients shall be residents of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri or Louisiana.
Click here to download pdf of Scholarship_Requirements
Click here to download the Scholarship_Application
Applications must be mailed to:
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SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
FORT SMITH RIVERFRONT BLUES SOCIETY
P.O. BOX 8307
FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS 72902