Reflections from our Mena High School students at the 2026 Film Camp 🎬
This week has been full of unforgettable experiences—and one highlight students shared was exploring downtown Little Rock by trolley. 🚋 Along the way, they took in historic sites and learned more about the stories that shape the city.
Students also had the opportunity to visit the Arkansas State Capitol, where they received a guided tour of the Treasury Department and vault from Mr. Terry Steed. His passion for his work and deep knowledge of the building’s history made the experience both engaging and memorable. Students were even able to hold $600,000 in cash inside the vault—an experience they won’t soon forget!
Mr. Steed also shared valuable life advice, encouraging students to keep their name and reputation clean so they can keep opportunities open throughout their lives. He spoke about his own career path and the extensive background checks required to work in the Treasury Department, giving students real-world insight into responsibility and professionalism.
Throughout the week, students reflected on the connections and growth they experienced. From making new friends to meeting industry professionals like Joey Travolta, the impact has been clear. Many shared that they learned how much work goes into acting and filmmaking, how to create videos and films, and the importance of including others, having fun, and stepping outside their comfort zones.
For several students, this camp wasn’t just about film—it was about building confidence, trying new things, and discovering new interests. As one student put it, sometimes you just have to “do things that scare you,” because that’s where the growth happens.
We’re proud of these students for all they’ve learned and experienced this week—and we can’t wait to see where their creativity takes them next!
This week has been full of unforgettable experiences—and one highlight students shared was exploring downtown Little Rock by trolley. 🚋 Along the way, they took in historic sites and learned more about the stories that shape the city.
Students also had the opportunity to visit the Arkansas State Capitol, where they received a guided tour of the Treasury Department and vault from Mr. Terry Steed. His passion for his work and deep knowledge of the building’s history made the experience both engaging and memorable. Students were even able to hold $600,000 in cash inside the vault—an experience they won’t soon forget!
Mr. Steed also shared valuable life advice, encouraging students to keep their name and reputation clean so they can keep opportunities open throughout their lives. He spoke about his own career path and the extensive background checks required to work in the Treasury Department, giving students real-world insight into responsibility and professionalism.
Throughout the week, students reflected on the connections and growth they experienced. From making new friends to meeting industry professionals like Joey Travolta, the impact has been clear. Many shared that they learned how much work goes into acting and filmmaking, how to create videos and films, and the importance of including others, having fun, and stepping outside their comfort zones.
For several students, this camp wasn’t just about film—it was about building confidence, trying new things, and discovering new interests. As one student put it, sometimes you just have to “do things that scare you,” because that’s where the growth happens.
We’re proud of these students for all they’ve learned and experienced this week—and we can’t wait to see where their creativity takes them next!
Five Mena High School students are attending Film Camp in Little Rock this week.
Day one set the foundation for an exciting week—students jumped right into interviews, built peer groups, and explored the many sides of filmmaking. Along the way, they’re gaining skills that go far beyond the camera: interviewing, teamwork, problem-solving, supporting one another, and developing a deeper understanding of both people and the film industry.
A highlight of visitor's day on Wednesday was hearing from Joey Travolta, who introduced Inclusion Films’ new docuseries, “Lights, Camera, Friendship.” Joey shared how his passion for working with individuals with disabilities began through meaningful friendships in his own school years. Through Inclusion Films, he’s creating real job opportunities and hands-on learning experiences for students interested in film.
As Joey put it, “Everything that goes into filmmaking goes into everyday life—communication, teamwork, collaboration…”
Throughout the week, campers will create a film from start to finish—pitching ideas, writing scripts, casting, acting, and bringing their vision to life.
“The process is the same regardless of the length of the film,” Joey said. “The camp is an opportunity to develop skills that are applicable to anything you do.”
We can’t wait to see what these students create!
Day one set the foundation for an exciting week—students jumped right into interviews, built peer groups, and explored the many sides of filmmaking. Along the way, they’re gaining skills that go far beyond the camera: interviewing, teamwork, problem-solving, supporting one another, and developing a deeper understanding of both people and the film industry.
