Talented artist earns HH award

Rector High School graduate Joabou Mitchell [Click to enlarge]

Joabou Mitchell is the 2009 recipient of the Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation scholarship. The scholarship provides $5,000 annually and is renewable for four years.

Through her scholarship, her participation earlier this year in a Helping Hands Foundation art show and her knowledge of the foundation's purpose, Mitchell says she has a great appreciation for Helping Hands.

"The Helping Hands Foundation is an amazing organization that helps others," she said. "It's a great thing any time a group or an individual does something for someone else just because they care. Without their help, I don't know that I would've been able to go to college without taking out loans and going into debt. They really care about others."

Joabou is known for many things. Her friends and classmates know her as a warm, caring young woman who is both quick to smile and enjoy the lighter side of life, yet always ready to help others. Her teachers at Rector High School are aware of her hard work and intelligence, showcased by good grades and her place as an Honor Graduate during the 2009 commencement.

Mitchell's ability as an artist also has captured the attention of many. She has not only been a star pupil, but has received numerous awards in various contests with her pieces doing well in art shows.

"Art is peaceful for me," Mitchell said. "It's kind of like an escape from all of the worldly and everyday distractions around me. I can get away from everything and be in my own little world."

Mitchell credits her increased interest in art, as well as her burgeoning skills, to studying under RHS art teacher Carolyn Caldwell. Beginning in junior high, Mitchell said Caldwell's class opened her eyes to the world of art.

"That's when I got interested in art. I really enjoyed Mrs. C's classes. She's a great teacher."

Mitchell's fondness for art, along with her talent, has developed over the years. She sold three paintings at the Helping Hands Foundation benefit art show, was awarded first place in the state Ten-Penny Art Contest, and her work was featured in shows held by the Rector Woman's Club, Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center and the Clay County Fair.

She says much of her art takes its own direction.

"I just kind of go with it. I've had several paintings that have been one thing and then turned into something different. It mostly comes from how I'm feeling at that moment," she said.

This fall, Mitchell will attend Arkansas State University, where she plans to major in nursing.

"What I like most about nursing is the fact I would be helping someone every day -- to just be able to make their life better when they're feeling down."

Mitchell says that once her education is completed, she hopes to remain in the Rector area.

"This community is my home. Sure, there are bigger cities which can be exciting, but there's no place like your home."

Mitchell says she hopes to take some art classes along with her other courses.

"I hope to evolve more as I get older. I hope to take some art classes and grow and expand as an artist. Maybe I'll sell some of my art, too."

Mitchell also received a number of other scholarships based on her hard work in the classroom. She was awarded scholarships from the Future Teachers of America, ASU Future Arkansas Leaders, Arkansas Academic Challenge and the National Honor Society.