Foundation’s Newest Scholarship Named in Memory of Beloved LCSD1 Lexington Technology Center Teacher Robert Arlin Bollier

Lexington, SC 12/05/2025 – Recently close friends and family members joined together to create the Robert Arlin Bollier Memorial Scholarship Fund with the Lexington One Educational Foundation. Named in memory of a beloved teacher, friend, and entrepreneur, Robert Arlin Bollier passed away on August 28, 2025. Born in Conway, Arkansas, Robert was known for his soft-spoken and giving nature, sense of humor, and the remarkable way he never met a stranger.

Robert grew up in Guy, Arkansas, and graduated from Guy-Perkins High School in 1988. He went on to earn an AA in Agriculture from Arkansas State University-Beebe and a BSA in Agricultural Education from Arkansas State University, where he was president of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and continued to be a proud alumnus. For more than 30 years, Robert dedicated his life to shaping young minds as an Agricultural Teacher and FFA Advisor. His students, whom he considered his own kids, felt his lasting impact at schools across the country:

·         Wickes Public Schools, Wickes, AR (1993–1998)

·         Drumright Public Schools, Drumright, OK (1998–2002)

·         Martin’s Mill ISD, Ben Wheeler, TX (2002–2005)

·         Cheraw High School, Cheraw, SC (2005–2014)

·         Lexington Technology Center, Lexington, SC (2014–2025)

Beyond the classroom, Robert's passion for agricultural education was evident in his leadership roles. He served as President, Past President, and a board member of the South Carolina Agricultural Educators Association. His dedication made a profound impact on everyone he met. A passionate advocate for the FFA, he earned numerous state and national awards, pouring his heart into helping students succeed and shaping their character, as evidenced by accolades such as South Carolina Teacher of the Year and his most coveted recent award, the SCACTE statewide Carl Perkins Community Service Award.Robert had a passion for agriculture that extended to goat farming, with goats all over Lexington County.

He was a valued and respected member of the West Columbia River District. In addition to his teaching career, he was a successful entrepreneur of a hospitality business (Twist) that proudly makes substantial contributions to numerous philanthropies. He was also a passionate animal advocate who partnered with the Humane Society of South Carolina to teach his students about animal rescue, care and welfare. Through his personal commitment to taking in cats, kittens, bunnies and other animals in need, he taught his students about empathy and love for all beings, as he and his students helped the rescued animals find loving families.

Robert is survived by his five siblings: DeAnne Bollier; Tracey Grissom (Ross); Janie Crouch (Randy); Lisa Stacy (Lonny); and Thomas Bollier (Connie). He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews, numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, and his business partners, Don Walsh and Nena Sinclair.

And a special thank you to the Tillman family, who took great care of Robert during his career in South Carolina. This scholarship fund is an opportunity to honor Robert's life and passion for the future of agriculture here in the Lexington, SC community by supporting a Lexington Technology Center senior each year who will pursue a college degree in agriculture at a South Carolina college or university. Eligible students must be a currently enrolled Lexington District One senior who has or will complete the Lexington Technology Center’s Agriculture Program upon graduation, as well as meet other criteria as outlined in the scholarship application.

Individuals may donate to the Robert Arlin Bollier Memorial Scholarship Fund by visiting the Lexington One Educational Foundation’s website and making an online gift designated to it. This endowed scholarship is a tribute to Robert Bollier’s life and legacy and will be a tremendous benefit to LTC students for years to come.