Congratulations to the 2026 AHS King of Hearts Basketball Homecoming Court and Senior Seth Molinari for being elected king by the AHS Student Body. He was crowned by the AHS Homecoming Queen Annie Hardin and Maid of Honor Kayde Gentry. The King of Hearts court included, from left to right, Kasey Pye, Clark Wingfield, Cameron Archer, Derrick Turner, Orion Roberts, Amari Ford, Blake Moody, Kelton Wilson, Trace Young, Xzavion Williams, Malachi Hamilton, Seth Molinari, Skyler McClure, and Lance Gulley.

What started as a routine trip to the regional tournament turned into a moment Kayde Gentry will never forget. The senior was surprised with a $2,500 McLarty Automotive Group Drives Education Scholarship, presented in front of teammates, family, and representatives from McLarty Auto and KATV Channel 7. Selected for her academic excellence, compassion, and character, Kayde stood out among students recognized across the state. Her story will soon air on Channel 7, highlighting a student whose drive to learn and serve continues to make the community proud.

Interested students recently attended an interest meeting about earning online concurrent credit for core courses during the 2026–27 school year. Through a partnership with ASU Three Rivers in Malvern, students can get a head start on their college degrees. Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator Tara Bratton met with students during RTI to explain the process. Students may also enroll in Career and Technical Education programs through the ASU Three Rivers Career Center. Those who missed the meeting were encouraged to see Counselor Shalonda Johnson to explore their options.

Lady Badger Softball visited Peake Elementary to read with third-grade students before turning their focus to the field for a benefit game against Gurdon. The game was held at the Arkadelphia Sports Complex, with AAA passes accepted and tickets available at the gate or through GoFan. The team appreciated the opportunity to connect with younger students and compete in front of their supporters.

February Badger Pride Award recipients Destinee Seabrooks-Roberson, Blakely Davis, and Jude Manning (not pictured), members of the Beta Club led by Magen Atkinson and Nicole McGough, were recognized for transforming the school’s food assistance efforts. With support from the Nicole with Acorn Project and Patterson Federal Credit Union, the group reimagined the traditional food bag program into a student-choice pantry offering nutritious shelf-stable items, fresh produce, lean proteins, and dairy products. Now fully integrated into the school’s wellness and support services, the pantry ensures students have consistent access to healthy meals. The community is invited to attend a ribbon cutting for the new food pantry on Thursday, March 5, at 10:00 a.m. in the cafeteria, hosted by the Arkadelphia Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Bold. Brilliant. Boundless.” Excellent celebration of Black History presented to Arkadelphia High School by the Black History Committee and Ashley Wesley, sponsor. Congratulations to the three exceptional community honorees: Michael Ankton, Bold; Nicole Porchia, Brilliant; and Herman Thomas, Boundless. The program included a choir, Nine Voices–One Courage, NPHC Greeks, and a Friendly Feud. A great way to celebrate during Black History Month-Honoring the Past; Powering the Future.

National SRO Appreciation Day was celebrated by recognizing the officers who go above and beyond to protect students and staff. The district is grateful for its strong partnership with the Arkadelphia Police Department, which provides an outstanding School Resource Officer team. A special thank you was extended to Officer Randy Lau for his dedication and commitment to campus safety. His service and support make a lasting impact on the school community.

National SRO Appreciation Day was celebrated by recognizing the officers who go above and beyond to protect students and staff. The district is grateful for its strong partnership with the Arkadelphia Police Department, which provides an outstanding School Resource Officer team. A special thank you was extended to Officer Randy Lau for his dedication and commitment to campus safety. His service and support make a lasting impact on the school community.

The Senior High Quiz Bowl team captured the regional championship on Saturday, earning a trip to the 4A State competition on April 11. Team members include Jack Copeland, Henry Harrell, Annabelle Klein, Warren Klein (scorekeeper), Spencer Seel (captain), and Ben Taylor, with Alaina Metcalf and Hayleigh Lynn named to the All-Tournament Team. Also contributing to the team’s success were Tim LeVar, Carly Martin, and Ezra Campbell. Under the leadership of coaches Steve Patterson, Grant Reimers, and Beverly Slavens, the team delivered an impressive performance that made the school community proud.

