Hayden Linton, AR Scholarship Recipient

May 6, 2026

Cindy Baugher

Assistant to Communications Director

Jeffrey Pollock, Vice-President of the Northwest chapter of the Arkansas Police Benevolent Association, presents a check to Hayden Linton. Also pictured is the chapter Vice-President Calvin Frierson (l) and Hayden's father Stephen (r). Hayden is from Rogers, Arkansas, and will be attending Drury University. He is majoring in nursing and hopes to become a CRNA or PA.

Hayden Linton was born in San Diego, California but has called Rogers, Arkansas home since the age of three when his dad retired from the Navy. His hometown offers a powerful sense of community that Hayden appreciates. "No matter where you go or what you are doing, you will always be greeted by happy people, with a smile on their face. In Rogers as a kid, it was also very rare to be bored." He continues, "We have countless hidden gems behind every corner that make this city so entertaining to live in and so easy to call home."

Working locally in Rogers, his parents are built-in role models for serving the public. Being a law enforcement officer was a dream of Hayden's dad, Steven Linton, since he was a child. He has enjoyed serving the community with Rogers Police Department for the past 16 years where he says, "no two days are ever the same." Hayden's mom is a high school teacher at Rogers Heritage High School, Hayden's alma mater as of May 2025. Not only does she help her students daily, but she was also able to help Hayden put together everything he needed to apply for the PBF Division scholarship.

When asked, it was easy for Hayden to name his parents as the greatest influences in his life. "They have always been there for me no matter what and have been a great influence for what I want my family life to look like one day in the future." Seeing firsthand his parents' commitment to the local community likely played a part in Hayden's choice to major in nursing. He plans to work as a nurse after college, to get real-life healthcare experience and save up for medical school. Then, eventually, he hopes to study anesthesiology and become a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) or PA (physician associate). Both are roles which he says would "allow me to take on a more advanced role in patient care and make an even greater impact."

“Hayden signing” picture is Hayden signing his letter of intent to play at Drury (from left to right it's his mother (Harmony Linton), his little brother (Ethan Linton), Hayden, and father, Steven Linton.

High school gave Hayden plenty of opportunities to be involved. He proudly represented RHHS on both the varsity baseball team and by serving as an officer in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). He received the Rogers-Lowell Chamber Award three times and was in the Rogers' Honor Academy, too. He was also an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and worked with Link Crew to foster a positive school environment and serve as a mentor to younger students. Refereeing for Upward flag football and distributing meals to families in need through his church also kept him busy. Hayden accomplished all of this while maintaining a 4.2 GPA.

His skill as a pitcher has earned Hayden a place on the baseball team at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri. Being able to continue playing the sport that he loves, while taking advantage of Drury's strong medical program, solidified his college decision. It also helped that Springfield has many options for entertainment and fun things to do as a college student. Enjoying some of his favorites such as fishing, watching sports, and playing sports video games should be easy to do in the area. Finding a place for trivia contests may be something Hayden should try, too. A little-known fact about him is he has a wealth of knowledge about baseball and football stats and history.

Hayden on the mound during a Heritage High School baseball game.

Steven Linton says he is "very appreciative of the support SSPBA has provided to Hayden with this scholarship." It is because of his membership in PBA that Hayden was eligible to apply. Steven is grateful for the representation of the PBA and its overall support of law enforcement that he has observed in his years of membership.

Hayden expressed his thanks to the PBA as well. "I am so thankful to receive this scholarship. This sum of money puts a huge dent in what I need to pay, and I could not be more grateful."

Dad and Hayden at his Senior Prom.

With Hayden now full swing into college life, his favorite movie quote has probably run through his mind a time or two. It is from Rocky III, when Rocky and Apollo are training. Rocky is on the brink of giving up for the day and wants to push things off until the next day. Then, Apollo emphatically tells Rocky "There is no tomorrow!" Hayden notes, "This quote just hits me hard in the context it is used, because it is an inspiration to not be lazy and always to push yourself harder."