Arkansas

Ceremony recognizes adult graduates | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

2 years ago

July 1, 2024

Ceremony recognizes adult graduates | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

ROGERS — New high school graduate Laura Cartagena said she wanted to set an example for her children.

Cartagena, 34, is part of the 10-member inaugural graduating class for the Excel Center at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas’ Springdale campus.

“It was important for me, not only for myself, but also I am raising three young kids,” Cartagena said after Friday’s ceremony at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Supply Chain Hall of Fame. “It felt very hypocritical of me to be pushing my kids to be doing good in school when I didn’t have a high school diploma to be like, ‘Look, I did this. You can accomplish this.’ I did it to set a good example for them and also motivate my children to do well in school.”

The students, wearing green caps and gowns, received high school diplomas amid hugs, happy tears, handshakes and loud cheers from the crowd of about 75 people.

The ceremony featured the traditions of a typical high school graduation. There was a guest speaker. Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins delivered the commencement address. School officials also spoke, saluting the students and encouraging them moving forward. “Pomp and Circumstance No. 1” was played.

But it wasn’t typical because all these high school graduates are adults.

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas opened the state’s first adult high school in Little Rock in 2017, according to a news release from the Excel Center Springdale. Last July, the Springdale branch became the center’s second state campus, according to the release.

Classes are for students 19 and older. Passing a general educational development test was the only option in the state for those over 21 seeking a high school diploma or an equivalent before the Little Rock center opened, according to the release. Students earn a state-certified high school diploma after completing the program.

“You have no reason to doubt your potential now,” Jake Gibbs, the school director, told the graduates. “Now is your time.”

Cartagena’s children, ages 13, 7 and 6, attended the ceremony.

“They’re so excited,” Cartagena said. “They helped me with some of my homework. It was a team effort, a family effort.”

Cartagena, who said she’d attempted to complete the general educational development certification in the past, heard about the Excel Center and decided to give the school a try.

“I encourage anybody who doesn’t have a GED or a high school diploma to at least go talk to the staff at the Excel Center,” Cartagena said, noting that class schedules are flexible to help working adults.

Nursing and business always intrigued her, and she’ll attend classes this summer at Northwest Arkansas Community College, Cartagena said.

Graduate Shannan Brink, 50, said she wanted to show her grandchildren that no matter how old you are or where you are in life, it’s never too late to start over.

The biggest challenge in her diploma quest was “to keep showing up for myself and and not let myself get down when it got hard. Sometimes, I didn’t feel like I was smart enough. I just had to keep reminding myself that I am smart enough, and I could do this. I just had to keep showing up for myself.”

Brink said she’s open to learning everything she can and is interested in information technology.

“You are trailblazers,” said Brian Marsh, Goodwill president and CEO. “You will always be that first class. Your pictures will be on the wall. We urge you to aim for higher goals and to give hope to others in your shoes.”

Deakins encouraged the graduates to stick with their support system of family and friends and commit to being lifelong learners.

“You guys will be called upon, and you can be successful,” Deakins said. “You guys are part of history.”

Laura Cartagena reacts Friday after receiving her diploma during a graduation ceremony for the Excel Center’s Springdale campus at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Supply Chain Hall of Fame in Rogers. There were 10 graduates in the center’s inaugural class. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Charlie Kaijo)

Graduates stand Friday during a graduation ceremony for the Excel Center’s Springdale campus at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Supply Chain Hall of Fame in Rogers. There were 10 graduates in the center’s inaugural class. Visit nwaonline.com/photos for today’s photo gallery. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Charlie Kaijo)

Graduate Manuel Morales Jr. (center) hugs his parents, Manuel Morales (left) and Carmen Morales, on Friday during a graduation ceremony for the Excel Center’s Springdale campus at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Supply Chain Hall of Fame in Rogers. There were 10 graduates in the center’s inaugural class. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Charlie Kaijo)

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Arkansas

Arkansas women’s basketball lands veteran transfer guard Kateri Poole | Whole Hog Sports

Published

7 hours ago

May 2, 2026

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Arkansas women’s basketball lands veteran transfer guard Kateri Poole | Whole Hog Sports

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Arkansas

Arkansas tick season brings warning about Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Published

19 hours ago

May 2, 2026

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Arkansas tick season brings warning about Alpha-Gal Syndrome

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Ticks are out as people head outdoors this spring, and a doctor is warning about a little-known illness on the rise.

