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SAU inducts 2025 Educational Leadership Hall of Fame honorees

Published

1 year ago

March 24, 2025

Staff Reports

MAGNOLIA – Southern Arkansas University proudly inducted the newest members into the Educational Leadership Hall of Fame on Monday, March 17, 2025. The evening honored outstanding leaders in the field of education, recognizing two building-level administrators, two district-level administrators, and two recipients of the Community Leadership Award, culminating with the prestigious Dr. Kenneth C. Booth Educational Leadership in Excellence Award.

Marilyn Marks (Hope, AR) – Building-Level Administrator Honoree

Marilyn Marks (Hope, AR) – Building-Level Administrator Honoree

Marilyn Marks is the principal of Hope Academy of Public Service in Hope, AR. Under Marks’s leadership, the campus completed the Highly Effective Schools Accreditation program in April 2024. This year, the Office of Educational Policy recognized Hope Academy of Public Service as one of the top five schools in the Southwest region for high overall high math and high ELA growth. Marks completed cohort one of Hope’s Aspiring Leaders Program. Additionally, Marks is enrolled in Leadership Hempstead County, a program geared toward innovative leadership training and community awareness. Marks holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s of Science in Education, K-12 Guidance, and Counseling, with building-level and district-level administrator licensure endorsements, all from Southern Arkansas University. Marks is married to Vincent Marks and has one son, Vincent Reese, and a stepdaughter, Shamyia. Marks is grateful for the opportunity to serve students, staff, and the community.

Curtis Black (Horatio, AR) – Building-Level Administrator Honoree

Curtis Black (Horatio, AR) – Building-Level Administrator Honoree

Curtis Black is the principal of Horatio High School in Horatio, AR. Under Black’s leadership, Horatio High School received a financial award from the Arkansas School Recognition Program for demonstrating high student performance, academic growth, and graduation rates. Black’s service to the community includes roles as a Hospital Board Member, former Horatio city councilman, Sevier County Coalition—Ready to Read by 3rd Grade participant, Chamber of Commerce member, Save the Children Federal Program 21st Century Grant coordinator, DHS liaison, and a contributing grant writer to city park improvement. Black was named the Belleville Lodge Sevier County Citizen of the Year in 2017 and received the Horatio School District Teacher of the Year award in 2015. Black holds a bachelor of science in Education from Henderson State University and a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Arkansas University. Black also completed the principal/building-level licensure program at Southern Arkansas University in 2020. Black has been married to Jennifer Black for 31 years. They have two sons, Hunter Black, who is married to Allie Black, and Reece Black, who is married to Laney Black. Black has one grandson named Fenton Black.

Javana McCall (Camden, AR) – District-Level Administrator Honoree

Javana McCall (Camden, AR) – District-Level Administrator Honoree

Javana McCall is a retired assistant superintendent from the Camden-Fairview School District. McCall has worked in Lafayette County for 22 years and the Camden-Fairview School District for nine years. This tenure included serving as an assistant principal at the middle school and working in the district’s central office. At the district level, McCall was the special programs coordinator for three years and an assistant superintendent for four years. McCall holds a bachelor of science in Education and a master’s in Education, with endorsements from Southern Arkansas University for building-level and district-level administrator licensure. McCall is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. McCall is married to Stephone McCall and has two children, TaRoya Lawson and Jerome Edwards Jr. McCall has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Zebulon Prothro (Mount Vernon, AR) – District-Level Administrator Honoree

Zebulon Prothro (Mount Vernon, AR) – District-Level Administrator Honoree

Zebulon Prothro is the superintendent of the Mount Vernon Enola School District. Under Prothro’s leadership, the district received a highly effective school accreditation rating and was recognized in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Schools in the Nation. In 2018, Prothro received the Farm Bureau New Ag Education Teacher of the Year award and was the youngest superintendent in Arkansas from 2023 to 2025. Prothro holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and a master’s degree in educational leadership in Administration and Supervision, with a district-level administrator licensure endorsement from Southern Arkansas University. Prothro is currently a doctoral student in the Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership program at Southern Arkansas University. Prothro has been married to Jessica Prothro since 2014. Together, they have built a loving family and are proud parents of two daughters, Kennedy and Korlee.

The Community Leadership Awards category includes SAU College of Education and Human Performance Graduate Program alumni who exhibit outstanding leadership and accomplishments in their field. This category was developed based on the recommendation of Dr. Kenneth Booth, who felt it was important to recognize a broader group of individuals for excellence.

