ORSD Acorn campus
Due to staff meetings, the Monday Program will not be available for Acorn Elementary School and Acorn High School on:
Monday, September 15, 2025
Please contact your child's building office if you have questions.
Local Schools Compete at Tom Stuthard Stampede
Acorn Cross Country Course — Tuesday, September 9, 2025
The Tom Stuthard Stampede 2025 drew more than 500 runners to the trails around Acorn High School, and three area programs — Acorn, Mena, and Cossatot River — left their mark with determined performances across junior and senior divisions.
Acorn High School
For the host Tigers and Lady Tigers, the Junior Girls turned in a strong showing led by Geneieve Simborio, who ran to a 5th-place finish in 11:23.6. She was followed by teammates Kylie Ezell (24th, 12:24.2), Breezie Harris (48th, 13:47.9), Anastasia Bohlman (75th, 14:55.4), and Ryder Taylor (80th, 15:15.9). Additional finishers included Kaelyn Bridges (83rd), Lacelynn Southern (84th), Evie Norris, Emma Gray, Justice Wray, Raylin Sharp, Brylin Clark, and Rory Pearson.
In the Junior Boys’ 1.5-mile, Cy Young paced Acorn with an 11:05.4 (46th). The Tigers packed in a large squad including Timber Gordon (86th), Trent Phillips (88th), Ryder Laughlin (95th), Koy Long (125th), Kooper Hollin (129th), and Pierse Slater (131st). Depth carried through with Aaron Belcher, Brody Murray, Cody Rusert, Brayden Bowles, and Holden Frick all finishing.
On the varsity side, Acorn placed three in the Senior Boys 5K. Zane Newton led the way in 21:28.6 (34th), while Ayvaan Flores (77th) and Caston Horn (99th) rounded out the team’s effort.
Mena High School
Mena’s Junior Boys put together an impressive day, led by Kameron McDaniel in 10:23.1 (21st). He was supported by Braden Barton (33rd), Easton Johnson (49th), Evan Everitt (58th), Nate Fields (62nd), Grant Thompson (96th), and Barrett Frost (108th).
The Senior Girls’ 5K saw steady performances from the Ladycats. Jasmine Parker was the top finisher, clocking 25:22.7 (13th). She was joined by Ava Fields (25th), Chandle Hendrickson (39th), and Allison Howard (67th).
In the Senior Boys’ race, Mena’s depth stood out as seven runners crossed the line. Zane McMellon (51st, 23:12.3), Austin Fields (53rd), and Auden Woods (56th) were tightly grouped in the top 60. The pack also included Mason Gortermiller (76th), Ryan Walston (86th), Caden Land (88th), Owen Simpson (89th), and Caleb Seitz (111th).
Cossatot River High School
The Junior Boys of Cossatot River brought strong numbers to the line. Alex Sherrouse (55th) and Jesus Ruiz (56th) ran side by side, while Kevin Marufo (65th), Tony Flores (70th), Hector Marrufo (99th), Joseph Dosch (106th), and Dylan Ortiz (119th) rounded out the core. Isaac Gonzales (166th) and Darvin Rojas (171st) pushed through to finish the grueling race.
In the Senior Girls’ 5K, Kinzy Hernandez (50th), Abby Tomblin (53rd), Vanessa Flores (70th), and Yarel Ortiz (71st) represented the Eagles with grit and consistency.
The Senior Boys were anchored by Anthony Johnson, who clocked 23:32.0 for 59th. He was followed by Fernando Cortes (68th), Santos Salinas (96th), and Emmanuel Albiter (97th).
While DeQueen, Lakeside, and Poteau claimed the team titles at this year’s Stampede, Acorn, Mena, and Cossatot River each showed depth and determination that will fuel their seasons ahead. From Simborio’s top-five finish for Acorn, to McDaniel’s junior leadership for Mena, and Cossatot River’s large turnout across both junior and senior races, the local schools proved they can compete against some of the region’s strongest programs.
#orsdlifeprep
Acorn Cross Country Course — Tuesday, September 9, 2025
The Tom Stuthard Stampede 2025 drew more than 500 runners to the trails around Acorn High School, and three area programs — Acorn, Mena, and Cossatot River — left their mark with determined performances across junior and senior divisions.
