August 2024

501LIFEMAG.COM

AUGUST 2024 | 1

PUBLISHER/ ART DIRECTOR

Jeremy L. Higginbotham

EDITOR

Stefanie W. Brazile

FOUNDERS

Donna Spears, Sonja Keith and Tracy Ferrell

BRAND AMBASSADOR

Lisa Hutchison

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Paulette Higginbotham

ADVERTISING SALES

Donna Spears and Donald Brazile

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Levi Gilbert

PHOTO DIRECTOR

Mike Kemp

COPY EDITORS

Andrea Lively and Andrea Miller

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Debbie Flowers

SOCIAL MEDIA

Morgan Zimmerman

Editor Stefanie Brazile enjoyed meeting Eva Shaikh Pemberton (from left) and Novalee Likes at the Faulkner County Library. Eva and Novalee had fun posing for a mischievous photo to accompany a humorous column by Vivian L. Hogue on page 76.

the best lessons in life!

W

e are kicking off August with our “Making the Grade” issue, and our team of writers has collected positive stories from around the 501 to share with you.

Parents and educators continue to work together to bring our state's youth back to grade-level work and beyond. While creating this magazine, I learned a lot of good news from those who were interviewed. The state is providing funds for tutoring, and libraries and museums are beefing up efforts to draw children inside and ignite their curiosity.

Children also learn outside the classroom by participating in extracurricular activities and practicing hobbies. Remarkably, the Aquakids Swim Team of Conway has benefitted youth for 60 years! This month, all children and youth are encouraged to join. The team teaches a life-saving skill, then moves on to competitive swimming techniques like those we’ve seen in the summer Olympic competitions. It was founded by legendary coach Dr. Bob Courtway soon after he joined the faculty of Hendrix College. This milestone anniversary for the organization highlights the difference one person can make in the lives of generations.

We chose the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock as the backdrop for our cover, because instilling curiosity in children creates a passion for lifelong learning.

Restoration of the famed museum is nearly complete after flooding destroyed galleries, exhibits and offices in February 2021. The staff has worked hard to bring some exhibits back to life and to add new ones. In November, the final gallery renovation will be complete.

I’m also excited to announce that our annual 501 Football Team issue will soon follow this publication. Our sports experts have chosen 35 players from across the region for this elite team. Watch for it mid-month on stands, at schools, on social media and at 501lifemag.com.

Let’s all slow down for the kids as they head back to school, give to causes that place needed clothing and supplies in their hands and let the youth of Central Arkansas know that we want to help them make the grade!

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CONTRIBUTORS Becky Bell Don Bingham Lori Dunn Mary Eggart Dwain Hebda Vivian Lawson Hogue Colleen Holt Beth Jimmerson

Tammy Keith Susan L. Peterson KD Reep Dr. Robert Reising Judy Riley Carol Rolf Donna L. Stephens Rita Halter Thomas

FAULKNER CO. EDITORIAL BOARD Johnny Adams Jack Bell Don Bingham Jessica Brown RaeLynn Callaway Glenn Crockett Beth Franks Sylvia Gauve Russ Hancock Spencer Hawks Faye Hedera Roe Henderson Summer Hoggard Maria Hoskins Antonio Jamison Mike Kemp

Julie LaRue Karl Lenser Monica Lieblong Lori Melton Deanna Ott Pat Otto Jon Patrom Amy Reed Lori Ross Sally Schanandore Margaret Smith Jan Spann Pete Tanguay Kim Tyler Stefanie Vann Jennifer Whitehead

CONWAY CO. EDITORIAL BOARD Mary Clark Shelli Crowell Dr. Larry Davis Shawn Halbrook Alicia Hugen Alisha Koonce

Stephanie Lipsmeyer Stewart Nelson Kristi Strain Jim Taylor Morgan Zimmerman

WHITE CO. EDITORIAL BOARD Betsy Bailey Amy Burton Tara Cathey Cassandra Feltrop Phil Hays Natalie Horton

Matt LaForce Mike Parsons Judy Riley Jennifer Skinner Carol Spears Kristi Thurmon

501 LIFE is published by Make the Jump Media, LLC (920 Locust Ave. Ste. 104, Conway, AR 72034, 501.327.1501) and is owned by Jeremy Higginbotham and Stefanie Brazile.

The contents of 501 LIFE are copyrighted and materials presented may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publishers. Articles should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by 501 LIFE.

Augus AUGUST

2024 Volume 17 Issue 4

On the cover:

Museum of Discovery Educator Sam Currier creates fire with a lycopodium powder demonstration. Students from Pulaski County Special School District, Conway School District, Greenbrier School District, Academics Plus Charter School District and St. Joseph School joined 501 LIFE Magazine for a field trip to the museum.

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Photo by Mike Kemp

4 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20

By Chef Don Bingham

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Museum of Discovery: Journey of a lifetime

36

Destination Band Camp: And the band plays on

42

Artist of the Month: Crystal Moore

46 48 50

Greenbrier physician returns to hometown Conway High soccer team three-peats A story of community: The story of Conway Corp

54 55 56

Unity Health opens Neonatal ICU Conway's City of Hope Outreach offers summer academy Pet of the Month: Bean

60

Author of the Month: J. Suthern Hicks

64

South Side Bee Branch Distinguished Alumni Diane Pavatt

66

Kid of the Month: Matthew Sutton

70

Back to school for PCSSD students

72

Champions of care: Child Care Aware

74 76

Meet your Cabot Cadets!

Finding the best way for your way

78

80

Darrick in the driver's seat Investigator ensures school bus safety Athletic Excellence: Keith Cornett of Cleburne County

84

Youth of the Month: Greyson Ealy of Quitman

86

All-American Mark DeJesus’s love for baseball

87

Arkansas State Champion Trees

88

90

ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour comes to Central Arkansas Person of the Month: Member of the State Board of Education Leigh Keener

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Letter from the Editor Upcoming events 501 LIFE contributors win national awards Loving LIFE photos five-oh-ones In Focus 501 Accomplishments Couple of the Month: Lisa and Chris Willenberg Aquakids dives into 60th anniversary Entertaining: Savor the end of summer!

By Donna Lampkin Stephens

By Rita Halter Thomas

By KD Reep

By Beth Jimmerson

By Colleen Holt

By Susan L. Peterson

By KD Reep

By Becky Bell

By Jessica Duff

By Stefanie Brazile

By Vivian Lawson Hogue

By Dr. Robert Reising

By Becky Bell

By KD Reep

By Judy Riley

st

501 LIFE would like to thank our advertising partners.

Arkansas Coding Academy, 79 Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, 19 ___________________________________________ Barksdale Federal Credit Union, 8 Bledsoe Chiropractic, 67 ___________________________________________ Centennial Bank, 49 Center for the Arts, 63 Child Care Aware®, 73 Chuckwagon Races, 75 Comprehensive Tutoring, 71 Conway Corp, 51 Conway Regional Health System, 91 Conway Regional Rehab, 87 ___________________________________________ First Community Bank, 53, 90 First Security Bank, 92 First Service Bank, 33 Freyaldenhoven Heating & Cooling, 47 ___________________________________________ Girl Scouts, 65 Greenbrier Community, 40-41 Greenbrier Schools, 45 ___________________________________________ Harding University, 65 Hartman Animal Hospital, 58 Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA, 89 Heritage Living Center, 5 ___________________________________________ Karen Ferguson Team, 17 Kilwins Little Rock, 31 ___________________________________________ Max Event Venue, 13 Methodist Family Health, 9 MSC Eye Associates, 65 ___________________________________________ Ott Insurance, 77 ___________________________________________ PCSSD, 71 ___________________________________________ Ridgemere Conway, 25 ___________________________________________ Salem Place, 23 Shelter Insurance, 25 Sissy’s Log Cabin, 15 South Conway County Schools, 59 St. Joseph School, 31 Superior Health & Rehab, 2 ___________________________________________ UACCM, 83 UCA, 39 UCA Public Appearances, 85 Unity Health, 3 ___________________________________________ Yours Truly Consignment, 34-35

When it comes to Good News in Central Arkansas,

501 LIFE is in a class all its own.

For only $20 a year, you can get a subscription for yourself, or for anyone who loves our 501 community.

Home delivery ensures you will never miss an issue!

Visit 501LIFEmag.com or call 501.327.1501 to subscribe.

Catch 501 LIFE on KARK at Noon and on Conway Corp each month.

welcome to the Writers’ Room

Vivian Lawson Hogue

is a Conway native and local historian who resides in a 114-year-old historic house in the city. She attended Hendrix College and graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in art education. A retired art and history teacher and obsessed genealogist, she worked in the Conway School District for 23 years.

Carol Rolf

graduated from Little Rock Central High, where she was editor of the newspaper, and from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism. She has worked for state and local newspapers.

She edits the Newcomers’ Club of Conway newsletter and is PR Chairman for the Arkansas State Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Susan L. Peterson

holds a Ph.D. in secondary education and taught at UCA and Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. This former reading and language arts teacher loves sharing information about local authors, hoping their stories will inspire others. Now retired, she spends her time painting, making pottery and playing pickleball.

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VAN GOGH: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

BASEBALL WEEKEND

The 360-degree digital art exhibition at the Exhibition Hub Little Rock Art Center invites visitors to step into famous paintings and into the world of the Dutch artist. Travel through eight works and their inspiration.

Celebrate Arkansas's rich baseball history and meet baseball legends including Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Robin Yount and Ted Simmons. Free youth clinic at Majestic Park.

Aug. 1-31 • Little Rock

Aug. 23-24 • Hot Springs

Aug. 2-4 • Little Rock

NAT'L. CHAMPIONSHIP CHUCKWAGON RACE Aug. 24-Sept. 1 • Clinton

AMPLIFY MUSIC FESTIVAL

CHICAGO/EARTH WIND & FIRE

Free, two-day festival in the 20-acre grass field adjacent to Saline County Fairgrounds features music by top Christian artists and worship leaders.

Some of the artists include Skillet, Crowder and Jeremy Camp.

Legendary bands Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire bring decades of classic songs such as "Saturday in the Park" and "September," respectively, to Simmons Bank Arena.

COME FROM AWAY Tony Award-winning musical at Robinson Center Performance Hall.

The true story of plane passengers forced to land in a Newfoundland town during the 9/11 attack celebrates compassion and bravery.

Aug. 9-10 • Benton

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Trail rides, a cattle drive and a lighted wagon train are some activities at the week-long event. There will also be mini bull riding and live performances by Lorrie Morgan and Lee Roy Parnell.

Aug. 26 • North Little Rock

50‘WON’ LIFE

Contributors win state, national awards Photo by Mike Kemp

T

wo contributors to 501 LIFE Magazine have been recognized at the National Federation of Press Women's (NFPW) annual contest after winning at the state level.

Dwain Hebda placed third in the NFPW Sweepstakes contest.

Hebda, of Little Rock, is president of Ya!Mule Wordsmiths Inc., editorin-chief of AY Media Group, a contributor to 501 LIFE Magazine and lead writer for Wheelhouse Publishing.

Tammy Keith, a freelance journalist, won first place in news writing for her article "Storm at Station 9," which was assigned by 501 LIFE Magazine and appeared in its July 2023 issue. The article was about Fire Station 9 in Little Rock, which was struck by the March 2023 tornado with firefighters in the building.

“The NFPW Professional Communications Contest celebrates outstanding work across the spectrum of communications. Effective communication is vital in our complex, changing world, so it is appropriate that NFPW recognizes and encourages those who produce clear, engaging and accurate information that engages the reader, viewer or listener and serves the public interest,” said Helen Plotkin, Contest Director for the NFPW. All entries in the NFPW contest are first-place entries from statewide contests. Hebda and Keith are members of Arkansas Press Women (APW), and their winning work advanced to the NFPW competition.

For the third year in a row, Hebda won the first-place Sweepstakes in the Arkansas Press Women's annual contest. The Sweepstakes Award is based on a point system that factors in the entry ranking and the degree of competition in a category.

Keith won first place in news writing in the APW contest for the "Storm at Station 9" article. APW announced its winners at a luncheon in Little Rock earlier this year. National winners were announced at the NFPW's annual June conference in St. Louis, Mo. “We congratulate Dwain and Tammy for these state and national awards that attest to their talent and skill as journalists,” said Stefanie Brazile, editor of 501 LIFE Magazine.

Tammy Keith, from left, received her first-place news writing award from Helen Plotkin, Contest Director for the National Federation of Press Women.

APW is an association of professional communicators in journalism, public information, business, education and government. NFPW is a nationwide organization of women and men pursuing careers across the communications spectrum, including print and electronic journalism, freelancing, marketing, graphic design, photography, advertising, radio and television.

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AUGUST 2024 | 9

Headed out on a special trip as summer comes to a close? Have a special occasion or back-to-school celebration coming up?

Pack a copy of 501 LIFE in your suitcase, snap a photo at your destination and send it to us for publication in a future issue!

Photos can be submitted by email to

info@501lifemag.com.

501 LIFE writer Dr. Robert Reising of Conway and his daughter, Paula Reising, were “Loving LIFE” when he recently attended his 70th baseball reunion at Michigan State University.

Cathlene Price (from left), Sherry Latimer and James Latimer were “Loving LIFE” in Costa Maya, Mexico.

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Harley Brazile of Conway was “Loving 501 LIFE” (his favorite magazine) while visiting Mount Magazine.

Rylee Bevers of Clarksville (Johnson County) was “Loving LIFE” at Epcot Theme Park in Orlando, Fla.

