®
PURSUE
June 2020 DoSouthMagazine.com
02
june
Contents 04 05 10 11 12
Publisher’s Letter Letter from Mayor McGill Pet Adoption Keep Your Dog Happy & Healthy Shop Local
{CONGR ATULATIONS}
18 22 26 30
{ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT}
06 Fan Mail & Contest 07 Poem: Untitled II 08 Get Bookish: June
Alma Class of 2020
54
It’s a Wrap:
Fort Smith Class of 2020
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Greenwood Class of 2020
57
The Gilligan
Union Christian Academy Class of 2020
34 40
Van Buren Class of 2020
Recommendations
44
{PEOPLE}
{COMMUNITY }
14 50
Go West, Young Man
{ T R AV E L }
58
Get Out in Arkansas
Senior Spotlights
{ FA I T H }
48
{TASTE}
{FICTION}
62
What Remains
Fear Not
Non-Profit Spotlight
Lean on Me DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
OUR COVER Chris_Tina/Shutterstock
04
Letter from Catherine
JUNE 2020
T
C O N G R AT S !
Typically, by this time of year, end-of-school-year celebrations, especially graduations, would now be just a memory of one of the biggest milestones in a student’s life. But this year has been anything but typical for seniors, parents and school faculty. COVID-19 left everyone scrambling to find a way to give them some semblance of a graduation ceremony.
Upon hearing that graduations were postponed, our hearts broke. Seniors had already experienced so much loss – missing out on their final days at school, award ceremonies, prom. We knew we had to do our part to publicly acknowledge their years of hard work, as they have much to celebrate! In this issue, we partnered with local high schools to shine a spotlight on the outstanding Class of 2020 – they are future teachers, doctors, scientists, dancers,
OWNER - PUBLISHER - EDITOR Catherine Frederick COPY EDITING Charity Chambers GRAPHIC DESIGN Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jade Graves, Dwain Hebda, April Stamper CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Burchett, Zoie Clift, Catherine Frederick, Dwain Hebda, Sarah Phillips-Burger, Sara Putnam, Jill Rohrbach, Stoney Stamper ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick I 479.782.1500 catherine@dosouthmagazine.com
mathematicians, entrepreneurs, and more. Please join us as we congratulate the unforgettable Class of 2020! We’re also catching up with Ashton Bailey, graduate of Northside High School, as he prepares for West Point Military Academy, and you’ll meet a twelve-year-old from Conway who stepped up to care for both parents diagnosed with COVID-19. All this, plus a beautiful piece of fiction, a timely poem, delicious recipes, fun ways to enjoy the Natural State, and so much more. Take care, I’ll see you in July!
Catherine Frederick
Owner/Publisher/Editor
catherine@dosouthmagazine.com
FOLLOW US ©2020 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the copyright owner. Opinions contained in Do South ® are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence to including photography, becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South ® reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893
Annual subscriptions are $36 (12 months), within the contiguous United States. Subscribe at DoSouthMagazine.com or mail check to 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110, Fort Smith, AR, 72903. Single issues are available upon request. Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.
To reserve this free space for your charitable nonprofit organization, email: catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.
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community
A Letter from Mayor McGill The world will never be the same due to COVID-19. How we live greatly changed after 9-11 and so our lives will be different as we deal with this worldwide pandemic. Yet, there will be one thing that will not change and that is the attitude of the River Valley during emergency situations. All across the Valley people give of their time and resources to make our communities better. In difficult times, we come together to care for those in need, leaders work to build strong ties and we never choose fear and anger. We know who we are and no matter the situation; whether it is record flooding, deadly tornadoes, or a horrible virus, we see things for what they are - challenges, opportunities and blessings. COVID-19 has not changed the goals for our future. We are focused on protecting our city from accumulative decay. Massive utility projects are underway and near completion. Downtown revitalization is moving at an invigorating pace. Quality of life activities are on the rise, paying close attention to equity and productivity. Our first order of business is to retain those who add value to our city. We know better streets with brighter lighting, superior schools and attractive libraries increase the retention of many families in our area. However, even in the midst of this crisis, the River Valley attends to its business, ensuring residents are safe and essential services are delivered safely, efficiently and effectively every day. For more than two hundred years, Fort Smith has displayed the grit to survive every hardship and challenge that has threatened our way of life. For this, we should be grateful. Our focus shifted from business as usual to protecting our city and residents through proven strategies learned during the 2019 recordbreaking flood. Health and safety remain our primary focus. Through it all we maintain a high level of emergency services. Fort Smith has a history of doing hard things to survive. Manufacturing retooled to produce personal protective equipment and delivered products to medical facilities. Food processors donated, delivered and distributed tons of food. All across the River Valley generosity and leadership is on display; the virtue of giving to others freely and abundantly. Nothing overrules common sense, kindness and being a good neighbor. There will be a major shift in population as those living in large cities will look in their rearview mirrors and see the many deaths and infections from COVID-19. Companies will evaluate the impact of this virus outbreak on their employees and operations. Arkansas and the River Valley may very well benefit from the shift. For those looking for better and safer schools for their children, this is the place. The natural beauty of the region is simply amazing with the Ozark Mountains, the Ouachitas, natural forest, crystal–clear lakes and streams. We have a lot of things people in larger cities have never seen and for that we should be thankful. My message is always one of hope and confidence. We have developed something on the inside that keeps us moving forward. People are getting excited about being a part of our future and showing excitement about who we are and the great things over the horizon. We draw worldwide attention every day because we are Fort Smith Proud and River Valley Strong!
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fan mail
FAN MAIL Send comments and suggestions to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.
Great Work Want to take a moment and share that the March 2020 edition of Do South® is beautiful! The simplicity, layout, and colors are amazing. ~ Lisa S.
Winner! I received my May issue of Do South® the last part of April. I was so surprised to see that I had won a year’s subscription to Do South®! This makes me very happy and thank you so much! Much success to the magazine! ~ Daisy M.
Appreciation Appreciate the copy of Do South®. Received it today. Enjoy the articles each month and the area dog shelter pictures. We always look forward to the new issue each month at the local stores and/or clinics. Thanks again.
~ Carolyn B.
CONTEST (Deadline is June 15) Go to dosouthmagazine.com, click on “Contest” at the top of the page. All who enter will be subscribed to our mailing list. Please see rules and policies on our Contest page!
DO SOUTH® DELIVERED
Love Do South®? Here is your chance to have it delivered right to your door! Two lucky readers will win a full, one-year subscription to Do South®! Visit our website at DoSouthMagazine.com to enter! CODE: DOSOUTH
CONGRATS Congrats to our contest winners from May! One-year subscription to Do South®: Juanita Cone and Brittany Shott
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poem
UNTITLED II LINES and images Jennifer Burchett
In my hibernation I have awakened. Through pressure, and restriction, I have re-routed back to the flow. I have caught the light upon the path, in my sails, and as one. I have breathed again, felt my shield, and sensed the Universe that lives in my chest. Through restriction I shed the skin, shards of an overgrown blight, in light peaks to blossom. I have made my way home. It was only while awake that I slept. Wings clipped, depleted, only to not be nourished. Balance tipped to weigh on my heart, not pressure but slashed, my breath an ode to death. To roam the land of manic sleepwalkers, air wreaks afoul. Awakening now an order, to which I must submit. A season has now set. Fresh air flows in my veins, billowing a life from slumber. There is only so long one can ignore; to hold their ear to the static void. But in wakeful life there are songs of iridescent rhythm, to which our natural state sways, or against which we crumble. Just as light only exists in darkness, so does nature exist in you. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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community entertainment
Get
BOOKISH JUNE Recommendations and image courtesy Bookish
Five must-read nonfiction book recommendations for book lovers of all ages, from our friends at Bookish, Fort Smith, Arkansas’s only independently owned bookstore. Shop hours: Monday 11am-4pm, Tuesday - Friday 10am6pm and Saturday 10am-4pm. Need curbside delivery? Call 479.434.2917 or email orders@bookishfs.com.
Tigers, Not Daughters
The Book of Longings
by Samantha Mabry
by Sue Monk Kidd
A combination of family drama, ghost story and love story, this novel is deeply moving and profound in the way that we have come to expect from young adult fiction. The Torres sisters live in San Antonio and dream of escape. After Ana’s death, strange things begin to happen around the house and the sisters begin to wonder if Ana is trying to tell them something from beyond the grave.
In Sue Monk Kidd’s four th work of fiction, she imagines a marriage between Ana and Jesus – yes, THE Jesus. This is an inspiring story of a woman’s search for the potential she knows is inside her at a time when the culture around her tries to silence her.
