EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District has recognized some of its top educators through its annual Teacher Excellence program, honoring teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership and impact in the classroom.

District officials recently announced this year’s semifinalists, finalists and winners across elementary, middle/junior high and high school divisions.

Taking home the top honors for 2026 were Jessica Minor of Northwest Elementary School, Dr. Elizabeth Johnson of Barton Junior High School and Shelly Childers of El Dorado High School.

Minor was named the Elementary Level Teacher Excellence winner after being selected from a talented group of semifinalists that included Rylee Darden of Hugh Goodwin Elementary School, Felice Lamoreux of Yocum Elementary School and Katie King of Retta Brown Elementary School.

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At the middle and junior high level, Dr. Elizabeth Johnson of Barton Junior High School earned top honors. Johnson was recognized alongside fellow semifinalists Jack Russell of Barton Junior High School and Breanna Murphy of Washington Middle School.

Shelly Childers of El Dorado High School was selected as the High School Level Teacher Excellence winner. Childers was among a distinguished group of semifinalists that also included Alyssa Bean, Jamie Lowe and Shanavia Cole, all of El Dorado High School.

Finalists for the district-wide recognition included Darden, Minor, Lamoreux, Johnson, Russell, Lowe, Cole and Childers.

School leaders praised all of the educators recognized through the program, noting the positive impact they make on students and their commitment to academic excellence.

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The Teacher Excellence program highlights outstanding educators throughout the district and celebrates the dedication, innovation and leadership they bring to classrooms every day. District officials said the honorees exemplify the high standards of teaching and student support that continue to shape the success of El Dorado students.

The El Dorado School District congratulated all semifinalists, finalists and winners, thanking them for their service and the lasting difference they make in the lives of students across the district.

EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce will welcome a new local business to the community this week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Cove Counseling & Wellness.

The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at The Cove Counseling & Wellness, located at 214 N. Washington Ave., Suite 611, in downtown El Dorado.

Chamber officials, community leaders, business owners and residents are invited to attend as The Cove celebrates its official opening and introduction to the community.

The Cove Counseling & Wellness provides mental health and wellness services designed to support individuals and families seeking guidance, healing and personal growth. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will offer community members an opportunity to meet the team, learn more about the services available and celebrate the business’s investment in the El Dorado community.

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The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce regularly hosts ribbon-cutting ceremonies to recognize new businesses, expansions and community investments that contribute to local economic growth.

Residents are encouraged to attend and help welcome The Cove Counseling & Wellness to downtown El Dorado.

EL DORADO — Community members are invited to help shape the future of rural health research during an upcoming town hall meeting hosted by UAMS HEART-NET.

The event is scheduled for 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday, June 9, at the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, located at 111 W. Main St. in downtown El Dorado.

The meeting will feature speaker Dr. Ping-Ching Hsu, an associate professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Organizers say the discussion will focus on the role of research in primary care and the importance of community representation in health studies, particularly in rural areas.

Officials with UAMS HEART-NET hope the event will encourage local residents to share their perspectives and help guide future research efforts that impact their communities.

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According to organizers, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about ongoing research initiatives and how local involvement can help improve healthcare outcomes across rural Arkansas.

Breakfast will be provided, and incentives will be available for participants who attend.

Those seeking additional information may contact Julie Joyce at [email protected].

The event is part of UAMS HEART-NET’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships between researchers, healthcare providers and rural communities throughout the state.

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EL DORADO — The South Arkansas Arts Center has announced the cast for its upcoming production of Legally Blonde, bringing together performers from across the region for one of the most popular contemporary musicals.

Leading the cast as Elle Woods will be Zoe Pyle. Parker Thomas has been cast as Emmett Forrest, while Abby Cate will portray Paulette Bonafonté. Other principal cast members include Lisa Claire Milan as Vivienne Kensington, Matthew Power as Warner Huntington III, Jaz VanAssche as Enid Hoopes, Julie Vistaunet as Brooke Wyndham and Greg Oden as Professor Callahan.

Additional featured roles include Callie Blair as Serena, Zy’Rhiyhanna Chambers as Pilar, Meyah Hampton as Margot and Ishq Alam as Padamadan and Nikos.

The production’s supporting cast includes Dustin Adams, Grant Baker, Blake Goff, Zephaniah Valentine, Michael McLeese, Austin Crank, Christine Whan and Chauna Edney, each taking on multiple ensemble and featured roles throughout the show.

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Members of the Delta Nu Ensemble include Becca Pratt, Hannah Faith Davis, Megann McManus, Braelyn Allen, Brianna Cruz and Lily Hicks Langston, along with Rae Tucker and Morgan Chisholm.

Featured dancers for the production are Delilah Evelyn and Raylee Spence.

Based on the hit film and Broadway musical, Legally Blonde follows Elle Woods as she enrolls at Harvard Law School and discovers her own potential while challenging stereotypes and exceeding expectations. The show is known for its energetic musical numbers, colorful characters and empowering message.

The production is sponsored by Murphy USA and is expected to be one of the highlights of SAAC’s summer season. Community members are encouraged to support the cast and enjoy a production showcasing the talent of performers from throughout South Arkansas.

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Performance dates and ticket information will be announced by the South Arkansas Arts Center.

EL DORADO — Residents are invited to show their patriotic spirit and take part in one of El Dorado’s favorite summer traditions as the Stars & Stripes Parade returns to downtown on July 2.

The family-friendly event will begin at 7:30 p.m. and serves as a community celebration leading up to the Murphy USA Drone Show later in the evening as part of the America 250 El Dorado festivities.

Organizers are encouraging families, friends, neighborhood groups and community organizations to participate by decorating bicycles, wagons, strollers and other non-motorized entries in red, white and blue. Walkers and themed groups are also welcome to join the parade route through downtown El Dorado.

The parade is designed to bring the community together while celebrating patriotism, local pride and the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

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Registration is available through the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, and the entry fee is $10. Organizers noted that motorized vehicles will not be permitted in the parade. Participants are encouraged to get creative with decorations and costumes while showcasing their patriotic spirit.

The Stars & Stripes Parade is part of the broader America 250 El Dorado celebration, which will culminate with the Murphy USA Drone Show, featuring hundreds of illuminated drones creating patriotic displays in the night sky.

Community members planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the festivities in downtown El Dorado before the parade begins.

Additional information is available at GoElDorado.com.

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