Arkansas Teacher of the Year Regional finalists include West Memphis educator

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Education is pleased to announce the 13 educators who are named 2023 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Regional Finalists.

The regional finalists will be recognized at an event August 4 at the Governor’s Mansion. At that time, the four state semi-finalists will be announced.

“It is my privilege to announce the Arkansas Teacher of the Year Regional Finalists,” ADE Secretary Johnny Key said. “These educators represent the best in the teaching profession at their local schools and have demonstrated a commitment to the teaching profession.

Congratulations on achieving this honor and recognition!”

The regional finalists listed below will each receive a certificate and a $1,000 prize provided by the Walton Family Foundation.

• Jessica Bilbo, Library Media, Grades K-5, Harmony Leadership Academy, Texarkana Arkansas School District Southwest Arkansas Education Cooperative

• Angela Brady, Math, Grade 6, Walnut Ridge Middle School, Lawrence County School District, Northeast Arkansas Education Cooperative

• Teresa Cantrell, Music, Grades K-2, Wynne Primary School, Wynne School District, Crowley’s Ridge Educational Service Cooperative

• Lisa Jensen, Second Grade, Alma Primary School, Alma School District, Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative

• Amber Leaton, Social Studies, Grades 11 & 12, Bryant High School, Bryant Public Schools, Dawson Education Service Cooperative

• Stephanie Long, Third Grade, Walter Turnbow Elementary School, Springdale Public Schools, Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative

• Kara McGee, Second Grade, Mabelvale Elementary School, Little Rock School District, Pulaski County

• Dr. Cheryl Ring, Family and Consumer Science, Grades 10-12, Academies of West Memphis, West Memphis School District, Great Rivers Education Service Cooperative

• Sarah Sabbatini, Dyslexia Interventionist/Library Media, Grades 1-5, Portland Elementary School, Hamburg School District, Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative

• Capri Salaam, Social Studies, Grades 7 & 8, North Little Rock Middle School 7th/8th Grade Campus, North Little Rock School District, Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative

• Elouise Shorter, Math, Grades 9-12, Dollarway High School, Pine Bluff School District, Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative

• Sarah Story, Special Education, Grades K-2, East Side Elementary School, Magnolia School District, South Central Service Cooperative

• Allan West, Gifted and Talented, Grades K-4, Central Elementary School, Cabot Public Schools, Wilbur D. Mills Education Service Cooperative The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program is part of

Continued on Page 10

Photo courtesy of WMSD STATE NEWS (cont.)

the National Teacher of the Year program and recognizes teachers for their outstanding teaching and leadership skills. The four state semi-finalists that will be announced in August will be selected from among the 13 regional finalists. One of the four state semi-finalists will be named the 2023 Arkansas Teacher of the Year this fall and will apply to become the 2023 National Teacher of the Year.

***

JONESBORO — A Jonesboro police officer died Sunday after reporting for his initial basic training in North Little Rock, according to a news release from the Arkansas State Police.

Officer Vincent Parks, 38, of Jonesboro, had reported to the academy at 1 p.m. and before an initial exercise regimen began about 1:30 p.m., exhibited symptoms of medical distress.

Academy instructors separated Parks from the class and had him lie on a nearby table where oxygen was administered. Parks was able to walk to an ambulance that had been summoned but suffered cardiac arrest almost immediately upon entering the ambulance.

Life-saving measures were initiated by emergency medical personnel. Parks was pronounced dead upon reaching the hospital.

Parks was among a group of five Jonesboro Police Department recruits to enter a 13 week-long academy session where they and other recruits from across the state were to receive basic law enforcement training.

Parks had completed inhouse training at JPD prior to going to the Central Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy at Camp Robinson “It’s unfortunate and heartbreaking,” Police Chief Rick Elliott said Monday.

“He wanted to make a difference in his community.”

Elliott said becoming a police officer was something Parks always wanted to do in life, and he and his wife discussed it before he applied to join the department.

His body has been sent to the Arkansas Crime Lab for an autopsy.