Christy Canfield (Emerson, AR) – Community Leadership Award

Christy Canfield (Emerson, AR) – Community Leadership Award

Christy Canfield is the Special Education teacher at Emerson High School. Canfield has taught at Emerson for 11 years and is the cheerleader and student council sponsor. Canfield received the Teacher of the Year Award at Emerson High School for the 2018-2019 school year. Canfield earned a bachelor of business administration in Finance from SAU in 2002, a master of arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 2014, and a master of education and program administrator endorsement from Southern Arkansas University in 2020 and 2024, respectively. Canfield has been married to Chris Canfield for 24 years. They have two daughters, McKenzie and Chrissi. Canfield is dedicated to positively impacting students’ lives by helping them reach their full potential and being an advocate for them.

Kelly Ribble (Magnolia, AR) – Community Leadership Award

Kelly Ribble (Magnolia, AR) – Community Leadership Award

Kelly Ribble is the counselor at Magnolia Middle School. Ribble has served in public education for 33 years, working in Bearden Public Schools, Stamps High School, and the Mt. Holly School District. Ribble has worked in Magnolia ISD since 1999, where she received the Building Level Educator of the Month Award. In 2025, Ribble received the Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year Award. Ribble is actively involved in the community through organizations such as the Circle of Friends for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Magnolia Junior Charity League, First United Methodist Church, and the Magnolia Middle School food pantry. Ribble has also served as chair and board member at the First United Methodist Child Development Center. Ribble earned a bachelor of arts and master of education from Southern Arkansas University in 1991 and 1999, respectively. Ribble is married to Barry Ribble, and they have a son, Parker (who is married to Abbie). Ribble is passionate about helping young people navigate academic, social, and emotional challenges during critical stages of development.

Monty Harrington (Magnolia, AR) – Dr. Kenneth C. Booth Educational Leadership in Excellence Award

Monty Harrington (Magnolia, AR) – Dr. Kenneth C. Booth Educational Leadership in Excellence Award

Monty Harrington was born and raised in Magnolia, AR. Harrington graduated in 1993 from Southern Arkansas University with a degree in Finance. In 2006, Harrington graduated from the Barrett School of Banking in Memphis and later from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in 2009. Harrington has been with Farmers Bank & Trust since 2000, serving as a consumer, mortgage, and commercial lender before becoming the Magnolia market president.

Harrington has been actively involved in numerous community activities and organizations, including:

40 Under 40 Member
Albemarle Community Advisory Chairman
Central Baptist Church
Columbia Christian School Board Member and Past Chair
Leadership Magnolia
Magnolia Blossom Festival
Magnolia Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Board Member
Magnolia Housing Authority Chairman
Magnolia Regional Medical Center Foundation Board Member
Mulerider Club Board Member
Southern Arkansas University Board of Trustees
Relay for Life Board Member
United Way Board Member
Leadership Arkansas

Harrington has been married to Janet Harrington for 29 years. Together, they have a son, Thomas (married to Karigan), and a daughter, Abby.

The Educational Leadership Hall of Fame banquet celebrated the remarkable achievements of these individuals, recognizing their unwavering commitment to educational excellence and leadership. The evening was an inspiring tribute to those shaping the future of education in Arkansas and beyond.

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Calling the Hogs Event Draws Strong Crowd in El Dorado

Published

1 hour ago

June 5, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — Razorback fans and community supporters packed the First Financial Music Hall at the Murphy Arts District Thursday evening for Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth, an event that brought together Arkansas sports stories, dinner, fellowship and fundraising.

The evening featured Chuck Barrett, the well-known voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who shared stories from his years behind the microphone and offered guests an inside look at some of the most memorable moments in Arkansas sports. Longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson served as Master of Ceremonies, helping guide the evening with humor, insight and plenty of Hog spirit.

The catered event, with dinner provided by Madhouse 101, drew a strong turnout, with venue tables filled throughout the evening. In addition to the program, guests also took part in an auction, where every auction item was sold.

Organizers said the event was a great success, bringing together Razorback fans, local supporters and community members for an evening centered on storytelling, sports nostalgia and South Arkansas hospitality.

Watch a quick highlight from the event!

News

El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — A 39-year-old El Dorado man is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Union County District Court on Friday after being taken into custody following a lengthy police standoff earlier this week.

According to the El Dorado Police Department, Gary Lee Moore was arrested Tuesday morning after officers responded to a reported aggravated assault and spent more than an hour attempting to negotiate his surrender.

Authorities said officers were first called to South Arkansas Regional Hospital at approximately 6:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving information about a suspected aggravated assault. Investigators reported that the victim told officers Moore had threatened her life and warned that he would kill any law enforcement officers who attempted to intervene.

Following the report, officers went to a residence in the 2700 block of Mount Holly Road to locate Moore.