The Conway Symphony Orchestra Guild was “Loving LIFE” and recruiting new members on May 5 at a Cinco de Mayo party.

The UCA BearBones were “Loving LIFE” when they performed the National Anthem July 13 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock before the Drum Corps International show. DCI highlights marching band’s most elite performers and travels the country performing at packed stadiums.

Lisa Vaden (from left), Donna Pruitt and Stacie Russell were “Loving LIFE” at the annual Independence Day Celebration on June 29 in Wooster (Faulkner County) at the city park.

Vaden, who works for the city, helps organize the event, which is attended by hundreds.

Pruitt and Russell assisted with games for children and youth.

Derek Stoughton (from left), Jackie Lamar, Van Lamar and Steve Cohen were “Loving LIFE” at a Conway Community Band Concert at Simon Park. Derek was a conductor at the concert, Jackie played saxophone and flute, and Van and Steve played trumpet.

The Lion’s Club in Malvern (Hot Spring County) was “Loving LIFE” on July 16 when they hosted 501 LIFE staff member Donald Brazile as a speaker. Col. (R) Kinney Black (from left), Danny Riggan, Doroteo DelaCruz, R.L. Oden, Megan Hobbs, Ron McNamar, Col. (R) Pat Daniels and Bart Herrington.

Eleven people from Conway First Baptist Church, and five other people from Cove Church in North Carolina, were “Loving LIFE” when they spent a week in Belize. They shared the love of God in word and deed and fed 345 Belizean people from the village of San José Succotz, including children at three schools.

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Skylar Jamison (from left), Jermaine Orr, Charlie Hall and Craig O’Neil were “Loving LIFE” at the Genesis of Conway and Central Arkansas Open Sponsor Appreciation Party that was held July 8 at Genesis of Conway.

First Security Bank Kids’ Club Movie Day at Cinemark Towne Centre. About 500 kids saw “Despicable Me 4” in the theaters.

The team at the only Whataburger location in Conway was “Loving LIFE” at the grand opening on July 19.

JayJay (from left), Tray, Sam, Kim, Krystal, Imari and Kevin Parker, Operating Partner.

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TOP: First Security Bank’s Kimberly Lassiter (from left), mascot Penny Pockets and Stefanie Vann were “Loving LIFE” before the movie.

BOTTOM: Waylon, Carsen and Audrey were “Loving LIFE” and as they saw the Minions and Gru in action.

Farmer James Langston (from left) was “Loving LIFE” and selling tomatoes at the July 13 Farmer’s Market in Cabot to Eliza, Bailey, Dustin and Emma Walter and their friend Samantha Puckett. The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday.

Lt. Blake Kaplon (from left), Chief Scott Steely, Mayor Ken Kincade and Capt.

John Dodd were “Loving LIFE” on July 13 at the Cabot Police Department’s 7th Annual Special Needs Junior Police Academy Day Camp.

The staff of the Faulkner County Library was “Loving LIFE” when photos for Vivian L. Hogue’s column were staged in the Children’s Room. Noah Elrod (from left), Director John McGraw, Katie Larson, 501 Photo Director Mike Kemp, Novalee Likes, Eva Shaikh Pemberton, Asst.

Director DeAnna Dillon, Katie Scott and Jen Beritiech.

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WOO-HOO! Wooster Mayor honors Johnny Ester with Citizen/Volunteer of the Year J

ohnny Ester was awarded Citizen/Volunteer of the Year by Wooster Mayor Terry Don Robinson on June 29 at the city’s annual Independence Day Celebration.

In his remarks, Robinson praised Ester’s efforts to keep the community clean and to encourage pride. Ester and his wife and daughter, Cherice and Sarepta, moved near Wooster City Park four years ago. He noticed that the roadways in the community were littered so he began picking up trash on both sides of the road.

“This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever lived,” Ester said. “It’s so green down here and I like to keep it clean. People stop and wave, slow down and say that they appreciate me. I want to challenge others to clean up where we live. When we’re out there cleaning, we’re teaching the kids to keep it clean.”

Johnny Ester (from left) and Wooster Mayor Terry Don Robinson.

Conway Corp’s Fulmer retires after 45 years C

onway Corp Wastewater Plant Superintendent Bill Fulmer recently retired after 45 years of service to Conway Corp and the Conway community.

Fulmer joined the company as a plant operator in January 1979.

After 15 years of dedicated service, he was promoted to chief plant operator in October 1994. Three years later, he was promoted to superintendent.

“In the years I've worked for Bill, I've always respected his dedication to the wastewater plant and the people working it,” Chief Plant Operator Kody Miller said. “He's called in to alert and prepare operators when storms have been heading our way. He would call late at night when tornado warnings popped up to make sure we were taking cover and staying safe.

He has always held our plant's reliability and people's safety a top priority.”

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Beck named UACCM Alumni of the Year A

drienne Marie Beck was recently named University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

Outstanding Alumni of the Year. Her career includes being accepted into the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), fundraising with Heifer International and working with the Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research.

Beck graduated from UACCM with honors in May 2009. She received a transfer scholarship to Arkansas Tech University and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2011. In 2016, she graduated from Brandeis University with a master’s degree.

In between her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Beck enrolled in the NCCC. During that time, she worked with the Boys and Girls Club of America in Farmington, N.M. and in Oklahoma; helped certify and prepare taxes in Denver; performed trail maintenance in Arizona state parks and helped build houses for Habitat for Humanity.

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COUPLE OF THE MONTH

LISA AND _CHRIS _____________WILLENBERG ___________ CO N WAY CO U N T Y

Photo by Mike Kemp

HER STORY: I am dependable, ethical, analytic and adaptable, with the latter possibly my greatest character trait. I pride myself on the ability to be able to adapt to varying situations, relationships and processes to best benefit the masses.

Freak-out mode is my pet peeve.

RESIDENT OF: I am a lifelong resident of the St. Vincent Community in Conway County.

CHILDREN: Together, we have six children.

EDUCATION: I earned a BBA in accounting from UCA, I am a College of Business

Management Institute graduate from the University of Kentucky, I earned my Master of Education from University of Arkansas and am a certified professional accountant.

CAREER: I am the Chancellor at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I could not be prouder of our adult children and precious

grandchildren—each is amazing! I’m also especially proud to have been nominated and chosen by my education colleagues and community constituents to serve as the first woman and fourthever chancellor of UACCM. I will be starting my 33rd year in higher education and my fifth year as chancellor in November.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I am a lifelong community member and parishioner of

St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Vincent. I am involved in multiple civic groups, committees, board service, and local, state and national associations.

SPECIAL INTERESTS: My most recent special interests are my two precious 2-yearold granddaughters, Tessa Kate and Farrah Grace, both of whom I taught early on to “Call the HOGS.” I know, priorities! I, too, am a lifelong Razorback fan trained by my Dad from a very early age as well! I love to travel and experience new destinations. To relax, I enjoy camping, laking and hanging out at our mountain cabin.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CENTRAL ARKANSAS?

I love the natural beauty of Central Arkansas. I enjoy most things outdoors including the mountains, a beautiful waterfall, a pristine Arkansas lake, and all within a very short hike or drive from home.

Central Arkansas’s natural beauty is often taken for granted. I also love the small-town USA feel the “501 LIFE” affords.

THEIR STORY:

HIS STORY: I would describe myself as well-thoughtout and generally quiet. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so I try to listen more than I talk.

RESIDENT OF: St. Vincent Community.

NATIVE OF: Caseville, Mich.

EDUCATION: Electronics engineering,

National Education Center (NEC) Little Rock (Pulaski County).

PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: I am selfemployed, the owner/operator of Ozark Excavation and Construction.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I am most proud of our kids we are blessed with. I’m also very proud of our mountain cabin. We built it from the ground up.

I sawed all the cedar and most of the kids and a few friends contributed in one way or another during the two-year construction. We used most of my heavy equipment during the construction. There’s a big difference between carpentry and civil construction.

SPECIAL INTERESTS: I like to cook, play guitar, bow-hunt, stream-fish, hunt morel mushrooms, watch westerns and ride my Harley.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CENTRAL ARKANSAS?

Getting lost, mainly in the mountains.

Chris and I met during a new home construction project of mine. I hired him as a sub for my house pad and roadway, etc. It was not until after construction and having moved into the house that he asked me out. Our first date was a boating adventure. What was most memorable was an attempted (pirate) attack by an inebriated lake urchin. Watching how Chris handled the matter and protected me was all it took. We married not long thereafter.

We will celebrate our 10-year anniversary this year! We enjoy spending time at the cabin and with the grand girls, camping, traveling and cooking. He cooks, I clean! We have a very busy life, but we always make time for the people and things that really matter and love living the 501 LIFE!

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Conway group dives into 60th anniversary of the Bob Courtway Swim Meet

By Carol Rolf

M

any eyes may be on Paris this month, where the 2024 Summer Olympics are underway, but the eyes of many local residents are on Aquakids as the local swimming organization prepares to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Bob Courtway Invitational Swim Meet.

This year’s swim meet will be Oct. 19-20 at the Bob Courtway Pool in the Wellness and Athletic Center at Hendrix College in Conway. This event normally hosts 150 to 300 swimmers.

“This meet is one of the longest-running, if not the longestrunning, youth swim meets in the state,” said Melissa Britt, president of Aquakids Board of Directors. “The only year we did not host this meet was in 2020, and that was because of COVID-19.”

Aquakids, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit club, is a year-round youth competitive swim team that began in the summer of 1961 when the late Bob Courtway moved to Conway and joined the faculty at Hendrix College, according to Britt. By 1965, the team had 90 swimmers. Courtway held the first invitational swim meet at Hendrix in January 1962.

The organization’s mission is “to provide a quality aquatics program that promotes physical, social and emotional well-being for all members. Guided by principles of education, training, community, safety and support, we strive to help swimmers of all abilities achieve their highest potential,” Britt said.

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“We are really dedicated to continuing Bob Courtway’s legacy and his belief that all kids should learn to swim,” said Britt, who has been a board member for three years. “We hope to help promote this and work with the city of Conway when it opens the new community center by encouraging members of the community to learn to swim and love it.”

Swimmers aged 5 and older may join Aquakids at any time, but the organization hopes to attract new members by Aug. 31 by offering an incentive, she said. Those who join by then will receive free practice in August. Aquakids now has 125 swimmers, ranging in age from 5 to 54.

Team registration is $100. Swimmers must also join USA Swimming, which is the national governing body for the sport of swimming, at a cost of $30 to $90 a year.

Monthly fees for Aquakids “depend on the training group,” Britt said.

“Swimmers register and then, based on age and ability, the swimmer will be placed in a training group – senior, junior, age group 3, age group 2, age group 1, masters, varsity or swim academy, which is for those who do not know how to swim,” she said. “Monthly fees range from $100 to $145. A swimmer makes a monthly commitment and can quit at any time.”

Aquakids is a Conway swimming organization for people ages 5 and older who want to learn to swim and compete. The organization hopes to attract new members by Aug. 31 by offering an incentive. Those who join by then will receive free practice in August. Photo by Vivlio Photography

Swimmers are expected to participate in meets hosted by Aquakids and are encouraged to participate with the team at other meets the team attends. Aquakids hosts three meets a year–the Bob Courtway Memorial Invitational in October, the Winter Sprint in January and the End of School Invitational in May. Meet entry fees range from $35 to $75, depending on the type, location and level of meet. Swimmers and their families are always required to participate in the club’s fundraising efforts.

Brian Gainey, Aquakids' head coach from 1991 to 1993, has returned as the new interim head coach.

“Swimming has been a large part of my life and has given me so much,” he said. “I started swimming at the age of 6 and swam all the way through to college at Harding University.

I learned how to swim at a YMCA in Baton Rouge, La. I was the 1987 Louisiana High School State Champion in the 100 backstroke and the runner-up in the 50 freestyle. I was the 1988 AIC Conference Champion in the 100 backstroke. I hold Harding Swim Team records in the 100 and 200 backstroke and 100 and 200 freestyle. I was on Harding’s last swim team when the team was discontinued after my freshman year. I immediately started working with the Searcy Swim Team as assistant coach. I became the Aquakids head coach in 1991.

“I worked 25 years for Acxiom and took voluntary retirement when I was approached to serve as the Aquakids interim head coach,” he said. “I was approached because I was the Conway Christian School swim coach, coaching since 2019.

“I stepped back into coaching because I wanted to give back to the sport and continue the rich tradition of the Aquakids,” he said. “I think every child—not just in Conway, not just in Faulkner County, but every child—should learn how to swim.”

For more information, email aquakidsinc@gmail.com or visit aquakidsswimteam.com. Information is also available on Facebook/ AquakidsSwimTeam.

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Celebrating the last of this season's flavorful vegetables

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an ode to vegetables I think that I shall never see a vegetable that I like, as much as these.

And one with hungry mouth is poised so intent that all is graciously enjoyed.

The plate piled high with vegetables tilled, is spotlessly clean, whence once was filled.

Poems are made by fools like me, and vegetables for lunch, I hope to see!