Kept Animals
Anna K
by Kate Milliken
by Jenny Lee
Rory Ramos is a teenager who works on her stepfather’s ranch in Topanga Canyon, California. Rory befriends Vivian Price, the beautiful teenager with the movie star father, and their relationship is as dramatic as you would expect. Rory’s life is changed after a wildfire decimates the ranch.
A retelling of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, Anna K loves the company of her horses and Newfoundland dogs and lives at the tip-top of Manhattan and Greenwich society. She sails through life until she meets Count Alexia Vronsky, a playboy who has been kicked out of several boarding schools and vows to live for himself.
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
The Coyotes of Carthage
by Steven Wright Dre is a successful African American political consultant, but one false move put him in the middle of South Carolina to campaign for a ballot initiative on behalf of a mining company. As Dre unravels, the cutthroat local politics become quite clear, and for some, maybe a little too real.
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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pets
Adopt Some Summer Lovin’ M
M
M
Rascal F
Rufus F
Tootsie
Tommy F
Faith
Madea
Almost Home Shelter and Rescue 3390 Pointer Trail East - Van Buren, AR | Tom Hill 479.414.3781 | Almost Home Shelter and Rescue is a 501C-3 Non-Profit all volunteer staffed facility. They work in partnership with Van Buren Animal Control to find loving, forever homes for the dogs in their care. All dogs will be spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccines when adopted. Please consider adopting or fostering one of their sweet pets. Each month, Do SouthÂŽ donates this page to local and regional non-profit animal shelters. If you work with a shelter and would like to reserve this space, please email editors@dosouthmagazine.com.
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pets
5 WAYS
To Keep Your Dog Happy & Healthy words courtesy Family Features images courtesy Adobe Stock
Check the Labels Creating a healthier life for your dog starts with the food you feed him or her. For optimal health, provide your dog a balanced diet with high-quality animal protein, like chicken or lamb, a combination of grains and essential vitamins and minerals. When shopping for dog food, look for those things on the ingredient panel. Also keep an eye out for the Association of American Feed Control Officials certification, which indicates basic nutritional requirements are being met with the food’s ingredients.
Give Them Grains Grains are an important component of dogs’ dietary needs. They are a source of carbohydrates for healthy energy, as well as fiber, which promotes gastrointestinal health. Some grains, such as rice and wheat, provide “quick” energy, and others, like barley and sorghum, take longer to turn into energy.
Keep It Consistent If a dog is doing fine on its current food, there’s no need to switch foods. However, if you think a change is needed, consult your veterinarian. If he or she suggests a change, be sure to introduce the new food gradually. Start by replacing 25% of the current food with new food for a couple days, a halfand-half mixture the next couple days then a mix of 75% new food and 25% old food for another 2-3 days. Your dog should then be ready to eat just the new food.
Get Them Active Walks are an important part of dogs’ days – not just for doing their business, but to expel some of that healthy energy. Knowing dogs need daily exercise is an easy health hack for pet owners. They can take their dogs on walks, runs, Do South® encourages all our readers to consider adopting a pet from one of our many local rescues and shelters! 3 Girls Animal Rescue Almost Home Shelter Jen’s Kitty Rehab Kitties and Kanines Pawzatively Canine
hikes or to a dog park, ultimately helping them get up and get active, too. Regular exercise and activity help keep dogs’ muscles, bones and joints active.
Quality Time A dog needs attention, interaction and love. After a busy day, spend some quality time with your pup, whether it’s a walk or snuggle time on the couch. Your pet will appreciate having time exclusively dedicated to him or her. Plus, it’s scientifically proven that spending time with your pet can decrease your stress and anxiety, too.
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shop
Keep it Local! Our local shops are back open and ready for business! Show them the love and let them know just how much you have missed them. Be sure to tell them Do South® sent you. Take a lo ok at some of our local favorites, just in time for Father’s Day!
words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors
Tag Heuer Autavia Watch, Bronze Case, Leather Strap, 42mm
JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140
Reduce Wind Noise & Protect Your Hearing with Custom Earmolds Designed to Wear Under Your Helmet.
CENTER FOR HEARING 479.785.3277
Old Elk Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Flask, Viski Tumbler & Ice Sphere Set, Corazon de Agave Single Barrel Reposado Tequila
Handmade Jewelry and Accessories
SALON ELEMENTS
SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS
479.649.3435
479.783.8013
Maui Jim Banyans & Byron Bay Sunglasses
Western Son Ready-to-Drink Cocktails: Screwdriver, Blueberry Lemonade, Lime Vodka Seltzer, Mule Texas
DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY
IN GOOD SPIRITS
479.452.2020
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479.434.6604
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people
Go West, Young Man words Dwain Hebda IMAGEs courtesy Kris and Lisa Bailey
Ashton Bailey
There are few institutions
in the history of the United
States that better exemplify the very definition of honor,
probably the best job for my skillset. I wanted to be the best officer that I could be and that meant West Point.”
tradition and rigor than the U.S. service academies. And among these, the oldest and most hallowed is the U.S.
Ashton comes from an overachieving household, one that
Military Academy at West Point.
knows the meaning of academic excellence as part of a life goal. Both of his parents, Kris and Lisa Bailey, have successful
It’s just the kind of place by which Ashton Bailey wants to
careers in health care – Kris as a certified registered nurse
be measured.
anesthetist and an entrepreneur and Lisa as an instructor in the University of Arkansas Fort Smith nursing program.
“Back in junior high, when everybody was deciding their careers, I think I was about eighth grade when I took a hard
His genes notwithstanding, Ashton knew from a tender
look at it,” he says. “I’ve always felt like I don’t want to
age the rise and fall of his chosen path would come down
sit behind a desk, I want to be a leader. I looked into some
to his own initiative and achievement. Everything he did
leadership roles and I decided that being an army officer is
from the fateful day he decided to become a West Point cadet was directed toward that goal.
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
people
A swimmer since middle school, he dedicated himself to the
Ashton says the personal impact of three years in the JROTC
activity in high school with renewed fervor. The focus paid off
program, as well as how it prepared him on his march toward
with a trip to the Arkansas state meet as part of the Fort Smith
West Point, cannot be overstated, starting with the instructor.
Northside swim team and he also qualified for a national meet through a club team. While COVID-19 cheated him out of
“Probably my biggest mentor from tenth grade to twelfth
actual competition, qualifying for the national meet showed
grade is Col. Jason Meharg, our JROTC instructor,” he says.
his mettle as an athlete.
“I looked up to him because when he walked in the room, if people were talking, everybody would go quiet. People
West Point cadets are pushed to develop their minds and
respected him. He was looked at as somebody that you
their character in addition to their bodies, placing academic
wanted to be when you grew up. “(Col. Meharg) helped me
and extracurricular activities at a premium. Here, too, Ashton
along my West Point journey; he helped me with the physical
made the most of his opportunities while in high school. He
aspect, he helped me get my grades up and helped me get the
finished his Northside career as valedictorian of his senior
recommendations from fellow teachers. I’ve always looked up
class – seventy-one percent of any given class at West Point
to him and he really helped inspire me to be a leader like him,
ranks first through fifth among their high school peers – and
to be an officer like him.”
that title is particularly meaningful considering he’d completed twelve advanced placement (AP) classes in three years.
The United States Military Academy receives more than twelve thousand applicant files from young men and
“From an academic side with clubs, I was the captain of our
women every year, a number that winnows down to
Northside quiz bowl team; in junior high we actually went
twelve hundred spots in the freshman class. Applicants
to nationals when I was a ninth-grader,” he says. “There’s
must qualify both physically and academically, as well as
also a few other clubs like National Honor Society and some
be recommended by their state’s congressional members
computer stuff that I was a part of.
for inclusion. U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton and Rep. Steve Womack spoke up for Ashton.
“A big part of my extracurriculars, which I really took seriously, is Junior ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps).
A West Point education is tuition-free, but every minute
I was a platoon leader last year and that really inspired me
is earned and, after graduation, returned in the form of a
to go the military route because JROTC instills a lot of those
minimum five years of active military duty. Merely applying
values and tendencies in a person.
to the school is an exercise in perseverance.
