Maumelle’s Pine Forest Elementary named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School
Community Meeting tonight; Maumelle's Millikan studies in London; Education news and notes; Friday Night Lights plus headlines and sports
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Meetings: The Maulmelle Planning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. tonight at City Hall. The agenda for that meeting can be viewed by clicking here. As the fifth Monday, neither Maumelle nor North Little Rock city councils will be meeting next week, barring an unexpected session.
Events: A Community Meeting will be held in Maumelle tonight on a planned development and keep scrolling for more.
Tickets for sale: Tickets are now for sale for this fall’s Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock. To buy tickets, click here. Daily tickets start at $30.
Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce, ArkansasNewsroom.com to sponsor candidate forum on Oct. 14
The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce and ArkansasNewsroom.com will be sponsoring a local candidates forum on Monday, Oct. 14 at the Maumelle Country Club. It will start at 5:30 p.m.
Municipal candidates invited to attend are Wes Booker, Barry Brown, Michael Chastain and LJ Wesley with legislative candidates being Brandon Achor and Cassandra Green.
Community Meeting tonight
Church of Maumelle will hold a community meeting at 5 p.m. tonight and is expected to last one hour. The meeting will be at City Hall and the topic will be a “proposed Preliminary Development Plan for property on Audubon Drive, known as Tract 3 Good Samaritan.” For more, call the city’s Planning & Permitting office at 501-851-2500.
Upcoming community events
The Seis Puentes Clothing Giveaway is this Saturday
Career Connection is next Wednesday, Oct. 2.
UNITY PINK Breast Cancer Awareness Walk is Oct. 12
Maumelle food truck festival is Nov. 2
Maumelle’s Pine Forest Elementary named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recently recognized Pine Forest Elementary School in Maumelle as one the country’s 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools.
Pine Forest was one of just three schools in Arkansas to be honored as the others are McGehee Elementary in McGehee and Woodrow Cummins Elementary School in Conway.
Pine Forest is the smallest of the three with a student enrollment of 317
This is the first Blue Ribbon Award for Pine Forest and the first for Pulaski County Special School District since William Jefferson Clinton Elementary in Sherwood was honored in 2008.
A total of 356 schools nationally were recognized out of 420 nominees.
Pine Forest is designated under the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools category for the Blue Ribbon Award.
“This award demonstrates the perseverance, dedication, and hard work of the staff at Pine Forest Elementary,” said Yolanda Thomas, principal. “I’m so grateful to have educators who are committed to our school and strive to meet each student where they are. Everyone at Pine Forest is devoted to helping our students achieve their highest potential.”
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
Pine Forest will serve as a model for other schools nationally and a ceremony will be held in Washington later this year where they will be awarded a Blue Ribbon School flag to be flown at the school.
Education notes
Maumelle's Millikan studies in London
Geneva Millikan of Maumelle was among 19 students who had the unique opportunity to participate in BW's faculty-led study abroad program in London in May. Millikan, a graduate of Maumelle High School majoring in acting (BFA), completed a two-week experience led by professors Tesia Benson and Jeff Herrmann of the Theatre and Dance Department.
Students fostered a deep appreciation of all things thespian during the immersion course in British Theatre. They saw world-class theatre, attended private acting classes, went on backstage theatre tours and visited museums. They also broadened their perspective of the world with an introduction to the historically significant theatre culture of London and day excursions to Stratford-upon-Avon, Windsor and Bath.
The BW Center for Global Exploration engages students through global exploration and off-campus study that enhances personal growth, educational enrichment and career development as part of the university's liberal arts effort to cultivate contributing and compassionate citizens. Through faculty-led and independent study abroad opportunities, students can build strong communication skills, enhanced critical thinking and personal confidence from trekking the unknown. For more photos, follow @bw.explore on Instagram.
Baldwin Wallace University, founded in 1845, was one of the first colleges to admit students without regard to race or gender and is in the suburbs of Cleveland.
UA Little Rock names Summer 2024 Chancellor's List
UA Little Rock recently announced the Summer 2024 Chancellor's List, recognizing students with superior academic performance in a semester.
To be eligible for the Chancellor's List, students must earn at least nine credit hours and at least a 3.9 GPA.