By Chef Don Bingham Photos by Mike Kemp

Farmers markets, roadside tables of produce,

When it comes to comfort foods, we all enjoy our

gatherings from the garden–not much is more exciting

burgers, BBQ, pizza and pasta, yet the nostalgic calling

than the regal procession of the garden harvest in a

of a homegrown vegetable buffet is hard to top in the

smorgasbord of delectable, home-cooked vegetables!

culinary entertainment world. Most of us grew up on

Sound the trumpets, bring out the iced tea, and spread

this as a daily fare, and many of us return to these

the feast for all to partake! It takes little effort to

amazing dishes from our heritages on a limited basis,

prepare the mind and palate for the indulgence of fried

but this is a celebration for a crowd! This is when the

okra, squash, peas, corn, cucumbers and tomatoes,

diner takes only a tablespoon or two of each item

green beans and new potatoes, cornbread and slaw–

because there is just too much to conquer and you

the very thought raises one's dining experience and

need sideboards to put out all the dishes and enjoy

memories to a different level.

everything.

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My childhood memories are filled with the vegetables from the “peddler" who came on Tuesdays and Thursdays, driving his truck on our residential streets and neighborhoods for anyone to come see what he had to offer. We could shop right in our front yard! Somehow, it was always my duty to shuck the corn that Mom purchased. Needless to say, this was not done with ebullient joy and internal fulfillment, but nonetheless, cream-style corn remains a favorite starchy girth enhancer to this very day. And that is despite the childhood memories of picking the silk from the endless ears of corn! Many of us in West Conway are on the permanent

list for corn the first day of its arrival at the local market– just one sack full, but this will last the season when corn is shucked and frozen in smaller batches.

These recipes may be adapted according to the number of guests, special dietary needs and seasonal availability. They are our family favorites. You will have your own additions, of course, but this is a great start! Create your own buffet and decorate it with potted plants, fresh flowers from the yard and lots of conversation.

Bon appetit!

Don's end-of-summer vegetable dinner recipes on page 25

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Homestyle Meatloaf

BY A B BY S E N I O R L I V I N G

3 pounds of ground beef 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup ketchup (reserve enough of ketchup to coat top of meatloaf) 1 cup breadcrumbs, oatmeal, or crushed crackers 2 eggs 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. dried oregano 2 1/2 tsp. salt • 1/4 tsp. pepper

Combine all ingredients, mixing well with no lumps. Spread reserved ketchup over top of meatloaf. Bake at 350 for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Yields six servings.

Cream-Style Corn 8-10 ears of corn 1 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. sugar 3 Tbsp. butter 1/2 cup flour 1/4 - 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 cup water

Cut corn off of cob into a deep bowl. Place the corn in a large pan. Add water and simmer for 8-10 minutes. In another bowl, mix flour and other dry ingredients, along with enough cream to make a paste. Use a strainer to push the flour and cream through a second strainer. Bring flour mixture to the pan. Stir quickly, as the corn mixture will thicken and may not require all of the flour paste. You may add milk or additional cream for the desired consistency.

Cucumber and Onions 2-3 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced 1 large onion, peeled and thinly sliced ½ cup water 2 Tbsp. white vinegar Sugar to taste (about 2 Tbsp.)

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Mix together: water, vinegar and sugar. Place cucumbers and onions in liquid and refrigerate until time to serve.

Fried Okra 1 1/2 pounds fresh okra Vegetable oil for frying (approximately ½ cup) 1 cup cornmeal 1/2 tsp. salt

Wash okra and cut into 3/4 inch slices; sprinkle water on okra pieces. Heat oil for frying.

Dredge okra a few pieces at a time in cornmeal, coating well. Fry okra in hot oil until golden. Drain on paper towels. Yield 6-8 servings.

Simple Skillet Squash 6-7 yellow squash, sliced into rounds 1 large onion, thinly sliced 3-5 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. sugar Salt and pepper to taste

Place squash rounds in lightly salted water and cook until tender but not falling apart, about 5-10 minutes. Heat butter in a skillet on medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, 4-5 minutes. Add squash and season with salt, pepper and sugar.

Purple Hull Peas 3 cups of purple hull peas 4 cups of water or chicken broth 2-4 Tbsp. butter Salt and pepper to taste

Cover peas with water or chicken broth. Add butter and cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Green Beans and New Potatoes 1 pound fresh green beans 9-10 new potatoes or small red potatoes with skin on 3-4 Tbsp. butter • Salt to taste

Wash, snap and cut green beans. Wash potatoes well. Put the potatoes on the bottom of a saucepan, then add the green beans and cover with water. Add salt and butter. Cook until tender, about 40 minutes.

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Educational field trips to the Museum of Discovery bring together the fun and fantastic.

By Donna Lampkin Stephens Photos by Mike Kemp Ethan Seiter experienced the Infinity Box exhibit. He attends St. Joseph School in Conway.

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As the new school year begins, Arkansas educators should remember the Museum of Discovery as a wealth of resources.

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Field trip opportunities for students to visit the museum, located in Little Rock at 500 President Clinton Ave., as well as traveling workshops that Museum of Discovery (MoD) staff can bring to schools all over the state, can excite, intrigue and captivate students.

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ccording to Thomas Lipham, director of programs, the museum offers a variety of experiences, from handson labs to entertaining science shows.

“We host a wide range of hands-on based programs and labs that get the guests involved in the experience,” Lipham said. “We also host larger-scale science shows that spark curiosity about a variety of science phenomena.”

The museum’s experiences are aimed at pre-K through middle school students, but programming can also target other ages. Lipham said high school students would enjoy the higher-tiered programs, such as the pig’s heart dissection. Science After Dark targets adult audiences.

According to museumofdiscovery.org, programming has included such topics as Science Lab, Dynamic Earth and Room to Grow galleries; STEAM labs, including Glow Lab, Bubbleology, Dry Ice Cryo, Super Heroes, Sound of Science, Slime Lab, Chemicool Reactions Lab, Cow’s Eye Dissection and Pig’s Heart Dissection; and Life Science labs, including A-Maze-ing Animal Enrichment, Intro to Animal Care, Create a Critter and Bugs, Bugs, Bugs.

The museum’s outreach component can engage nearly any age of audience. “Many of our programs can be packed up and sent on the road,” Lipham said.

“Awesome Science is our top science show for outreach, as it travels well and works great for a wide age range.”

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1. Lincoln Newman (from left, St. Joseph School), Senica Campbell (Pulaski County Special School District), Ethan Seiter (SJS) and Jaxson Osborne (PCSSD) played together at the Raceway Challenge.

2. Elissa Cossey (from left, St. Joseph School) with Cheyanne Osborne (Pulaski County Special School District) were wowed by the Animal Adaptations exhibit.

3. Samuel Cosey (St. Joseph School), Adelynn Kaplan (Maumelle Charter Elementary), Evelyn Cossey (SJS) and Blanca Ramirez (SJS) watched the earth change colors at the Earth in Motion exhibit.

4. Jasmine Elliott watches her children play together at the Lissajous

Laser Drawing exhibit. Konner (from left) and Karson Elliott (PCSSD).

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‘Success is seeing the smiling faces in the audience, observing the exclamations 2.

of excitement about experiencing something spectacular during a lab, or hearing the chatter of

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intrigue as a guest’s curiosity is ignited.’

— Museum of Discovery Director of Programs,

Thomas Lipham

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Olivia West (front row, from left), Breckyn Worthey, Willow Winston and Kate Canady. The adults are Melissa West and Stephanie Worthey.

The group from Greenbrier School District were fascinated by the Paint with Color Wall.

The museum has nearly recovered from major flooding after a water pipe burst during freezing temperatures in 2021. It was closed for several months afterward, and staff had to rebuild exhibits following the damage. The final gallery will open in November with an early childhood focus.

But the flooding challenge also turned out to be an opportunity, Lipham said.

“Our outreach capacity increased as we recovered from the flood damage,” he said. “With the galleries being under construction, field trips and public visitation were not happening. Consequently, we were able to augment our efforts outside of our four walls.”

The museum has a number of contracts with schools in the Little Rock School District and the North Little Rock area, but students from all over engage.

“We even frequent Monticello once per month during the school year,” Lipham said. “We engage in a blend of private and public schools, as well as community centers. After-school programming has blossomed for us in the past few years, which has been a fantastic fit.”

The museum’s offerings have drawn rave reviews from a variety of educators. “My students think the Museum of Discovery is an amazing place to visit,” said Stephanie Owens, third-grade teacher at 34th Avenue Elementary School in Pine Bluff. “They think they are simply playing, when in fact, each area is designed for them to experience the wonderful world of science. I love the STEM shows and how the instructors involve the students and teachers in each experiment.

“As a teacher, I will always make sure my students get to take a field trip to the Museum of Discovery.”

Tina Carter, office coordinator of Youth Home in Little Rock, which serves children from different backgrounds in a behavioral health setting, is another long-time fan.

"Whenever the Museum of Discovery comes here and does programming, it sparks interest, and the kids love it,” she said.

“Educator Steven (Lemp) has a way of capturing their attention and makes learning fun."

Kristin Koenigsfest, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas, said the programming allows Bigs (mentors) and Littles (mentees) to explore the museum together.

“This offers a unique and enriching platform where mentors and mentees can share interactive experiences, fostering both learning and bonding,” she said. “The museum's diverse exhibits provide an ideal environment for fun and discovery, enabling Bigs and Littles to engage with art, history, science and culture in meaningful ways.”

Ultimately, how does museum staff measure success?

“Success is seeing the smiling faces in the audience, observing the exclamations of excitement about experiencing something spectacular during a lab, or hearing the chatter of intrigue as a guest’s curiosity is ignited,” Lipham said. “Seeing someone get excited to learn is at the core of what we do at the Museum of Discovery, and thankfully we have an excellent team to help make that happen.”

See more exhibits and experiences at the Museum on page 32

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Evelyn Cossey (in front), Blanca Ramirez and Elissa Cossey of St. Joseph School explored the Reflection and Refraction exhibit.

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The museum is full of interactive exhibits for energetic kids!

The students played on The Climber, Earthquake Shake Platform, Tornado Alley and at PPG STEAM Studio.

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UCA is home to the South's longest running band camp

By Rita Halter Thomas Photos by Straley Owen The DBC junior camp (for middle-schoolers) maxed-out with more than 950 students.

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1. Students in the DBC senior camp, first band, rehearse in the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts under the direction of Dr. Michael Hancock.

2. Junior campers perform for their peers at the Jazz Band concert under the direction of Nathan Anderson.

3. Student musicians work through sectional rehearsal with faculty.

4. Trumpet players perform for fellow campers during their ensemble performance.

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and students from all over Arkansas and Southern states converge on the University of Central Arkansas campus each summer to attend Destination Band Camp (formerly Dixie Band Camp), the oldest camp in the South and second oldest in the nation. Throughout its 87 years, the camp has earned a reputation as a week of excellent musical instruction that offers students an exceptional experience.

Destination Band Camp (DBC) offers two camps, one for senior high students and one for junior high. This year, the senior camp attracted almost 600 students, and the junior camp maxed out at 950. “We actually hit 950 in early May and had to cut it off because of facility capacity,” said Jennifer Church, Head Band Director at Greenbrier High School and DBC Board Secretary. Church connected with DBC as a camper in the ’90s, worked at the camp during college, then as a band director, and now a board member.

In each week-long session, students audition for placement in a band using material tailored to their level of musicianship. There are ten bands in the junior high session (5th–8th grade) and six in the senior session. Before arriving, campers are provided audition materials in advance, the same material used for All-Region and/ or All-State auditions. “By preparing to go to camp, it’s also helping them prepare for their upcoming auditions when they go back home to their schools,” Church said.

“This year we had somewhere around 30 All-State students that came to camp, so our top band for the high school level was phenomenal,” she said. “But that music is tailored to the level of instruction they’ve already had,” she added, emphasizing students are not thrown into a group too challenging for them.

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One key to DBC’s success is always adjusting to remain relevant while also honoring age-old traditions focused on students and their future. One such unique tradition is the student leadership program. Students who attend camp each year from sixth grade can be nominated to be a part of the student leadership program once they enter 10th grade. Called “captains,” these students are then eligible for future camp scholarships. Students are nominated by their directors based on their past attendance and audition placement and then chosen by the board. “It’s a big honor for those students to get chosen,” Church said.

DBC works hard to bring in quality guests. This year, the United States Coast Guard Band struck a chord with students, not only with a phenomenal concert but also with its members hosting masterclasses for students in their area of musical discipline. And unlike other camps, DBC brings in conductors. This year it was Brian Balmages, a world-renowned composer and conductor with a lengthy list of noteworthy performances and accomplishments.

Creating the perfect measure of instruction bridged with fun social activities gives campers a meaningful, well-rounded and musically enriching camp experience. While students attend camp for fun and a little taste of freedom, band directors want their students to learn and be encouraged. There is no shortage of either.

Outside of music instruction, students enjoy activities such as movie night, a dance, a trip to the Cabot Aquatic Water Park, or DBC’s Got Talent, a showcase of unique talents such as jumping on a pogo stick while attempting to play the saxophone. Even the student-led daily meetings are full of fun and hysterics, while still conducting business and giving students information needed to navigate the day.

For band directors, seeing students find new motivation and encouragement is just as rewarding as knowing they are playing their instrument throughout the summer and learning from other directors. “I have had students, truly, that I would have lost had it not been for them going to DBC,” Church said.

“The camp was established in 1937 with two directors, Scrubby Watson and Lee Wallick. It was at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, then moved to Arkansas State University at Jonesboro in 1965 before moving to UCA in 1988,” said Dr. Ricky Brooks, president of the DBC board.

