Readers are leaders!

These De Queen Elementary School students were rewarded with lunch at Simple Simon's Pizza for earning over 200 points in the newly-implemented Accelerated Reader program at De Queen Elementary. Front (l to r) Elizabeth Garcia, Cristian Ramirez, Emma Bass, Mixtli Barbosa. Middle (l to r) Altin Kight, Juan Hernanadez, Riley Cate Carlton, Tristan Marrufo, Bella Roberts. Back (l to r) Ryker Owen, Victor Sanchez, and Principal Terri Phillips.

De Queen Middle School
april-May Good Citizens

Emily Hilario, Logan Chandler, Pedro Sanchez & Cinthya Buenrostro

De Queen High School students received multiple awards for their artwork in the Cossatot Arts and Crafts Art Show on May 5-6.
 

 Mystery Box Challenge:  1st Place - High school: Jamile Navarette, Eruby Rodriguez, & Reana Roberson
Robotics Maze Challenge:  2nd place - High school:  Guillermo Boquin, Alex Mejia, & Matthew Patterson                                              Multimedia: Web Presence:  1st place - High school:  Bhumi Patel
Egg Drop Challenge:  3rd place - High school: Eruby Rodriguez

ASHDOWN HIGH SCHOOL BAND SENIOR COLLEGE SIGNING AND RECEPTION

Ashdown PPMB Seniors (l-r)
Isaac Cross, Ethan Sullivan, Spencer Johnston, T.J. Gist, Casie Greeson, Camden Teston, Madeline Adkison, Hunter Billingsley, Hannah Crow, Connor Imler, Casey Teehee, Isaac Thomas, and Ryan Hatridge

Following their last spring band concert on May 3rd in the Ashdown High School Auditorium, the Ashdown High School Band Seniors were recognized during a reception and students that were continuing their band experience in college were able to sign their letters of intent with their chosen universities.

Senior Hunter Billingsley will attend Henderson State University as will T. J. Gist, while Casey Teehee and Casie Greeson will attend Southern Arkansas University.

Click here for More Pictures

SPELLING BEE FINALISTS

These De Queen Elementary students will be advancing to the final De Queen Elementary Spelling Bee on Thursday, May 24 at 1:30 in the De Queen High School Auditorium,

Third Grade:
Charlie Collins (runner-up)
Kyleigh Faulkenberry (3rd grade winner)
Emma Bass (runner-up)
 

Fifth Grade: Amber Harris (runner-up) Altin Kight (5th grade winner)
Kaylee Schriver (runner-up)

Fourth Grade:
Victor Sanchez (4th grade winner), Rayleigh Farley (runner-up), Jake Martin (runner-up)

ASHDOWN STUDENTS PASS CERTIFICATION 05/21

Five Ashdown High School students recently passed a Wise National Standardized Financial Literacy Certification in Mrs. Tipton's Business Law Class. These students are Alex Simmons, Jackson Bush, Ben Birtcher, Ryan Hatridge and Austin Royal (not pictured). The goal of the Wise Financial Literacy program is simple--to help students graduate as financially capable young adults. Participating high schools nationally teach a course or unit on personal finance and then administer the certification exam. Instructors must qualify by passing a test in the program to qualify for the Wise Financial Literacy Resources.

Launched in New York City in 2003, the program has become integral to personal finance instruction nationally. It is recognized by many states’ departments of education and has earned W!se numerous awards, including the U.S. Treasury Department’s John H. Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education.

The students mastered the following units---Money and Banking, Investing, Insurance, Interest, Credit, and Money Management.

A new law approved by lawmakers in 2017 mandates that students in Arkansas High Schools receive instruction on a range of standards related to financial literacy. The law, dubbed the Personal Finance and Job Readiness Act, will take effect with the class of 2021.

Picture Left: Ryan Hatridge

Picture Right: Alex Simmons, Ben Birtcher and Jackson Bush

AHS STUDENT RECEIVES PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARD

Congratulations to Ashdown High School Student Kohl Kervin on his perfect attendance for 2017-2018! Kohl’s award was provided by Bancorp South. 

Ashdown High School Senior Baseball Player, Alex Day signed to play baseball with Henderson State University. Alex is pictured with his parents, Kristy and Brady Day and his brother Drew Day.

L to R: Elijah Thomas, Tre Green, Jade Kendrick, and Kylie Rae Cross
Picture Right: Tre Green (2nd Place)

Ashdown High School had two students compete in the Cabot Decathlon and two compete in the Heptathlon. Jade Kendrick and Kylie Rae Cross represented Ashdown in the Heptathlon, while Elijah Thomas and Tre Green competed in the Decathlon. Elijah Thomas placed 29th in his first year to compete and senior Tre Green placed 2nd with a score of 5954 points.

