A local student-athlete from Harmony Grove High School has been named a recipient of a prestigious statewide scholarship.

Sierra Cottingham, a graduate of Harmony Grove, is one of four students chosen from a pool of more than 75 applicants across Arkansas to receive the 2026 Rock City Running and Kinco Constructors Student-Athlete Scholarship. Cottingham will receive a $2,000 check to assist with her future educational goals.

The scholarship is celebrating its sixth anniversary. It recognizes graduating student-athletes who exemplify leadership, sportsmanship, and integrity. Applicants are judged on their high school achievements in track, cross country, and other extracurricular activities, as well as their grade point average and an essay response.

“Emiliano, Marco, Sierra, and Riley are the total package,” said Bill Torrey, owner of Rock City Running. “We are pleased to continue to provide four scholarships to deserving students, and we are thrilled to make this announcement.”

The scholarship program is a joint effort between Little Rock’s only local running store, Rock City Running, and Kinco Constructors, which is co-sponsoring the program for its fifth year. The Little Rock Roadrunners Club and Manfred and Sheila Galatowitsch also made significant contributions to this year’s funding.

“Investing in a student’s education is fundamentally important to myself and both companies,” said William Fletcher, EVP/COO at Kinco Constructors, who noted that as a lifelong runner, partnering with Rock City Running was a natural fit.

The other three statewide winners include Emiliano Gaona of Charleston High School, Marco Castro of Fort Smith Southside High School, and Riley Sebolt of Rogers Heritage High School.

Cottingham and her fellow recipients will be officially honored during a special award ceremony on Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m. The event will take place at Rock City Running, located in Little Rock.