A highlight of visitor's day on Wednesday was hearing from Joey Travolta, who introduced Inclusion Films’ new docuseries, “Lights, Camera, Friendship.” Joey shared how his passion for working with individuals with disabilities began through meaningful friendships in his own school years. Through Inclusion Films, he’s creating real job opportunities and hands-on learning experiences for students interested in film.
As Joey put it, “Everything that goes into filmmaking goes into everyday life—communication, teamwork, collaboration…”
Throughout the week, campers will create a film from start to finish—pitching ideas, writing scripts, casting, acting, and bringing their vision to life.
“The process is the same regardless of the length of the film,” Joey said. “The camp is an opportunity to develop skills that are applicable to anything you do.”
We can’t wait to see what these students create!
Mena High School FBLA spoke to the Mena School Board on Monday, focusing on the achievements and membership of the FBLA chapter, highlighting consistent membership and competitive success as well as the importance of student development through leadership and competition opportunities.
Mena Athletes from Louise Durham Elementary, Holly Harshman Elementary, Mena Middle School and Mena High School are participating in the Area 14 Special Olympics today in the Hensley Activity Center and Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium.
The Mena Jr. High Track Team competed at the 4A Region 4 Conference Meet on Monday.
Skylar Bahr & Bentley Brewer won High Point and the Jr. Bearcats finished as Runners-up as a team.
GIRLS
Skylar Bahr-Pole Vault-1st
Long Jump-1st
Triple Jump-1st
BOYS
Bentley Brewer-400 Meter Dash-1st
Triple Jump-1st
Hank Rose-Long Jump-1st
See complete results at the link below.
https://ar.milesplit.com/meets/737081-4a-region-4-jr-high-conference-2026/results/1284818/raw
Skylar Bahr & Bentley Brewer won High Point and the Jr. Bearcats finished as Runners-up as a team.
GIRLS
Skylar Bahr-Pole Vault-1st
Long Jump-1st
Triple Jump-1st
BOYS
Bentley Brewer-400 Meter Dash-1st
Triple Jump-1st
Hank Rose-Long Jump-1st
See complete results at the link below.
https://ar.milesplit.com/meets/737081-4a-region-4-jr-high-conference-2026/results/1284818/raw
Mena Middle School Theatre Students performed "How to Survive the AI Apocalypse" for CTE Business classes at Mena High School on Friday.
The Mena Sr. High Track Team competed at the Booneville Relays on Monday. Brynlee Bahr won the High Point Award & finished:
1st - 200 Meter Dash
1st - Triple Jump
1st - High Jump
1st - Pole Vault
For the Bearcats:
1st - 3200 Meter Run Austin Fields
For complete results follow the link.
https://ar.milesplit.com/meets/723648-booneville-bearcat-relays-2026/results
1st - 200 Meter Dash
1st - Triple Jump
1st - High Jump
1st - Pole Vault
For the Bearcats:
1st - 3200 Meter Run Austin Fields
For complete results follow the link.
https://ar.milesplit.com/meets/723648-booneville-bearcat-relays-2026/results
Mr. Millard's history class from Mena High School, made it to the Liberty Tree dedication at the Polk County Courthouse on Friday!
The Sr Ladycats took home 2nd place at the Gaile Hainley Relays in Waldron on Thursday! (Not Pictured: Paisley Burger & Brynlee Bahr)
Brynlee Bahr & Paisley Burger dominated the Pole Vault and Mallori Brotherton was 1st in the Discus. See complete results at the link below.
https://ar.milesplit.com/meets/721501-gaile-hainley-relays-2026/results
Brynlee Bahr & Paisley Burger dominated the Pole Vault and Mallori Brotherton was 1st in the Discus. See complete results at the link below.