Brooks and Church attribute the camp's success to those who came before them, like President Emeritus Robin Nix, who served 50 years, and David Leonard, Steve Warner, Cathy Williams, and others, who forged the contract with UCA and continue to serve year after year. They also credited board members, the 120 or so band directors and staff it takes to run the camp, UCA Outreach, and a host of others, including UCA President Houston Davis, for the growth and success of the privately owned camp.

Students are encouraged to register early for 2025. Registration opens on the DBC website in mid-January. Junior camp is June 9–14, and senior camp is June 15– 21. Tuition and scholarship information, history and more are available at destinationbandcamp.com.

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1. Campers relax after competing in the ball race. 2. One student-initiated evening activity included a basketball tournament, complete with cheerleaders, coaches, referees and fans. 3. Members of the high school first band complete their performance under the direction of well-known composer Brian Balmages. 4. Every year Student Captains help lead the charge at DBC. This group works tirelessly for two weeks. 5. Evening activities included student dances, karaoke, movies and a visit to the Cabot Aquatic Center. 6. Junior high campers had fun during the Olympic Games evening activity. Tommy Lankford (front row, from left), Baylor Benson, Kyler Green, Carson Lutz and Preston Higginbotham. Brantley Barnhart (back row.) All the boys are from Greenbrier except Lutz who is from Quitman.

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The Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce celebrates new beginnings, new adventures and new things on the horizon as we gear up for students and staff going back to class. Business is booming as our community prepares for the 2024-2025 school year. Chamber businesses have the opportunity to network with the staff of Greenbrier Public Schools during the Back to School Breakfast and Expo Aug. 13, Back to School Bash at Matthews Park Aug. 15, The Barking Lot ribbon cutting Aug. 20 and the Greenbrier Boxing Club ribbon cutting Sept. 5.

For all things Greenbrier, go to greenbrierchamber.org.

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH

CRYSTAL MOORE ___________________ _____

By KD Reep

Photos by Mike Kemp

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he best thing about teaching art to children is when Crystal Moore demonstrates a new medium and their faces light up.

“Oh, students think I am magical,” Moore said. “They think what they just learned is all rainbows and glitter and magic.

They think it’s the coolest thing ever.”

An art teacher at Eastside Elementary School in Greenbrier, she instructs students from kindergarten through fifth grade in everything from cutting with scissors and coloring with crayons to sketching and watercolor painting. As an artist herself, she enjoys seeing how children develop their talents.

Originally from Nebraska, Moore moved to Arkansas in the early 1980s, then earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and her master’s degree in education at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She said her father was a crafty and artistic man, and she loved to watch him “create something out of nothing.”

“He never had an art lesson in his life, but he would draw and paint and carve and sculpt and work leather,” Moore explained. “He was a pretty talented man, and watching him create was something just really cool and magical. I think that’s where I got the inclination to create art, which, historically, most kids get from their fathers. My family members all have creative abilities, but we were more of an athletic family than an artistic one. If you had asked me what I wanted to be, it would have been a coach.

Moore played basketball at Arkansas State University, later coaching her daughter’s peewee basketball team.

After graduating from college, she said she had the best of both worlds: coaching during the summers while teaching art during the rest of the year. “I’ve always wanted to help children, and initially, that was through athletics. Now, I focus on helping children through art.”

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Crystal Moore stands beside her work titled “Pinwheel.”

It is an oil on canvas painting that was inspired by her childhood belief that pinwheels were magical.

“It didn’t hurt that there was a TV show in the 80s called ‘Pinwheel’ with a catchy theme song,” she said.

One of the ways Moore accomplishes this is by entering her students’ art in the Daffodil Daze Art Contest sponsored by First Security Bank, Conway Regional Health System, The Daffodil Daze Committee and 501 LIFE Magazine.

The contest is open to all Faulkner County kindergarten through 12th-grade students, and entries must be on 8.5-inch by 11-inch paper in any art medium, including photos. The subject can be any variety of daffodil flowers, and can be still life, landscape or narrative in nature.

“I think we began entering this contest after I received an email from my principal about it,” Moore said. “Flowers are remarkably simple subject matter for kids because they're all different. They all have the basic shapes and elements to them, and I love teaching flowers and colors. It was a contest my students could enter, so I decided we would do so and see what happened. We placed maybe second and third place the first year, but we had a first-place winner this year.” Moore’s student, Madeleine Hancock, won first place in the K-fourth-grade category.

As a teacher with a 20-year tenure in the Greenbrier School District, Moore’s goals for her students include providing positive experiences so they can express themselves effectively.

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“I want them to have a positive experience when they come into my classroom, and I want them to try to experience new media,” she said. “Whether it is watercolors or pastels, charcoal, paper—it depends on grade level. For instance, a lot of the smaller students need more fine motor skills, so we might do more paper cutting and gluing. I try to meet them where they are and develop their skills from there. I'll do one lesson with everyone just to kind of gauge where we all are, and how we can go from there.”

She said another way her students know what they create in art matters is by attention from the school’s administrators, staff and parents.

“Anytime other adults see our kids’ art and comment on it or brag about it, it makes a difference,” Moore said. “There is so much time and effort that goes into coordinating their art, hanging it, and when the students hear, ‘Oh, I can’t wait for art day!’ or how much the other people at school enjoy their work, they understand the importance of art.”

Moore’s dedication to art education earned her Art Teacher of the Year in the Greenbrier School District this year. “I was shocked, but I do put a lot of heart into my work. Whether that’s in the classroom or working on parade floats or displays or whatever the school needs, I do what I can.”

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GARBER GOES GREEN Greenbrier physician returns to her hometown to give back to community

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n Aug. 1, Reagan Garber, DO, will begin seeing patients at Conway Regional Greenbrier Family Medicine. Garber has a strong personal connection to Greenbrier and has returned to "give back to the community that raised me," she said.

She became interested in science, physics and biology at Greenbrier High School and decided to become a physician while pursuing a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Arkansas.

On June 17, Garber completed a three-year residency in Family Medicine at Conway Regional Health System. She was the program's chief resident from 2023 to 2024, seeing patients at Conway Medical Group.

"Throughout my residency, my plan was always to go back to Greenbrier, where I grew up, to serve and give back to the community that raised me," she said. "I had a lot of people who invested in me as a teenager, and I think it's a priority to give back and be a role model for the younger generation."

One of those mentors, Kristy Roberts, DO, could not be happier about Garber's return to Greenbrier as a physician at Greenbrier

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Family Medicine, where Roberts also sees patients. "I met her in the nursery at the hospital. Our families have been entwined for a long time," she said.

Garber turned to Roberts while learning about becoming a community-minded physician. She looked up to Roberts as a woman who could balance the weighty responsibilities of being a mother and physician. "She spent a lot of time with me as a high school and college student, answering all my questions about the process and what it was like to be a physician," she said.

"I try to find something personal about each patient," said Garber. "If they know that you care about them as a person, they are more likely to listen to what you have to say."

Practicing medicine in your hometown "is an awesome responsibility, and it is also humbling,” Roberts said. “The people you are getting to serve are also those people who loved you and made you who you are. I have had the opportunity to experience that myself, and I am so excited that Reagan will have the same opportunity.

Conway Regional Back-to-School Tips Drs. Roberts and Garber share timely advice for parents who are preparing their children to return to school this month:

Strongly consider immunizing your children. Greenbrier Family Medicine and the local health department offer immunizations to children who have not been immunized or who are behind on their immunizations against basic childhood illnesses such as polio, rubella, whooping cough and chickenpox.

Plan a back-to-school diet that includes balanced nutrition to prepare students to be ready to listen and learn. “In general, I always encourage people to have as much whole food or food that contains non-processed food and ingredients as possible in their diet,” said Roberts. Limits should be placed on sugar and sugar substitutes.

Good sleep is important,

and that includes turning off telephones, computers and other mobile electronics well ahead of bedtime. This helps children relax and go to sleep at night.

Regarding backpack safety, Drs. Roberts and Garber advise parents to help children avoid overloading their backpacks and encourage them to carry backpacks using both shoulders.

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The Conway Wampus Cats celebrate after beating Little Rock Catholic, 1-0, to win the Class 6A state title for the third consecutive season on May 18 at Estes Stadium in Conway.

WAMPUS WINNERS Conway Soccer Team three-peats A

true dynasty was born in Arkansas high school boys soccer May 18 at Estes Stadium in Conway.

The victory also gave Conway its fifth state title since soccer became a sanctioned sport in 1998.

The Conway Wampus Cats needed only one goal to beat Little Rock Catholic, 1-0, to win the Class 6A state championship for the third consecutive season. The Wampus Cats join two other schools to win three consecutive state titles in the state’s largest classification.

“I still haven’t settled in and thought about it all the way,” Conway Coach Matthew Page said. “I told the guys leading up to the game that we were in unmarked territory. I didn’t want to jinx it too much. Catholic was undefeated against us in the finals.

They had beaten us twice in the finals before. They have five total state championships. Now, we have five as well and three in a row, which puts us in a very rare category for the state of Arkansas.

“I keep telling the guys we’re so lucky, and we’re so blessed.

We’re in that territory that’s not normal. There are so many teams sitting at home right now. There are so many teams that see the target on your back year after year after year.”

Conway’s win over Catholic was the Wampus Cats fourth consecutive appearance in the state finals. In 2021, Conway lost to Springdale, then beat Fort Smith Northside in 2022 and Springdale last season.

Conway goalkeeper Brody Tyler punches a Little Rock Catholic corner kick away during the final minute of the Class 6A state title game.

“I told the guys after that first year that we might not ever get back there,” Page said. “So, the whole next year, I preached, ‘I want a ring.’ We deserved to have another star on our jersey. After the second year, we were at the top of the mountain. This year, I’m at a loss for words. I can’t explain where we’re at, as far as the charts. I love it for our seniors. They’ve played for us the last three years.”

Thank you to Mark Buffalo and the Log Cabin Democrat for sharing images and a portion of an article originally published in the newspaper.

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THE STORY OF A COMMUNITY

THE STORY OF CONWAY CORP Organization has been an integral part of the city for almost a century.

By Beth Jimmerson

The story of Conway Corporation is one of continuous growth and development, not only of industry, but of the town. Nearly 100 years ago, Conway had an uncertain future as it faced the threat of losing Hendrix College and Central Baptist College. City leaders, businessmen and residents joined together to find a solution that would preserve the city’s economically strapped educational institutions as well as attract future industries and jobs to the area.

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A town meeting was held, a committee was selected, and eventually, a recommendation was made. An article printed in the April 20, 1929, issue of the Log Cabin Democrat gave a detailed account of the meeting and the committee chair’s statement: “Conway has arrived at a crisis in her history. …

Conway is built around her colleges; to remove any of them would … leave her … crippled, if not doomed to die and impair, if not destroy, the civic pride and ambition essential to progress.

“In its municipal electric light plant, the city of Conway has an asset of inestimable value—one which has many times in past years bridged the city over financial crises. To it, in the belief of this committee, we must now turn in this major crisis.”

The people agreed and banded together to create a vision no one had seen before. In the grips of the Great Depression, bonds were sold to create Conway Corp out of the city’s electric utility revenues and to generate enough money to keep the two universities in the city.

Since then, those original 1929 monies have been reinvested time and time again to power education, economic growth and countless other projects in our community. And today, Conway Corp is celebrating 95 years of powering Conway.

On May 6, 1929, city leaders signed a charter to create Conway Corporation. The company signed a lease to operate Conway’s electric light plant on June 22, 1930.

In 1962, Conway Corporation entered into a contract with AP&L for the purchase of a block of electrical power. Until that time, the city’s power plant produced all the electric power required by customers.

Originally, electricity was only available between sundown and midnight. No electric meters were used, and customers were billed according to the number of lights they had. Residents were billed 35 cents per month for each 16 candlepower (25 watt) lamp connected. All power was generated downtown, where Conway Corp’s business office is located currently.

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1. Conway High School seniors are awarded scholarships by the company. Audrey Cowger (from left), Ethan Barrett, Donovyn Omolo and Lillian King.

2. Conway Corporation powers the Arnold Innovation Center, a coworking space with meeting rooms and an event space that supports entrepreneurs.

3. Conway Corp offers electricity, water/wastewater, video, internet, security and phone services for Conway city residents.

4. The company added ConwayCorpTV and is producing local programming like “Gamer Gab.” 5. The Conway Corp Technology Team was awarded the 2023 Tech Team of the Year by Cablefax Magazine.

As the city grew, so did the needs of citizens in new and different ways. It started with turning the city’s modest Light Department into an economic development engine, then expanded into purchasing enough power to support a growing city and finding a reliable way to get water to an increasing population. Conway Corp began operating the city’s waterworks system in 1930 and has been continually planning for Conway’s future water needs since.

As technologies advanced, so did the company’s offerings.

Cable was added in 1981, and Conway became the fifth city in North America to have broadband cable internet service in 1997.

Telephone service was added in 2008, and security and automation services were added in 2016.

As Conway Corp continues to grow and advance, the people of Conway benefit from services and profits that are reinvested back into the community. What started as $215,000 worth of bonds given to local education institutions in 1929 has grown into millions of dollars invested and reinvested into the community over the years.

Conway Corp is strongly invested in area education and is committed to providing world-class digital technology and other resources, such as grants and scholarships, to local schools, universities and students.

Supporting education has always been a top priority. From preschool to grad school, world-class technology is provided to

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local schools and universities, along with scholarships, grants, education outreach and more.

Since 2008, Conway Corp has given scholarships through the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Faulkner County and more than $ 650,000 in endowed scholarships to local students who attend the University of Central Arkansas, Central Baptist College and Hendrix College. It provides additional scholarships every year, including five sports scholarship awards to local student-athletes for their performance on the field and in the classroom.

