Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University student Glenn Bolton, a senior mass communications major from Hensley, Ark., was recently honored with the Rays of Light Award from the Rotary Club of Arkadelphia, Sunrise.

The Rays of Light Award is given annually to students from area schools who provide significant leadership through community service. Bolton, one of three students honored with the award, was introduced by Ian Cosh, OBU’s vice president for community and international engagement.

“From the moment Glenn arrived on our campus until the present, he has shown himself to be a servant. In fact, I dare say that he embodies Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self’ as well as anyone I have ever met,” Cosh said. “Glenn has an incredible work ethic and a good heart. I have no doubt that he will succeed at anything he sets his mind to. Many have been blessed and will be blessed by his service in the future.”

Bolton, who has participated in community service throughout high school and college, is a member of ElderServe, an outreach program connecting students with senior adults, the Tiger Serve Day leadership team and various other projects sponsored by the Elrod Center for Family and Community.

Describing the Elrod Center as “a great ministry tool to work in the community,” Bolton said, “Even when I graduate, I plan to be in Arkadelphia working and volunteering through the Elrod Center.”

Bolton has participated in several disaster relief projects hosted by the Elrod Center throughout the state. “On each of these trips, Glenn has shown himself to be a servant leader by preparing meals, organizing and recruiting volunteers and working hard,” Cosh said. “The Elrod Center could always count on Glenn to do the work with excellence and diligence.”

Explaining that serving others has been a personal commitment throughout his life, Bolton said, “I was that kid who helped move chairs after a church event and I'd be doing dishes in the kitchen at the church. I do it because the way to show love in my family is through acts of service. I took that and applied it to my Ouachita life and the Arkadelphia community.

“The award is a gift and I'm grateful for it,” he added, “but I try and live not for awards but by Matthew 25 and the Spirit of God.”

By Breanne Goodrum