DE QUEEN HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING SQUAD TO HOST SPAGHETTI FUNDRAISER

Three members of the De Queen High Cheerleading Squad stopped by #1 Country's Studio Friday morning to talk about the Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser being held on Monday, May 21st.

Menu will consist of:

Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Dessert and Drink for $6.00

Serving will begin at 4 pm.

You may order in advance by calling

Shelly Gentry 870 584 6441

Blaire Harp 870 279 0444

or any of the 2018-2019 Leopard Cheerleaders.

Congratulations to Ashdown High School Student Kohl Kervin on his perfect attendance for 2017-2018! Kohl’s award was provided by Bancorp South.

De Queen High School students received multiple awards for their artwork in the Cossatot Arts and Crafts Art Show on May 5-6.
 

AREA 11 SPECIAL OLYMPICS

 

 

Horatio Students participated in the Area 11 Special Olympics Track & Field Games May 9, 2018.The event was hosted this year at the Ashdown High School track and field in Ashdown, AR. Students
competed against other area schools in running, walking, shot put and long jump competitions. Out of the eight students that participated, they collectively won: one 1st place, seven 2nd places, four 3rd places, two 4th places, and two 5th place medals.

Pictured above left to right, front row, 7th grader Dixie Velasquez, 6th grader Jacob Smith, 4th grader Ethan West, 4th grader Mario Velasquez, 4th grader Sharon Flores. Back row, Special Ed. Teacher Rebecca Steward, Special Ed. Teacher Lisa Roberts, 8th grader Jesus Jimenez, Senior Brett Keister, Senior Cassandra Harmon, Special Olympics Team Coach Christine Melendez.

ASHDOWN HIGH SCHOOL BAND SENIOR COLLEGE SIGNING AND RECEPTION

Following their last spring band concert on May 3rd in the Ashdown High School Auditorium, the Ashdown High School Band Seniors were recognized during a reception and students that were continuing their band experience in college were able to sign their letters of intent with their chosen universities.

Senior Hunter Billingsley will attend Henderson State University as will T. J. Gist, while Casey Teehee and Casie Greeson will attend Southern Arkansas University.

David Billingsley, Hunter Billingsley, and DeWanda Schwope. Hunter will attend Henderson State University
 

AHS Band Director Mark Pounds and T.J. Gist. T.J. will attend Henderson State University

(l-r) Brian Greeson, Fisher Moon, Teresa Greeson, Cortnie Parks, Casie Greeson, Skylar Parks, and Todd Moon. Casie will attend Southern Arkansas Univeristy
 

Rickey Teehee and Casey Teehee. Casey will attend Southern Arkansas University

The 8th-grade Leadership and Service Learning classes at De Queen Junior High completed a semester-long service project last week partnering with Pack Shack from northwest Arkansas.

Volunteer: Katy Smiley

Lauren Graham, Emma Vance, Elise Dean, Jackie Pham, and Abigail Barker

Lizbeth Alfaro, Ashley Hernandez, Mary Salazar, Hailey Carter, Jamie Jackson

Mirella Herandez, Roxanna Morales, Maria Hernandez, Britney Ferretiz, Marlen Perez

Taylor Power from the U of A Fayetteville is meeting with juniors to start the application/scholarship process.

MUFFINS WITH MOM

Horatio Elementary Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade celebrated Muffins with Mom on Friday, May 4th

The Ashdown Gamma Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International held their 2018 Initiation Ceremony on April 29 at the Ashdown High School Alumni House. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is a professional honorary Society of women educators. The Society promotes personal growth of its members and excellence in education.

(l-r) Dixie Pennington, Carolyn Henderson, Glenda Franklin, Susan Simmons, Emily Freeman, Denise Schwartz, Ronda Pounds, Nancy McCoy, Alma Brown, Carolyn Castleman, Amy Silva, and Sandy McElroy

(l-r)Emily Freeman, Denise Schwartz, Ronda Pounds, Nancy McCoy, Alma Brown

ASHDOWN ELEMENTARY LADIES CLUB TEA

All Ashdown Elementary Ladies Club second grade girls were treated to a Tea as part of their final meeting for the school year. They learned about manners when eating and manners to have at parties and other special events. Throughout the year they learned about manners, teamwork, hard work, and having a positive attitude. Ladies from Ashdown High School helped Tami Cross, Club Sponsor, serve during the special event.

Mary Schreiner, Marketing Assistant and Emily Bright, Student Services Coordinator for Red River Federal Credit Union set up stations in the Ashdown High School Gym to create a “Reality Fair” for students in Mrs. Anderson and Coach Wilson’s classes. The 11th graders were able to experience financial reality. Students chose clip boards with various occupations on them which included the monthly income for that occupation and total taxes as well. Next, students went around to various stations where the expenses that they could incur each month such as fixed expenses (rent, transportation, insurance), variable expenses (utilities, cable/internet, cell phone, food, and clothing), and discretionary expenses (salon, fitness, pets, electronic, and entertainment). Students calculated their net total expenses and then spun the “Wheel of Reality” which could throw real life expenses into their calculations. The reality of the event is that they had to make budgeting decisions based upon their needs, wants, and salary. This is one component of how Ashdown High School is preparing students for college and career.