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people
“When it comes to the application process, it’s much, much different because normal colleges you just write an essay, maybe get an interview and then your application. That’s it,” Ashton says. “But at West Point, you have to go through so many different people. You have to go through retired military officers. You have to go through your congressman, senators, your teachers. You have to go through pretty much everybody you’ve ever interacted with, which you really don’t have to do for most basic colleges. “Another aspect is not just people, it’s physical. With Harvard or the University of Arkansas, it doesn’t matter how fit you might be, regardless of sports. But with West Point, you have to take a test which involves push-ups, sit-ups, running. It’s hard. You have to train for it. I remember training for it for months and months and really taking it seriously.” You don’t have to look hard to find videos online showing the rigors of West Point on first-year cadet candidates, which drives ten percent of any given class to drop out. Ashton says he doesn’t fear that, especially after attending preview camps which gave him some barometer of how he measured up. “Physically and leadership-wise, my sophomore summer year we did a cadet simulation of basic training for JROTC which involved basically everything I’m going to learn in plebe year. I’ll be able to apply that,” he says. “Then, junior year, there was a camp called the Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) at West Point and it’s an opportunity for them to simulate the basic training that is held there for people that are interested in getting in. I went to that and I really enjoyed it, the campus, how the cadets treat each other and all the physical aspects.” Those experiences notwithstanding, Ashton knows the real deal will be much more difficult when he reports this summer. Still, he’s viewing the rigors of the curriculum and the distance from his family as the ultimate challenge it is, the first step in a life of duty and honor. “I’m thinking (long term) maybe go army, be an officer for twenty years then maybe getting into politics or law enforcement or something like that,” he says. “Honestly, I haven’t really looked that far. I’m more focused on West Point.” DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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alma class of 2020
Airedales Adapt to Achieve
J
Alma NJROTC 2019-2020 Color Guard. ust off Interstate 40, Interstate 49 and Highway 71 is Alma. It is a small town located at a crossroads.
It has that small, hometown feel. With a population of around 5,800, it is the kind of place you want to live. At the heart of the town is the school. Alma School District has a little over 3,000 students. Most of these students who start as kindergarteners will stay with Alma schools all 13 years until they graduate as seniors. This is probably because students have the unwavering support of their community, their school, and their parents. Alma School District has had our fair share of hard times this year, but by looking at the Class of
Classrooms were able to be repaired in time and the
2020, you would never know it.
Airedales were off and running for the new school year. There was still ongoing construction in the arena, but
Back in the summer, over the long weekend following
everyone just made it work.
the Fourth of July, staff found a waterfall in the school’s landmark Charles B. Dyer Arena. The installation of a
As with most small towns, fall and Friday night lights
new water meter resulted in a flooded arena. Water
are a long-standing tradition. Alma football has a long
poured down the bleachers, flooding the arena floor
history of being one of the best in the state. The 2019
and classrooms located on the lower levels. It was
season was off to a less than stellar start, they were 0
devastating. Summer and fall sports were shuffled and
and 5. Then, on October 11th, the Airedales pulled off a
rescheduled to accommodate the loss of the arena.
stunning 29 to 28 win over a strong Morrilton team, in the final moments of the game. That game created momentum for Airedale football and the rest of the school delivered. For the second year in a row, Alma NJROTC was named Overall Champions at the Beebe Invitational Drill
Meet.
Alma
dance
was
out
competing too, bringing home a State Runner Up title, earning them a spot at the UDA National Dance Competition. Gabe Jensen celebrates a winning play.
Alex Neihouse, 1st Chair Tenor Saxophone for All-State Band.
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
Football finished strong, making it to the quarterfinals of state playoff action.
alma class of 2020 After Christmas break, the Airedales seemed to hit their stride again. Alma rolled into basketball season, thankful to have Charles B. Dyer Arena repaired to host games. Lady Airedale basketball was on track to make another state playoff appearance and Airedale basketball was also fighting for a spot. Alma cheer had won the AAA State Runner-Up title and was moving on to Nationals. Airedale theatre and the PAC Mules brought home multiple awards from the annual Arkansas Thespian Festival. Alma cheer finished in the top five at nationals. Dance placed in the top 15 of the nation with their hip-hop routine. The Pride of Alma saw five members selected for All-State band. Choir
London Blackwell, five-time State History Day finalist and three-time National History Day competitor. This year she received the first annual Toney McMurray Spirit of History Day Award.
had 27 students selected for All-State choir. The Alma Technology Student Association was awarded the best
took time to grieve the loss of Coach Toney McMurray
overall high school chapter of Arkansas. At the end of
and celebrate his life and legacy. What came next was
February, the Airedales and the Class of 2020 were
completely uncharted territory. A pandemic swept the
feeling it all come together, they were blazing through
nation. March 16th concluded the last day of on-site
the year, making memories and leaving their mark.
instruction. Students struggled to grasp all the changes that were rapidly happening. The students went from
March came roaring in. Students and staff were
onsite learning to AMI and distance learning. Then
anticipating spring break, making plans for some
another heartbreaking loss, Mr. David Williams, a long-
much-needed downtime. Seniors were making plans
time science teacher for Alma High School suddenly
too, prom dresses, and the senior cookout; they were
passed away. He was loved by his students, he had a
relishing the time they had left. Then, Alma was dealt
knack for building relationships with them, including
another tragic blow.
those hard to reach students. Loss was the new normal. Prom was postponed, graduation was postponed. long-time
Senior athletes would not play another game as an
announcer who was known as “The Voice of the
Airedale. There would be no dance show, no on-site
Airedales� passed away after a hard-fought battle
cheer tryouts, no auditions for the upcoming musical,
with cancer. The students, school, and the community
and no Honors Banquet.
Beloved
history
teacher,
coach,
and
Alma Dance Team put the most boys on the competition floor at one time in UDA history, including seniors Logan, Caedmon, Dax, and Karsten.
Molly Reeves has won the U of A Soybean Challenge for 3 years with guidance from teacher, David Williams.
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alma class of 2020 Out of significant loss came great understanding. Sarah Patton and Carlie Westra were selected for the 2020 All-Star cheer team.
The school and community came together to support the Class of 2020. Be the Light was the first of many events designed to support our seniors. On April 20th, at 8:20 p.m., for 20 minutes, Airedales lit up the sky. Airedale Football Stadium and the Airedale baseball and softball fields lit up the stadium lights and played music. In true Airedale fashion, the community came out to support our seniors with a parade of students, parents, teachers, administrators, and former Airedales, who drove the short, slow drive between the fields and around the arena. There was a steady stream of cars for blocks, some with signs, honking horns and shouting their support for the
many of our performing arts students are All-Region
Class of 2020. Then came the virtual recognition.
and All-State members. The Class of 2020 is full of young people heading off in different directions. Our
The school took to social media to highlight all of
seniors will disperse all over the state and country to
their accomplishments. A virtual scholarship award
attend universities this fall. This year’s graduating class
ceremony and a virtual graduation recognition were
has received over 4.5 million dollars in scholarship
aired. The graduating Class of Alma High School is 234
awards, to be used over the next four years. We have
of the brightest, sharpest, and wittiest young minds.
students with career plans that range from artists
Out of those graduates, there are ten valedictorians,
to linemen and welders, to chemists and teachers.
thirteen with High Honors, fourteen with Honors, nine
This class has embraced what it means to adapt and
Governor’s Scholars, and fifteen with scores of 30 or
overcome. To our Class of 2020, we are behind you. We
more on the ACT. There are student athletes who have
are one town, one school, and there is #Only1Airedale.
earned All-Conference, All-State and All-Star honors,
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northside class of 2020
NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS TOP IN CLASS 1
"In every situation we must look on the bright side, lean on each other for support, and push on because that is the only way that we can persevere and advance in life. Let’s go into the world and show them the power of a Northside Grizzly. Thank you and congratulations, Northside’s Senior Class of 2020."
~ GABRIEL COLPITTS
ASHTON BAILEY
2
"At Northside, I didn't feel like an outsider anymore because I saw people who looked like me. They call us the most diverse school in Arkansas, and I love that. I love that in the hallways you don't see the same color. We are what America looks like but smaller, we are the melting pot of Arkansas. There were days where I didn’t feel like I belonged but now I am certain that I do and that is because of this amazing school."
~ JORDYN RELEFORD
"Kindness goes a long way, which is a notion that Northside has done a fantastic job of exemplifying. No matter where you end up, no matter what career you choose to have, no matter what life you choose to lead, I hope that it is full of opportunity, knowledge, and kindness."
~ REBEKAH KREHBIEL ZANE WATSON DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
southside class of 2020
23
SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS TOP IN CLASS "We had no knowledge of what was to come in just a few short months when our school year started in August, but we made each day count regardless. In doing so, we made our senior year something we would always hold close. Setting the bar each and every day makes memories in the process."
1
~ MAHDIR ANOWER
"It’s been a great high school journey at Southside. I made new friends and got to see my teachers and did great at my school. But now, it’s time to show the world what God has for me to do in the future."