In addition to scholarships, Conway Corp has pledged millions for education facility upgrades across the community and helps fund Classroom Impact Grants, which are presented by the Conway Public Schools Foundation each year.

Education is a huge part of the company’s history and future.

Conway Corp is dedicated to investing in the community through investing in its young minds.

In 1929, city leaders built a framework to benefit future generations over and over again. They created an opportunity powered by Conway Corp and its commitment to the community.

Since then, Conway Corp and its employees have worked to honor that commitment and make a difference in the place we call home.

The company proudly continues the efforts of those leaders who in 1929 captured the spirit of Conway and created a vision of the city powered by Conway Corp.

Kevin M. Barnett, MD (from left), Tracy Bolton, clinical director, and C. Preston Pugh, MD.

EXPECTING MIRACLES Unity Health opens Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Photos by Erica Duncan

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nity Health announced its official opening of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) July 1 at Unity Health-White County Medical Center. This specialty will provide services for mothers and newborns who require neonatal care. The NICU will include seven beds for those who may experience preterm deliveries, low blood glucose levels, high bilirubin levels, respiratory issues, feeding complications and other neonatal issues.

The program will be led by Kevin M. Barnett, MD, and C. Preston Pugh, MD, who are local community members and graduates of Harding University. Both attended medical school and completed a pediatric residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Barnett and Pugh each served as chief residents in pediatrics at UAMS and at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) and have completed their neonatal-perinatal fellowships at ACH. “This opportunity is a dream come true,” Barnett said. “I want families to understand that at Unity Health they will receive the best care possible. Being able to offer this service in Searcy allows families to stay close to home while their infants receive care, saving them from traveling to different parts of the state.”

The addition of a NICU at Unity Health will be a great asset to the community, allowing more preterm or sick newborns to remain at the same hospital as their mothers. Families will also have better access to support their infants receiving extended neonatal care locally.

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“Through this new specialty, parents and infants will be able to receive immediate, expert care during difficult circumstances and complications,” said LaDonna Johnston, interim CEO and president of Unity Health. “With Dr. Barnett and Dr. Pugh at the helm, this unit will provide expert resources and convenience previously unavailable in our area.”

“It is an honor to be at the forefront of this opportunity,” Pugh said. “Through this experience, we can make a difference in the lives of families and patients who receive critical care and develop lasting relationships.”

Unity Health is an Arkansas healthcare system consisting of four hospitals, 28 family practice clinics, specialists and specialty clinics consisting of 15 areas of practice including: Unity HealthCardiology Clinic, Unity Health-Orthopaedic and Spine Center, the Pyeatt Family Cancer Center, inpatient and outpatient physical rehabilitation, as well as inpatient and outpatient behavioral health.

As the leading healthcare provider and largest employer in an eight-county area, Unity Health and its more than 2,300 associates strive to improve the quality of health and well-being for the communities they serve through compassionate care. Unity Health has more than 150 physicians who specialize in various areas of healthcare.

Jay Kennon (back row) is a CoHO Academy instructor and Lana Thurman is the nutrition director. Patrick Garcia (front row, from left), Victoria Suazo, Jilary Garcia, Fernanda Morin, Daniel Garcia and Lazaro Estuyal attended the CoHO Academy this summer.

TOMORROW’S HOPE

City of Hope Outreach in Conway offers summer academy

By Stefanie Brazil

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he City of Hope Outreach offers an after-school program called CoHO Academy, and it runs through the summer. From May 7 through July 17, each Tuesday and Wednesday, kids looked forward to learning, coloring and enjoying music.

The CoHO Academy provides a safe environment to help guide students’ academic and personal growth. Leaders conduct fun, creative activities to encourage joy in lifelong learning and achievement and to build confidence and leadership skills. The Academy focuses on personal development, literacy, STEM and the arts.

Claudia Fountain is the CoHO Academy instructor, and this summer, the program has focused on giving back. One activity the students did was to create artwork on grocery bags that were later filled with necessities and provided to people in need. In addition to the groceries, the bags were filled with positive messages and biblical phrases like “Don’t give up!” “You are loved,” “You are worthy, unique and irreplaceable,” and “We are here for you,” according to Fountain.

“It’s a phenomenal experience to be part of,” she said. “It’s a collaborative effort that many churches and people in the community support. We are trying to empower families, and we still need lots of volunteer help and donations.”

About 15-20 kids from kindergarten through eighth grade

attend CoHO Academy. Over the summer, they were challenged to read 200 books and had reached 100 in early July. Instructor Sarah Dillard offered children information about financial literacy, beneficial hobbies and various careers. She is an occupational therapy student at the University of Central Arkansas, and she is completing her capstone project titled “Adulting Done Right” by working with the program. Her project teaches life, leisure and career skills to at-risk youth to ensure they become successful adults, according to Dillard.

“Sarah is wonderful with the children!” Fountain said.

The CoHO Academy and Small Market are two initiatives offered under the umbrella of City of Hope Outreach, which helps people with needs. Other programs include Hope Village, CoHO Gardens, CoHO Cares and The Hope Home.

“CoHO exists to advocate for others through the opening of holistic centers within under-resourced areas in Central Arkansas; and to influence change in unique ways that involve active presence and relational transformation,” according to the website. The organization’s core values include human dignity, love, kindness, generosity and courage. To seek help, donate or volunteer, visit coho58.org or call 501.205.1614.

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Marshall Cunningham named his bookstore in the Village at Pickles Gap for his 11-year-old mini schnauzer. Bean’s Books buys and sells new and used books.

PET OF THE MONTH

BEAN___________ _____________________ FA U L K N E R C O U N T Y

By Colleen Holt • Photos by Mike Kemp

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here are few types of friendship more classic than that between a boy and his dog. In Faulkner County, this can be seen with Marshall Cunningham and Bean, an 11-year-old miniature schnauzer.

Marshall and Bean can be found at Bean’s Books, a new store open Monday through Saturday in The Village at Pickles Gap. The store is a Christ-centered new and used bookstore that sells books and buys them either for cash or credit. Bean’s Books opened on July 1, and both Bean and Marshall have had a fun time with all the visitors to the store.

“Bean is slowly acclimating to the store, but she had a blast on our opening day. She gave out kisses, smiled and panted as customers petted her, ran around with the kids, and took in all the attention,” Marshall said.

Everyone adored having her there, but no one more so than me.

I’ve always called her my best friend, so to have her here with me at the bookstore day in and day out, it’s like I’m living my dream (apart from owning a bookstore—still can’t get over that!)”

Officially named Beignet Hyneman Cunningham, Bean was all dark gray as a puppy, “except for her feet which made her look like

she’d gotten into some powdered sugar, just like a beignet,” said Marshall. As the family originated in Louisiana, this name “felt like a must.”

Her middle name, Hyneman, is due to her beard resembling that of Mythbuster Jamie Hyneman. Bean has been with the family since 2012, when Marshall was in fifth grade.

At home, she enjoys napping, lounging and, most importantly, being by his side. “She also plays with her chew toys by slinging them around and tossing them off the bed. Her favorite by far is Mr. Bill, a toy that she knows by name and has carefully gnawed through three iterations of over the years,” Marshall said.

Bean is particularly adept at making her presence known. “This dog is vocal. You can hear her yelling in excitement before we even open the garage door. She barks and howls and spins and spins whenever I get home,” he said.

One of her absolute favorite foods is Rice Krispies. “I’m convinced nothing makes that dog happier than when I drop a whole handful in her mouth and she, while snapping, crackling, and popping, dives down to sniff out and suck up the rest like a Roomba®.”

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‘I’ve always called her my best friend, so to have her here with me at the bookstore day in and day out, it’s like I’m living my dream.’

— Marshall Cunningham

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A bookstore seems to be the perfect place for Bean and Marshall to spend time together, as she has always been a loyal reading and writing buddy. “She’ll come snuggle up beside me and give me companionship while I engage with whatever story I have open that day. I graduated from UCA this past May with two degrees in English and creative writing, and I can attest firsthand to the loneliness of both reading and writing. Oftentimes, it requires just you and the page. What’s meant to be this riveting exploration of creativity instead leaves you isolated, alone. But Bean changes that. Just her lying at my side reminds me that I’m not writing in a bubble, that there exists an entire community out there of people just like me.” This core value of community is something Marshall hopes to extend to the store.

Although he is hesitant to think about it, Bean’s influence on readers could live on long after she is gone. “One of our customers who passed through from Alabama commented on how the store will be the perfect place to honor her once she passes on. While the thought pains me to my very core, she’s right. The love that beats in her little schnauzer heart will carry on years after it stops pumping,” he said. “Kids have loved getting to coo at her silhouette in our logo, pointing out that ‘cute lil’ puppy’ on the shirts and stickers. She’ll be the face of their hometown bookstore.

What she means to me will carry on for all of them and more. I’m just forever blessed that I still get to hold that cute lil’ puppy here and now.”

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Mr. Hicks’ most treasured accomplishment is the recent completion of his Christian trilogy, Messengers and Thieves.

AUTHOR OF THE MONTH

J._____________________ SUTHERN___________ HICKS

By Susan L. Peterson • Photos by Mike Kemp

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his month’s author in the 501 is J. Suthern Hicks, who has indeed made the grade as a multifaceted writer. In addition to the recent completion of his Christian fantasy trilogy, he is an awardwinning playwright, children’s book author and composer. Hicks has written a musical, songs for film and has had more than a million streams of his original songs.

He is proud of being born and raised in Arkansas and living his four earliest years in Thailand with his military family. His very first work was entitled “Fat Cat,” a stapled-together book he wrote while in first grade.

After graduating from McClellan High School, he attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication. He then received a Master of Arts in interpersonal communication from Arizona State University. It was while in graduate school in the early 1990s that he honed his writing skills, learning to present ideas succinctly.

While in grad school, he wrote his first play, “Home, Hearth, and OREOs,” about an elderly woman in a convalescent center who has one last wish to see her grandchildren for the very first time.

His graduate thesis and many of his graduate studies focused on how communication changes as people age.

He always wanted to pursue a career in entertainment, so after receiving his degree, he continued heading west to Los Angeles.

There, he found an agent who helped him land roles in national commercials for Volkswagen, Time Warner and Coca-Cola, as well

as TV series. The first of these was a speaking role on the daytime soap “Days of Our Lives”.

Although Hicks originally wanted to be in front of the camera, he found he had more fulfillment and success behind it. He wrote a play in two acts, “Turtle Tears,” about two cantankerous women maintaining peace and independence in their twilight years. It received the Critics' Choice Award from LA Weekly and praise from the Los Angeles Times and the Burbank Leader.

Hicks says that writing dialogue always came naturally to him, which is why writing plays seemed easy—unlike his first novel, which took 10 years to write. He discovered it took a different set of skills to fill in the descriptive detail around that dialogue.

Images he could see clearly in his imagination were hard to put on the page. But now he is “in love” with writing descriptive scenes with lots of specifics, even though he said it sometimes takes more effort.

Although he never intended to write a children's book, in 2014 his cat, Chocolate, inspired him with her feline charm to write “Charlie and Chocolate’s Purrfect Prayer.” It was followed by “Charlie and Chocolate’s Furry Forgiveness” just a few years later. He turned to social media to find an illustrator and made a fortunate discovery in Tatiana Minina, a young artist originally from Russia who now lives in Massachusetts. Hicks has continued to employ her to illustrate his work, including book jackets and album covers. “I think she can read my mind,” he said.

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“Whether expressed through a novel of 70,000 words, a children's book with beautiful illustrations or through song, I hope my writings touch hearts.”

— J. Suthern Hicks

His trilogy, Messengers and Thieves, has been his most recent passion. This Christian fantasy series, often likened to C.S. Lewis's "The Chronicles of Narnia," is suitable for older adolescents and adults. The stories involve characters Seth, Melissa and their well-meaning but meddling grandmother, who enter a foreign world where they must battle forces of evil. The story intertwines scripture with uplifting and positive themes. Although the books can be read out of order and stand-alone, they are best read in order: “Where the Garden Begins,” “A Leaf of Faith” and “Roots and Branches: The Battle for Here.”

Reviewers comment positively on how Hicks writes about difficult emotions and integrates the power of prayer. Humor and strong female characters will continue to be emblematic of his work. He is currently working on a prequel to the trilogy. He also

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has a collection of 10 songs to be released by the end of the year.

His music can be found on all the most popular music streaming services under the group known as Seven Years.

Hicks met his wife, Michele, who is a classically trained violinist, in 2013 while still in California. In 2022, they decided to trade the fast pace of California for the calmer environs of Hot Springs, where they live with their three cats, Gracie, Charlie and Chocolate.

Hicks, whose family's roots run for several generations in the area, enjoys gardening and admiring the natural landscape and flora that surround and inspire him.

More about Hicks may be found on his Facebook page, J. Suthern Hicks. His books may be found on Amazon and other online vendors.

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Diane Pavatt received the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from the South Side Bee Branch Alumni Scholarship Board.

Family members surrounded her on the happy occasion. Her late husband was also recognized.

UNIVERSALLY BELOVED

South Side Bee Branch’s Diane Pavatt makes each student feel special

By KD Reep

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here are people in this world who are universally beloved: Dolly Parton, Andy Griffith, Ray Charles. You can now count among them Diane Pavatt, retired second-grade teacher from South Side Bee Branch Elementary School. For 39 years, Pavatt taught three generations of students in the same school she attended as a girl.