(l to r) LFH Counselor Quincey Rayfield, LFH Media Specialist Sharla Fricks, LFH Principal Keith Fricks, AJHS Teacher Karen Elmore, Ashdown Superintendent Jason Sanders, Learning for Life Director Linda Willis, Ashdown Public Relations Ronda Pounds, and Ashdown Elementary Counselor Loretta Price

LFH Counselor Quincey Rayfield received the Golden Apple Award and the Ashdown School District was named the District of the Year.

Inductees pictured in the first row (left to right) are MiKayla McCoy of De Queen, Whitley Collum of De Queen, Sara Lamb of Murfreesboro, Andrea Jones of Foreman, Zulually Guerrero of De Queen, and Ana Martinez of De Queen.  

Pictured in the back row (left to right) are: PTK President Katy Garcia of De Queen; PTK Public Relations Representative Elvia Martinez of De Queen; inductees Megan Carter of De Queen, Allie Marshall of Horatio, Adriana Figueroa of De Queen, Jamie Altenbaumer of Ashdown, PepeJoe Maturino of De Queen, Jacie Henderson of Murfreesboro, Kate Mendez of De Queen, and Yamilet Vargas Toledano of De Queen; and PTK Staff Advisor Candice Gilbert of De Queen.

The University of Arkansas Cossatot Phi Theta Kappa honor society inducted fourteen members in a ceremony on Sunday, April 28, 2018. In addition to lighting candles and reciting the Phi Theta Kappa pledge, honorees heard from guest speaker Brian Haley, Logistics Manager at WinTransport in Hot Springs. Phi Theta Kappa is the only internationally acclaimed honor society serving two-year institutions that offer associate degree programs. The purpose of the organization is to recognize and encourage scholarship among students at the two-year college. The organization strives to provide opportunities for the development of leadership and service, for lively fellowship, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.
An invitation to join is extended to students based on performance. To be eligible for membership a student must complete a minimum of twelve hours of associate degree course work and generally earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Students must maintain a high academic standing throughout their enrollment in the college.

Phi Theta Kappa students who are graduating are recognized at the commencement ceremony and wear a sash with their cap and gown designating them as a member of the honor society.

Ashdown High School Theatre III students were recently able to attend a performance of The Lion King in Little Rock at Robinson Auditorium. The students were able to attend this broadway spectacular through a Margaret Daniel Foundation Educational Grant. AHS Drama teacher Jennifer Walker submitted the grant in order to reward the students for their many productions and hard work. She said, “thank you to the Margaret Daniel Foundation for this special opportunity.” These AHS seniors have produced three Broadway musicals which include Shrek, Annie Get Your Gun, and Wizard of Oz. Plus Broadway plays such as Up the Down Staircase, The Jungle Book, and Our Town.

AHS Principal Kay York Wortham said, “these Theatre III students along with Mrs. Walker have worked very hard and we are so fortunate to have the Foundation which awards students with over the top programs and opportunities.”
 

The Ashdown Alumni Association Awarded six scholarships at the 2018 Ashdown Scholarship Tea. Recipients were: Corvin Cook, Zakiyah Rhone, Kaylie Cobb, Madeline Adkison, Jade Kendrick, and Hunter Sehon

(l-r) Kari Harger, Brenda Tate, Thad Bishop, Katrina Williamson, Phyllis Veazey, Beth Provence, Mallory Wharton, and Kay York

The Margaret Daniel Educational Foundation awarded Mrs. Phyllis Veazey $3,000 Wednesday to provide books to students at Ashdown Elementary who received Accelerated Reading points for reading this school year. Grants are provided to teachers throughout the district for innovative and unique ideas to enhance our students' minds. Individuals that would like to give to the foundation may contact a board member or the school. MD Ed Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

(l-r) Kari Harger, Katrina Williamson, Brenda Tate, Stephanie Ringgold, Thad Bishop, and Beth Provence

The Margaret Daniel Educational Foundation Board awarded Mrs Stephanie Ringgold $3,481.50 to expand the tutoring program she started this year. This grant will help certify 25 more students and help them to receive National certification in which they can continue in college if they choose. This would allow our school to have not only math tutors next year but for other subjects as well. Mrs. Ringgold has been a national certified trainer for some time.

ASHDOWN JOB SHADOWING

Eighth grade students from Ashdown Junior High were able participate in the annual Job Shadowing Program in April. Around Ashdown students were able to job shadow at Hillis Family Dentistry, Ashdown Preschool, Ashdown Elementary, Little River Memorial Hospital, Ashdown Water Department, Subway, and with Mr. Avery and Mrs. Dee Ann Ward at AJHS.

