Mena School District
Home of the Bearcats
The Mena Bearcats scrimmaged Bismarck & Poteau on Thursday, August 20th at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium.
The season opener is Friday, August 28th @ DeQueen.
https://www.menaschools.org/o/athletics/athletics?filter_ids=19617
The Mena Ladycats played a benefit game against Van Buren on Thursday in the Union Bank Center.
The season opener is Tuesday, August 25th at Greenwood.
https://www.menaschools.org/o/athletics/athletics?filter_ids=19738
Little Rock, Arkansas (19 August 2026) – The Team Arkansas Committee today announced the 4 boys and 4 girls who were named to the 2027 Team Arkansas roster as part of the USGA’s U.S. National Development Program (USNDP).
“We’re incredibly proud of these eight players and excited to see them represent the state through Team Arkansas,” said Carson Roberts (ASGA Executive Director). “This program is a tremendous opportunity for them to grow, compete, and continue developing both on and off the golf course.”
The roster was selected by the Team Arkansas committee based on players’ performances throughout the 2026 season. The Team Arkansas committee includes representatives from Fort Smith, Maumelle, Little Rock and Rogers.
Team Arkansas is one of 30 states in the USNDP’s State Junior Team program – designed to expand, strengthen and diversify the American junior golf pipeline. The USGA announced 14 new states to the program in October of 2025, with goals to expand to all 50 states by 2029.
2027 Team Arkansas – Boys Roster
Rich Davis, 2028 – Mena, AR
Knox Stephens, 2028 – Magnolia, AR
Laken Silkwood, 2027 – Conway, AR
Jack Denery, 2027 – Little Rock, AR
Team Arkansas will be headed by Coach Jack O’Keefe of Little Rock, alongside Team Captains Emily Laskin and Carson Roberts.
All athletes named to a state team will receive at least two days of in-person athlete development per year, access to webinars led by the USNDP’s coaching and athlete development team, consideration for USNDP-sponsored tournament exemptions, and a streamlined grant application process for families demonstrating financial need, among other benefits.
Announced in 2023, the USNDP is designed to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game by focusing on six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations, and financial support.
The State Junior Team Program focuses on creating a developmentally appropriate, aspirational pathway for athletes within each state to compete at higher levels of the game. The U.S. National Development Program is supported by philanthropic giving and secured resources to fulfill the USGA’s commitment to providing pathways to elite levels of the game, regardless of financial situations.
To be eligible, a player must be a U.S. citizen, cannot be enrolled in college, must be 13 years old by Jan. 1 and not reach his/her 19th birthday by July 19 of the year in which they would compete on a State Junior Team.
https://www.asga.org/about/news/team-arkansas-press-release?fbclid=IwY2xjawTz_6NwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUZTT1A3NTRxMGdUaWlrblNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeKCMSCAko7I7Kefl6uzxQM2_VaJl8ABtgytyvULr31lmsOj9vl7gBQJpd75A_aem__3OWQHuK_1DpIUvC2YtEOQ
“We’re incredibly proud of these eight players and excited to see them represent the state through Team Arkansas,” said Carson Roberts (ASGA Executive Director). “This program is a tremendous opportunity for them to grow, compete, and continue developing both on and off the golf course.”
The roster was selected by the Team Arkansas committee based on players’ performances throughout the 2026 season. The Team Arkansas committee includes representatives from Fort Smith, Maumelle, Little Rock and Rogers.
Team Arkansas is one of 30 states in the USNDP’s State Junior Team program – designed to expand, strengthen and diversify the American junior golf pipeline. The USGA announced 14 new states to the program in October of 2025, with goals to expand to all 50 states by 2029.
2027 Team Arkansas – Boys Roster
Rich Davis, 2028 – Mena, AR
Knox Stephens, 2028 – Magnolia, AR
Laken Silkwood, 2027 – Conway, AR
Jack Denery, 2027 – Little Rock, AR
Team Arkansas will be headed by Coach Jack O’Keefe of Little Rock, alongside Team Captains Emily Laskin and Carson Roberts.
All athletes named to a state team will receive at least two days of in-person athlete development per year, access to webinars led by the USNDP’s coaching and athlete development team, consideration for USNDP-sponsored tournament exemptions, and a streamlined grant application process for families demonstrating financial need, among other benefits.
Announced in 2023, the USNDP is designed to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game by focusing on six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations, and financial support.
The State Junior Team Program focuses on creating a developmentally appropriate, aspirational pathway for athletes within each state to compete at higher levels of the game. The U.S. National Development Program is supported by philanthropic giving and secured resources to fulfill the USGA’s commitment to providing pathways to elite levels of the game, regardless of financial situations.
