Armorel Public Schools

Senior Spotlight: Andrea Bermudez is the daughter of Maria and Ricardo Bermudez. After high school she plans to attend ANC to become an LPN to get a head start in knowing the field then go back to be an RN. Her thoughts about her senior year ending this way, "In all honesty, it is surreal. I finished my senior year without even knowing it. It hurts that it didn’t get to finish the way it did. The only way to get through it is knowing that we all still have a whole life ahead of us and I cannot wait!" When asked who inspires her, Andrea said, "I am inspired by my abuelito Cristobal. My abuelito passed away in 2014 and he was the most influential person in my life. He had a dream of making a restaurant business and I’m sure many people are familiar with what restaurant business that is. My family did not come from a wealthy background. He learned how to go through life working hard for his own and he worked hard to give me the life I have today. I loved him like no other and he was a great friend to have throughout my childhood. There was a lot of powdered donuts involved and a ton of car rides. I like to think he is watching over our family and is proud of the new accomplishments we have made. It feels just like yesterday I went over to visit and you could hear his loud voice throughout the whole house. I miss him dearly. Abuelito Cristobal inspired me to make something of myself and choose my own path, just like he did. I am proud to be his granddaughter and I am sure he is proud of me." Congratulations Andrea!

Senior Spotlight: C.J. Simmons is the son of Amanda Davis and the late Bryan Davis. He plans to attend a two year college and go straight into the workforce after high school. When asked how he feels about his senior year ending this way he said, "I hate that my senior year had to end this way. I feel as if life threw all of us a curve ball, and now we just have to adjust and overcome to make ourselves stronger and better for the future." C.J.'s advice for incoming freshmen, "Enjoy the little things. You need to enjoy what you have because it is not around for long. Time flies by faster than you think. So you need to live life in the moment and enjoy the times you have with your friends and family. Do not take the small things for granted." Congratulations C.J.!

Senior Spotlight: Hayleigh Peterson is the daughter of Kenny and Crystal Peterson. After high school she plans to become a dispatcher and work her way up to a police officer. Hayleigh is sad about her senior year ending this way and said, "We've been waiting so long to get to experience the end of senior year things like walking through the elementary in our caps and gowns, senior prom, and our high school graduation." Her advice for incoming freshmen is, "don't play around in your classes because this is when your classes count. Always make plans with friends. High school will be over in the blink of an eye." Congratulations Hayleigh!

Senior Spotlight: Gabrielle Mays is the daughter of Kenneth and Sherry Mays. She plans to attend ANC to obtain her Associates degree in Registered Nursing. After that, she plans to attend Arkansas State University or Murray State University to work toward her Bachelors degree. When asked how she feels about her senior year ending this way Gabrielle said, "Senior year has always been the year that I looked forward to since I was in 6th grade. Throughout all of the years, I have worked very hard to get the grades that I wanted and made many memories. Knowing that now I am a senior and I won't be able to finish the school year is very upsetting. If I would've known that my last day of school was coming so soon, I would've taken the time to remember my last moments in the hallway and with my friends in class. I have always been a strong person when it came to serious situations. The sudden ending of my senior year was something that hit me very differently. I didn't realize how much I would miss the small things like having conversations with my teachers, eating in the lunchroom, and even laughing hard on school trips. I will never get to experience anything like that again. Every year since I was younger, I watched the older students graduate and I got more and more excited for my day. Now I don't even know if I will have the moment of walking across the stage. I pray that no other senior class has to go through anything like this. I learned to never take what you have for granted because it can be gone in the blink of an eye. I am most grateful for the lessons that teachers taught me during my high school years. Not only did they provide information about how to do certain concepts, they also taught me unintentional lessons that I will always be able to benefit from. For instance, Mrs. Duren helped me learn to teach others how to do things instead of just giving them all of the answers. That way they will be able to learn as well. While I kept that in mind, I also learned better techniques when it came to studying in her class. I then began to use those tips throughout all of my other classes. In the end, I feel like the small things that the teachers have done for me went a long way. I would like to thank all of the staff at Armorel HIgh School for the help they provided during my last high school days. I also wouldn't have been able to do anything without the support of God and my family. I am truly grateful and I love all of my Class of 2020." Congratulations Gabrielle!

Seventh grader Ayden Cooper was recently awarded the Golden Pineapple Award in Mrs. Weld's math class for mastering the most IXL Online math lessons in 7th hour. Way to go Ayden and thanks for keeping up your hard work during AMI days. #PineappleAward #AMI

Senior Spotlight: Seth Follmer is the son of Jennifer and Chris Cook and Patrick and Michelle Follmer. After high school Seth plans to pursue a four year degree at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville for Industiral Engineering. When asked how he feels about his senior year ending this way Seth said, "It was definitely upsetting that it ended so early. I would have like know what day was my was in high school but thankfully its given me extra time to work and save up money for college. Also I never pass up the opportunity to be able to just sit at home." When asked to finish this sentence, "In 20 years I'm going to be...", Seth said, "content and happy, whatever that means to me in 20 years." Congratulations Seth!

