21 Jun 2016 Person of the Month: Betsy Hogue Beacham

City: Conway.

Work: Teacher at St. Joseph High School in Conway (U.S. History, Honors U.S. History, Civics, Psychology). Also the advisor for the Interact Club, a service-based organization sponsored by the Rotary Club of Conway.

Community activities: Rotary Club member; volunteer for Conway Eco-Fest and Conway Police Child Safety Fair; coordinator of the Veterans Day Service for 16 years and the St. Joseph High School 9/11 Memorial Service for five years; facilitator for the school recycling program; volunteer for Toad Suck Daze, the St. Joseph Flea Market, the Salvation Army Red Kettle and St. Joseph School HOOKS Dinner Fundraiser.

Family: Son, Matthew Beacham, and daughter, Erin Beacham.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social science and a master’s degree in psychology and counseling.

Favorite book: “Seven Miracles That Saved America” by Chris and Ted Stewart.

Favorite meal: I love spicy food so my favorite meal would be any type of spicy Oriental or Mexican dish.

Most cherished possession: I treasure the pictures of my children when they were growing up.

Most enjoyed weekend activity: Playing and walking with my dogs on cool early mornings.

Favorite quote: “We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” — Mother Theresa (Calcutta, India).

No. 1 vacation spot: I like to go somewhere new each time I go on vacation. Been there done that; life is an adventure so I always pick out a new place to go when I am exploring the world.  

Favorite place in Arkansas: I love to explore the outdoors with my friends, Beth Henze and Debbie Stewart. We especially love to go to Crow Creek to hunt for Arkansas agates and fossilized stingray and shark’s teeth.

What do you love about living in the 501: Living near my wonderful children and friends is always special, but living in Central Arkansas is especially nice because almost anything one could want is located here. Conway itself still has a bit of the small town flavor, but the colleges provide entertainment and educational opportunities. If I want the city life, Little Rock is only 30 minutes away with its shopping, museums, art galleries, theater, historical buildings and wonderful restaurants. And if it is the wide open spaces I want, there are plenty of parks, rivers, lakes and hiking trails nearby. Central Arkansas is full of friendly people who wave and smile at strangers and polite children who still hold open doors and say, “Yes ma’am” and “Thank you, ma’am.”