AJHS teacher Virginia Spain said, “I appreciate very much the people and businesses that support and allow these students the opportunity to spend the day out in the workplace to get a first-hand look at a career they are interested in. The success of our Job Shadowing Program is due to the willingness of these businesses to participate and be so accommodating to our students! A big thanks to all the people and businesses who hosted a student this year and in years past!”

Students at Little River Memorial Hospital

At Ashdown Elementary with Mrs. Brenda Tate

At AJHS with Mrs. Dee Ann Ward

Aliyah Anderson

Molly Parker

Brett Jackson

Mark and Brett Jackson

Dr. Brian Matthews and Mark Jackson

Dr. Brian Matthews

Three Ashdown High School graduates spoke to FBLA Students at the State Leadership Conference held on April 10th at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Mark Jackson, Brett Jackson, and Dr. Brian Matthews represented District IV, since the FBLA District Presidents and State Vice Presidents are responsible for scheduling speakers for the conference.

Brett Jackson is the Marketing Director for Kindred Hospice and he spoke to the students on Success Traits that will lead to success in any field. He spoke to the students about Career Choices and looking for options that will maximize your talent and potential. He shared his story of going through an array of career options before he found the career path that was a match with his skills set and talent.

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Mark Jackson is the Sprint National Retail Indirect Sales Manager for OK, AR, West TN, and North MS. He shared the Do’s and Don’ts of job applications, resumes’ and job interviews. He also shared about the uses of social media, networking and more to give the students an edge on the job market.

Brett and Mark are the sons of retired AHS teacher Jeanne Jackson who was on hand to watch their presentations.

Dr. Brian Matthews is an Assistant Professor of Management at Texas A&M –Texarkana. He shared an interactive session that explored leadership traits and behaviors that distinguish leaders from followers. He also explored how situational leadership styles have changed the leadership paradigm in unconventional ways.

Isaac Thomas, State FBLA Vice President, Mrs. Shauna Tipton, and Mrs. Meagan Garrison, AHS FBLA Advisors, greatly appreciated their willingness to take time off their job and travel to Little Rock to speak to the students.

Patricia Hernandez

Reana Roberson

Chasity Borja

Tori Parker

During the 2017-2018 year, Ashdown High School had several students volunteer their time as tutors. These tutors have assisted with tutoring in the math department before and after school by being certified through the National Tutoring Association under Mrs. Stephanie Ringgold's direction. Some have volunteered over 20 hours with their certification. The cost for the certification was provided via the Margaret Daniel Education Foundation with Mrs. Ringgold being a licensed mentor instructor. These students will be able to tutor after high school as their certifications are for two years.
 

STUDENT OF THE  MONTH

FOR  JANUARY AND FEBRUARY

De Queen High School February Students of the Month: Sophomores Jazmin Sanchez Gonzalez and Shaylan Loyd; Juniors Crystal Alarcon Martinez and Reid Dean; Seniors Jessica Williams and Simon Judah.

De Queen High School January Students of the Month L to R: Sophomores Josie Burke and Matthew Patterson; Seniors Edgar Espinoza Trujillo and Maria Ferretiz

De Queen High School January Students of the Month---Juniors Alexis Phillips and Emanuel Salazar Martinez

The Ashdown High School Poultry Team won district competition on March 13. AHS Senior Maddie McAllister was High Point and Rolondo Olmos was 4th overall.
Pictured left to right: Molly Parker, MacKenzie Dollarhide, Maddie McAllister, Daniel Coy, and Rolondo Olmos

____________________________________________________________

TRAP SHOOT

Drake Abney, Jon Michael Molock and Kenzy Bishop

Jon Michael Molock won senior division Top Shooter with a perfect score of 50/50.

Drake Abney won junior division Top Shooter with a perfect score of 25/25.

Ashdown Elementary First Grade Battle of the Books Team competed at the De Queen-Mena Tournament and placed Third.

Pictured are:
Holden Hillis, Daegon Ford, Vali Anderson, Coy Bailey

Ashdown Elementary Second Grade (Team A) Battle is the Books won first place and was undefeated at the DeQueen Mena Battle of the Books Tournament.

Pictured are:

Case White, Kennedy Standley, Olivia Doughtery, Cale Cleghorn

ASHDOWN HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE RECEIVES AWARD

On March 7th, thirteen members of the Ashdown High School Panther Theatre were inducted into the International Thespian Society.

