The Gifted and Talented Students in the Arkadelphia High School Class of 2025 hosted the Cone Foundation Grant Awards Ceremony at the Ross Foundation this week. The students raised the funds for the grants, which are matched by the Ross Foundation. A total of $11,000 was given to organizations and projects this year. Thank you to the Ross Foundation for your partnership in this long-standing program.

A few AHS FBLA members, along with their adviser, Mrs. Ashley Wesley, proudly participated in the Arkadelphia Community Health Fair and Child Safety Initiative today in honor of MLK Day! Our chapter also donated a pair of Beats headphones for the event’s drawings.

Congratulations to the AHS Students who earned academic recognition for the 2nd Grading Period and the 1st Semester. Great job!

Congratulations to Colleen Herron and Matthew Langley! They earned the December Students of the Month for Mrs. Easley’s English Classes. The students received a free Snack Pack at Chicken Express, a certificate, and a positive email home. Keep up the great work!

The Chemistry lab at AHS underwent a significant improvement in safety and organization. Susan Allison, the science specialist from Dawson Education Cooperative, joined forces with our dedicated science teachers—Rachel Green, Staci Johnson, and Julie Bradshaw—to reorganize and optimize the laboratory chemical storage closet.

Together, the team ensured that all chemicals were stored in their proper and safe order, cleaned the space thoroughly, and learned the best practices for properly disposing of chemicals after laboratory experiments. As part of this process, Susan also led a short, hands-on lesson for the AP Chemistry students, giving them valuable practical experience.

The Arkadelphia 9th Grade Quiz Bowl Team earned first place today at the Jr. High Regional tournament going undefeated. The team will compete in the 4A Junior High State tournament on February 15th. David Garrett was named tournament MVP with an average of 200 points per game. Congratulations!

Four Badger Athletes signed a National Letter of Intent to participate in collegiate athletics. Henderson State University is getting a great group from Arkadelphia. Congratulations to Berkeley Berry (Volleyball), Huston Hooten (Baseball), Brayden Wagner (Football), and Nykkisson Wimberly (Football)! Your hard work is paying off!

The Arkadelphia High School Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America attended the 2025 District IV Spring Conference on February 5, 2025. Forty eight members attended and participated in competitive events. Those categories included objective tests, production events, presentation events, and case study events. During the Awards of Excellence program the chapter was awarded first place in Largest Chapter Membership and second place in Largest Chapter Marketshare. Students that placed at the conference are eligible to compete at the State Leadership Conference in Little Rock which will be held on April 7 and 8.

On Super Bowl Sunday, Arkadelphia High School Badger Football Player Peyton Wesley will be featured on Fox16 Good Day Arkansas Big Game Edition at 9:00 am and Fox16 Late News that night after the game. KLRT Fox16 Sportscaster Wess Moore visited the Badger fieldhouse last week to talk to Peyton about his love for the Badgers. Coach Trey Schucker, Peyton’s mother Ashley Wesley (AHS Teacher), and some of his teammates shared their perspectives on how the Badgers inspire Peyton and Peyton inspires the Badgers. We are so proud of you, Peyton Wesley! Be sure to tune in Sunday morning and later that evening on Fox16.

Congratulations to the JROTC U.S. Cyberpatriot teams for their results in the Arkansas Cyberpatriot competition. JROTC had two teams place in the state competition:

Congratulations to Nykkisson Wimberly and the 2025 King of Hearts Court presented at the Basketball Homecoming Pep Rally! The Seniors took the class spirit competition! Mark your calendars for Basketball Senior Night on Tuesday, February 18th against Nashville.

AP Biology students examined the little things in life sciences with a collaborative lab with Dawson Co-Op.

Librarian Paul Sivils has his toy collection on display now at AHS. He displays the toys each year which are mostly from kids’ meals he has purchased starting over 30 years ago. The toys represent book, movie, and TV characters. The exhibit has even been in a local art show. No doubt our graduates remember this!

Arkadelphia High School is offering the ACT to every sophomore and junior – for free! This is an incredible opportunity for our students to improve their scores, boost their college applications, and open doors for scholarships and future opportunities.

• 11th Grade: Tuesday, March 11

• 10th Grade: Wednesday, April 9

Students can start preparing now! Here are some ways they can get ready:

• Practice, Practice, Practice – Use free ACT resources like act.org or study through ACT prep books and apps. (https://www.act.org/.../test.../free-act-test-prep.html)

• Take Timed Practice Tests – Get familiar with the test format and work on pacing yourself.

• Review Key Content Areas – Brush up on math formulas, grammar rules, reading strategies, and scientific reasoning.

• Get Plenty of Rest – A well-rested brain performs better! Aim for a full night’s sleep before test day.

• Eat a Healthy Breakfast – Fuel up with a good breakfast to stay focused and energized.