In May, she was recognized as the Distinguished Alumni of 2024 by the South Side Alumni Scholarship Board.

education and a double degree in elementary and special ed. It has been a wonderful career for me.”

During her four decades as an educator, she taught three generations of students, watching them grow up to become university students, business owners and have families of their own. She said it was an eye-opening experience and a fun one.

Pavatt attended a one-room school at Damascus before coming to South Side in seventh grade, where she played basketball and was active in Beta Club, Student Council, Yearbook Staff and Future Homemakers of America, according to Brenda Linn, who has been friends with her since they were students in high school.

“My favorite part about teaching kids is they were lovable,” Pavatt said. “If you had to get onto them and they might be upset, they would do something to get on your good side. They would hide my reading glasses or my scissors. I finally made a long rope of yarn and tied my scissors on that and hung it around my neck so I could keep up with them.”

She is a former Miss South Side and was chosen Future Farmers of America Sweetheart. After she graduated in 1965, she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary and special education from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.

Before she retired, Pavatt was selected as an Outstanding Teacher in America.

Bart Bradford was just one of the second-graders taught by Pavatt, and he said that even if you weren’t one of her students, you still felt like one. “She’s one of those people who never met a stranger,” he said. “She and her husband both are just wonderful people. She’s the type of teacher you can’t find anymore.”

“When my son was in her class, she told me, ‘Brenda, if you don’t believe everything your son tells you about school, I won’t believe everything he tells me about home.’ She’s as down-to-earth as anyone you could ever meet,” Linn said.

Pavatt said her mother was the first person to mention that she should become a teacher.

“She said, ‘Why don't you become a teacher? They're wellthought-of in the community.’ That didn't register with me when I was young,” she said. “When I started college, there was grant money available for teachers in special education, and I applied for that and got it, so my education from then on was in special

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“She is one of the finest ladies around,” said Skylar Bradford, his son. “You won’t find any better. I could call her right now, and she would drop what she’s doing and come help me.”

Pavatt said her favorite part of retirement is seeing a former student who remembers her and stops to tell her they had a good time in her class.

“I hope people remember me as being a good person, a kind person and one that made a difference in people,” she said. “I tried to do that with my students. It didn't make any difference to me where they came from, what their backgrounds were. I tried to treat all of them the same, and I'd like to be remembered as a kind person that treated everybody the same.”

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KID OF THE MONTH

MATTHEW _____________________SUTTON ___________ E L PA S O ( W H I T E CO U N T Y )

By Becky Bell • Photos by Mike Kemp

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ometimes you don’t have to leave the country to get your passport filled with stamps and have memories of a summer journey.

That is the case for Matthew Sutton, 7, who joined the White County Library System’s Passport Program this summer. The large county system, one of the largest in the state, has eight libraries, and the program has been a hit with children such as longtime library visitor Matthew, said Amber Duncan, children’s librarian with the White County Regional Library System.

“The theme is Adventure Begins in Your Library, and the patrons from the county go to all eight libraries and ask questions and get their passports stamped. When it is completed, they get a prize,” she said. “This allows them to go out and see the libraries

and see what all they have access to. They have really enjoyed it.”

Duncan said Matthew and his parents, Thomas and Imelda Sutton, are well-known to her as Matthew has been brought to the library by his parents since he was 2 years old. She said Matthew developed a passion for reading because he learned at an early age how exciting story time was at the library.

“Matthew was one of the first little ones to come to one of our story times when the library opened. He was always very interactive in story times, and he enjoyed the silly dances and the puppets,” Duncan said. “He was always very active. He wanted to check out the books we were reading to read again. He was always so excited when he walked in the door for story time.”

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‘Matthew was one of the first little ones to come to one of our story times when the library opened. ...He was always so excited when he walked in the door for story time.’

— Amber Duncan, children’s librarian with the White County Regional Library System

Matthew has enjoyed going to the library as far back as he can remember. His favorite books are the “Magic Tree House,” an American children’s series written by Mary Pope Osborne.

When asked how to summarize the books, Matthew said they were about a treehouse with books inside, and if you point to a book’s title, it will take you to the place. According to magictreehouse. com, adventures await within the No. 1 bestselling chapter book series of all time.

Matthew said he would like to discover a treehouse like this, and if he did, the first place he would want to take an adventure would be Egypt.

“That’s because I want to see the Sphinx and the pyramids,” he explained.

Although one might assume his favorite subject at school is English because he is such an avid reader, remember that assumptions are often incorrect.

Matthew, an only child who will be going into the second grade at West Side Elementary at Greers Ferry this fall, said science is the class he enjoys most.

“My favorite subject is science because sometimes you can figure out new things that the world has not figured out,” he said.

Although he didn’t specify that any of the books he had read this summer were about subjects in science, this library fan has already checked out and read around 18 books as part of the Passport Program.

And his passport is full.

Oh, and I shouldn’t forget to mention that Matthew, whose mother is Hispanic, is bilingual and sometimes speaks a little Spanish with his friends if they seem interested in learning some words and phrases.

So, whatever he grows up to become, one thing is for certain for Matthew. He is going to be a wellread individual. Before actually visiting Egypt and getting a stamp on an official passport, he can always read about this far-away land filled with mysterious stories of mummies, buried treasures in tombs and camels that can take you to your next stop.

Duncan said she looks forward to seeing Matthew whenever he stops in the library next. Perhaps he will check out a book on Egypt. It is certainly a possibility, I suspect.

“Matthew is always going to be a reader, and he is always going to be a good reader,” Duncan said. “His parents are really great with him, and they have been right along with him all summer long.”

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Instructions for PCSSD students

By Jessica Duff

The many dedicated educators and administrators of Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) are excited to kick off the 2024-2025 school year on Aug. 19. To help families in the Maumelle area count down the days and cross off those to-dos, PCSSD created a streamlined back-to-school web page (pcssd.org/page/back-toschool) for new and returning students. Sharpen your pencils and scan the QR code to mark a few items off your list.

Here are the highlights: Shop for Supplies

Each school in the Maumelle feeder (excluding Maumelle High) created grade-level supply lists. Find your student’s list to shop in store or seamlessly add each item to the cart of your favorite online store to have them delivered to your door. Easy as 1-2-3!

Tackle Technology

Technology is integral in PCSSD classrooms. Prepare for the year by ticking off these tech to-dos: • Complete the Media Consent form to either opt out or grant permission for your student to be featured in photos, interviews and more.

• Purchase Chromebook insurance to avoid unwanted costs.

• Follow PCSSD and your school on social media for important information and exciting news.

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Plan Payments

Set up your FREE EZSchoolPay account. This one-stop shop will be used for everything from your student’s cafeteria account to school activities.

Know Your Nutrition Needs

All families are encouraged to apply for free and reduced meals each school year. Students at 12 PCSSD schools previously received free breakfast and lunch under the Community Eligibility Provision program for the past three years. However, that program ended at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. PCSSD applied to become a Provision 2 school, which would reinstate free breakfast and lunch for a total of 19 schools in the district, including Crystal Hill, Oak Grove and Pine Forest Elementary in the Maumelle feeder. For easy meal planning, you can check daily menus.

Join PALS in PCSSD

We’d love for you to join PALS (People Assisting Local Schools), our vibrant volunteer community! We require each volunteer to complete a background check every three years, so the first step is to make sure your digital volunteer ID is up to date. Once accepted into the program, don’t forget to log your hours. Each Robinson feeder school has its own form, easily accessible from our website. We celebrate our volunteers at the end of each school year, recognizing those who report the most volunteer hours.

Set Your Schedule

Transitioning from summer hours back to school routines is simple with our landing page. Grab your planner and check out the details for the 2024-25 school year. Be sure to check out the following: • Bell schedules • Extended care information • Calendars • Bus routes

Review Rules

Set your student up for success by reviewing PCSSD’s updated 2024-25 policies: • Absence policy • Dress code • Handbook

PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.

Rain Barrels

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Training Coordinator Amy Pinkston (from left), Director Debbie Mize and Resource Center Manager Dana Cockrum.

Champions of Care

Working parents not only struggle to fulfill their work responsibilities, but also struggle to find safe, affordable and reliable child care. Fortunately, Child Care Aware of Northcentral Arkansas is equipped to help parents and child care providers.

By Stefanie Brazile • Photo by Mike Kemp

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he nonprofit organization is part of a nationwide network called Child Care Aware® of America. Its goal is to advance highquality, affordable child care from birth through age 13 that supports children’s healthy development and early education.

“We help parents find quality child care in their area,” said Debbie Mize, director of Child Care Aware of Northcentral Arkansas (CCANA). “We also train new and current providers and offer a conference each September that benefits both groups.”

connect us with the doers, with donors and with door openers,” Mize said. “I invite people who care about children to reach out to us at 870.793.5233, and to attend our 27th annual conference on Sept. 28.”

CCANA provides services in 14 Arkansas counties, with five of those in the 501: Faulkner, White, Conway, Cleburne and Van Buren. They have an office in Batesville and in Conway. Their website, ccana.org, offers a helpful database of licensed and registered facilities that parents and guardians can access at no cost.

“There's No Place Like Early Childhood: Infants…Toddlers…

Preschoolers, Oh My!” is planned for 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 28, at Independence Hall on the campus of the University of Arkansas Community College in Batesville.

For those interested in caring for children, Child Care Aware will guide them through the process of becoming licensed. “If you keep more than five children you must be licensed in Arkansas,” Mize said. Beyond regulations, Mize and her staff want to support people working in this field with information, resources and training.

“There is such a shortage for birth to three years old,” said Amy Pinkston, training coordinator for CCANA. “Arkansas received more than $400 million to sustain child care coming out of COVID-19, and we want to help develop quality providers.”

There is an office in Conway that offers thousands of resources that those in the field can check out. “CCANA also partners with colleges and universities to allow early childhood students to check out resources from our lending libraries in the Conway and Batesville offices. We have thousands of resources to loan,” Mize said. Additionally, they have Advisory Councils in each county that serve as liaisons to Mize and Pinkston. “They can help

Pinkston is excited about the conference’s Wizard of Oz theme.

“Each year, we present an exciting day-long conference for only $ 25 per person, and that includes a swag bag and seven hours of PDR credit.”

The keynote speaker is Lisa Murphy, founder and CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc., whose mission is to assist in the transformation of the profession. According to Pinkston, she wants to accomplish this by providing meaningful workshops and facilitating conversations between people in the early care and education profession. Her keynote topic is “What If Today Was Their Only Day?” The conference will include an exhibit hall full of early childhood exhibitors. Participants will be able to take photos with Wizard of Oz characters. There will be three 90-minute breakout sessions for each track. Presenters are from the Office of Early Childhood, the University of Arkansas Early Care and Education Projects, A-State Childhood Services, Curricula Concepts, Arkansas Tech University, the Child Care Licensing Staff, the AR T.E.A.C.H. Program, the Step Up to Wages Program, Local Leads, Excel By Eight, Special Olympics of Arkansas, PBS Arkansas and more.

It will include learning tracks for infant, toddler and preschool teachers, as well as out-of-school-time teachers, administrators and directors, family child care home providers and child care support staff.

27th annual conference Registration is available online at form.jotform.com/241227317093149.

A registration form must be completed for everyone attending, but payment can be made for multiple people by check or online.

Those who register will receive a link to pay online.

Check payments must be received no later than one week before the event, and a list of those being paid for should be included.

Mail checks to Child Care Aware of Northcentral Arkansas, PO Box 2396, Batesville, AR 72503.

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55 families recruited for annual Special Needs Junior Police Academy Photos by Lisa Hutchison

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he Cabot Police Department recruited 55 families for the seventh annual Special Needs Junior Police Academy Day Camp held July 13 at the Cabot Freshman Academy Cafeteria.

The camp is designed to serve school-age children with disabilities, Cabot Police Capt. John Dodd said.

“The day camp focuses on their abilities and gives them an opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a police cadet,” he said.

“There are some kids that, because of diagnosis or medical complicity, cannot participate in a traditional police academy program. We’ve come together to give them an experience all their own and to have fun.

“It also makes us better officers to be around people with different abilities and learn different behaviors. In case they are a victim of a crime, we will know how to assess the situation to help them,” Dodd said. “We also want them to know that, if there is an emergency, they can come find us to help them solve the problem and keep them safe.”

The cadets rotate through several stations of police-related activities at the camp, including operating handcuffs, baton training, conducting sobriety tests and fingerprinting, as well as wearing police tactical gear.

Each receives a graduation certificate.

The day camp is free and conducted by volunteers. Cadets receive free Junior Police Academy T-shirts, and free lunch is provided for cadets and their families.

This year’s camp registered cadets with a wide range of abilities and included those diagnosed with autism, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Dodd said. “Some have had strokes or heart defects,” he said. “Some may be in a wheelchair, be nonverbal or even terminally ill. But they all want to experience what it is like to be a police officer.

Anthony and Dean Thomas were “Loving LIFE” at the event.

“Our police department strives to serve our whole community, which includes our friends with disabilities,” Dodd said. “We are excited to do it again next year.”

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FINDING THE BEST WAY

for your way

By Vivian Lawson Hogue

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‘After I cut off the pigtails of the girl in front of me, I think Miss Sharp praised the Lord and joyfully passed me on to Mrs. Clark for second grade.’

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he year 1949 saw my introduction to our local educational system. Kindergarten was not free, so I had not attended.