Senior Spotlight: Drew Weld is the son of Andy and Jena Weld. After high school he plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas to major in professional writing. Drew would like to move somewhere out of Arkansas. When asked how he feels about his senior year ending this way he said, "It wasn't the ending I was expecting, and it might not have been the ideal way for the year to end for me and the rest of the seniors, but that doesn't change the fact that my senior year has been full of amazing memories that I will not soon forget. It was an amazing ride, I just wish I could've experienced the rest of it." Drew's advice for incoming freshmen, "Focus on what makes you happy, and surround yourself with other people you genuinely enjoy being around. Avoid any drama that isn't necessary, and don't obsess over your status in the eyes of others. It sounds cliche, but being yourself is the easiest way to make it through high school." Congratulations Drew!

7th-12th grade will be able to pick up any belongings, tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in the Gym between 8:00am- 2:00pm.

Senior Spotlight: Alexis Bivens is the daughter of Mark and Carla Bivens. She plans to attend Arkansas State University to major in nursing after high school. When asked how she feels about her senior year ending this way she said, "I just wish it hadn't happened my senior year. It hurts knowing that we didn't get to say goodbye to the teachers we've grown close to. It hurts knowing that I didn't get to have the big last day of high school with the people I've grown up with. However, these things are going to be what makes graduation and prom so much more special to us seniors." The one memory Alexis said she will remember forever about her time at Armorel: "One thing I will always remember is how much our class acted like siblings. (Senior homecoming really tested our love for each other.) We all butted heads, but toward the end of the year, we realized that our time together was coming to an end. From arguing, to trying to spend every Friday after school together, I don't think anyone would change a thing." Congratulations Alexis!

Senior Spotlight: Allison Harris is the daughter of Brett and Stacey Harris. After high school she plans to attend Williams Baptist to pursue her business degree. When asked how she feels about her senior year ending this way she said, "It makes me sad knowing I won't ever get to see some of my favorite teachers again in the classroom and that me and my classmates will never have those memories of the last day of school together, but in the end what we are having to do is keeping everyone safe so I am just trying to make the best of it!" Allison's highlight of her senior year: "The highlight of my senior year has definitely been the people I have gotten to spend it with. My boyfriend, Quinn Crosskno, and my two best friends, Hannah Hopper and Alexis Bivens. They have made this one of my favorite and best years of high school so I am going to miss seeing them at school every single day." Congratulations Allison!

Quinn Crosskno is the son of Julie and Chris Crosskno. After high school he plans to attend Williams Baptist and play golf. When asked how he feels about his senior year ending this way he said, "Senior year being cut short is very depressing. Although, I am happy to do anything that makes the spread of this virus stop. Knowing that I will never get these last few months of senior year back is hard to think. I will never get to be back in a classroom with my best friends, my favorite teachers, or at Armorel High School. I will never get my senior year of baseball back. This virus cut many things short. I am heartbroken because of this, but I am ready for the next chapter of my life. God has a plan for all of us during these crazy times. Trust and believe in him. God knows what he is doing through all of this. Pray and continue letting him lead and guide in your life." The worst thing about being a senior: "There are many great things about being a senior. You are the oldest and the most special in the entire school. You are getting ready to move on from high school, attend college, and start your adult life. With all of these good things, there are many downsides, too. The worst thing has to be leaving behind all the memories and great friends. I have made many memories and friends at Armorel High School. All the long bus rides, the talks at the lunch table, eating before games, and the great times in the classroom will never be forgotten. All of my coaches, teachers, and all members of Armorel staff have made an impact on my life that I won’t forget. I want to especially thank Coach Brown, Coach Dobbins, and Coach Miller for the great advice they have given me and for never giving up on me. I want to thank Mr. Carmack and Mrs. Mac for all the funny stories, putting up with us, and making learning fun. I want to thank Ethan Bryant and Tanner Davis for always being there for me and for making this year great."

Exciting news, the new Armorel Elementary is nearing completion. With that said, sadly, the time is also near for part of the old building to come down. On Monday, April 20, crews will begin work prepping the PreK- 2nd grade building for demolition. If you would like to see the building or take pictures now is the time! Although we do not know the exact day the building will come down, it will most likely be next week. Many of you have special memories of your time in this building. If you would, please share your favorite story or photo of your experience.

Senior Spotlight: Taylor McDaniel is the daughter of Randy McDaniel and Patricia McDaniel and Tina Parks. After high school Taylor plans to to move out and move to Jonesboro to work with animals. When asked how she feels about her senior year ending this way she said, "I did feel upset about it because a lot of events that I was looking forward to and worked hard for just went away. However I did enjoy my senior year and I'm looking forward to the future. When asked what one memory she would remember forever about her time at Armorel she said, "Leaving my mark by trying to show off by doing a back bend on the wall." Congratulations Taylor!

