A Mena High School student is using creativity, compassion, and a talent for crocheting to make a difference for some of Arkansas’s tiniest patients.

Lyela Hohmann, a ninth student at Mena High School, recently crocheted handmade hats to donate to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The hats were created especially for newborns receiving care in the NICU.

What began with yarn and a crochet hook became a meaningful service project. Each hat required time, patience, and careful attention, but for Lyela, knowing the hats would be given to babies and families during an important time made the work worthwhile.

“I wanted to do something that could help others,” said Lyela. “Knowing that something I made might bring a little comfort to a baby and their family makes it special.”

In total, Lyela crocheted 37 hats for the project. The handmade donation is an example of how students can use their individual talents to serve others and make a positive impact beyond their school and community. Lyela has completed all 75 hours of the required community service.

Mena High School is proud to recognize Lyela Hohmann for demonstrating kindness, generosity, and a heart for service. Through this thoughtful project, one student has shown that even a small handmade gift can represent a great deal of care.

Mrs. Youmans’ class put their opinion writing skills to work this week! Students learned all about primary and secondary sources and even conducted their own field research to gather information about playgrounds in our community.

After completing their research, students were tasked with creating a brochure that clearly stated their claim and supported it with evidence. Then came the big moment—they presented their brochures and arguments to the class! They all did a wonderful job!

Mena FCCLA had a great day at Lake Degray. Members gave back by picking up trash around the area and then joined other groups for fun leadership and team building activities. A great day is service, leadership and making connections.

Louise Durham Elementary’s Robin Castor nominated for the 2026–2027 SHAPE AR Teacher of the Year!

Thursday in Mrs. Johnson’s 8th grade math class, students volunteered to teach their classmates how to prove whether two figures are similar. Students took charge of the planning and the teaching, deciding how to present their work and explain their thinking to the class!

Today Hannah Owens' class at Holly Harshman Elementary did an interactive lab over chemical changes. The lab is then pouring baking soda into vinegar & observing the 4 signs of chemical change.

Ladycat, Chandler Dover, traveled to Jonesboro to play in the girls 4A State Golf Match on Tuesday. 63 Athletes competed and Chandler finished 9th with a score of 91. This also gave her the honor of finishing All-State!

The Bearcats will travel to Harrison for the boys 4A State Golf Match on Wednesday, October 7th. Let’s go Bearcats!

Rylie Wayman made it to 100 points! Woo hoo! We are celebrating her by giving her $10 in Bearcat Bucks! Way to go, Rylie!

2026 Mena Homecoming Pep Rally!

Johnny Appleseed Day in 1st Grade!

The reigning champs do it again! Juniors take Powder Puff Championship!

2026 Mena Homecoming Parade!

Mena Golf hosted the 4A Conference Tournament at Glenwood Country Club, and the Mena Bearcats are your CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS!

We have had a great week at the Holly Harshman Library for Grandparent's Read Week! We had amazing helpers from Middle School and we appreciate them so much!