Alma School District honors staff and students for CTE and theater achievements

The Alma School District board on a routine meeting evening recognized staff and students for recent academic and extracurricular achievements, spotlighting career-technical education work and outstanding theater program results.

Administrators presented banners for the high school and middle school after the University of Arkansas Office for Education Policy recognized both campuses for high growth in student achievement. "We want to recognize that today," an administrator said when introducing the awards.

The board also honored Tracy Dean for 24 years of service, praising her reliability in multiple roles from substitute teacher to office staff. "She just does a terrific job," a board member said of Dean's work supporting teachers, families and students.

Lindsey Johnson, the district's career coach in her second year at Alma High School, received special recognition for organizing a CTE showcase and the district's inaugural 'draft day,' which connected qualified students with local employers. "She has been invaluable," an administrator said of Johnson's role in student success planning and work-based learning.

Danny Hobson and three students from the theater program described sustained competitive success at state and international festivals. Morgan English, a junior, told the board, "We had one of our most successful festivals ever, with 28 of our events winning a superior rating," and noted the program's multiple state showcase wins and an ongoing streak of international representation. Senior Talon Dean highlighted opportunities for college recruitment at the festival, and Riley Jo Price emphasized technical-theater achievements, noting repeated national and state championships.

The recognitions preceded routine business and were presented without formal votes. The board thanked participants and urged continued community support for arts and CTE offerings.