To be eligible, a player must be a U.S. citizen, cannot be enrolled in college, must be 13 years old by Jan. 1 and not reach his/her 19th birthday by July 19 of the year in which they would compete on a State Junior Team.
https://www.asga.org/about/news/team-arkansas-press-release?fbclid=IwY2xjawTz_6NwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUZTT1A3NTRxMGdUaWlrblNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeKCMSCAko7I7Kefl6uzxQM2_VaJl8ABtgytyvULr31lmsOj9vl7gBQJpd75A_aem__3OWQHuK_1DpIUvC2YtEOQ
Mrs. Holder’s class celebrated the 3rd Day of 3rd Grade! We practiced writing and building words using only multiples of 3!
Mena School Board Members Robby Hines, Reed Mendoza, Holly Henry, and Calvin Cummings helped welcome Louise Durham students on the first Friday of the school year.
Mena Tennis played Arkadelphia on Thursday at Tapley Park.
Ladycats
Macy Herod, competing in her very first match, won 6-2 in the #2 singles spot. Paeyton Hostetler and Mollee Sharp, both three year varsity players, won 6-0 in the #2 doubles match. Camilla Ashcraft and Hollie Hamilton, also competing in their first varsity match, won 6-2 in the #3 doubles spot. The ladies won 3 of 5 matches and competed well across the board.
Bearcats
Brady Jones won his first career varsity match, 6-2, in the #3 singles position. Hank Rose and Luke Rowland played a very competitive and spiritied #1 doubles match but eventually fell 7-6 (7-4) in a tiebreak. The Bearcats won 1 of 6 matches on the day and showed good improvement from the beginning of the practice season in June.
Ladycats
Macy Herod, competing in her very first match, won 6-2 in the #2 singles spot. Paeyton Hostetler and Mollee Sharp, both three year varsity players, won 6-0 in the #2 doubles match. Camilla Ashcraft and Hollie Hamilton, also competing in their first varsity match, won 6-2 in the #3 doubles spot. The ladies won 3 of 5 matches and competed well across the board.
Bearcats
Brady Jones won his first career varsity match, 6-2, in the #3 singles position. Hank Rose and Luke Rowland played a very competitive and spiritied #1 doubles match but eventually fell 7-6 (7-4) in a tiebreak. The Bearcats won 1 of 6 matches on the day and showed good improvement from the beginning of the practice season in June.
Jr Ladycat Preseason Competition Week!
The girls were split into teams and spent the week competing in different challenges, dressing up in a new theme each day, and having plenty of fun along the way! After a great week of competition, the Red team came out on top!
Throughout the week, the girls were challenged to pay attention to who was consistently being a great teammate and who always brought a positive attitude. At the end of the week, they voted for their teammates in both categories.
🏆 Best Teammate: Skylar Bahr
🌟 Best Attitude: Macy Flores
The girls were split into teams and spent the week competing in different challenges, dressing up in a new theme each day, and having plenty of fun along the way! After a great week of competition, the Red team came out on top!
Throughout the week, the girls were challenged to pay attention to who was consistently being a great teammate and who always brought a positive attitude. At the end of the week, they voted for their teammates in both categories.
🏆 Best Teammate: Skylar Bahr
🌟 Best Attitude: Macy Flores
We had a GROOVY first day of school!
Welcome our MMS library aides for the 2026/27 school year! Library aides have to be in 8th grade and they go through an application and interview process. We are so excited to have these creative readers in our library everyday!
A huge thank you to CMA for the backpack 🎒 and school supply donations!! WE are so blessed by your kindness!!
The District Convocation was held on Monday morning in the Performing Arts Center. District employees heard from representatives from Arkansas Teacher Retirement and Air Evac plus new employees at each campus were introduced.
The keynote speaker was Mr. Jason Curry. Jason founded Finish Empty®, a leadership company dedicated to equipping people in every environment. Through speaking, training, and coaching, he develops athletes, strengthens teams, inspires individuals, guides businesses, and supports organizations committed to excellence and impact.
In June of 2025, Jason released his debut book, Finish Empty®. That same month, he was named Life Coach of the Year by AY Magazine, recognizing his influence in personal growth and leadership development.
The staff continues final preparations for the 2026-2027 school year which begins on Wednesday, August 12th.
https://www.facebook.com/FinishEmpty
The keynote speaker was Mr. Jason Curry. Jason founded Finish Empty®, a leadership company dedicated to equipping people in every environment. Through speaking, training, and coaching, he develops athletes, strengthens teams, inspires individuals, guides businesses, and supports organizations committed to excellence and impact.