~ ANDREA CEYNAR SIDRAH RAACHE
2
"While we have already set a high bar here at Southside, I challenge myself and every member of this class to go out into the world and show the strength, ambition, and determination of a Maverick. Fight for what you believe, stay true to yourself, strive for excellence, and remember where you came from."
~ MILES EPPERSON
"If I were asked to describe my class in one word, 'resilient' immediately comes to mind. Through every challenge we’ve faced this year, we have bounced back. We are still here. We have not just set the bar, Class of 2020, but we have raised it."
ANGELICA PHAN
~ BROOKE WASHINGTON
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northside/southside class of 2020
On Tuesday, May 12, Northside and Southside teachers, principals, Fort Smith Public Schools (FSPS) Board members and administration distributed more than 1,000 yard signs to graduating seniors across the Fort Smith area.
“We care about our seniors. We’re thinking about them every day and are excited to celebrate their success.”
~ Dr. Rathbun, Principal Northside High School
“It’s important for seniors to know that we see them, and we honor their success and accomplishments.”
~ Dr. Miller, Principal Southside High School
Dr. Brubaker and his daughter distribute a yard sign to Southside High School student Angelina Ha, who served on the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council.
Fort Smith Public Schools Board of Education President, Mr. Bill Hanesworth, delivers a senior yard sign.
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Dr. Lisa Miller, Southside High School Principal and Dr. Keri Rathbun, Northside High School Principal proudly hold the senior yard signs.
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greenwood class of 2020
GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
The GHS Class of 2020 will always be special to me and will certainly have some unique stories to tell. We at GHS are incredibly saddened that your senior year was cut short. This pandemic has taken so much from so many, including our nation's high school seniors. It is hard to believe that just four short years ago you were the first group of students to enter the Greenwood Freshman Center. We were all so excited about the next four years and what the future held.
2020 202
We never imagined this as a possibility. However, we hope you still remember the vision we created together and
remain "Future Focused" even through these difficult times. The faculty and staff of GHS love and miss you!
Photo Courtesy Bill Fant
Principal, Dr. Cody Chatman
SCAN TO VIEW
The Class of 2020
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greenwood class of 2020
Excerpt from Graduation speech by GHS Class of 2020 Senior Cadence Graves “Class of 2020, I know we all had an expectation of how our senior year would unfold. Athletic games and marching band contests. College essays and spring break trips. A magical prom and finally graduation. Due to circumstances out of our control, we were cut short. We have been forced to accept and adapt. And while 'social distancing' may become the phrase that defines the year 2020, let it not define us. “I challenge you to take the education we have been provided and use it to become world changers. Let us go and become doctors, teachers, business owners, lawyers, artists, police officers, farmers and soldiers that will leave a positive mark on society. Be someone, someone can lean on. A neighbor that will reach out in a time of crisis. A teacher that will rise above the challenge of a global pandemic and continue to educate. A doctor that will risk their own life to save another. And one day, when our grandchildren are interviewing us about our experience with Covid-19, let us be able to pass on the lessons we have learned.”
Camryn Presley, Senior Class President "Being a Greenwood Bulldog my whole life has shaped me to be who I am. Bulldogs embody what it means to love, work hard, and have fun. My classmates will forever hold a place in my heart, and I will never forget all the memories we have made at GHS. "
20
Pictured are Hunter Hesslen (left), Student Council President, and
Molly Odell, Beta Club President. Both are members of the
GHS Class of 2020 Hall of Fame.
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greenwood class of 2020
Class Composite/Scholarships and Accomplishments • Average senior ACT score is 22.6 • 20 students scored a 32 or above (Governor's Distinguished recipients) • 2 students scored a 35 • 1 student scored a 36: Landon Henning Greenwood High School Athletics State Titles 2017 Girls Golf 2017 Volleyball 2017, 2018 Football
2020 Greenwood Senior Statistics 272 Graduates 33 Distinguished Graduates (4.0 and above with Honor Diploma) 110 Honor Diplomas (3.5, 9 Honor courses) 23 Honor Graduates (3.5 GPA) 129 Seniors Attended Greenwood Public Schools K-12 1 National Merit Finalist (William Hutchinson) 20 Governor’s Distinguished Scholars (32 ACT, 3.5 GPA) 71% Graduating seniors receiving scholarships $13.2 million Scholarships Offered $8.1 million Scholarships Accepted 150 Arkansas Challenge (Lottery) Recipients (estimate)
Senior College Plans
2018 Baseball
College (4 year) College (2 year) Military Vocational Work Force Other/Undecided
2019, 2020 Dual State Wrestling 2020 5A State Wrestling 2019 E-Sports 2019 Girls Cross Country
199 19 12 14 16 12
73% 7% 4% 5% 6% 4%
2020 Girls Basketball
Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship Recipients Congratulations to the following students who have been offered the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship. It is the most academically rigorous scholarship program offered for those graduating seniors scoring either 32 on the ACT or 1410 on the SAT, and a 3.50 academic grade point average. The scholarship is $10,000 a year to any school in Arkansas.
Taylor Aishman
Natalie Mulvihill
Madison Blevins
Sherjeel Naeem
Rylynd Bullington
Case Owenby
Makenzie Carney
Joshua Owens
Savannah Faux
Elizabeth Pope
Colton Gattis
Jackson Stewart
Danielle Goodwin
Ryan Stracener
Landon Henning
Braedon Ulrich
William Hutchinson
Mollie Wisner
Rebecca Morrison
Abigail Woodring
Colleges Students are Attending Arkansas Tech 26 ATU-Ozark 6 Carl Albert 5 Henderson 1 Hendrix 6 John Brown 2 Lyon 1 NWACC 1 Ouachita Baptist 7 SAU 3 UA-Fayetteville 27 UA-Fort Smith 95 UCA 9 UA-Little Rock 1 University of Ozarks 3
Other Out of State: Crowder College, Des Moines CC, Eastern Ok State, Chapman University, Connors State, Florida College, NE Ok A&M, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma Christian, Oklahoma City University, Pepperdine, Pittsburg State, Randall University, Texas A&M, University of Kansas, Wichita State.
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union class of 2020
Educating Minds. Shepherding Hearts. Graduating Disciples. Your senior year has been quite unique - from a flooded campus that displaced us for 6 weeks to a pandemic at the end of the year. There are those who rise up during a crisis and lead well; there are those who lead well during the calm. It was quite unique to find so many, Class of 2020, who can lead well regardless of the circumstances. You have been incredible leaders. My last words to you: God sits immovable on His throne, worthy of all praise and glory. Whatever may come at us in this life, God is sovereign, He upholds us, He carries us, and He never leaves His children. Therefore, glorify Him with your lives and obedience. Until the Shout, Mr. Massengale
479.783.7327 unioneagles.org
KRISTEN MIRANDA, VALEDICTORIAN JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY See God. Ask God. Speak God. Do unto God. Show God. Love God… Now to my classmates and true friends that I dearly love...May God grant us the grace to live out what Union Christian Academy has taught us well. Cheer, Volleyball
“Whoever wants to be my disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23
ALYSSA MILLER, SALUTATORIAN UA FAYETTEVILLE Fellow graduates may we believe the Lord provides, believe in the power of prayer, and share our lives with others. Cheer, Volleyball
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17
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union class of 2020
ALEXIS BYNUM
KYLE CURTIS
UAFS Cheer, Basketball
UAFS Basketball, Football
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“Hear, OIsrael! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!” Deuteronomy 6:4
LEAH HEIN
GABRIEL HUBBARD
THU BUI TOAN “AUSTIN” LE
UAFS Basketball
UAFS Basketball
“The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16
“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Himwith all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm28:7
UAFS Basketball, Track, Volleyball “So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Corinthians 10:31
EARL “E.J.” DELANEY
KYLIE GARRITTY
LANCE GOODMAN
UCA Basketball
UAFayetteville Football
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4
MASON LEE
THOMAS LUBECKE
US Air Force Academy
Fire Department/EMT Football “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story–those he redeemed fromthe hand of the foe, those he gathered fromthe lands, fromeast and west, from north and south.” Psalm107:1-3
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UAFS Football “But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14
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union class of 2020
JOHN ELI MALONE
MORGAN MOON
THY NGUYEN
Undecided Football
Art Trade School, Denver, CO
UAFS
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you.” Joshua 1:8-9
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
LINH NGUYEN BAO “LINDA” PHAN
ZACHARY RAMBO Arkansas Tech Basketball, Football
UAFS “One thing I ask fromthe Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Himin His temple.” Psalm27:4
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
NOT PICTURED
CHUN WEN “WAYNE” KU: Undecided Basketball, Football “The Lord God called to man, and said to him, 'Where are you?’” Genesis 3:9
WILLIAM ROMERO
CHARIS SHURE
KAYLEE TAYLOR
VY VU
UAFS
UCA Volleyball
UCA Basketball, Volleyball
Undecided
“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
“But now, this is what the Lord says–he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’” Isaiah 43:1
“For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives power, love and self-discipline.” II Timothy 1:7
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelmyou; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2
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NHAT QUANG “SAM” NGUYEN: Undecided Basketball, Football “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20
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Congratulations
Class of 2020! Wishing you continued success and happiness,
always.