First grade was a joy as I finally had others my gender and age to play with and talk to. I enjoyed the school lunches when Mother had a spare quarter; otherwise it was peanut butter on slices of Kroger’s 25¢-a-loaf sandwich bread. When we had music, it was fun putting my right foot in, taking it out and putting it back in and shaking it all about. I did the hokey pokey and turned myself around, and that’s what it was all about, regardless of my peanut butter sandwich starting to churn in my stomach.

I could read, say my ABC’s and print when I reached first grade. My mother, a former teacher who had taught all grades in a one-room schoolhouse, read to me and would often have me read passages along with her. She also taught me to cook, clean, iron and shop. She would be surprised today to find she was homeschooling! I’m not sure the four older boys were so privileged, but she and dad were busy dealing with the Great Depression, their house burning and World War II to do much of that.

My favorite first-grade playground feature was the monkey bars. Girls were not allowed to wear long pants or jeans, so whatever was displayed when you were hanging by your knees from the monkey bars was out there for the world to see. I began to see why girls played in one area while the boys were in another.

I enjoyed the creative side of things—gardening, writing, drawing, coloring, cursive writing and, shall we say, “conversational skills.” It was the latter that I used during arithmetic classes, so I spent many of them on a stool in a corner at the front of the room. Other times, I was sent out into the hall, where I would tell passersby that I was a “hall monitor.” My short-term goal was to make it to the end of the year without being incarcerated in the cloakroom with recycled lunch sacks containing “baloney” sandwiches.

After I cut off the pigtails of the girl in front of me, I think Miss Sharp praised the Lord and joyfully passed me on to Mrs. Clark for second grade. I’ll go ahead and say that my math skills never improved, even through college. Numbers, reading problems and geometric lines and shapes just weren’t

my strength. No one knew about left- and right-brained-ness yet, but I could have told them.

Out of the five of us siblings, it was interesting that the boys knew what they wanted to be “when they grew up,” but the girl just wanted to enjoy the world around her. However, grades and grade levels became important. The word “grade” can mean a learning level, using large machinery to change the terrain, rating sandpaper grit, evaluating a gemstone or reaching a certain level in the military or a government office.

What I eventually discovered was that people often end up doing work they never thought about or maybe didn’t even want to do, but did, did it well and enjoyed it.

I can say it out loud now, but I believe that not everyone is immediately ready to attend college upon high school graduation. I include myself in that belief. After years of raising my children, I found myself needing to work and provide. I got back into college, and a wonderful educator, Dr. Audie Lynch, looked at my previous college’s transcript of long ago when I was aimless and goal-less. He did note that my math grades didn’t help my grade point, but I was salvageable. “Why don’t you teach art and history?” he asked.

I thought, “Yes! Why don’t I?” I put my right brain in and shook it all about. No hokey pokey needed. I loved learning again and could have gone more years just for the fun of it. My niche was found, although it was the last field I would have thought to pursue.

Sometimes making the grade means you have come to beneficial terms with yourself and life. Our brains were Goddesigned to react, reason, remember, analyze, use our senses, control our movements, speech and breathing, process information, and that’s only the half of it. Whether it is in a tech school, vet school, apprenticeship or college, everyone should be able to plug into their best way of learning and at the right time.

As it was with myself, even long out of high school, it may be that it will take someone else to address your talents and interests. If it is math, you have my sincere admiration from afar. As for myself, I’m just going to go make a peanut butter sandwich and draw, write or plant something.

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DARRICK IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

Investigator works to keep children on school buses safe

By Lori Dunn

“The City Attorney’s Office was recognized this year for excellence in its work to ensure the safety of children who ride school buses. Those kids have a guardian angel watching over them, and his name is Darrick Simmons.”

— Charles Finkenbinder, Conway City Attorney

Darrick Simmons has never shied away from a hard job.

Simmons, an investigator for the Conway City Attorney's Office, has also worked as a house parent at a children's home, a juvenile intake officer and a patrol officer for the Mayflower Police Department. He began working for Conway City Attorney Charles Finkenbinder three years ago, and a large part of his job is investigating traffic violations involving school buses.

"There was an opening for an investigator's spot, so I took a leap of faith and applied," Simmons said.

His job includes investigating misdemeanor crimes, including ones involving school buses. "People don't always respect the flashing red lights, and it could cause a child to potentially get hit," Simmons said.

Each school bus in Faulkner County is equipped with cameras that can record vehicles they meet. Rear cameras capture the license plate numbers, and bus drivers fill out a violation report that captures the date and time of the incident and a description of the driver. Simmons can download the video and run the tags to find the owner of the vehicle and see their driving record.

"Sometimes they get a warning letter but sometimes a summons is issued," he said. If the driver is young, Simmons makes a point to educate them about traffic laws.

"Sometimes, they really don't know the laws," he said. He sees his job as part of a community-wide effort to help keep children safe. "The parents send their child to school and it's the

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responsibility of the community to make sure that child comes home, and I take that very seriously.

Simmons grew up in Monticello (Drew County). He worked at the Crossett, Arkansas, Police Department as a patrol officer but moved to Conway after he met his wife, Shameka. He was a patrol officer in Mayflower and also worked for Faulkner County District Court at the same time. "I would work in district court until 4:30 p.m. and then change into my uniform and work patrol until 1 a.m. in the morning," he said.

A big motivator for Simmons is his 11-year-old son, Damirean.

Simmons and his first wife adopted Damirean as a newborn and now co-parent him. "I've always wanted to help people but there is more to it. I've always wanted to be a positive role model for my son," he said.

Simmons said he has learned a lot from working for Finkenbinder, who agrees that the goal is not just to punish someone for a violation but to educate them. Every violator is not charged, but everyone is educated on the laws. "Violators come in all shapes and sizes,” Finkenbinder said. “What Darrick does for us is to help find out why someone violates the law. The goal is to get people thinking about safety."

To that end, the pair have written an Arkansas School Bus Safety Law brochure that is distributed to offenders and anyone wanting more information. They are available at the Conway City Attorney’s Office.

Arkansas Coding Academy Welcoming new students, producing tech experts Perhaps a career in the tech industry seems more like a dream than a reality. Maybe you’ve built a web page or two from templates. Or maybe you’ve peeked at the coding behind certain elements and found yourself intrigued by what it all means, and how it translates into what you see on the screen every day. And while you’d love to understand it, or even create it, you may feel it’s beyond your reach. But is it?

You may be a perfect student for Arkansas Coding Academy (ArCA). If you’re looking for a career path or a career change, and if an IT career appeals to you, ArCA may be the answer. With some classes designed for beginners, previous technical experience is not required. If you are at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED, you may apply.

If you have a genuine interest in technology, your background doesn’t matter.

Maybe you’re someone who has some experience in coding but wants to reach the next level. Great! ArCA meets students where they are and guides them to where they want to be. “Our primary focus is on web development, specifically full-stack web development,” said Alison Wish, Director of the Arkansas Coding Academy, University of Central Arkansas. “We teach our students all the essential components, including front-end and back-end development, as well as database management,” she said.

Why ArCA? Students of the program tout the school’s amazing instructors, how knowledgeable and helpful they are, and how easy the academy makes it to switch careers. The school doesn’t just teach coding, but also focuses on career development, offers flexible learning and in-person opportunities, and has an impressive career placement record.

Its instructors are practicing industry professionals who bring their real-world experience into the classroom. From day one, students learn how to apply their new skills on the job. Emphasis is placed on both technical and soft skills, so students are well-rounded and job- ready by graduation. “Our goal is to ensure our students graduate with not only robust technical skills but also the confidence and readiness to launch successful careers in tech,” Wish said.

The academy works closely with companies that hire tech talent, ensuring the curriculum meets the needs and demands of the industry as well as connecting students directly with hiring managers. ArCA’s fully virtual program includes live instruction and in-person events, so students build meaningful connections with industry professionals and peers. Further, the academy’s instructors are passionate about web development and dedicated to student success. Most of the instructors have more than 20 years’ experience in the industry and have trained hundreds of graduates since its inception in 2016, with 90% of students placed in tech careers within six months of graduation.

For their top graduates, ArCA’s Career Transitions program goes above and beyond the existing career coaching and workshops. This program offers more personalized one-on-one coaching sessions and specialized workshops designed to sharpen technical skills for up to six months after graduation. “[The] goal is to empower graduates with the tools and support they need to succeed in their careers, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive in their chosen fields,” Wish said.

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celebrating athletic excellence Cleburne County's

Keith Cornett

By Dr. Robert Reising Photo by Mike Kemp

His ties to the Concord/Drasco community of Arkansas’s Cleburne County are strong. They always have been, and always will be. Born in nearby Heber Springs, Cleburne County’s seat, in 1972, Keith Cornett graduated from Concord High School in 1991. He has spent the bulk of his life on native soil, including the last two decades as a successful and popular teacher and head basketball coach at his alma mater.

But the new school year will find him elsewhere. No longer will he lead the Pirates. He plans to accompany his daughter, a rising junior and promising basketball star, to Westside High School, also in Cleburne County, where he will head the program in which Kately is expected to star.

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ornett’s surprising decision of late spring prompted a flurry of discussion and speculation, which invariably featured commentary about his mind-boggling athletic credentials.

Probably no one, man or woman, in Cleburne County or beyond, could claim a dossier richer in achievements and awards. He is a rarity, gifted and motivated beyond norms, local or otherwise.

Even as a grade-schooler, thanks to parents who respected the demands of education, Cornett did not neglect books as he moved into organized school athletics. He fared handsomely in all sports at which he tried his hand, but his preferences lay with two of the nation’s most popular: baseball and basketball.

Before earning his diploma in the spring of 1991, he had proven to be one of the most accomplished two-sport performers in Concord High School history. He came within one victory of taking the Pirates to the state’s baseball title in 1990, and his talent in basketball saw him averaging 28 points per game (PPG) as a junior and 33 PPG as a senior, earning All-State honors in both sports. Retirement of his jersey followed: today, #13 hangs high from the rafters at Concord High.

Nor did his basketball scoring proficiency end with high school. At North Arkansas College, as a junior-college sophomore, he earned Hall of Fame honors while making 117 three-pointers, the highest total the program had ever recorded. He emerged the nation’s third leading scorer and a coveted basketball recruit of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).

In Texas he continued his stellar scoring. Starting in every game on UTA’s 27-game schedule during the 1994-95 season, Cornett was the team’s top scorer, averaging over 11 PPG; he also set a UTA program high for free-throw accuracy in a single season–88.6 percent, the highest recorded in the Southland Conference that season and the fourth highest in the nation’s NCAA Division 1 basketball.

But homesickness and friendship intruded immediately thereafter. Arlington was farther from Cleburne County than Cornett preferred, and he and an old teammate who desired one more season together agreed that 1995-96 was ideal.

The pair reunited at the College of the Ozarks, where he ended his playing career by setting a program record by scoring nine three-pointers in a single game. In the following fall, armed with his baccalaureate, he launched his long multisport coaching career.

Twenty-seven years have passed since Cornett registered his first high school basketball coaching victory; at Pangburn

High School, he also placed the school team in its first-ever basketball State Tournament. A year later, in 2003, he led his first Heber Springs High School team to a berth in that same tournament.

Within two additional years, the coach was at the helm of Concord High’s boys basketball program, holding the teaching and coaching post in which he was to gain his greatest success, the hometown position that most fans assumed he would retain until retirement. As the 2023-24 basketball season drew to a close, he had amassed a mind-boggling 671 wins and only 293 losses in a total of 964 games. In short, he has won almost 70 percent of the basketball games in which he has coached.

Twelve times between 2006 and 2024, his basketball Pirates made State Tournament appearances. In 2012 they came within two wins of the Class 1A State Championship, and in 2013 closer yet; finally, in 2014, they refused to lose and claimed the first boys Basketball State Championship in Concord High School history.

En route, the Keith-coached Pirates of 2014 set a school record with 40 wins in a single Class 1A basketball season.

Predictably, Cornett gained one of the State’s best respected honors: Class 1A Boys Basketball Coach of the Year.

Nor was his winning confined to men’s basketball. Four times his Concord High School boys golf teams claimed State Championships, in 2012 registering an unblemished 12-and-0 record while capturing the school’s first State Golf Championship ever. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, his Concord High golf contingent delivered a sports rarity: a three-peat, three consecutive State Championships.

That Cornett is a proven winner is indisputable. That he will win at Westside High is another virtual certainty. Two reasons loom as convincing support for such thinking: (1) as a highschool junior, his potential-filled daughter is about to blossom into a star; (2) Cornett’s coaching effectiveness with girls’ and boys’ basketball teams compares favorably: his Concord High girls team of 2019, for example, ended as semifinalists in the 1A State Tournament, the school’s highest finish ever, and in just his second year of returning to the assignment.

An educated guess would have Cornett, a Christian, a believer in theologian C. S. Lewis’s assertion that “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

Hardly fifty years old, he recently noted in conversation that he has “reached 27 years [in coaching]. I could go much more.” Flowing from his lips and in his mind were hints of “another goal” or “a new dream.” Bet on it!

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YOUTH OF THE MONTH

GREYSON ___________ EALY _____________________ QUITMAN

By Becky Bell • Photos by Brianna Duncan

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reyson Ealy, 19, has thus far never encountered a sport he didn’t like. His parents introduced him to baseball at an early age, and he later became interested in basketball while attending Quitman High School.

like to be when he finishes college. He wants to be either an athletic trainer or a football coach, pulling for the students on the field just as they have for him. “My favorite subject in school is definitely science,” Ealy said.