Pictured l-r: Raquan French, Eddie Parker, Drake Earnest, Isaac Thomas, Corvin Cook, Mrs. Jennifer Walker (teacher), Laiken Newton, Alex Day, Maddie McAllister, Ryan Hatridge, Alanis Keathley, Hannah Crow, Dymond Eggleston, and Camden Teston

From L-R

Ariana Gallardo, Nathan Patterson, Eduardo Cisneros, Martha Jaramillo
 

Kohl Kervin earned High Point Player for the 4A Red! High point player means that he scored the most average points per game overall.

Pictured in no particular order: Kohl Kervin, Cole Sallade, Joshua Linnett, Alex Hamby, Caden Hinton, Amy Newton, Robin Roy, Jessie Hinton
 

Ashdown High School Senior Isaac Thomas, current District IV President, gave his Farewell address

MISS DHS WINNERS

Jan 27, 2018

Maria Nichols

1st Runner Up

Itzel Bautista

2nd Runner Up & Miss Congeniality

2018 Little Miss DHS winners.
Left to Right: 1st Runner-up Kathryn Milam, Little Miss DHS Raylee Michaud, and 2nd Runner-up Evie Moore.

Mini Miss DHS 2018 winners.
Left to Right: 1st Runner-up Genesis Marie Nieto, 2nd Runner-up Alexa Gaona, and Mini Miss DHS Lexie Jane Minor.

Group Picture:
L to R:  Bottom Row
Bradi Young, Alma Puya, Kammi Pollard, Jesse Power, Jessica Williams, Abraham Martinez, Reisa Bakenhus, Edgar Espinoza, K'Leigh Guillotte, Jamile Navarrete, Daniela Zapata

Back Row
Carter Rivas, Jesus Cisneros, Brandy Zuniga, Zayda Hernandez, Bhumi Patel

Congratulations to the following De Queen High School FBLA students who competed at the District IV FBLA Competition on Wednesday, at the UA-Hope campus in Hope, Arkansas:

1st Place in Sports Management - Jessica Williams and Reisa Bakenhus
2nd Place in Graphic Design - Jamile Navarrete
3rd Place in Emerging Business Issues - Abraham Martinez, Jesse Power, Carter Rivas
5th Place in Hospitality Management - Zayda Hernandez, Daniela Zapata, Brandy Zuniga
5th Place in Impromptu Speaking - Edgar Espinoza
6th Place in Computer Problem Solving - Jesus Cisneros

These students will have the opportunity to compete at the FBLA State Competition in Little Rock on April 9-10. Bradi Young and Kammi Pollard will also be competing in Social Media Campaign, which is a state only event. The De Queen High School FBLA Advisers are Jennifer Collier and Chad Lites.
 

Ashdown School Board Members were recognized during the January School Board Meeting for their service to the Ashdown School District . January is School Board Member Appreciation Month

Pictured (l-r): President Dorothy Henderson, Superintendent Jason Sanders, Chuck Davis, Glenda Smedley, Ricky Ward, Vice President Rosa Bowman, Raymond Latson and Not Pictured Secretary Michael Turner

Kim Sanders with the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies in Little Rock spoke to history students at Ashdown High School in January. She was able to travel to around to four schools using a grant from the National Park Foundation. Her lecture entitled “The American Dream Deferred” provided students the opportunity to learn about the two Japanese internment camps in Arkansas in 1942. The camps (Rohwer and Jerome) were near Pine Bluff and over 16,000 Japanese-Americans were housed there.

Ashdown School Board member Rosa Bowman will serve as the Secretary-Treasurer for the Arkansas School Board Association. She was elected at the Delegate Assembly during their December Conference Meeting. Mrs. Bowman has served on the Ashdown School Board since 2006.

Learning for Life, a career exploring program sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, provided for Dana O’Neal, Krav Maga instructor to meet with third, fourth, and fifth graders at Ashdown’s L.F. Henderson Intermediate School.

Learning for Life utilizes programs designed for schools and community-based organizations that are designed to prepare youth for future success and to enhance their self-confidence, motivation, and self-esteem in future careers.

Linda Willis is the local Learning for Life Coordinator.

Seventh Grade Students in Mrs. Joni Pennington’s class participated in the “March to the Mail” for Arkansas Members of the 1-153rd Infantry Battalion. Each seventh grader wrote a letter expressing thankfulness and gratitude as well as giving encouraging words to Arkansas military service members who have recently served overseas.

Top Left: De Queen Jr. High School November Good Citizens

L-R: Benjamin Ramirez, Lynsi Smith, Hannah Phillips & Irata Kelen

De Queen Jr. High School December Good Citizens

L-R: Irvin Trejo, Madison Runnels, Dulce Vargas & Luke Reed

Mrs. Stefani Jones is pictured assisting students during music class at De Queen High School. Students play their bucket drums and echo Miss Morgan Chunn’s bucket drum. The purpose of using a bucket drum is to learn rhythm and different counts in music.

