AAAE Leadership Day at the Capitol

Celebrating students, educators, and districts

Transcript

1. Arkansas Association of Alternative Educators Leadership Day at the Capitol March 12, 2026
2. 2 Join us as we honor the remarkable accomplishments of students and educators in alternative education, showcasing their dedication and resilience at the Day of the Capitol event. Celebrating Alternative Education Achievements
3. 3 11,086 Students 500+ Program Descriptions Approved 400+Programs & Consortiums 2,000+Arkansas Educators Alternative Learning “Everyone ad given up on me including myself. if it had not been for alternative learning, I would be a drop out” Derrick 2024 graduate “The first step is having someone who cares and that’s what happened when I entered my ALE as a senior. I now own my own daycare and am a successful businesswoman” Penny 2010 graduate “No one cared till I started at my ALE” Shonia 2023 graduate
4. Judge Evans Award Judge Evans worked at the Fedler Learning Alternative Academy in Little Rock. Judge Evans left this world too early due to a losing battle with ALS. His lifetime encouragement and being a lighthouse of HOPE for so many will not be forgotten. The Judge Evans Award continues to be earned by individuals that demonstrate a monumental ability to help at-risk students. The determination, tenacity, commitment and natural ability to connect students with a positive future is first and foremost to award recipients. Congratulations! Barbette Smithson Booneville School District
5. Jeremy Butler True Grit Award The Jeremy Butler True GRIT Award honors students who demonstrate exceptional perseverance, determination, and resilience in overcoming adversity. Named after educator Jeremy Butler—whose own life reflects the power of grit and determination—the award recognizes young people who refuse to give up and continue striving toward success despite challenges. It celebrates the strength, character, and courage that define true grit. Congratulations! Keaton Nixon El Dorado School District
6. Diamond Award Winners Students are nominated for the Diamond Award by their teachers and administrators for displaying diligence, perseverance, sensitivity and resiliency. In Arkansas we are proud of each and every one of our Alternative Education students. Student-focused education is the heartbeat of Alternative Education. Join us in celebrating the success of these true champions.
7. Diamond Award Winners Violet Clanney Eureka Springs School District Bailey Cook Jonesboro School District
8. Diamond Award Winners Grayson Cook Mena School District Carly Brewer Rogers School District
9. Diamond Award Winners Blake Hall Scranton School District Saina Lane Farmington School District
10. Diamond Award Winners Sage Brenden Mena School District Yasmine Starr Jacksonville North Pulaski School District
11. Diamond Award Winners Kyler Swift Batesville High School Norma Virula Rogers School District
12. Diamond Award Winners Wesley Winters Hackett School District I Not Pictured: Haiden Williams Russellville School District
13. Test Group 5-10 BLEVINS SCHOOL DISTRICT COTTER SCHOOL DISTRICT 11-25 51-139 HEBER SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT MANSFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT 26-50 BERGMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT EUREKA SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT GRAVETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT Top Composite Scores for ELA and Math 140 or greater CABOT SCHOOL DISTRICT
14. Test Group 5-10 CLEVELAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT BLEVINS SCHOOL DISTRICT COTTER SCHOOL DISTRICT 11-25 51-139 MCGEHEE SCHOOL DISTRICT MAYNARD SCHOOL DISTRICT HEBER SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT MANSFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT LAKE HAMILTON SCHOOL DISTRICT 26-50 BERGMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT EUREKA SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT GRAVETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT Top Compositite Scores for Math 140 or greater JACKSONVILLE NORTH PULASKI SCHOOL DISTRICT BENTONVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT CABOT SCHOOL DISTRICT
15. Test Group 5-10 GUY PERKINS SCHOOL DISTRICT BLEVINS SCHOOL DISTRICT COTTER SCHOOL DISTRICT 11-25 51-139 HACKETT SCHOOL DISTRICT HEBER SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT SCRANTON SCHOOL DISTRICT FARMINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT MANSFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT 26-50 BERGMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT EUREKA SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT GRAVETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT Top Composite Scores for ELA 140 or greater VAN BUREN SCHOOL DISTRICT ROGERS SCHOOL DISTRICT CABOT SCHOOL DISTRICT
16. AAAE 2026 BOARD Heath Miller, President Tim Harris, Vice President Erin Ault, Secretary Melissa Pharr, Secretary Linda Walker, Lifetime Member & Parlimentarian Judith Davis, Conference Specialist Shannon Lewis, Reporter Shannon Warren, Past President/Advisor Lori Lamb, Advisor C.W. Gardenhire, DESE Karon Parrish, Regional Coordinator David Ward, Northeast Region Rep #1 Brittany Johns, Northeast Region Rep #2 Anthony Nelson, Southwest Region Rep #1 Janet Franks, Southwest Region Rep #2 Vacant - Southeast Region Rep #1 Wendy Skaggs, Southeast Region Rep #2 Alicia Mahan, Northwest Region Rep #1 Vacant - Northwest Region Rep #2