A strong show of community support marked the official ribbon cutting of the new Arkadelphia High School Food Pantry. In partnership with Patterson Federal Credit Union’s Acorn Project, the Beta Club—led on campus by Magen Atkinson and supported by counselor Elizabeth Morris—transitioned the pantry to a student-choice model, allowing students to select fresh, healthy options that meet their needs. The initiative, made possible through the support of the Arkadelphia Alliance, Area Chamber of Commerce, and generous donors, ensures this anonymous and vital resource continues to serve students beyond the school day. The celebration reflected what is possible when a community invests in its students and their future.

The annual JROTC Military Ball brought together students, families, and community members for a memorable night celebrating tradition, leadership, and service. A highlight of the evening was the keynote address from School Resource Officer Cpl. Randy Lau, who delivered a powerful message on character and leading with purpose. During the ceremony, senior McKenzie Yeagle received a $500 scholarship from Mark Batson on behalf of the Batson family, and Colleen Herron and Zaylee Dinger were recognized with $50 gift cards as top fundraising sellers. The evening reflected the strong values and commitment that define the JROTC program.

Junior Spencer Seel earned a perfect 36 on the English section of the most recent ACT, adding another impressive accomplishment to his standout year. Spencer also claimed the 4A-1A State Diving Championship and serves as captain of the Quiz Bowl team that recently won its regional title. He also is active on the FCA Leadership Team and recently delivered the message. His success in the classroom and across multiple activities reflects an exceptional level of focus, talent, and leadership.

The Clark County Quorum Court officially recognized FBLA Week 2026 and celebrated the accomplishments of both the high school and Goza Middle School chapters. February was also recognized as CTE Month, highlighting the impact of career and technical education programs in Arkadelphia. During the meeting, Judge Troy Tucker presented a proclamation honoring FBLA Week, and Vice President of Chapter Operations and Development Brylee Russey shared highlights of the chapter’s achievements. The recognition reflected the continued support of the community and the strong leadership and success of local FBLA students.

A strong crowd gathered for Connect @ 4: Agri Open House, showing enthusiastic support for the future of agricultural education in Clark County. Director Sammy Cox shared plans for the new facility, while students proudly showcased their hard work and leadership in the program. The event highlighted the momentum building behind agriculture education and FFA. Appreciation was extended to South Central Connect, LLC for sponsoring the open house and to the many community members whose support continues to move the program forward.

February was recognized as Career and Technical Education Month, and FBLA members Carsyn Vaughan, Sophia Clark, Brylee Russey, and Raena Wheeler presented at the school board meeting, highlighting chapter accomplishments, membership, and the wide range of CTE programs available. Junior Brylee Russey also delivered her 2026 Public Speaking event entry, earning a standing ovation. The students, along with adviser Ashley Wesley, were recognized with the Badger Pride Award for representing the school with professionalism and dedication to excellence.

AHS Art Students in Mrs. Candace Eriksson’s Class recently visited the OBU art department to see a pottery wheel demonstration by an OBU Art Student. Also, OBU Professor Carey Roberson taught AHS students how to make cyanotype prints.  They used a treated light-sensitive paper to make arrangements with objects and leaves, then used UV light from the sun to expose the paper, which transformed the paper into small works of art. Thank you to the OBU Art Department for this opportunity for our students!

Congratulations were extended to Coach DeQuan Talley and the Junior High Boys Basketball team for earning Runner-Up at the 4A-7 District Tournament in DeQueen. Entering as the third seed, the team advanced to the finals and fell just five points short of a championship win, 57–52. Their hard work and determination throughout the tournament made the school community proud.

The Lady Badger Basketball team capped an impressive 4A Region 4 Tournament run with a Runner-Up finish, earning a spot in the 4A State Tournament. The Lady Badgers are set to face Robinson at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday in Morrilton. The community is invited to line High School Drive and Pine Street to I-30 as the team departs at 3:30 p.m. for a state send-off. Excitement is building as the Lady Badgers take the court on the biggest stage.

It was a championship weekend for Swim and Dive as Spencer Seel captured the 2026 4A-1A State Diving Championship and Timothy LeVar earned third place in the same event. During the swim portion of the state meet, Kambry Elgas claimed the 4A-1A State Girls 50-meter Freestyle title. Their performances highlighted a dominant showing at the state level and gave the school community plenty to celebrate.

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