Mrs. Linda Snider is pictured teaching Direct Instruction Reading to students from De Queen Primary School. De Queen Public Schools attribute the D.I. Reading program for much success in teaching reading to first through third graders. The district employs many paraprofessionals to assist small group learning.

Students in Mrs. Anita Caudle’s art class are working on pottery projects at De Queen High School. Mrs. Caudle stated that it takes about 20 to 24 hours to fire the clay items. This amount of time includes the warming up and cooling down the machine.

Henderson State University has offered De Queen High School senior Giovanni Huesca the HSU Presidential Scholarship valued at $40,000.
Giovanni is the son of Jose and Elena Huesca. He is a member of the Spanish Club, Young Democrats and National Honor Society. He pole vaults on the Leopard Track and Field team.
Giovanni's plans are to major in Civil Engineering.
 

LaNyce Hemphill, a freshman at Ashdown High School, had the opportunity to visit the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville this past week. She was recognized for her ongoing work to revitalize “The Old Brown Building” into more of a community center. She is a recipient of the S.I.S.T.A. grant. S.I.S.T.A stands for Students Interested in Sustaining Their Arkansas and is a project of the Brown Chair in English Literacy in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. This grant will allow her to work with fellows from the University who will help her with all aspects of the project.

Students selected for the grant will work with their mentors to “hone critical reading, writing, and thinking abilities by writing an oral history of the topic of the proposal and by developing budgets, timelines, and executive summaries. At the end of the year-long participation in the project, each SISTA fellow will be granted a $1000 book scholarship for use in their first year of college."

"This was an outstanding opportunity for LaNyce and her project will positively benefit the entire community of Little River County,” said Ashdown EAST Facilitator Alicia Henry.

EAST, or Environmental and Spatial Technologies, is a project-based service-learning program that seeks to better the community through the use of technology, SISTA partners with EAST programs to recruit and support students who wish to participate.

Members of the Ashdown Purple Pride Band were selected to participate in the Four States Bandmaster’s Clinic/Concert. They are TJ Gist 1st Band 2nd chair; Hunter Billingsley 1st Band 3rd chair; Casie Greeson 1st Band 15th chair; Isaac Cross 2nd Band 3rd chair; Leah Lovell 2nd Band 3rd chair; Noah Pounds 2nd Band, 7th chair; and Ethan Sullivan 2nd Band 3rd chair.
Students are pictured at their concert on Saturday, January 20th.

(Above) Advisory Board Members Kirk Babb, Darrell Coker, Tammy Waters and Ashdown Curriculum Director Teri Lynn Day
 

AHS Students Kasjiana Northcross, Brooklyn Welker, MacKynze Dollarhide, and Alex Hamby

  (Above) Advisory Board Member Terry Snead, AHS Student Nicholas Stewart, AHS Television Production Teacher Alicia Henry and student Alex Hamby
 

Front row (l-r): Raeleigh Grimes, Jaden Altenbaumer, Paxton Parker, Shalyn Peacock and Colyn Grimes

Back row (l-r): Laiken Newton, Autumn Hofmann, Jade Kendrick, Aliyah Anderson, and Brylee Haskins

Coaches Chad Lites and Leslie Simmons look on while Coach Tracy Neely begs "Don't go!" as two Lady Leopard softball players sign Letters of Intent to play college ball Wednesday, November 8th at the #1 Country studios.

Jessica Williams signed with University of Louisiana-Monroe and Reisa Bakenhus signed with Arkansas Tech-Russellville.

Both girls were members of the 2017 Class 5A State Championship team.

Jessica is the daughter of James and Melinda Williams.  Reisa is the daughter of Randy and Gaythy Bakenhus.

De Queen Middle School October Good Citizens


7th Grade: Elijah Pruitt & Sofia Abril
6th Grade: Olivia Cooley & Max Pinkerton

Purple Pride Marching Band

The Ashdown High School Purple Pride Marching Band competed at the Region II Marching Assessment on Tuesday, October 24 and received a Superior Rating qualifying them to compete at State Marching Contest to be held on Monday, October 30 at War Memorial Contest. PPMB will march at 3:30

L to R: Noah Reed, Ashlyn Chambers, Esmeralda Balderas, Mackenzy Carver, Reisa Bakenhus and Hunter Earney
 

DHS HOMECOMING 2017

The De Queen High School Student Council announces the 2017 DHS Homecoming Court. The De Queen Leopards Football team will be playing their homecoming game against the Camden Fairview Cardinals on October 13, 2017.

Homecoming festivities begin with a Homecoming Parade themed "Scare the Feathers off the Cardinals” downtown at 1:30 p.m. The parade will also continue to the High School at approximately 1:55 p.m.

An afternoon ceremony and pep rally will begin at 2:15 p.m. in the De Queen High School Coliseum. Evening Homecoming ceremonies will begin at 6:30 pm at Leopard Stadium and the game will follow at 7:00 p.m.