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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT BRITNEY ADAIR
SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
MEREDITH ATCHLEY
NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
JUDE BARTHOLOMEW
VAN BUREN HIGH SCHOOL
Band, FBLA, NHS, NSHS, Student Council
N’Stepper, Chamber Orchestra, NHS
Football, Arkansas Scholar, FCA
Britney is ranked 4th in her class, is an AP Scholar, and Red Shoe Club Senior. She was all-state band, all-region flute, 3—year hospital volunteer, Ronald McDonald House Rep., and attendee at RYLA Youth Leadership Camp, AR Girls State, and MASH Medical Program. Graduating Mu Alpha Theta, she received a leadership scholarship, and will attend OSU.
Meredith was concertmaster of the NHS Chamber Orchestra and member of several clubs including National Honor Society, National Tech Honor Society, French Club and Senior Council. She graduates with Honors (top 5%) and will attend the Schedler Honors College at UCA in the Fall. Congratulations Meredith, we are so proud of you!
Jude was captain of the Van Buren football team, all-conference in football and received a scholarship to play for Arkansas Tech University. He was an Arkansas Scholar and received a leadership scholarship from ATU as well. Jude was a 4 year member of Partner’s Club and FCA. We are proud of your hard work and look forward to your future!
HAILEY BLAKE
SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
BRINN BRAMMER
VAN BUREN HIGH SCHOOL
KYLIE CUMBIE
GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Majorette Line Co-Captain, Band, Golf Team
FCA, Cheer, Miss Teen Crawford County
NHS, BETA, Honors Graduate, Cheer
Hailey is an Honors Graduate, AP Scholar, AR Scholar, President of the Debate Team, as well as a member of the National Debate & Forensics Society, International Thespian Society, and Future Medical Professionals Association. Her family and friends are proud of her achievements throughout her school years. Hailey plans to attend UAFS in the fall.
Brinn graduated with honors as a Student Senate Rep., FCA/T4:12 Lead Team member, 4-year Varsity Cheer Team member, 2018 NCA State Champion, and 2-time NCA All-American. She competed in Miss Arkansas’ Outstanding Teen 2019 and is the current Miss Teen Crawford County. Brinn is active in First Baptist student ministry and will attend UCA.
Kylie is a member of National Honors Society, Beta Club, and is an Honors Graduate. She will be attending UAFS in the fall majoring in Dental Hygiene. Kylie has signed to cheer for the UAFS cheer team. Best of luck! We love you and are very proud of you!
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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT CADENCE GRAVES
GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
COLEMAN HILL
SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
ELAINE LOGSDON
NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
BETA, NHS, FCA
Golf Team
Volleyball, Honor Society
Cadence was drum major of the marching band, All-Region band member, and held multiple roles in GHS musical theater productions. She was also chosen as honor graduate commencement speaker and received the Board of Trustees and Honors College Scholarships from Arkansas Tech University! Cadence will major in Behavioral Science, minor in Spanish.
Coleman is an Honors Graduate and an AP Scholar. He was a member of the Spanish Honors Society and the Future Medical Professionals Association. Your whole family loves you and is proud of your accomplishments. We are excited for your future in the medical field! Coleman plans to attend University of Arkansas Fort Smith this fall.
Lainey played varsity volleyball throughout high school. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. She will graduate with honors and will attend the University of Arkansas Fayetteville in the fall, majoring in Architecture. She loves modeling and has participated in modeling events in Los Angeles, CA and Paris, France.
CAITLIN MATHEWS
SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
AMBERLIE MING
VAN BUREN HIGH SCHOOL
CAMRYN PRESLEY
GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
MavTheatre, NHS, FCCLA
Governers Distinguised Scholarship
Captain Lady Bulldog Volleyball
Caitlin participated in every MavTheatre production at Southside, sharing her talents on and off stage. Through TechChallenge, costume, and technical design competitions at the state level she received the EDTA Scholarship for technical theatre. She was AR All Region Choir all three years and All State Choir as a senior. Caitlin will graduate with honors.
Amberlie ran track and cross country for 6 years. She received the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship. She will attend University of Central Arkansas and major in Exercise Sciences. She plans to become an occupational therapist.
Camryn, daughter of Beth and Darryl Presley, will be attending Hendrix College in Conway. Senior Class Pres., Student Council Rep., member of Beta Club, Science Society, Prom Committee, and Musical Theatre, she was also a 2019 graduate of Junior Leadership Academy. Camryn graduates with 200+ volunteer hours, 4.0 GPA and 30 on the ACT.
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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT CHRISTIAN ROBERTSON
VAN BUREN HIGH SCHOOL
ZOEY ROFKAHR
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS
SABASTIAN SELMAN
VAN BUREN HIGH SCHOOL
Arkansas Scholars Award
UCA Graduate — Go Bears!
Football, 2018 NCA State Champs, FCA
Christian was a 3-year member of the varsity tennis team and played #2 singles his senior year. He also played percussion for 4 years for the Pointer Pride Marching Band, 2 of which they were back to back state champions. He has received an Arkansas scholars award and plans to attend The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith to study graphic design.
Zoey Elizabeth Rofkahr graduated with honors, was a senior executive and four-year member of her sorority Alpha Sigma Tau. She was Senior Homecoming Maid, a Purple Society Member and had many more accomplishments during her time at UCA! Zoey graduated with a bachelor degree in Public Relations and Marketing!
Sabastian played football from kindergarten through his senior year. He joined the Cheer Team his junior year, earning a State Champion ring. Sabastian is enlisted in the Arkansas Air National Guard. He will attend Arkansas Tech University in the fall, followed by Tech School to train as a Sensor Operator, working alongside RPA Pilots.
GRACIE SWAIM
SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
SOPHIA UNDERWOOD
MADISON WYATT
SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
FBLA, FCA, FCCLA, Astronomy Club
Southern Belle, FCA, Governor's Scholar
Student Athletic Trainer, Southern Belles
Gracie is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), Delta Beta Sigma, and was also the Southside Baseball Team Manager. She is also a recipient of the UCA University Scholarship. Gracie will graduate with honors and will be attending UCA in the fall.
Sophia is graduating with all A’s for her high school career. She was a Southern Belle (1st Lieutenant Sr year), in the NHS, Spanish Honor Society, Senior Council, Student Council, Mu Alpha Theta, AP Scholar and FCA leadership team. She was FCA Student of the Year, and Governor’s scholarship winner. Sophia will attend the U of A as an Architecture major.
Madison was a member of the Southern Belles and a Student Athletic Trainer. She was a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, FBLA, FCA, Interact, and Delta Beta Sigma. She is an AP Scholar graduating with honors and will attend the University of Central Arkansas in the fall.
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people faith
The Stamper Family
FEA r NOT
One morning a few months back, I was at a sales planning meeting in Texas. We had rented a beautiful resort on Possum Kingdom Lake. I sat with several friends and employees around a fire pit for most of the night with a big bottle of bourbon and a whole lot of stories, most of them probably untrue. The next morning, I woke up with a crick in my neck. As the day went on, pain began to radiate down my arm. I returned from my trip and for the next several days, it continued to worsen. After a few trips to the spine hospital in Tulsa, it was determined they needed to do surgery, and quickly. They had to go in through my throat to
words Stoney Stamper IMAGEs courtesy April Stamper
fix my neck and arm. It’s not as intrusive as it sounds, but it’s still a little unnerving to have an inch-and-a-half cut in your throat, right beside your Adam’s apple. I was sore for a week or so, and my voice sounded like Carl from Sling Blade, but other than that, it was a total success and took all my pain away almost immediately.