North of the River students who made the Chancellor's List include:
Willow Danielle of Maumelle
Christopher Price of Maumelle
Conner Ralls of Maumelle
Hunter Cameron of North Little Rock
Austin Clevenger of Sherwood
Chadwick Comer of North Little Rock
Antoine Curry of Sherwood
Miles Davis of Sherwood
Nathalie Garza of North Little Rock
William Graves of Sherwood
Abigail Hall of North Little Rock
Joann Mcadoo of North Little Rock
Brandon Orender of Sherwood
Niysha Paul of North Little Rock
Phung Phan of Sherwood
Cheyenne Smock of North Little Rock
Carlos Trevino of Sherwood
UCA names August 2024 graduates
The University of Central Arkansas held August commencement on Saturday, Aug. 10, in the Farris Center on campus.
The university conferred approximately 460 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Business; College of Education; College of Health and Behavioral Sciences; College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and the Graduate School.
The North of the Rover graduates are:
Kyzer Johnston of Maumelle graduated with a Master of Business Administration.
Allison Teague of Maumelle graduated with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy.
Nicolas Triolet of Maumelle graduated with a Master of Accountancy.
Madison Allen of Maumelle graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
Rachel Middlebrook of Maumelle graduated with an Associate of Arts.
Hannah Osburn of Maumelle graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Chase Bilon of Sherwood graduated with a Master of Accountancy.
Weaver Gilbert of Sherwood graduated with a Master of Business Administration.
Amanda Green of Sherwood graduated with a Master of Science in Education.
Mary Harper of North Little Rock graduated with a Master of Science.
Katelyn Pruitt of Sherwood graduated with a Master of Science.
Jasmine Spradlin of North Little Rock graduated with a Master of Business Administration.
Madelynn Wauters of Sherwood graduated with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy.
Olivia Williams of North Little Rock graduated with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy.
Christopher Acebedo of North Little Rock graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
Chantel Campbell of North Little Rock graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Deshun Hampton of North Little Rock graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
Shelley Humphrey of Sherwood graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
Aidan Moore of Sherwood graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
Jazmin O'Neal of North Little Rock graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
Leslie Palmer of North Little Rock graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
Sharieeq Shakurh of Sherwood graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
Jamar Stevens of Sherwood graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
Milo Strain of North Little Rock graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
Da'Sha Washington of Sherwood graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
Liping Zeng of Sherwood graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Friday Night Lights: Maumelle travels to Beebe
Maumelle had the week off
This week: The Hornets are rested and ready for the start of 5A-Central play with a trip up to Beebe to face the Badgers. Both teams are 2-1 Beebe lost last week to Vilonia. Maumelle is ranked No. 7 in the Class 5A poll from hootens.com and are picked to win the game.
Records: Maumelle, 2-1, 0-0; Beebe, 2-1, 0-0
Maumelle schedule
Aug. 31`: ... Maumelle 36, Sylvan Hills 0
Sept. 6 … Parkview 51, Maumelle 6
Sept. 13 … Maumelle 32, Vilonia 21
Sept. 20 … Bye week
Friday, Sept. 27 ... at Beebe
Friday, Oct. 4 ...at Pine Bluff
Thursday, Oct 10 … vs. Watson Chapel
Friday, Oct. 18 ... at Jacksonville
Friday, Oct. 25 … vs. White Hall
Friday, Nov. 1 ... at Searcy
Thursday, Nov. 7 … vs. Robinson
Friday, Nov. 15 … First round of playoffs
For the online roster, click here.
Little Rock Catholic 27, North Little Rock 17
Last week: North Little Rock was the only North of the River team in action last week as the ‘Cats took one on the chin in a 27-17 loss to Little Rock Catholic at War Memorial Stadium. North Little Rock is another team that has struggled and is averaging just 10 points a game this season.
This week: Pulaski Academy rolls into town for the Bruins first game as a member of the 7A-Central. PA had last week off, after scoring 67 two weeks ago. The Bruins have not struggled on offense as they’re averaging 54 points a game. PA is No. 4 in the Class 7A poll from hootens.com and North Little Rock is unranked.