In June of 2025, Jason released his debut book, Finish Empty®. That same month, he was named Life Coach of the Year by AY Magazine, recognizing his influence in personal growth and leadership development.
The staff continues final preparations for the 2026-2027 school year which begins on Wednesday, August 12th.
https://www.facebook.com/FinishEmpty
Mena football held their Red/BlackScrimmage on Monday at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium.
Mena will scrimmage Bismarck/Poteau on Thursday, August 20th and the season opener is Friday, August 28th at DeQueen.
First grade teachers loved meeting so many of our sweet friends today! We’re excited to start with you all next Wednesday, Aug. 12!
WE had an amazing 🤩 time at HHE Open House!! Thank you for coming to see us!
WE can’t wait for everyone to be back on Wednesday, August 12th!
WE can’t wait for everyone to be back on Wednesday, August 12th!
Monday was the first day of fall camp for Mena Jr. High & Sr. High Football.
Monday, August 10th - Red/Black Scrimmage 5:45pm at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium.
Thursday, August 20th - Sr. High & Jr. High Scrimmage vs. Bismarck/Poteau 5:30pm at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium.
Thursday, August 27th - 7th/Jr. Football vs. DeQueen 5:00pm at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium.
Friday, August 28th - Sr. Football @ DeQueen 7:30pm
Monday, August 10th - Red/Black Scrimmage 5:45pm at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium.
Thursday, August 20th - Sr. High & Jr. High Scrimmage vs. Bismarck/Poteau 5:30pm at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium.
Thursday, August 27th - 7th/Jr. Football vs. DeQueen 5:00pm at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium.
Friday, August 28th - Sr. Football @ DeQueen 7:30pm
Sr. Ladycat Volleyball found time for some team bonding on Monday!
Thursday, August 20th Sr. Volleyball vs. Van Buren (benefit game) 5:30pm in the Union Bank Center.
Tuesday, August 25th Sr. Volleyball @ Greenwood 4:30pm.
Thursday, August 20th Sr. Volleyball vs. Van Buren (benefit game) 5:30pm in the Union Bank Center.
Tuesday, August 25th Sr. Volleyball @ Greenwood 4:30pm.
Jr. Ladycats volleyball had a team bonding swim party recently. Thank you to the Plunkett’s for hosting!
Tuesday, August 25th - Jr. Volleyball vs. Greenwood 4:00pm
Tuesday, August 25th - Jr. Volleyball vs. Greenwood 4:00pm
7th grade and Jr Ladycat’s finished their summer camp season for the year at Prairie Grove on Tuesday. We saw a lot of growth over the last three weeks facing good competition at each camp.
A huge THANK YOU to the American Legion Auxiliary and their Junior Auxiliary member Teagan Childress for collecting school supplies for our Back to School Bash! 🎒✏️ Your generosity will help local students start the school year ready to learn.
This school supply drive was also part of our Junior Auxiliary member’s Patch Program, where young members complete service projects and earn opportunities for scholarships at the state and national levels.
We are so grateful for your support of our students and our community!
This school supply drive was also part of our Junior Auxiliary member’s Patch Program, where young members complete service projects and earn opportunities for scholarships at the state and national levels.
We are so grateful for your support of our students and our community!
Mena High School's Rich Davis competed in the opening round of the 2026 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Davis shot a 74 in round 1, 8 strokes off the lead. Rich was paired with Dawson Lew and Drue Sanchez, competing in a field of 264 of the world's top junior golfers. Tee time on Tuesday is 12:54pm.
The championship also features nationally recognized players such as Charlie Woods, highlighting the elite level of competition. Rich is proudly representing Mena High School and Arkansas on one of junior golf's biggest stages.
Fans can follow Rich's scores, pairings, and tournament progress throughout the week on the USGA's U.S. Junior Amateur Championship website.
https://championships.usga.org/usjunioramateur/2026/articles/patel-jones-first-round-leaders-saucon-valley.html
The championship also features nationally recognized players such as Charlie Woods, highlighting the elite level of competition. Rich is proudly representing Mena High School and Arkansas on one of junior golf's biggest stages.
Fans can follow Rich's scores, pairings, and tournament progress throughout the week on the USGA's U.S. Junior Amateur Championship website.
https://championships.usga.org/usjunioramateur/2026/articles/patel-jones-first-round-leaders-saucon-valley.html
