Clarksville, Ark. --- This October, the late Clio Thompson-Kettelhut, a University of the Ozarks graduate of 1934, will be memorialized at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarksville's annual fundraiser, Tablerama.
The late Clio Thompson-Kettelhut, a University of the Ozarks graduate of 1934, will be memorialized at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarksville’s annual fundraiser, Tablerama.
The women of First Presbyterian host Tablerama every year to raise money for church missions as well as a University of the Ozarks scholarship fund. The event features an assortment of themed table settings, finger foods, and tea.
Each table setting is designed by a different church member, and this year one table will be dedicated to Clio Thompson-Kettelhut. Dr. Rickey Casey, director of international studies and professor of management and business at U of O, and George Overbey, former mayor of Lamar and former state legislator, will pay tribute to Thompson-Kettelhut by setting a table with her Bible, her picture, and a set of her china.
Both Casey and Overbey were former students of Thompson-Kettelhut at Lamar High School, where she served as principal for 26 years.
"Clio was the true definition of an educator," said Casey. "She made a difference in many students’ lives. She encouraged and George and I to attend college. She knew the difference education makes in anyone’s life, and wanted to see young people further their education. She wanted to see young people succeed and was always there to help. She was one of those very special people who touched many lives. She truly made a positive difference in many people during her lifetime. She was one-of-a-kind and we need more like her in this world."
Clio was a beloved member of both the Ozarks community and the First Presbyterian Church of Clarksville.
"When my family and I first moved here and started going to First Presbyterian, we were the outsiders," said Dawn Dvoracek, director of church relations at U of O. "Clio was the first person to really accept us. She welcomed us with open arms and a warm smile. I’m so grateful for her friendship and the time we got to spend together."
"Any time anyone visited with Clio, the conversation would last a while, but early on she would bring up the University of the Ozarks and the Clarksville Presbyterian Church," said Overbey, her longtime friend "She was so proud to be a part of those two institutions."
Although Clio passed away in February of 2000, her legacy continues to live on at University of the Ozarks through the people she impacted and the student scholarship funds she helped establish.
Community members are encouraged to visit Tablerama. It will be held on October 21 and 22 at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarksville. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information, contact Scarborough at 479-979-1236.
Topics: Presbyterian