Mena Schools break ground for Hensley Activity Center

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10/20

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10/18 - UARM @ Rose State College

10/22 - UARM vs. Connors State College

Submitted by Dr.

Lee Smith and Mark Hobson

The Mena Public Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony on drizzly Friday morning for the new Hensley Activity Center. The project has been on the district’s master plan for over a decade.

The building will be 190’ feet by 200 feet and be centrally located between Mena High School, Holly Harshman Elementary and Mena Middle School while attached to the existing field house. The field inside will be marked for multiple sports as well as various other school activities.

Barring any issues with chain supply or weather delays, it is planned to be functional by the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.

The ceremony schedule:

Opening Remarks / Honored Guests

- Dr. Lee Smith

Prayer - Mr. Minton

Alma Mater - Bearcat Band

Speaker - Coach Bentley

Speaker - Mr. Morgan

Speakers - Dax McMellon & Kallye

Gates

Donor Recognition - Dr. Smith followed by remarks from the Hensley Family

Groundbreaking Pictures - Board and Superintendent

Hensley Family

Fight Song - Bearcat Band

In his opening remarks, Smith said, “I am deeply honored to welcome each and every one of you to this groundbreaking ceremony for Mena Public School’s new Activity Center. Your presence here today is a testament to the collective commitment and enthusiasm we share for the future of our school and community.

“This grand facility is a significant milestone in our master plan and promises to be a hub of physical activity, creativity, learning, and community engagement. Your support has been invaluable in bringing this vision to life, and we are thrilled to take this exciting step forward together.

“More than a decade ago, this project was a mere idea, a vision that many of those present here today believed sible. Your unwavering support and dedication are the cornerstones upon which this new facility will stand.

“As we break ground today, let us also lay the foundation for a future filled with promise and potential. Let us build not just a structure, but a legacy of educational excellence and community enrichment.

“Thank you for being here and thank you for being a part of this incredible next step.” in but were uncertain how to bring to fruition. Because of the decisions and actions of previous board members and administrators, today, we stand here ready to turn that vision into a reality. This Activity Center will not just be walls and a roof; it will be a place where dreams are nurtured, where talents are honed, and where our community comes together.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our school board members, local government officials, teachers, staff, students, parents, and everyone else who played a role in making today pos-

The Mena Schools would like to express their gratitude to the school board members, local government officials, teachers, staff, past administration, parents, community members & the Bearcat Foundation for their support.

Superintendent Smith also recognized Phillip Hensley and the Hensley family for their contribution to making the activity center possible.

Watch the ceremony at https://youtu.be/B2sj8RXAImI/.