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faith
If you know much about me, you know I am no stranger
I went home, April hugged me when I came in the house,
to surgery, but I was required to take three weeks off
but I couldn’t speak. I knew if I tried to say something,
from work following the surgery. What you may not
the dam would break. I was barely hanging on. I went to
know is that I make my primary income from the oil and
the bathroom and shut the door. I looked at myself in the
gas industry. I have worked for a major oil and gas well-
mirror, and saw a man that was beat down, defeated. I lost
servicing company for a long time. During my accident,
it. A grown man, crying like a four-year-old that dropped
and the aftermath of hospital stays and surgeries, they
his Pop-Tart on the playground. I changed clothes, climbed
were great to me and my family. But if you’ve been paying
into bed at noon, and went to sleep. I hardly got out of
attention, the oil business has been a pretty scary place
that bed for about four days. We were in the process of
for a while. We’d been putting more and more cost-
buying the house we had been living in. We had actually
cutting measures into place and were running as skinny
just submitted our banking approval on the previous
as we could run. Even though things were tough, I really
Friday, just three days ago. Now that was still probably
thought my tenure with the company would keep my
salvageable, but it’s awful stressful to sign a big mortgage
position safe. Not to brag, but there wasn’t anything in
when you currently don’t have a significant source of
our business that I didn’t know about or couldn’t manage.
income. Not to mention, daughters are expensive.
But we had a new CEO, and as new bosses often do, they After a few weeks of pouting, I decided it was time to
like to bring in their own teams.
get my strays gathered up and point my herd back in the On February 24th, I was excited to get back to work
right direction. I’ve got four girls that need me, and for the
following my surgery. I’d been at the office for about
last few weeks, April has been carrying the whole load,
fifteen minutes when my boss from Fort Worth walked
yet again. However, since I got let go, a little thing called
in my office in Oklahoma City, unexpectedly. That’s
COVID-19 happened. The oilfield had gone into complete
generally never a great sign. Then he took the human
shutdown mode. Oil was selling at unprecedented low
resource person into the conference room, without asking
prices. No matter my expertise or experience, it doesn’t
me to join them. My mind began to swirl. I know these
matter much when the country has to shut down. No one
protocols very well. Then it happened. “Stoney, you want
was hiring for obvious reasons. April, even though she was
to join us in the conference room for a moment?” You
struggling with her own doubts and negative thoughts on
know what happened next.
our situation, continued to hold me up and push me to trust my faith in God, because she knew that’s what I
My world was rocked. Since my car wreck in 2017, I’ve had
needed. Just a little reminder of what He can do, because I
many things taken from me. I was an athletic, outdoorsy
can be bullheaded and want to fix everything myself. And,
type that liked to build fence and run 5K’s and break colts.
so we prayed. We prayed for God’s will and guidance.
In an instant, I lost the physical ability to do all of those things. But even through all of that, I still had a great,
Then one day, my dad called me. Honestly, I was surprised
important career. I know that you’re not supposed to be
it had taken him this long. For years, he has wanted me
defined by your job, but that’s exactly what I’d become.
to take over for him when he retires, but the timing has
It felt like it was all I had left, and now it was gone too. I
just never been right, and honestly, if my previous company
began to box my things up, my mind reeling. On that long
hadn’t fired me, I never would have left on my own. Now
drive home, I began to think how I was going to explain
this was a great company and opportunity, and much less
this to the kids. How was I going to try and pretend that
stress than what I’ve been dealing with for the last several
everything was ok? That just seemed impossible, but I didn’t
years. They wanted me to start immediately, which was
want to scare them. Remember, they’ve all been through
certainly a blessing, because I know people that lost their
everything I have been through the last few years. April
jobs around the same time that I did that are still looking
knew how hard this was hitting me, so she told the girls the
for a new job. The only hitch to this whole deal was, we
news, so I didn’t have to.
had to move again. Now when I had to move to Florida, DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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faith
Virginia, or to Oklahoma, it wasn’t a big deal to me, because I adapt easily and didn’t really care
April and Stoney Stamper
where I lived. But when you have kids, everything changes. At first, it seemed this new position just wasn’t going to work. The girls didn’t respond very positively when we discussed moving. I told my dad I just didn’t think it was going to happen. A few days went by, and the discussion was brought up again. They seemed to be warming up to it. A few days later, April told me to take the job. In a matter of days, I took the job, found a house not too far away, and found some movers that were available when I needed them. Everything, and I do mean everything, fell right into place. The girls love the new house, I love the new job, we didn’t go broke, and my stress levels are probably lower than they’ve been in a decade or more. All my life, but especially in the last two-anda-half years, I’ve been in trouble over and over again. But not a single time has God not pulled me from the ditch, brushed me off, patted me on the back and sent me on to the next chapter of my life. That’s a hundred percent of the time, which is pretty darn high. Hopefully someday I’ll learn to take it to Him first, rather than worrying over it. But then again, I’ve never been a very fast learner. Maybe someday.
Stoney Stamper Stoney Stamper is the best-selling author of My First Rodeo: How Three
Daughters, One Wife, and a Herd of Others Are Making Me a Better Dad (WaterBrook) and author of the popular parenting blog The Daddy Diaries. He and his wife, April, have three daughters and live in Oklahoma, where they are heavily involved in agriculture and raise and show a variety of animals.
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community
Nonprofit Spotlight
DS: Tell us about the new distrx mobile app and how it impacts our community.
words Catherine Frederick with Jessie Burrows, Fort Smith Downtown Business Association
community: area events, parking locations, local attractions, map, and a
FSDBA: Distrx is a free, location-aware mobile app. As mobile users enter our district, downtown Fort Smith, they receive a welcome greeting, and the app opens to reveal everything a visitor wants to know about our business directory by category! The app also powers historic walking tours and other “apptivities” to engage visitors and invite them to participate in the community including local events.
DS: How can our community get involved and support Fort Smith Downtown Business Association? FSDBA: We are always looking for volunteers and for events and those
The Fort Smith Downtown Business
interested in serving on a committee. You can reach out on our social media
Association mission is to develop
platforms or email us at info@godowntownfs.org.
and promote the downtown area as a culmination of services, shopping, entertainment, dining, history,
DS: Are there any upcoming events our readers should know about?
and values of tradition within our
FSDBA: One of the best ways to support downtown is to SHOP! It has been
community. Do South® reached out to
said, when you spend LOCAL your dollar is circulated multiple times locally.
Jessie Burrows, Fort Smith Downtown
Small Business Saturday is a national program promoting the importance of
Business Association Executive
shopping local, and downtown Fort Smith offers a unique shopping experience.
Secretary, to learn more.
Shop the Avenue on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to support the great small business owners and receive multiple discounts and chances to register to win gift certificates and more.
PO Box 1153 Fort Smith, AR 72902 479.414.2036
Christmas Kick-off with the Tree Lighting and Santa House in Pendergraft Park
godowntownfs.org
Get in the Christmas spirit by gathering at Pendergraft Park to enjoy caroling, Selfies with Santa and the spectacular lighting of the beautiful Christmas tree. This is a growing event in that each year there are more lights, more decorated reindeer and more fun things to do.
Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy charity in our area free of charge. If you have a nonprofit you’d like to see recognized, email us at catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop returned to downtown Fort Smith in 2018. Spectators of all ages joined in the fun on Garrison Avenue to count down the final minutes of 2018 and cheered the New Year with a wonderful firework display from the top of the Ward Garrison Building and at the river. This is a family friendly event with lots of parking available. Bring your chairs and enjoy the entertainment. For those wanting a more formal event with adult beverages, the VIP area is available. Enjoy the historical ambiance with a backdrop of local talent both musically and culinary. Pop the champagne and ring in the new year in style!
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people
LEAN ON ME
The Fulbright Family
Words and images Dwain Hebda
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people
Among her other activities, Addison Fulbright of Cabot, Arkansas, plays catcher on her national tournament-qualifying softball team. Why that’s noteworthy is because as anyone who follows the sport knows, the catcher is the pivotal position on the field. The catcher and pitcher are the only two players who handle the ball on every play, and while most casual spectators’ eyeballs are on the pitcher, it’s the catcher who faces the field and proactively directs the defense. Base runner showing steal – the catcher has to see it. Outfield not in position – the catcher moves them over. Runners at the corners – the catcher makes sure the infield remembers the count and where the play goes. There’s a reason the catcher is considered the field general, an extension of the coach. So, when both of Addison’s parents came down with the coronavirus this spring, the household was in good hands. Even if the Cabot twelve-year-old didn’t feel that way at the time. “Actually, I was kind of freaked out,” Addison says. “My mind would always kind of go from good to negative like anybody else’s would. But I tried to stay positive. And we prayed a lot.”
“I ran into a positive patient at Little Rock, so I had a known positive exposure,” John says. “Didn’t have any signs or
“I give her an A+,” says her mom, Jessica. “She was very
symptoms. We had all of our PPE on, everything.
accountable; I don’t know that I would have been this accountable at twelve years old. I was very thankful she was
“Looking back, initially I had a headache and kind of felt
responsible. We didn’t even have to ask, she just triumphed.”
a little cool, but I didn’t think anything about it. I took a Tylenol. Later that night, my wife woke me up about three
“She makes us feel really good and proud,” says John, her
in the morning (March 23) and said I was burning up so I
dad. “I told her I was super proud of her stepping up when
took my temp. It was one hundred and one-point-nine or
she needed to.”
something like that.”
