Featured | Health Education and Human SciencesOctober 06, 2025

Clements Family Wins Annual SGA Award

Written By: Ian Silvester

Family Weekend at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith turned into a heartfelt celebration for sophomore nursing major Lucy Clements, whose family was honored as the 2025 UAFS Student Government Association Family of the Year.

Clements, of North Little Rock, said her parents, Sarah and Jeremy, and her younger brother, Adam, 14, have been her strongest supporters throughout her college journey.

“My mom always went with me on college tours,” Clements said. “With everything financial, my dad has been super helpful with his guidance and always being there when I need help. My mom is my rock, and she helped guide my decision to UAFS.”

Clements credited her family’s encouragement and faith for helping her through challenges both in and outside the classroom, including ongoing medical issues she has faced over the past year.

“I have had unknown medical issues for a year. My family has supported me through every test and appointment,” she said. “Having them care means the world and helps me get through everything. They help with the cost of medical bills, and I don’t know what I would do without their help.”

Despite living hours away, Clements said her family stays close through daily communication. Her mother sends morning and evening texts with a prayer, she and her father talk on FaceTime at night, and her brother often sends her funny or encouraging messages.

“One night, I was having a bad night and called them and talked to them for an hour,” she said. “The next day, my mom came up and spent the day with me.”

Clements said her grandmother, Donna Smith, also plays a key role in her life and inspired her to pursue a nursing degree.

“My nana is the reason I’m going into nursing and my role model every day,” she said. “If I become as strong of a role model as her, I will have succeeded in life.”

Clements and her family were recognized at the Stubblefield Center on Saturday, Oct. 4, during the UAFS volleyball match against Missouri Southern University.

“Family of the Year feels surreal,” she said. “I know my family deserves it, though. I have the best parents, and they are always there, no matter what I need. I don’t know where I would be in life if I didn’t have the most amazing parents.”

• Tags:
• SGA
• UAFS Family of the Year
• Family Weekend