Police secured the area around the residence, including shutting down a portion of Mount Holly Road, while ensuring no other individuals were inside the home. Crisis negotiators then began efforts to persuade Moore to surrender peacefully.

According to police, negotiators used verbal commands and communicated with Moore several times by telephone during the standoff. Despite those efforts, Moore repeatedly refused to leave the residence.

After negotiations proved unsuccessful, the El Dorado Police Department’s SWAT team implemented tactical measures that ultimately prompted Moore to exit the home.

Moore was taken into custody without further incident.

He has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threatening, resisting arrest and several additional charges.

Moore remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Union County District Court on June 5.

The investigation remains ongoing.

News

Youth Festival Of The Arts Set For This Weekend

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, — Young artists from across South Arkansas will have an opportunity to display their creativity and connect with the community during the upcoming Youth Festival of the Arts on Saturday, June 6.

The event, presented through a partnership between the South Arkansas Arts Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Union County, will take place from 10 a.m. until noon at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 1201 N. West Ave. in El Dorado.

Organizers describe the event as a one-of-a-kind children’s art marketplace designed to celebrate and support young artists while encouraging creativity and artistic expression.

The festival will transform the indoor Lanxess Gym at the Boys & Girls Club into an art fair featuring artwork created by children and youth from throughout the region. Community members will have the opportunity to view the artwork, meet young artists and show their support for the next generation of creative talent.

The event is part of an ongoing effort by both organizations to provide artistic opportunities for local youth and help foster an appreciation for the arts in South Arkansas.

SAAC and the Boys & Girls Club have partnered on numerous programs focused on arts education, and organizers say the Youth Festival of the Arts is designed to give young creators a platform to share their work while building confidence and developing their artistic skills.

Community members are encouraged to attend and help support the area’s emerging artists.

Event Details

What: Youth Festival of the Arts
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Union County, 1201 N. West Ave., El Dorado
Hosted By: South Arkansas Arts Center and Boys & Girls Club of Union County
Admission: Open to the public

The event offers families a chance to celebrate creativity, encourage young artists and enjoy a morning dedicated to the arts in El Dorado.

News

Juneteenth Celebration Set For June 19th

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Families from across South Arkansas are invited to gather for a day of celebration, education and community as the Justice League hosts its annual Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on June 19 at the Murphy Arts District Amphitheater.

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amphitheater and will feature food, entertainment, activities for children and community engagement opportunities designed to bring residents together while promoting peace and unity.

Organizers say attendees can enjoy free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, live entertainment and free T-shirts while supplies last.

The event is presented by the Justice League and made possible through support from title sponsor Clean Harbors.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Although Lincoln’s proclamation officially declared enslaved people in Confederate states free on Jan. 1, 1863, enforcement depended on the presence of Union troops. In many parts of the South, slavery continued until federal troops arrived and enforced the order.

The announcement in Texas marked one of the final acts of emancipation in the United States and became a day of celebration among formerly enslaved people and their descendants.

Over the decades, Juneteenth grew from local community gatherings into a nationally recognized observance. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Today, communities across the country celebrate the holiday with festivals, educational programs, cultural events, parades and family gatherings that honor freedom, resilience and African American history.

Bringing the Community Together

Organizers of the El Dorado event say the Family Fun Day is designed not only to celebrate Juneteenth but also to encourage positive community engagement and promote efforts to reduce violence through education, fellowship and outreach.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in the festivities.

Event Information

What: Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day
When: June 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Murphy Arts District Amphitheater, El Dorado
Admission: Free
Activities: Food, frozen treats, vendors, bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, entertainment and more

The event is open to the public and welcomes families throughout the region to celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of community together.

News

“Calling The Hogs” Event With Chuck Barrett Set For Tonight

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Razorback fans will have a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most recognizable voices in Arkansas sports tonight as “Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth” comes to the Murphy Arts District.

The special event, scheduled for June 4 inside the First Financial Music Hall, will feature legendary Arkansas Razorbacks play-by-play broadcaster Chuck Barrett, whose voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in Razorback athletics.

Barrett will share stories from his years behind the microphone, offering fans a unique look at the people, moments and memories that have shaped Arkansas sports. The evening is expected to include tales from the broadcast booth, locker room stories and insights into some of the biggest games in Razorback history.

Serving as master of ceremonies will be longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson, who will help guide the conversation and add his own blend of humor and perspective throughout the program.

Guests will also enjoy a catered dinner provided by Madhouse 101. Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m. before the evening’s program gets underway.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring together sports fans, community members and supporters of Arkansas athletics for an entertaining night of storytelling and fellowship.

Tickets are $50 per person, plus applicable fees and taxes. Seating is limited.

The event will be held tonight at the First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District in downtown El Dorado.