Addison comes by her responsible, count-on-me nature
John got tested later that morning and medical authorities
honestly. Both of her parents have lived by the same code,
confirmed coronavirus three days later. The diagnosis was a
leading lives of service to their fellow man, their community
seventy-two-hour formality, considering the freight train of
and their country. Jessica joined the Army National Guard
symptoms that hit him almost immediately – progressively
right out of high school and there, she got into nursing.
more severe body aches, persistent fever, loss of smell and
Today, she continues to tend to her fellow vets at the John L.
taste. Finally, he had such difficulty breathing it required a
McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital in Little Rock.
trip to the ER and several days of treatment in the hospital.
John also walked off the high school graduation stage into
“The first two days at the hospital, it was very hard just to
the military, enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. For the past
hold a conversation because I would get winded,” he says.
eighteen years, he’s been a Little Rock firefighter and, truth
“My conversations with Jessica were short and to the point.
be told, doing his job is likely what made him sick.
I would have to take a breath in sentences.
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“About day four in the hospital, I started taking a turn for
“I remember texting my friend and I was like I don’t know what
the better. Had a pretty good day, but then that night I had
to do. I don’t know if I can do this,” she says. “I knew how
a bit of a temperature. Here I’m thinking I’m getting better
to do all the stuff. It’s just, I never had to do it. I might have,
and now I’m getting worse again. The next morning, day five
a couple times, been made to do it, but just the laundry and
and six, I didn’t have any fever at all. Felt a lot better, but I
clothes, not taking care of my parents.”
knew I wasn’t back to one hundred percent. They sent me home with a little portable oxygen tank and slowly over the
For the next week, both kids worked their share of chores
next week or so I started getting a little more active.”
and looked out for each other. Addison divvied up tasks and deployed her cooking skills which she’d only recently acquired.
John was tended full-time by Jessica, who'd been told to stay
Trey remembers being focused on his responsibilities, too.
home from work due to the positive exposure. Addison pitched in with chores and kept tabs on her seven-year-old brother
“Do the laundry, fold clothes, do the dishes,” he says of his
Trey, trying to take her mind off worrying about her parents.
tasks. “I already knew how to wash dishes, we do it kind of every day.” As for taking orders from his big sister, he shrugs.
“The first day, I wasn’t really concerned as much as I was
Did he follow her instructions? “Maybe a little bit,” he says.
whenever he started getting worse,” Addison says. “Then I started calling my friend and I was just talking to her on the
Addison quickly got the hang of running things, especially in
phone in tears because of how scared I was the night my
the kitchen where she developed the specialty of the house,
mom took him to the hospital.
jalapeño popper hamburgers. Still, as the week wore on, she was ready for the situation to get back to normal.
“I was really concerned for my mom, too. I know she was talking to her friends, trying to keep them updated
“As much as I hate saying this, work kept my mind occupied. It made
and stuff. She had a lot on her hands. So, I was trying to
the day go by really fast,” she says. “I think one of my toughest
constantly text her to see if she needed anything. I did the
things, and that was mine and my brother’s, was not being able
same thing with my dad.”
to give my parents the hugs and everything we would normally. That and having to stay six feet away because I don’t want to catch
After days of caring for her husband, Jessica sat in a recliner
[COVID-19], and always being cooped up in a room.”
to rest and felt chills coming on. “I was like, ‘Uh-oh,’” she says. “I took my temperature and my temp was like one
Today, both parents have recovered and are doing well, something
hundred-point-six, one hundred-point-eight, and it just kept
for which all the Fulbrights are thankful. Addison is still handling
climbing. I knew then. I put on a mask and quarantined
much of the cooking and Trey has the laundry folding down to
myself to the spare bedroom that we have.
a science. Both kids are happy to regain some normalcy but are confident in their newfound ability to handle a crisis, especially
“I got tested March 27, I took him to the hospital March 28,
Addison, who may have caught a glimpse of her future career.
I found out I was positive on the 29th. I mean, it was just like, wham, bam, bam. My temperature got up to, like, one
“My dad, he’s like a superhero, with powers,” she says. “When
hundred and two-point-eight; that was about the highest
I was thinking about jobs, and I’ve talked about this with him
and that was when my body aches hurt the most. The body
so much, I want to be a firefighter just like him, because I look
aches, the fever, that was the worst part of mine.
up to him a lot.
“Now the worry is starting to set in, the stress. Well, John’s
“This experience showed me not to take the stuff that my
in one room. I’m in the other. What do we do?”
parents give me, like the little lovin's or the kisses or the ‘I love you,’ for granted. It could be taken away from me just
This time, Addison took control of the household.
like that.”
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taste
It’s a Wrap!
C H I CKEN LETTUC E W R APS Recipe Adapted Chrissy Teigen’s Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat image Megan Betteridge/Shutterstock
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INGREDIENTS
METHOD
FOR THE SAUCE
TIP: Prep all vegetables then make your sauce.
•
3 Tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
•
3 Tablespoons hoisin sauce
In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, hoisin, corn
•
3 Tablespoons light soy sauce
starch, soy, Sriracha, vegetable oil, sesame oil, vinegar,
•
1 Tablespoon Sriracha (more or less to taste)
garlic, and ginger, set aside.
•
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
•
1 teaspoon sesame oil
In a medium bowl, incorporate 2 Tablespoons of the sauce
•
1½ Tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
to the ground chicken, set aside.
•
2 cloves garlic, minced
•
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Over medium-high heat, add 2 Tablespoons of vegetable
•
1 teaspoon corn starch
oil to a large skillet. Once hot, add ground chicken mixture, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until it’s browned throughout. Transfer from skillet, set aside.
FOR THE FILLING •
1 pound ground chicken
•
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
•
8 green onions, sliced thin
(keep the greens and whites separate)
•
2 cloves garlic, minced
•
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
•
½ cup shredded carrots
•
½ pound white mushrooms, washed and chopped finely
•
½ cup canned water chestnuts, drained and chopped
•
1 red bell pepper, chopped
•
2 heads butter lettuce
To the same skillet, add another Tablespoon of vegetable oil, the whites of the green onions, carrots, garlic and ginger. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Next, add mushrooms, stir and cook for 3-5 minutes. Add chicken back to pan along with the water chestnuts, bell pepper, and the remaining sauce. Stir to combine and cook until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Add the green pieces from the onions and stir to combine.
Pour out mixture into a bowl and serve with lettuce leaves. You may find it necessary to double up on the lettuce leaves – and have paper towels handy! The sauce is quite delicious but can be a bit on the messy side. Never fear, I guarantee this recipe is worth any amount of mess! Serves 6 if serving with a side item, or 3 if serving as the meal.
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The Gilligan Recipe adapted thekitchenismyplayground.com image Monkey Business Images/ Shutterstock
ingredients makes 1 ° 3 oz. orange juice ° 3 oz. pomegranate juice ° 1 oz. coconut vodka ° 1 oz. peach schnapps ° orange slices (optional for garnish) ° mint sprig (optional for garnish)
method Combine all ingredients except garnish in a cocktail shaker. Shake well. Pour over tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with orange wedge and mint sprig if desired.
Please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.
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travel
Get OUT IN Arkansas words Zoie Clift and Jill Rohrbach, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and Catherine Frederick images Chuck Haralson and Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
T
he weather is heating up and if you're looking for adventure, there's no place better than right here in Arkansas! From zip lines, to rock climbing, to hiking and floating, those adventures are found in abundance
in the Natural State. Check out these action-packed attractions but take note, not only does each have its own special brand of activity for different ages, but some locations may be under restrictions due to COVID-19, so we recommend contacting the individual properties for rules and regulations.
Zip Lines Calling all adrenaline junkies! There’s plenty of high-flying fun to be had as you take on a whole new perspective of the Natural State’s varied landscapes. Buffalo River Canopy Zip Line Tour – Ponca: buffaloriver.com, 800.221.5514 Fort Rock Family Camp & Cabins – Combs: fortrock.org, 479.677.3136 Iron Horse Zip Line – Jasper: horseshoecanyonduderanch.com, 800.480.9635 Loco Ropes – Mountain View: locoropes.com, 888.669.6717 Ozark Mountain Ziplines – Eureka Springs: ziplineeurekasprings.com, 479.363.6699
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travel taste
Mountain Biking Taking on the challenging terrain of long trails via a mountain bike or hike is always a dependable source of adventure. The International Mountain Bicycling Association has named several trails in the state EPIC routes. Trekkers can also explore the 168-mile Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail or travel the 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail to the south. Discover more than twenty routes and free bicycling guides at Arkansas.com.
