VBHS Arkansas Scholars Awards Ceremony

The Van Buren Chamber Education and Workforce Committee, in conjunction with the Van Buren School District, will honor Van Buren High School’s most exceptional students at its 2025 Arkansas Scholars Awards Ceremony on April 28th.
 
Arkansas Scholars is a prestigious distinction given only to graduates who have achieved a 95% or better attendance record in their four years of high school. The students must also have a "C" or higher average and have completed all the required courses to graduate in four years. Each scholar is presented with a certificate at the ceremony and awarded a medallion at graduation.
 
The ceremony will take place at the Van Buren High School Commons and will include a special program honoring the graduates.

Career Connection will take place after the ceremony, featuring display tables for employers and universities to share career opportunities with the graduating seniors and their parents or guardians. The hours are from 7 pm until 8 pm.  

Sponsorship of this event supports scholarships presented to graduating VBHS students who will be attending University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and Arkansas Tech University - Ozark Campus this fall. 

Keynote Speaker


Marco Ayala, Senior Director of Operations
Simmons Foods

Marco Ayala is a seasoned operations Director with over 15 years of experience in the poultry industry, currently serving as the Senior Director of Operations at Simmons Foods’ Fort Smith facility. Known for his strategic vision and ability to lead through transformation, Marco has built a career rooted in operational excellence, continuous improvement, and people-first leadership.
Starting as an hourly team member, Marco progressed through key leadership roles—including Supervisor, Superintendent, Shift Manager, and Continuous Improvement Manager—gaining a deep, hands-on understanding of poultry operations at every level. His journey is a testament to his work ethic, innovative thinking, and ability to deliver results in complex, high-volume environments.
At Simmons Fort Smith, Marco leads one of the company’s most critical facilities, driving initiatives focused on safety, efficiency, quality, and team engagement. He is a data-driven problem solver who collaborates closely with frontline teams and senior leadership alike to develop streamlined processes and foster a culture of accountability and performance.
Marco’s leadership style emphasizes empowerment, alignment, and operational clarity—creating environments where teams thrive, and results speak for themselves.