The Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce selected seven students as its 2018 Youth Citizens of the Year.

The students – all seniors and representatives of all the high schools in Conway County – were recognized recently at the chamber’s annual recognition banquet held at Sacred Heart School.

Students selected for the honor were Faith Byers (Wonderview), Carolyn Hopkins (Morrilton), Sophia Isely (Nemo Vista), Bailey Roscoe (Sacred Heart), Jacque Wilson (Morrilton), Juleigh Wilson (Morrilton) and Bailey Wright (Wonderview).

Faith Byers – A regular on the school honor roll, Faith has taken advancement placement classes since a sophomore. Faith led the school’s basketball team to the championship game in the ninth through 11th grades. She gives back to the community by volunteering at Brookridge Nursing Home during the summer. She is active in her church, First Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock where her father is the pastor. Her aspiration is to attend college to become a physical therapist. Her parents are the Rev. and Mrs. Tony Byers.

Carolyn Hopkins – Ranked fifth in her class of 174 students, Carolyn is on track to be co-valedictorian at Morrilton High School graduation. She has earned nine honors/AP credits and 12 hours of college credit through UALR. She is currently enrolled in six hours through UACCM.

At school, she is involved in student council, library club, Beta Club, Robotics team, Thespian Troupe 3131 and the Interact Club. She has held multiple offices and served numerous hours of community service. Carolyn has also participated in the school band and theater program.

Her career focus is political science and law. She plans to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in the fall. She is a daughter of John and Patricia Hopkins.

Sophia Isely – A recipient of numerous academic achievement awards for the highest grade point average, Sophia has been recognized in a variety of subjects, including biology, physical science, literature, chemistry and history. She has been involved and served in a leadership role in school clubs and organizations, including Beta Club, Quiz Bowl, library club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Farmers of America and student council. She is active in her church, St. Joseph Catholic Church. During the summer, she has volunteered weekly at Ozark Health Medical Center. She also has tutored other students during lunch and after school. After graduation, Sophia plans to attend Hendrix College to pursue her career goal of becoming a neurologist. She is a daughter of Andy and Debbie Isely.

Bailey Roscoe – A recipient of many academic awards. Bailey strives for excellence in everything she pursues and works diligently to attain her goals. She is very active in her school community. She serves as student council president, secretary of the Beta Club and is a member of Key Club. She is also president of her class. Bailey participated in swimming (earning numerous All District and All State awards), softball and Quiz Bowl during high school. She has accumulated more than 250 hours of community service. She also participates in the Lions Club and VFW flag project. Bailey is active in her church, serving as a Eucharistic minister and altar server. She is a daughter of Johnny and Jennifer Roscoe.

Jacque Wilson – Active in school volleyball, cheer and softball, Jacque is the reporter of the Morrilton High School Beta Club and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Puppies to Dogs. Jacque is a recipient of School Counts and is taking courses at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. She worships at Plumerville First Baptist Church, where she is a member of the choir and helps with the nursery and children’s church. She regularly volunteers at Morrilton Primary School events. Jacque plans on pursuing a degree in education. She is a daughter of James and Sharon Wilson. She has a brother, Geoff, and a twin sister, Juleigh, also named a Conway County Youth Citizen of the Year.

Juleigh Wilson – Active in school volleyball, cheer and softball,  Juleigh is a member of the MHS Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Puppies to Dogs. She is a recipient of School Counts and is taking courses at UACCM. Juleigh worships at Plumerville First Baptist Church, where she is a member of the choir and helps with the nursery and children’s church. She regularly volunteers at Morrilton Primary School events. Juleigh plans on pursuing a degree in nursing or education. She has a brother, Geoff, and a twin sister, Jacque, also named a Conway County Youth Citizen of the Year.

Bailey Wright – A member of the Wonderview High School Senior Girls State Championship Basketball Team, Bailey is involved in a variety of school organizations, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FCCLA, FBLA, Beta Club and student council. She has been a participant of the Little Wonders mentoring program and has helped with the Little Dribblers for elementary kids and the Wonderview Pee Wee Basketball Program. Bailey has volunteered the last two years with the Fill the Boot campaign conducted by the Conway Fire Department. Bailey will attend Louisiana Tech University and be a member of the LA Tech Softball program. She is considering a major in biology. Bailey is a daughter of Michael and Shannon Wright of Morrilton.