Drum Majors: T.J. Gist & Leah Lovell     Picture Right: (l-r) in the “Senior A”:  Alia Oliver, Issac Thomas, Casie Greeson, Casey Teehee, Ryan Hatridge, Issac Cross, Tori Vanarsdell, Ethan Sullivan, Hunter Billingsley, Connor Imler, Madeline Adkison, Spencer Johnston, Hannah Crow, and Lacey Carmack

ASH PPMB: Pictured (l-r) Drum Major T.J. Gist, Hannah Crow, Casie Greeson, Reagan Teston, Ryan Hatridge, Issac Cross, Ethan Sullivan, Alia Oliver, Hunter Billingsley, Tori Vanarsdall, Connor Imler, Madeline Adkison, Spencer Johnston, Issac Thomas, and Drum Major Leah Lovell

The 2017-2018 De Queen High School Student Council will be participating in the Arkansas Drive Smart: Battle of the Belt program by Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The Program is designed to inform teens about the dangers of texting while driving, distracted driving, and encourage them to wear a seat belt at all times. The program is student led and will last approximately 4-6 weeks. The council will be completing varied activities each week to bring student awareness to distracted driving and the dangers associated with it. Some of the activities include: a showing of the “Room to Live” video, notices to parents about the dangers of distracted driving and how to help prevent it, notices to students about teen driving facts, seat belt checks on campus with the help of law enforcement, cell phone use while driving checks with the help of law enforcement, and “buckle-up” road painting to help drivers to remember to buckle-up. Upon completion of the program, the council hopes to see improvement in distracted driving and use of seat belts at all times. The De Queen High School Student Council encourages everyone to support this program and help us make the roads safer for everyone.

A small sample of decorated pumpkins you will see at Parent Teacher Conference Thursday.

DHS HOMECOMING 2017

The De Queen High School Student Council announces the 2017 DHS Homecoming Court. The De Queen Leopards Football team will be playing their homecoming game against the Camden Fairview Cardinals on October 13, 2017.

Homecoming festivities begin with a Homecoming Parade themed "Scare the Feathers off the Cardinals” downtown at 1:30 p.m. The parade will also continue to the High School at approximately 1:55 p.m.

An afternoon ceremony and pep rally will begin at 2:15 p.m. in the De Queen High School Coliseum. Evening Homecoming ceremonies will begin at 6:30 pm at Leopard Stadium and the game will follow at 7:00 p.m.

Pictured: Football Bearer Kevin Figueroa and Crown Bearer Aubrie Smith
Front row: (left to right) Sr. Maid Monique Jacobo, Sr. Maid Kammi Pollard, Sr. Maid Jennifer Rogers, Sr. Maid Jessica Williams, Queen Bradi Young, Sr. Maid Reisa Bakenhus, Sr. Maid Lissette Hernandez, Sr. Maid Aracely Hernandez , Sr. Maid Jennifer Sanchez, Jr. Maid Dania Castillo
2nd row: (left to right) Jr. Maid Esmeralda Balderas, Soph. Maid Jalissa Crow, Sr. Maid Noelia Lagunas, Sr. Maid Yaqueline Marrufo, Sr. Maid Ashley Campos, Sr. Maid Karla Hernandez, Sr. Cianna Caballero, Sr. Deja Bell, Sr. Maid Veronica Rivas, Soph. Maid Ivette Gonzalez
 

Valedictorian Adrian Hernandez and his family, pose with Governor and Mrs. Hutchinson, in the Governor's Mansion in Little Rock at the Governor's Scholastic Honors Day on May 13, 2017.

Scholastic Honors Day recognizes Arkansas’ best and brightest students from both public and private high schools who best represent academic achievement in the senior class.

Molly Parker, an Ashdown Student has received the Marcos Borges Jr. Memorial Scholarship. Molly helps raise, show and sell the Red Brangus breed cattle.

She plans are to attend the University of Arkansas and Colorado State University as she pursues a degree in veterinary medicine. After graduation, she will pursue a career as a large animal veterinarian.

“I love being around animals and I want my career to revolve around what I love,” Parker says. "Thank you for giving me this opportunity to grow in the Brangus breed."

WISE FINANCIAL LITERACY CERTIFICATION WINNERS

 

 Mrs. Tipton with Nathan House                Brent Davis  

AHS students, Nathan House and Brent Davis, recently received a Wise Financial Literacy Certification in Mrs. Tipton’s Business Law II class.  The Wise Financial Literacy program resources and online testing are available to instructors that have passed a Certification in Personal Finance.  Mrs. Tipton certified last year at the Southern Business Education Association Conference.  The Subjects mastered include Money, Budgeting, the Cost of Money, Banking, Credit, Insurance, Investing, Retirement Planning, and Financial Planning and Management.