Rock Climbing Some of the best rock climbing in the nation is found right here in Arkansas. Grab your climbing shoes, chalk bag, and harness and spend a day or a week exploring the vertical world of the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges. Sam's Throne and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch are just a few of the destinations for climbers. Bouldering is also big here. – General information: arkansasclimbers.org – Ozark Mountains: horseshoecanyon.com – Ouachita Mountains: ouachitarocks.com
CANOE, KAYAK & RAFTING For water junkies, the Cossatot River forms Cossatot Falls, a rugged and rocky canyon that hosts Class IV and V whitewater rapids for canoeists and kayakers. Wakeboarders can practice their craft on 600,000 acres of lakes (including 40,100-acre Lake Ouachita—the largest in the state) located across the state. Scuba divers and parasailers can enjoy the view both under and over Arkansas’ watery terrain. Check out arkansas.com/outdoors for details.
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Caddo River
The Caddo River is named for the Caddo Indian tribes that, at one time, lived along its banks. It begins in southwestern Montgomery County, and flows near or through the communities of Black Springs, Norman, Caddo Gap, Glenwood, and Amity before entering the backwaters of DeGray Lake, home to Arkansas' only resort state park. Most of the river is fairly calm with some class I and II rapids.
Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas provides a beautiful space for floating. Tall limestone bluffs in earthy hues of gray, tan and brown are defining features. Rushing whitewater is interspersed among sections of calmer water as the river wends its way 135 miles through the lush green valley.
Cossatot River
Arkansas’ premier whitewater experience for kayakers and canoeists. The Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area in Wickes extends for twelve miles along one of the most rugged river corridors in the central U.S. Class III and Class IV rapids attract experienced floaters during the season. You can access the river from the north on Arkansas 246 between Vandervoort and Athens, or from the south by US 278 between Wickes and Umpire.
There you have it, a long list of Arkansas’ wonders just waiting for you to explore, and when you do, take your camera along. We’d love to see your photos. Send them to editors@dosouthmagazine.com.
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fiction
WHAT REMAINS words Sarah Phillips-Burger image Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
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C
Carrie blinked away a tear as the credits scrolled on the
her thoughts as she tried to sleep at night. She saw worry
television, and then looked at her family asleep on the
on the faces of everyone she came into contact with, the
sectional around her. Her husband, Bryan, held a pillow
creases between their brows like commas awaiting the end
against his chest, as his body slouched against the cushions,
of a sentence that might never come.
legs locked straight before him and crossed at the ankles. His head lolled to one side and with each exhale his lips
It was during one of her Friday runs to Walmart to pick
parted making the faintest puffing sound.
up food for the weekend that she first witnessed people purchasing large amounts of toilet paper. Then a few days
Her fifteen-year-old, Madeline, slept on her side, her
later the schools closed down. Not only were her kids sent
mahogany hair splayed on the cushion above her, her
home with school work to be done online, but her husband
hand still clutched her cell phone which vibrated with
was, too. Mr. Thompson, or “Mr. T.” as his students called
every new notification. Her body was tightly curled under
him, now conducted sixth grade math and science to sixty
her favorite blanket, a pink quilt she received as a present
students from their upstairs office.
when she turned five. Carrie sat next to Bryan as he logged in to Zoom for his Caleb, her youngest, had sought out the warmth of his
weekly meeting and responded to his students’ young
mother’s arms during the movie and was now next to her,
faces soon appearing all over the screen. “Hello, Juan!
his head on her lap. She ran her fingers through his fine,
How are you doing today?”
straight hair, his copper highlights barely visible in the soft light from the lamp on the table. His hair was long now,
“I’m good, Mr. T.” he answered with a giant grin.
the locks covering his ears, and she vowed to cut it soon, One by one, Bryan greeted each child who squirmed
or try to.
or looked like they had just woken up. They all looked This was their third movie night this week. Tonight’s
so young, their faces lit up by the screens of their
feature was The Pursuit of Happyness, and although she
Chromebooks. Bryan went over their assignments for the
had already watched it a few times, she still felt a heavy
week, and how much time to spend on which app. He
pull of emotion at seeing the main character fight through
asked each what they had been up to. Most replied with,
so many hardships to give himself and his son a better life.
“Nothing.” Others stated that they helped their parents
Although the struggles that her family had faced recently
cook or looked after their younger siblings. Some went
were not as difficult (and for that she was grateful), it was
outside and played or drew on their sidewalks with chalk.
still a scary and uncertain time for not only them, but for “One more thing before I let y’all go for today,” Bryan
most families across the country.
said. “I want each of you to give me one word to describe It was February when she first saw large groups of people
how you are feeling with everything that is going on.
wearing masks on their faces, but that was on the nightly
MaKayla, you start. What word would you use to describe
news and taking place so far away from her that it might as
how you feel?”
well have been on another planet entirely. It seemed that she had only blinked her eyes a few times and suddenly
The little girl with short blonde bangs looked up, as
the virus was here. This thing that no one could see or
if searching for the answer on her ceiling, and then
touch, hear or smell was all anyone talked about.
responded with, “Scary.”
Carrie watched the news closely with her husband as the
Anxious, sad, worried and scared were the majority of the
number of positive tests grew, first in other states and
children’s answers. Bryan ended the call by telling them
then hers. With every day that passed, she felt the virus
all that he loved and missed them. “Call me if you need
closing in, the fear gripping her muscles and ran through
anything. No matter what, guys, okay?”
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Carrie swallowed her own sadness as Bryan rubbed his
“My pleasure. Might as well take advantage of the cheap
hands on his face and stared at the empty computer
gas while we can,” she smiled down at him before kissing
screen. “So many of their parents have lost their jobs. So
his forehead. “We’ll be back.”
many of them are taking care of their brothers and sisters while their parents are at work.” He shook his head, “They
Carrie grabbed her keys and purse. “You’re navigating,”
are having to deal with so much right now.”
she said as she handed the list to her daughter.
“Is there anything we can do?”
With the food loaded into the back seat with Caleb, they made their way to each address. After double-checking
Bryan breathed in deep and pulled up his students’
the amount of drop offs at each home, Caleb made his
information. “Some of them can’t pick up the free meals
way up each front step, set down the bags of food and
from the school because they live too far away to walk.
knocked on the door before walking away. His smile grew
Or take Jimmy, for instance, he is watching his twin sisters
bigger with every thank you he received.
right now. He can’t leave them alone.” On their way home, Madeline’s fingers scrolled on her Carrie rose from her chair, “Okay. Just get me a list of kids
phone. Her blue fingernail stopped suddenly and she
and addresses and I will take care of it. You might want to
looked up. “I just noticed on the Nextdoor app that Mr.
call them and let them know to look out for me. I will leave
Butler from two doors down needs a mask. I could give
the food on their doorsteps for them.”
him one that I made last week.”
She left the office and went downstairs to find her
“That sounds like a great idea, Maddie. Send him a message
daughter lying on the couch, her feet on the armrest,
and let him know that you will leave one on his doorstep
looking at her phone while she ate a Pop-Tart. Sitting on
this afternoon. And keep an eye on that app and let me
the floor in front of the television was Caleb, still in his
know if anything else gets posted that we can do, okay?”
pajamas, playing Roblox again, his mouth scrunched to the side as he concentrated on the game.
“I liked doing this, Mom,” Caleb said from the back seat. In the rear-view mirror Carrie could see him smiling as he looked
“Are you both done with your school work?” Carrie asked
out the rolled down window, his hair blowing off his face.
as she made her way to the kitchen for a glass of water. This became their weekday routine over the next few “Yep” and “Uh-huh” were the answers she received.
weeks. In the evenings, Carrie and Bryan made a point to do things with the kids. Family night was every night. They
“Good. Then you can both come help me.” On her way
worked on puzzles, played board games, watched movies
back upstairs, she tickled Madeline’s bare feet. “Put some
and cooked together, trying new recipes that Madeline
shoes on. We’ve got deliveries to make.”
found on Pinterest. They filled their home with laughter, the scent of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and the
She set the glass of water on Bryan’s desk and took the
music of Bill Withers on some nights, Queen on others.
paper from his hand, counting the number of meals she needed to get and glancing at the addresses for each child.
The virus stripped her family of so many things, just as it had everyone else. But, as Carrie looked around at her
“Thank you for this,” Bryan said.
family now, she noticed what remained and she couldn’t help but be grateful for what the virus had given her.
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