One day during basketball practice, DJ Marrs, Quitman High School football coach, and other football coaches were keeping their eyes on him when he was practicing his skills on the basketball court.

“Being an athlete, the way the human body works and learning what it takes to make it tick has always been interesting to me.

I think it is so cool how complex the body is and how it is so interconnected.”

“They saw me dunking and approached me about playing football,” Ealy said. “I didn’t know I would be any good at it when I first started playing, but it pretty quickly became my favorite sport. I really owe it to my coaches. I didn’t know much going on, but the coaches stayed on me, and I had a lot of practice with the team and with the senior quarterbacks the two years I played in high school.”

Quitman High School Principal Michael Stacks said Ealy has been a standout both on and off the field and he expects him to have a bright future.

All his work on his sports, including track, led to a full scholarship at Ouachita Baptist University. “I’m very proud and pretty confident with the work I put in and the knowledge instilled in me from my coaches,” he said. “Although I am always a little nervous, I am confident about new adventures, but really just excited.”

Marrs is looking forward to seeing what impact Ealy will make on the football field at Ouachita Baptist University. “Greyson is a kid who has truly left his mark on our athletic programs. He’s selfless and is one of those people who leaves everything better than he found it,” he said. “We may be watching him play football for many more years to come.

When Ealy was not playing sports, he was enjoying his favorite school subject—science, which he says relates to what he would

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“Greyson’s positive impact on Quitman Public Schools will be felt for many years to come; he’s raised the bar for all future athletes and student leaders,” Stacks said. “He’s a charismatic leader and a selfless human being whose potential is limitless.”

During high school and even now before his fall term begins, Ealy has worked as a summer worker at the high school, doing tasks such as cleaning the classrooms, maintaining flower beds and even mowing—his favorite physical task. But the best part about the work is the students he gets to be around, he said. “My favorite part is getting to sit down and fellowship with my friends I’ve had over the years,” he said.

Despite his talent in academics and sports, Ealy remains humble and said his gifts aren’t something he has any control over. “God has played the biggest role of anything in my life. I wouldn’t be blessed with the opportunities I have right now without God,” he said. “I have faith in staying humble and believe in treating others like you would like to be treated.”

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ALL-AMERICAN

Mark DeJesus’s love for baseball and country rounds out his life

By KD Reep • Photo by Mike Kemp

O

n a rainy Friday afternoon, Mark DeJesus of Jacksonville waits to see if his great-grandson’s baseball game will be called. The 4-year-old is following in some considerable familial footsteps: his uncle, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather all pursued baseball (and softball) throughout their lives.

“My grandson in Morrilton is just getting started, but when I wasn’t much older than him, I played stickball in the streets of New York City,” DeJesus said. “We took it seriously, too.

Sometimes, girls would want to play. We’d say, ‘We’re not playing with girls.’ They’d say, ‘What if we make a bet? If y’all win, you keep the money.’ We were all about that, but then they would win!”

He laughs at the sweet memory, going on to say the girls who played with him as children were tough as nails and just as talented as the boys he would play with in his youth.

“If I had a girl who loved baseball, I’d be tickled pink if she wanted to play,” he said. “I think it’s great there are more girls and women interested in playing ball now than ever before.”

As a high school graduate in 1955, DeJesus had three opportunities ahead: join the military, accept a baseball contract or attend Queens College on a scholarship. He says he gave up the scholarship, hoping the baseball contract would emerge. When that didn’t happen, he joined the United States Air Force, serving in base supply until 1965. He was the first in his family to serve in the military.

“Back in those days, you got a four-year commitment when you joined the Air Force,” he explained. “I had learned to work from the time I was 10 years old in New York, and being in base supply stretched from four years to 10 before I got out the first time.”

DeJesus pursued a civilian career in sales for Metropolitan Life Insurance, which he did for almost a decade before an opportunity to rejoin the military arose.

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“I was at the Arkansas State Fair, and the Air Force recruiters were there,” he said. “We were talking about baseball and softball, and they said they were looking for people to fill positions in base supply. It worked out that I could rejoin at the same rank I was when I left, and I volunteered to be a baseball and softball coach and umpire while in the Air National Guard this time.”

After retiring as a master sergeant when he was 60, DeJesus continued to play softball, moving to Florida and California to play in leagues with senior men.

“Basically, I played infielder positions,” DeJesus said. “Anything in the infield except the catcher—first, second or third base, shortstop. I love first base, but I can do whatever position needs to be done. In these leagues, you're playing against guys within a five-year age range.”

It was while in a California league that DeJesus got to travel to Japan and Taiwan to compete. “Taiwan had not lost the championship in seven years,” he said. “The U.S. knocked them out in the bottom of the seventh inning in a championship, and we had one heck of a party. I was 78 at that time, and I thought, you know, I’d had enough fun.”

Today, DeJesus, who is 87, lives in Jacksonville and watches his son, who is 63, play softball as well as his great-grandson. He says baseball was his whole way of life when he was not working in the Air Force, Air National Guard or in insurance, and he notes how men older than him still pursue the game.

“The Florida league allows men as old as 100 if they feel healthy enough, but I’m retired from everything but spectating,” he said.

“These men's baseball players get dressed up in a white shirt and bow tie and shorts, and they hit the ball and run to the first base.

These guys are 90! And when they get to first base, somebody else takes over and starts running for them. It’s a miracle how these guys are still playing and having fun. That’s the main thing—we all have fun.”

CHAMPIONS AMONG US

127 magnificent trees stand tall throughout Arkansas

By Judy Riley • Photo by Mike Kemp

W

hat defines a champion? A winner of a race or the biggest, tallest, first in its class? All that and more defines a champion tree, according to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Champion Tree Program. Arkansas is renowned for its scenic natural beauty and abundant forested areas. Arkansans take pride in our champions and champion trees are no exception. Trees receiving this recognition are unique from one another in size, width and even color, as they represent entirely different species from one tree to the next. Arkansas Champions are not necessarily giants; rather, they are the largest for that tree species.

gives them that joy.” Fisher’s commitment and enthusiasm for these champions is contagious.

The 127 total champions and co-champions specimens are found all over the Natural State, but 27 of those are right here in the 501. Champions are chosen based on a formula involving measurements of trunk circumference, tree height and average spread of the leafy crown. Circumference is measured at 4 and 1/2 feet from ground level. The bigness index formula is circumference in inches, plus height in feet, plus one-fourth of the average crown spread. Finding an existing champion is easy. An alphabetical listing of all champion trees and their locations can be found at agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/championtrees. Many of the trees are on private lands.

Specific addresses are not given unless the trees are on public lands.

About 80% of Arkansas’s forest is privately owned, primarily by family forest landowners.

And forested areas have increased by about 1 million acres since the 1970s. Arkansas is home to some of the largest national forests in the eastern U.S., covering around 2.5 million acres, all managed by the U.S. Forest Service. That is a lot of trees!

The program, like the trees themselves, is ever-growing and ever-changing. “Our champion trees program began in the late 1970s,” said Harold Fisher, Urban Forestry partnership coordinator with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division.

The Arkansas State Champion willow oak is located on the UCA campus near the Harding Plaza Fountain.

“In my role, I find a lot of joy through working with potential champion tree owners and seeing their eyes light up when they find out that their tree is the newest champion tree for a particular species. People enjoy their champion trees, and I am glad to be a part of the program that

Who can nominate a tree to be included in this exclusive list? “Arkansans from across the state can nominate a tree to be measured and named a champion tree for that species,” said Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “One of the ways to showcase Arkansas’s forested areas is by recognizing a champion tree from species common to Arkansas.” Specific information and a nomination form can be found online.

If measurements are not included in a nomination, then Forestry Division personnel will work with the land owner to get them.

And lest one think forestry is not big business in Arkansas, think again. “Our almost 19 million acres of forestlands in Arkansas are among the state’s most treasured natural resources, stimulating a thriving timber industry that employs around 27,000 hardworking Arkansans,” said State Forester Kyle Cunningham.

“Sustainable management and harvesting of our abundant forestlands generate $6.1 billion in income and economic output each year. And Arkansas’s forests are renewable resources that will continue driving economic growth and community livelihoods for generations to come.”

This begs the question, is there a champion tree in your neighborhood, patiently waiting to be properly recognized as an Arkansas Champion Tree? If you know of a tree that could be the largest of its species, contact your local Forestry Division office. Send questions to harold.fisher@agriculture.arkansas.gov.

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Paul Gaul (from left), Pete Tanguay, Jason Hollis, Nita Freeman, Yeji Kwon, April Worley and Brent Worley.

Photos by Marissa McCardell-ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour

ABOVE PAR

ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour brings attention and funds to Central Arkansas “We’ve worked hard to put together a first-class team to deliver The fifth Annual Genesis of Conway Central Arkansas Open

professional women’s golf tournament was played July 10-13 at Centennial Valley Country Club in Conway. More than 100 golfers from 20 countries, in addition to the U.S., competed for the $10,000 top prize purse.

This was the ninth tournament in the 2024 ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour (WAPT) season, which is the road to the LPGA for aspiring women golfers. The tournament was established and is presented by Rock Pond Pros, with Genesis of Conway as the title sponsor.

“The Central Arkansas Open Women’s golf tournament aligns well with our core mission,” said Chris Crain, Genesis of Conway dealer/principal. “It is a high-value event for our community, has an impact on youth who aspire to be professional athletes and has a mission to empower women to dream without limits. We are proud to bring the first luxury car dealership to Conway and are happy to take the lead as the title sponsor for this professional golf tournament.”

The Genesis of Conway Central Arkansas Open is more than a four-day professional golf tournament; it is a week where Conway families open their homes to professional golfers from around the world, according to a press release.

The golfers compete for $55,000 in prize money, hoping to make it to the LPGA and have a life of professional golf. The Open is one of only a few professional athletic events played in Central Arkansas and the only one ever played in Faulkner County, according to Pete Tanguay, founder of Rock Pond Pros and the golf tournament.

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a world-class event right here in Central Arkansas,” Tanguay said. “Although during the tournament week, the focus is on professional golf for the players and spectators, the year-round vision is to empower women to dream without limits. This starts with the professional women golfers from all parts of the world and extends to women of all ages in Central Arkansas through our partnership with the Women’s Leadership Network, Haven House and the Arkansas Community Foundation here in Conway.”

For five years tournament proceeds have been donated to local nonprofits that benefit women, according to Tanguay. This year, the Arkansas Community Foundation received $10,000 for an endowment called Funding Faulkner Forever, bringing total gifts to $70,000 (one year they had a matching donor). The Women’s Leadership Academy received $3,500, and a $5,000 gift will establish the Dream Without Limits Garden at Haven House, bringing total gifts to $15,000 and $7,000 respectively.

The tournament provides an opportunity for aspiring junior golfers and people of any age who love the game of golf to meet, play and talk with the pros.

“The Genesis of Conway Central Arkansas Open has been a special tournament for us the past five years,” said Abai O’Neill, ANNIKA WAPT tournament manager. “The Conway community has greatly shown their support by opening their homes to host our players and showing up to cheer on the women as they play a game they all hold special to their heart. We are grateful to have had another successful event!”

Yeji Kwon is the Genesis of Conway Central Arkansas Open winner.

Worapitcha Anudit in her backswing on the 10th fairway.

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PROUDLY PRESENTS PERSON OF THE MONTH

LEIGH KEENER

MEMBER OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Photo by Mike Kemp

“Watching a student delight in discovery is the greatest reward for every teacher. I’ve always found early childhood to be a joyous learning time, full of magical ‘aha!’ moments.”

— Leigh Keener

FAMILY: My husband is Justin and we have 10-year-old twins Laura Beth and Harrison, and a 7-year-old, Luke.

CAREER: I am a member of the State Board of Education and the executive director of the nonprofit Joyfully Engaged Learning Arkansas. Joyfully Engaged Learning is working to increase access to and improve the quality of early learning programs in Arkansas.

EDUCATION: I am a proud graduate of Little Rock Central High (1999) and the University of Arkansas (2004). I earned a certificate in early education leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education (2021) and was in the inaugural class of the Civility Leadership Institute (2022). I have worked in public, private and nonprofit early education sectors for more than 20 years.

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YOU WERE APPOINTED TO THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION IN AUGUST 2023. WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF THE BOARD? When Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders unveiled the LEARNS Act, I was thrilled to see she included early learning. Gov. Sanders knows her goals for Arkansas’s education and economy are reliant on the health of our early learning system. I was honored she invited me to be part of the work.

YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THE EARLY EDUCATION OF ARKANSAS’S YOUNGEST CITIZENS. WHY? Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald says, “There is a profound predictor of health and wealth that can be determined by three years of age, and that predictor is language.” Early childhood is a critical period of rapid brain development that determines kids’ future success. Suppose we want to improve our state’s third-grade reading levels, reduce the number of special education referrals, and ensure our graduates are prepared for success in school and life. In that case, we have to invest in language development in the early years. I firmly believe each of Arkansas’s children should have access to high-quality early learning. A healthy and unified early childhood system will lay the foundation for Arkansas’s children, educators, families and communities to flourish.

WHAT LEGACY DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE? Alexander Den Heijer said, “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” As adults, we must adjust to the changing needs of the children we serve.

As a state, we must develop and tailor our policies and practices to meet the needs of our families and providers. I hope to bridge the gap between our policies’ intents and their impact to maximize positive outcomes for children, families, early childhood education providers and communities.

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A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 | 91

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