Monticello Live

AR-CDA Presentation Speech:
Arkansas American Choral Director Association recognizes an individual whose unwavering dedication, quiet strength, and lasting impact shapes the choral community in Arkansas in extraordinary ways. The Trailblazer Award, named in honor of the incomparable Carrie Taylor, stands as a tribute to those who lead not for recognition but out of a deep love for students, music, and excellence

Carrie was more than a teacher—she was a mentor, a model of grace and grit, and a tireless champion for choral music across our state. Her legacy lives on in the countless people she empowered and inspired, and in the standard of excellence she set for all of us.

This year’s honoree has walked a remarkably similar path.

After what many might consider a well-earned retirement, this individual returned—not for accolades or titles, but to stand in the gap where students needed them most. In doing so, they didn’t just sustain a program—they revived it. And in true Trailblazer fashion, they did so with humility, strength, and a quiet confidence that continues to ripple through the lives of students and colleagues alike.

They have lifted others, modeled excellence, and quietly shaped the future of choral music in Arkansas. And I can say, personally, that I am one of the many who have been changed for the better because of them.

It is with great pride and deep gratitude that the Arkansas- American Choral Director Association present this year’s Trailblazer Award in honor of Carrie Taylor, to… Mrs. Bennie Vincent. 

The Aqua goats traveled to the campus of OBU on Friday February 7th to compete in the 1A-4A south swim and dive conference championship.

Led by senior captain Ashtyn Smith the ladies struck early and took 1st in the 200 medley relay.  Next up was the 200 free where Smith took 1st place as well.

Next up was the 200 IM where freshman Allie Hall took 1st in that event.  Then Landon Reid took 1st place in the men’s 200
IM.  The goats were just getting started.  The 50 free followed with freshman Annslee Roberts taking the 1st place ticket.

Freshman Connor Pippin took 3rd in the men’s 50 free and swam back to back events and took 2nd in the 100 fly.

The next event was the 100 free with Hall, Roberts, and Osborne taking 1st, 3rd, and 4th spots respectively.  Smith swam back to back events to take 1st in the 500 free and swam the 200 free relay where the ladies took 1st place yet again.

The last two events were the ladies 100 breast where Osborne took first and Reid swam a very fast race taking the 2nd place spot.

The team will travel to Russellville on March 1st to compete in the state swim and dive championships.

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CONGRATULATIONS to MMS, MJHS and MHS 2023 All-Region Choir Students!!!

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The MHS Cheerleaders and Mascot attended the National Cheerleaders Association summer camp in Hot Springs June 5-8th. They received several awards competing against some outstanding squads from Arkansas, Texas, and Mississippi. They won 1st Place in the Game Day Cheer and 3rd in the Jam Performance Routine. Other awards they earned were (more…)

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Keep Arkansas Beautiful visited Monticello and Drew Central Elementary Schools last week and brought Otto the Otter to visit with kids, hand out coloring books and talk to them about keeping Monticello clean.

Mayor Akers is encouraging a city wide clean up on March 24th and 25th. On the 24th, city employees will pick up litter and trash in town and any institution wanting to help on Saturday the 25th can contact City Hall to arrange a time to obtain clean up materials furnished by Keep Arkansas Beautiful.

So far, several Churches have volunteered to help on the 25th, including Morning Star Missionary Baptist, Church of Christ, The Revival Center and Immanuel Baptist.