Senior Spotlight: Kayla Cluck is the daughter of Rachael Craine, Daniel Cluck, and Doug Craine. After high school Kayla plans to go to ANC to become a Nurse Anesthetist. When asked how she feels about her senior year ending this way, Kayla said, " I am upset about leaving high school this way. I already lost one year due to graduating early, and now I lost this year too. I am most grateful for being a part of an amazing school and having some of the best teachers I could ever ask for. Armorel always made me feel welcome no matter the circumstance. For that, I am incredibly grateful." Congratulations Kayla!

Senior Spotlight: Hannah Hopper is the daughter of Jeff and Andrea Hopper. After high school she plans to major in communication disorders at Arkansas State University to become a speech pathologist. When asked her thoughts on her senior year ending this way she said the following: "It is sad because we are all having to miss out on the things that we have been looking forward to our whole lives. All the school trips that I am used to going on during this time of year have been cancelled already, and I don’t get to have my last track season that I have been working towards for months. We are all just hoping we can still have prom and a graduation. One memory that I will remember forever about my time at Armorel was getting to go to FBLA nationals last summer with Alexis and Andrea. That was one of my favorite school trips. We placed fifth in the state in our competition, so we got to go to San Antonio, Texas to compete at nationals. While we were there, we got to go to Six Flags, tour The Alamo, and we stayed in a hotel looking over the Riverwalk. At the conference we got to meet people from all over the United States, and we even made friends with people from China and other countries. One of my favorite things about the trip was almost getting in trouble by the hotel staff and having to run back to the room." Congratulations Hannah!

Elem parents: Construction has pushed our moving schedule to earlier dates. Students in grades KG-4th will need to collect their personal items from desks or lockers, Mon- Wed., April 13-15, 9:30 AM-1:30 PM.

Senior Spotlight: Tanner Davis is the son of Bryan Davis and Lana Smith. After high school, he plans to play college baseball. When asked how he feels about his senior year ending this way he said, "way? ​Unfortunate. It sucks not being able to play out my last high school baseball season and do all the fun activities that were planned for our senior class. The advice he has for incoming freshmen is, "​For incoming freshman, I want to leave behind a message for most. Enjoy every moment, It comes fast and it’s gone before you know it. To your parents, continue to be the baby and take a lot of pictures. You never know what will happen to them. Also, be involved in everything." Congratulations Tanner!

Senior Spotlight: Briley Miller is the daughter of Shannon and Mandy Millier. After high school she plans to attend Arkansas Northeastern College for two years then transfer to Arkansas State University to attend their Physical Therapy program. Her thoughts about her senior year ending this way: "It hasn’t hit me yet that my senior year is over. I have been at Armorel since the third grade and have grown up with my class. It’s hard not seeing them everyday and knowing that i’ll never get to sit through another class meeting with them is upsetting. When asked what the highlight of her senior year is, Briley said, " The highlight of my senior year will have to be winning the Pattye Woody Tournament at South Pem. All of it was exciting from watching our student section go crazy, to going up and receiving the trophy, to celebrating to “We Are the Champions” out on the court. That night was definitely the highlight of my senior year."

Senior Spotlight: Ethan Bryant is the son of Nicole and Kenneth Warren and Brian and Tiffany Bryant. After high school he plans to work for Nucor. When asked how he feels about his senior year ending this way, Ethan said the following: " It's a double edged sword. I love not having to wake up until 2 p.m. everyday and not falling asleep till 6 or 7 a.m. every night, but not being able to sit at the lunchroom and tell jokes and laugh for 45 minutes straight or sit in Mrs. Speights class with CJ Tanner and Michael and get on her nerves for the whole class period everyday." The advice Ethan has for incoming freshmen is " Don't take highschool too seriously. Don't stress about the test coming up or trying to rush and finish the homework every night. It's one test and only one thing of homework stressing over it just makes it worse. That little grade for homework for the small 20 point test will not affect your grade in the long run so don't cry or pull your hair out trying to perfect every assignment." Congratulations Ethan!

Senior Spotlight: Kylee DeWitt is the daughter of Tracey DeWitt. After high school she plans to attend Arkansas Northeastern College part-time and work part-time. Kylee's thoughts about her senior year ending this way, "I'm sad about my senior year ending this way because the last day of senior year for anyone should be a day that is remembered. I do not remember my last day of my senior year and it breaks my heart. I don't get to go on any of my last school trips that I have looked forward to for years. I won't get to sit in the library with the people I have grown up with and just joke around and talk. I wish this year could have ended differently, but it's life and the class of 2020 will definitely be remembered." When asked what one person she was always happy to see, Kylee said the following, "I am always happy to see Mrs. Sally Baker. She has been around to support me in any way she can. She has helped me through the bad days in my life and makes sure I'm always okay. She's hugged me when I've had breakdowns and always makes sure that I know that she's always there for me if I need to talk, a snack, or just a hug. I am forever grateful for her and couldn't have made it through the past four years without her love and endless support." Congratulations Kylee!