Featured in the photo from Left to Right: Bekka Wilkerson (The EMpact One Foundation) Lisa Buffington (Tanner Bates Memorial), Crew Bates, Ryan Hoskins (TB20 Scholarship Recipient), and Jennifer Mathis (Tanner Bates Memorial)
The Tanner Bates Memorial Fund awarded their Fourth Annual Scholarship Recipient at the Bauxite High School Baseball Awards Banquet on Monday, May 19th, 2025. The 2025 Recipient is Ryan Hoskins, a Senior from the Bauxite High School Baseball Team.
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The scholarship honors the legacy of Tanner Bates, a 2011 Bauxite High School graduate and standout athlete whose life was tragically cut short in a workplace accident in 2021. Known for his dedication, leadership, and heart for others, Tanner’s memory lives on through the Tanner Bates Memorial Foundation, established by his family under The EMpact One Foundation.
Each year, the scholarship is awarded to a graduating Bauxite baseball senior who reflects Tanner’s values both on and off the field — leadership, resilience, academic commitment, and a desire to make a positive impact in the community.
This year’s recipient, Ryan Hoskins, is a multi-sport athlete who has represented Bauxite in both baseball and football. He is also active in school clubs and community service and holds a strong academic record, with English as his favorite subject. In his application, Ryan shared how the loss of his father during his sophomore year became a pivotal moment in his personal growth. Rather than allowing grief to define him, Ryan pushed forward — becoming a stronger student, a more focused athlete, and a leader among his peers.
“Ryan’s story of perseverance and quiet leadership is exactly the kind of spirit this scholarship was created to honor,” said a Bekka Wilkerson with The EMpact One Foundation. “We are confident that Tanner would be proud to see this scholarship awarded to someone who embodies the same character and commitment.”
The Tanner Bates Memorial Scholarship is made possible each year through community donations and proceeds from the Tanner Bates Memorial Disc Golf Tournament, another one of Tanner’s favorite pastimes. Proceeds directly support tuition, scholarships, and enrichment opportunities for youth in Central Arkansas.
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For more information about the Tanner Bates Memorial Fund or Scholarship contact Bekka Wilkerson with The EMpact One Foundation at [email protected] or visit their website at https://www.empactone.org/tanner-bates-memorial-fund.