Dog ticks, deer ticks, Gulf Coast ticks and Lone Star ticks are among the most common in Arkansas. New York Institute of Technology at Arkansas State Dean Dr. Shane Speights said they can be found nearly anywhere in the state.

“So, when you think about certainly the deep woods in northeast Arkansas, along like the Spring River and things like that, anything along the rivers or large bodies of water, you’re going to be at a higher risk,” Speights said.

Those ticks can carry diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme Disease. Speights said there is a growing concern with another disease — Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

The Lone Star Tick carries a molecule that can transfer to humans through a bite and can cause an allergic reaction to red meat.

“That’s a smaller percentage of the population. But it can last for a long, long time. And it can be a violent response in terms of eating, you know, just a little bit of steak or a hamburger. You can get violently ill,” Speights said.

Data from the Arkansas Department of Health showed a sharp increase in Alpha-Gal Syndrome confirmed or probable cases in the state, from 70 in 2023 to 344 in 2024 and 249 in 2025.

The most common symptoms after a tick bite are fever and chills, aches and pains and rash. Speights said a person should seek medical attention after 36 hours if the tick is still attached.

“If the tick has been attached for more than 36 hours, we recommend you start antibiotics, promptly,” Speights said. He said antibiotics can be prescribed by a physician.

Ticks should not prevent someone from enjoying the outdoors. Speights said there are things people can do to prevent a tick hopping on them, like wearing light-colored clothing, pants, high socks and boots.

If one does get on a person, Speights said to remove it as quickly as possible to reduce the possibility of infection.

“You should remove the tick by carefully lifting up on the back of it with some tweezers and just kind of gently pulling until the teeth, um, let go of your skin. Uh, cause you do worry about, you know, parts of the tick being left there can cause infection,” Speights said.

Doctors say the best defense is to avoid tall grass, wear light-colored clothing and shower within two hours of being outdoors.

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Arkansas

Arkansas State Police accepting applications for their next Troop Class

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

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Arkansas State Police accepting applications for their next Troop Class

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Arkansas State Police has announced that they are now accepting applications for Troop Class 2027-A as part of a two-month recruitment program.

The training program is a 21-week law enforcement training program scheduled to start in January that is open to both certified and non-certified applicants.

“With the return of The Big Hat Law has come a renewed investment in our Troopers,” said Colonel Mike Hagar, Director of the Arkansas State Police (ASP). “This is more than a job – it’s a calling. We’re looking for the best of the best who are ready to step up, serve with honor, and wear the hat with pride.

New Troopers will receive the following compensation package:

Starting salary of $67,675
Family health insurance coverage
Non-contributory retirement plan
Total compensation valued at $108,684
Overtime Opportunities

In addition to the compensation package, ASP says that their new Troopers will also earn the privilege of serving the public on the front lines, protecting communities, enforcing the law, and being a part of the 91-year-old nationally recognized tradition.

“Arkansas is investing in the next generation of state Troopers because we know that more law enforcement equals safer streets, safer communities, and a safer state,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “There is no better state to serve in law enforcement than Arkansas, and I encourage anyone who shares the Arkansas State Police’s values of bravery, integrity, and public service to apply.”

Applications for Troop School 2027-A will be open from 5 p.m. on May 1 to July 1, 2026. ASP encourages those interested to get ahead of the process and start their application now.

For more information about Troop School or application requirements, click here or email the ASP Recruiting Office at recruiting@asp.arkansas.gov.

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