Arkansas Committment host Bowtie Bash

Arkansas Commitment will host the inaugural Bowtie Bash reception on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 in the Great Hall of the Clinton Presidential Center at 5:30 p.m. The event will honor Dr. Dean Kumpuris, Arkansas Commitment founder and chairman, as well as celebrate the achievements of Arkansas Commitment’s graduating Class of 2011.  Special guest Mr. Dhani Jones of the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals and CEO of the Bowtie Cause will be in attendance.

Arkansas Commitment is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1999 by the vision of Dr. Kumpuris and the assistance of community members as well as civic and business leaders. The organization was created to identify academically talented African-American high school students throughout central Arkansas and guide them to become leaders of society at large as well as within the African-American community in Arkansas.  We endeavor to develop a sense of responsibility to their home state and community.  Through the support of local businesses and individuals, Arkansas Commitment enhances the lives of such students and their families, assists in providing college access and early college exploration, provides personalized counseling and mentoring, and participates in community service projects.

Arkansas Commitment works with approximately 160 high school students in the Central Arkansas area representing over 23 high schools, five counties, and various socio-economic backgrounds. The Class of 2011 consists of 36 students from 12 different high schools, 3 National Merit Scholars, two Bill Gates Millennium Scholars, participants and elected officers of Boys and Girls State as well as Governor’s School, All-Region band and orchestra performers, student-athletes, dancers, artists, study body and senior class presidents and cabinet members, and school and community leaders. The Class of 2011 proudly boasts that 100% of its members have been accepted to 67 different colleges and universities across the nation, and they plan to matriculate to 25 different institutions in the fall from Colorado to Maine.  A list of these institutions is below.  Equally as impressive is the fact that this group of students has received in merit-based scholarships, need-based aid and outside scholarships over $1 million for each academic year of their college career.