https://ar.milesplit.com/meets/721501-gaile-hainley-relays-2026/results
It was a great day for Mena High School FBLA! We had several take tests and do presentations this year at the State Conference. Here are the competitors that placed in the Top 4 at state and qualified for Nationals:
Tessa Williams 2nd place Website Design (presentation)
Kili Cox 3rd place Financial Planning (presentation)
Mason Hughes, Bryant Thomas, Auden Woods 3rd place Business Management (Top 10 test score and then presentation)
Eli Swall 4th place Advanced Accounting (test)
Tessa Williams 2nd place Website Design (presentation)
Kili Cox 3rd place Financial Planning (presentation)
Mason Hughes, Bryant Thomas, Auden Woods 3rd place Business Management (Top 10 test score and then presentation)
Eli Swall 4th place Advanced Accounting (test)
Mena High School Senior Elliott Dugan signed her letter of intent to run track at Williams College on Tuesday in the Union Bank Center. Dugan was a three time State Champion for the Ladycats.
Williams College is a private, liberal arts college located in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
https://www.williams.edu/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRCMBxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFSazdSMkVndE1UMjl1RnNhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHh10DcmNW57tV6wK8wufOMmkWho3nxX_LO6XEBuYm-GcfrKJJsVTo3Q5sRCv_aem_DaddnFEDZ7h0FkedLvifHQ
Williams College is a private, liberal arts college located in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
https://www.williams.edu/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRCMBxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFSazdSMkVndE1UMjl1RnNhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHh10DcmNW57tV6wK8wufOMmkWho3nxX_LO6XEBuYm-GcfrKJJsVTo3Q5sRCv_aem_DaddnFEDZ7h0FkedLvifHQ
The Mena Art Gallery recently hosted their annual youth art show competition, and several Mena High School students brought home awards.
Best in show: Zachary Werkhoven
1st place: Shaela Monahan
3rd place: Scarlett McCleskey
MHS students choice award: Amy Nowlin
Best in show: Zachary Werkhoven
1st place: Shaela Monahan
3rd place: Scarlett McCleskey
MHS students choice award: Amy Nowlin
Mena Soccer played Bauxite at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium on Monday.
Ladycats-2 (3-6)
Bauxite-3
Bearcats-3 (2-7-1)
Bauxite-1
Mena Soccer plays at Nashville this Friday.
Ladycats-2 (3-6)
Bauxite-3
Bearcats-3 (2-7-1)
Bauxite-1
Mena Soccer plays at Nashville this Friday.
Super proud of our Sr high boys and girls! Brynlee Bahr won high point honors. The Ladycats only had 5 girls, but that’s all it took! Ladycats won the Mansfield relays!
See complete results at the link below.
https://ar.milesplit.com/meets/726446-mansfield-sr-tiger-relays-2026/results
See complete results at the link below.
https://ar.milesplit.com/meets/726446-mansfield-sr-tiger-relays-2026/results
Mena baseball hosted Waldron at Union Bank Park on Tuesday.
Bearcats-7 (2-9/1-2)
Waldron-5
Mena will play Dardanelle on Thursday at UBP.
Bearcats-7 (2-9/1-2)
Waldron-5
Mena will play Dardanelle on Thursday at UBP.
Mena softball hosted Waldron at Union Bank Park on Tuesday.
Ladycats-3 (0-7/0-3)
Waldron-19
Mena will play Dardanelle on Thursday at UBP.
Ladycats-3 (0-7/0-3)
Waldron-19
Mena will play Dardanelle on Thursday at UBP.
Ms. Kropp's Theatre III/IV students performed an original script "Human Impact" written by Bailey Benner & Nayeli Pinon for Mrs. Gardner's Environmental Science Classes on Friday.
Mena Soccer faced Malvern on Thursday at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium.
Ladycats-2 (3-3/1-1)
Malvern-0
Bearcats-3 (1-5/1-1)
Malvern-2
Mena will be back in action on March 31st when they host DeQueen.
Ladycats-2 (3-3/1-1)
Malvern-0
Bearcats-3 (1-5/1-1)
Malvern-2
Mena will be back in action on March 31st when they host DeQueen.
Mena High School juniors attended Junior Day at UARM, where they learned about admissions, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, athletics, housing, and campus life. It was a great opportunity to explore what college has to offer and begin planning for their NEXT!
The Juniors are the 2026 MHS Powder Buff Volleyball Champs!