Kayla Martin, daughter of Kenneth and Jennifer Martin is the recipient of the 2017 Sevier County Cattlemen's Scholarship Award in the amount of $500.

Kayla will be attending Southern Arkansas University and will major in Animal Science.

For more information about Sevier County Cattlemen's activities, please call President Greg Wright at 870-584-9479.

Horatio Color Guard and Drum Major Camp at the Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge, AR from May 29th to June 3rd. They went and learned two routines a day and competed on Saturday, June 3rd.

Pictured front row: Kylie Ayers, Charlizz Threadgill, Kalyn Davis, Kimberlee May, Anahi Murillo-Jr.High Drum Major, Katie Swift; Back row: Heather Barton, Erin Mier, Sydney McMahon, K.K. McWhorter, Kenzey Nelson, Kennedy Elmore, Mason Flanrey-Sr. High Drum Major.

During their camp, the students earned various individual awards and group awards. These students worked very hard at camp and the Senior High Band Director Daniel Dunn and Junior High Band Director Angela Dunn are extremely proud of their students accomplishments.

JR. High Color Guard earned Superior Grand Champion Routine.
Pictured front row: Heather Barton, Charlizz Threadgill, Kimberlee May,
2nd row: Kylie Ayers, Kalyn Davis, 3rd row: Erin Mier.
 

Sr. High Color Guard earned Superior Grand Champion

Routine.  Pictured 1^st Row: Kenzey Nelson, Senior Kennedy

Elmore, K.K. McWhorter; 2^nd row Katie Swift, 3^rd row Sydney

McMahon.

Sr. High Color Guard earned Outstanding Home
Routine. Pictured 1st row: Heather Barton, K.K.
McWhorten, 2nd row: Katie Swift, 3rd row: Kenzey Nelson,
Sydney Mc Mahon and Senior Kennedy Elmore.
 

Pictured are Sr. High Drum Major and Senior, Mason
Flanrey and Jr.High Drum Major Anahi Murillo.
Superior Drum Major Routine Award.
 

Back Row (L-R):

Mayra Aguilar & Riky Perez
 

Front Row (L-R):

Carlee Helms & Dennis Peppers

AHS Students Earn Certifications

The following 9th graders earned a Microsoft Office Certification in the 2016-2017 year in Mrs. Kilgore and Mrs. Tipton’s Computerized Business Application Classes. Microsoft Office Specialist is a premier industry recognized certification program where students and workers can prove their skills and proficiency with Microsoft Computer Programs. Students can certify in Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

Certiport and Microsoft have partnered with the State of Arkansas to help students develop the technology skills they need and help prepare them for college and careers. In addition, the Ashdown School Dist. Has provided software to help prepare the students to take the rigorous project oriented exams to obtain their certifications.

Ashdown Junior and Senior Shooting Sports Teams traveled to Jacksonville May 12-13 to compete in the South Region shooting competition.

Congratulations to Ashdown Senior Team 1: Trevor Meyers, John Michael Molock, Alex Simmons, Koda Aylor and Jake Day for winning 4th (232 points) at Regionals and progressing to State!

 

(Pictured above) Braden Jackson, Braden Gentry, Chico Markle, Jacob Formby and Drake Abney for winning 3rd (109 points) at Junior Regionals and qualifying for State!

AJHS Team 1, AHS Team 1 and Team all qualified for the State Tournament in Jacksonville on June 3rd.

(Pictured above) Ashdown Senior Team 2: Logan Russell, Hunter Lewis, Taylor Schmidt, Colby Dellinger and Kenzie Bishop for winning 12th (216 points) and advancing to State!
 

AJHS AWARDED GRANT FOR "OUTDOOR CLASSROOM"

Ashdown Junior High School was awarded another $5000 Lowe’s Grant for their “Outdoor Classroom” this year. Employees from Lowe’s, along with teachers Lacie Shamsie and Ed Williams and AJHS students worked on May 4 to build flower beds and put picnic tables, umbrellas, and other outdoor furniture together. Lowe’s has been supporting public education through their Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant program since 2006. The program is funded by Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation.
 

L.F. Henderson third grade students travelled to Camp Preston Hunt for Character Camp on May 4. Students hiked around the camp and participated in a number of activities including rockets, archery, rain gutter regatta, pirate ship and camp race. Students and staff were able to enjoy a picnic lunch in the amphitheater. The event is sponsored by Learning for Life and directed by Linda Willis.
 

Pictured front row (l-r): Mary Vermeer, Karyssa Riley, Jaiden Ford, Kaitlin Jones, Bella Woolfley, Anna Arnold
Back row (l-r): Luke Barnes, LFH Librarian Sharla Fricks, Ty Tong, and Kevin Scott.

Perfect Attendance

1st Grade
Sefraim Blankenship
Yaslin Hernandez

2nd Grade
Charlie Collins
Jareth Saldivar