Drew Central School District recently transformed its campus into a living tribute to history, creativity, and community during its “Arkansas Celebrates America 250” program, an event that brought together students, educators, and distinguished guests in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Spearheaded by the school’s enrichment team—Janine Eubanks (Music), Cindy Flemister (Library), Erika Herman (Art), Heidi Aldy (Technology), and Randi McMahon (Physical Education)—the program blended education and celebration into a dynamic, multi-sensory experience for students.

The event began,with videos from President Donald Trump, Governor Sarah Sanders, Dr. Jacob Olivia, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Education, Superintendent Nancy Chapman, Assistant Principal Eddie Potts, Counselor Savannah Singleton, and educators, Cindy Flemister and Kristi Meeks, all sharing the importance of the student’s role in the success of Arkansas and the nation in the future. Drew Central students who are members of the Cub Scout Pack 69 and Troop 67 led the audience in a flag ceremony, pledges and the National Anthem. Drew Central Elementary students from grades Kindergarten through Fifth Grade then sang songs highlighting America and Arkansas.

The Humanities Team from the Department of Education, including Isaac Cross, Sarah Goodwin, and Ronda Smith along with their team from Arkansas TV, the illustrator of Mystery League’s Millie and Arkansas 250’s Quinn in The Arkansas Capital History Hunt, Jaime Walters, and special guest Clifford the Big Red Dog underscored the significance of the program as a model for engaging students in meaningful, cross-curricular learning.

Ms. Sarah Goodwin read Mystery League’s Millie and Arkansas 250’s Quinn in The Arkansas Capital History Hunt and then gifted every student a copy of the book. Clifford the Big Red Dog then made a special appearance, delighting younger students and bringing plenty of smiles—and photos—throughout the day.

By weaving together multiple disciplines and community partnerships, Drew Central’s “Arkansas Celebrates America 250” program stood as a vibrant example of what happens when education steps off the page and into experience. The result was not just an assembly, but a memory stitched with pride, creativity, and a shared sense of place in the unfolding American narrative.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 at 12:43 am and is filed under Drew Central News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.