Thanks to the support of the Arkadelphia community, the millage proposal has passed! This approval moves us closer to building a new, modern Arkadelphia High School facility, providing a safe, welcoming, and updated environment for students and staff for generations to come.

Arkadelphia High School inducted 31 outstanding students into the local chapter of the National Honor Society on November 20. Selected for their scholarship, leadership, character, and service, these students completed a rigorous application process. NHS recognizes students who excel both in the classroom and in the community.

Students at Arkadelphia High School and Goza Middle School (8th grade) heard from Nathan Harmon of Your Life Speaks, who encouraged them to choose encouragement, speak life, and embrace the power of their own stories. His inspiring message reminded students that they can make a positive difference every day.

Arkadelphia High School art students participated in an ornament design competition hosted by the Arkansas Department of Education, and senior Amelia Price’s winning design is now hanging on the Arkansas State Capitol Christmas tree. Her ornament features the historic Henderson House and proudly represents AHS in this statewide display. Visitors to Little Rock can view the ornament as part of the Capitol’s Christmas decorations.

The Arkadelphia High School Chamber Choir performed at the Arkansas State Capitol during this week’s Sounds of the Season events. Goza Middle School and AHS Choir students will share their holiday talents at the Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 11th, at 7:00 p.m. in the AHS Little Theater. The choirs are directed by Mr. Aaron McCain.

Senior Mattie Powell was recognized for showing the CKH Leadworthy Character Trait of Empathy! She was nominated by AHS Virtual Arkansas Digital Learning Lab Facilitator, Monica Rayburn. Ms. Rayburn shares that Mattie is patient and sensitive to others' feelings. She is always there to help when her friends need it. We’re so proud of Mattie for leading with heart and making a difference in the classroom!

Kelton Wilson, a senior nominated by Mrs. Kristin Cloninger has gone above and beyond this semester, demonstrating outstanding talent, leadership, and dedication. He played a key role in designing several spreads for the football program and created the high school millage video. Kelton will also be assisting with future district media productions. On top of his contributions at AHS, Kelton began an internship with the Chamber of Commerce, where he continues to excel. 

Clark Wingfield was recognized for the exceptional growth he has demonstrated this year in leadership and creativity inside and outside the classroom. He continues to excel at filmmaking and photography. Clark plays an essential role in every project in Mrs. Cloninger’s classroom and has completed several impressive community projects. Some of which have been recognized by the Chamber of Commerce and featured on local Facebook pages, including our district, athletic, and high school pages.

Arkadelphia High School Internship students were recognized at last month’s school board meeting for demonstrating exceptional TEAMWORK, one of our CKH Leadworthy character traits. The students collaborated to create a video for the new high school project—an effort they approached with maturity, enthusiasm, and true Badger pride. Although they will not directly benefit from a new high school, their willingness to serve reflects their strong leadership and commitment to the Arkadelphia community. We are proud of these students for their leadership, collaboration, and dedication to supporting their school and community.

Students Recognized: Wyatt Daniel, Emma Frederick, Annie Hardin, Christian Hunter, Kate Manning (not pictured), Gabe Owens, Taylen Smith, Kelton Wilson, Clark Wingfield, and Trace Young.

Before the break, AP Environmental Science students used a hands-on bubble activity to learn about K-selected vs. r-selected species. Students saw how K-selected “parents” care for a few fragile bubbles, while r-selected “parents” release many with minimal care—a fun and memorable way to explore survival strategies in nature.

Before the break, AP Physics 1 students explored friction using wooden blocks, spring scales, and surfaces with different textures. They measured forces, graphed their data, and calculated coefficients of friction, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of how friction affects motion in real-world situations.

Arkadelphia FBLA students celebrated American Enterprise Day early with an incredible day of hands-on learning. The group visited the Arkadelphia Alliance & Area Chamber of Commerce, Taylor King Law, and Print Mania to see how local businesses operate and thrive. Students even screen-printed their own FBLA T-shirts, enjoyed a cookie-decorating class at Bakes by Bree, and ended with a sweet treat at American Made General Store. This day gave students a real-world look at entrepreneurship and the businesses that keep our community strong.

Arkadelphia High School JROTC cadets Dillon Botsford, Angel Barr, Laney Metcalf, and Anthony Bell proudly presented the Colors at the annual Veterans Day celebration held at the Central Arkansas Development Council. Their participation honored our local veterans and showed their dedication to service and community.

Thank you to everyone who joined the Arkadelphia FFA Alumni & Supporters for the Agricultural Mechanics Workshop Open House, Membership Drive, and Auction on Thursday evening. Mr. Cox and his students will begin using the new facility at 303 High School Drive for the program, which returned to the district last year. Special thanks to Patterson Federal Credit Union for sponsoring this exciting event!

Arkadelphia High School FBLA members spent the day serving others in a big way. They began by delivering nearly 150 toys to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, all collected during last week’s FBLA Toy Drive. Students then continued giving through the Great Kindness Tree Challenge, using funds they raised to purchase gifts for local children. Their hard work and generosity brought joy to families and showed what true leadership looks like.

Arkadelphia High School students gained real-world insight during Future Ready Live, featuring guest speaker Angela Suttle. She shared her career journey and offered practical advice on how students can take meaningful steps from high school to a successful professional life. We appreciate Angela for inspiring and encouraging our students.

Students in Mrs. Robin Jones’ Family and Consumer Sciences class got hands-on experience making cozy tie blankets. They practiced skills like sewing and picking the perfect fabrics while showing creativity and teamwork. This project is part of the Career and Technical Education program, helping students learn practical skills they can use now and in the future. The finished blankets turned out beautifully, a true testament to their hard work!

Mrs. Robin Jones’ FACS and Advanced Child Care students teamed up to help Dr. Patricia Wright and the Community Family Enrichment Center prepare salads for the Merry Motown Christmas event. Together, they made over 100 salads, with seniors Moryah Mitchell and Brittany Buford leading the team to finish ahead of schedule. These hands-on, community-connected projects showcase students’ skills and dedication!

In recognition of Veteran’s Day, Coach Mark Coon’s classes spent time writing heartfelt notes for Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends care packages to Military members and First Responders. Each package includes letters, cards, and drawings that remind those who serve that they are appreciated. AHS students were proud to contribute messages of thanks and support.

We are excited to share that four AHS students have met the entry requirements for the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. If their scores place them among the top 50,000 high scorers nationwide, they will be officially recognized within the Merit Scholarship Program in September when qualifying Selection Index scores are announced. Congratulations to Henry Harrell, Hayleigh Lynn, Alaina Metcalf, and Spencer Seel!

Arkansas Act 724 gave AHS students in grades 9–12 new optional testing choices to support college, career, and military planning. Students attended grade-level assemblies to learn about their options and completed a Google Form to make their selections. Parents received a letter and slideshow with details to help guide their student in choosing the tests that best fit their future goals.