Records: North Little Rock 0-3, 0-0; Pulaski Academy 3-0. 0-0
North Little Rock schedule
Aug. 31... Rogers 43, North Little Rock 0
Sept. 6 … Bye
Sept. 13 ... Benton 42, North Little Rock 13
Sept. 20 ... Catholic 27, North Little Rock 17
Friday, Sept. 27 ... vs. Pulaski Academy
Friday, Oct. 4 ... at Conway
Friday, Oct. 11 ... vs. Little Rock Southwest
Friday, Oct. 18 ... at Little Rock Christian Academy
Friday, Oct. 25 ...at Little Rock Central
Friday, Nov. 1 ... vs. Bryant
Friday, Nov. 8 ... vs. Cabot
Friday, Nov. 15 … First round of playoffs
For the online North Little Rock roster, click here.
CAC had the week off
This Week: Mustang Mountain should be rocking as CAC hosts Heber Springs in the start of conference play for the 4A schools. CAC had last week off and have had trouble getting things going on offense as the Mustangs are averaging just under 11.7 points per game in the three previous losses. Heber Springs is 1-2 and beat Lamar last week. The Panthers put up 49 points in the win last week, and simple math says that’s more points in one game than CAC has scored this season.
Records: CAC, 0-3, 0-0, Heber Springs, 1-2, 0-0
CAC schedule
Aug. 31 … DeWitt 31, CAC 7
Sept. 6… Stuttgart 41, CAC 7
Sept. 13 ... vs. Harding Academy 53, CAC 20
Sept. 20 … Bye
Friday, Sept. 27 ... vs. Heber Springs
Friday, Oct. 4 ... vs. Riverview
Friday, Oct. 11 ... at Hall
Friday, Oct. 18 ... at Lonoke
Friday, Oct. 25 ... at Bald Knob
Friday, Nov. 1 ... vs. Mills
Friday, Nov. 8 ... at Forrest City
Friday, Nov. 15 … First round of playoffs
All games kickoff at 7 p.m. unless noted
Rankings from hootens.com
Sports
Saturday's SEC schedule
Kentucky (2-2, 0-2 SEC) at Ole Miss (4-0, 0-0 SEC): 11 a.m. • ABC, SiriusXM: 374 - 106/190
Oklahoma (3-1, 1-1 SEC) at Auburn (2-2, 0-1 SEC): 2:30 p.m. • ABC, SiriusXM: 83 - 111/192
Arkansas (3-1, 1-0 SEC) vs. Texas A&M (3-1, 1-0 SEC): 2:30 p.m. • ESPN, SiriusXM: 381 - 162/191
Live Statistics: https://www.secsports.com/scores/football?start_date=2023-08-25&end_date=2024-01-08
Mississippi State (1-3, 0-1 SEC) at Texas (4-0, 0-0 SEC) : 3:15 p.m. • SEC Network, SiriusXM: 374 - 106/190
Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC) at Alabama (3-0, 0-0 SEC) : 6:30 p.m. • ABC, SiriusXM: 82 – 84
South Alabama (2-2) at LSU (3-1, 1-0 SEC): 6:45 p.m. • SEC Network, SiriusXM: 106/190
Open: Florida (2-2, 1-1 SEC); Missouri (4-0, 1-0 SEC); South Carolina (3-1, 1-1 SEC); Tennessee (4-0, 1-0 SEC); Vanderbilt (2-2, 0-1 SEC).
Pandemic deaths climb
The state Department of Health has updated state’s dashboard and there’s currently 387 Covid-related deaths in 2024, previously the number was 320. The virus has now killed 14.031 Arkansans since the pandemic began four years ago. That would mean the pandemic death toll has now passed Marion’s 13,635 people, the state’s 29th largest city.
Covid toolkit
There’s now a one-stop shop to learn about vaccination sites and other Covid related information. Click here to learn more.
If you don’t want to get sick and die, there’s some things you can do:
Get vaccinated
Get boosted
Wear a mask
Avoid crowds
NOTE: The new Novavax vaccine is available at Costco in west Little Rock. Your insurance should cover the cost but there might be out-of-pocket expense as the federal program that previously paid for vaccinations has been discontinued.