Acorn High School
For the host Tigers and Lady Tigers, the Junior Girls turned in a strong showing led by Geneieve Simborio, who ran to a 5th-place finish in 11:23.6. She was followed by teammates Kylie Ezell (24th, 12:24.2), Breezie Harris (48th, 13:47.9), Anastasia Bohlman (75th, 14:55.4), and Ryder Taylor (80th, 15:15.9). Additional finishers included Kaelyn Bridges (83rd), Lacelynn Southern (84th), Evie Norris, Emma Gray, Justice Wray, Raylin Sharp, Brylin Clark, and Rory Pearson.
In the Junior Boys’ 1.5-mile, Cy Young paced Acorn with an 11:05.4 (46th). The Tigers packed in a large squad including Timber Gordon (86th), Trent Phillips (88th), Ryder Laughlin (95th), Koy Long (125th), Kooper Hollin (129th), and Pierse Slater (131st). Depth carried through with Aaron Belcher, Brody Murray, Cody Rusert, Brayden Bowles, and Holden Frick all finishing.
On the varsity side, Acorn placed three in the Senior Boys 5K. Zane Newton led the way in 21:28.6 (34th), while Ayvaan Flores (77th) and Caston Horn (99th) rounded out the team’s effort.
Mena High School
Mena’s Junior Boys put together an impressive day, led by Kameron McDaniel in 10:23.1 (21st). He was supported by Braden Barton (33rd), Easton Johnson (49th), Evan Everitt (58th), Nate Fields (62nd), Grant Thompson (96th), and Barrett Frost (108th).
The Senior Girls’ 5K saw steady performances from the Ladycats. Jasmine Parker was the top finisher, clocking 25:22.7 (13th). She was joined by Ava Fields (25th), Chandle Hendrickson (39th), and Allison Howard (67th).
In the Senior Boys’ race, Mena’s depth stood out as seven runners crossed the line. Zane McMellon (51st, 23:12.3), Austin Fields (53rd), and Auden Woods (56th) were tightly grouped in the top 60. The pack also included Mason Gortermiller (76th), Ryan Walston (86th), Caden Land (88th), Owen Simpson (89th), and Caleb Seitz (111th).
Cossatot River High School
The Junior Boys of Cossatot River brought strong numbers to the line. Alex Sherrouse (55th) and Jesus Ruiz (56th) ran side by side, while Kevin Marufo (65th), Tony Flores (70th), Hector Marrufo (99th), Joseph Dosch (106th), and Dylan Ortiz (119th) rounded out the core. Isaac Gonzales (166th) and Darvin Rojas (171st) pushed through to finish the grueling race.
In the Senior Girls’ 5K, Kinzy Hernandez (50th), Abby Tomblin (53rd), Vanessa Flores (70th), and Yarel Ortiz (71st) represented the Eagles with grit and consistency.
The Senior Boys were anchored by Anthony Johnson, who clocked 23:32.0 for 59th. He was followed by Fernando Cortes (68th), Santos Salinas (96th), and Emmanuel Albiter (97th).
While DeQueen, Lakeside, and Poteau claimed the team titles at this year’s Stampede, Acorn, Mena, and Cossatot River each showed depth and determination that will fuel their seasons ahead. From Simborio’s top-five finish for Acorn, to McDaniel’s junior leadership for Mena, and Cossatot River’s large turnout across both junior and senior races, the local schools proved they can compete against some of the region’s strongest programs.
#orsdlifeprep
The Acorn High School Tigers and Lady Tigers tennis traveled to Fort Smith on Monday, September 8th to play Ozark Catholic Academy in a series of matches. The results:
Boys:
Doubles:
Eilam Holland/Kaden Carter 6-0 (win)
Singles:
Eilam Holland 1-6 (loss), Kaden Carter 5-6 (loss)
Girls:
Doubles:
KatiLynn Ledbetter/ Lanee Shaddon 6-3 (win) and 6-3 (win)
Adalyn Bohlman/Addisyn Ledbetter 6-2 (win) and 6-4 (win)
Singles:
Kim Cline 1-6 (loss) and 6-5 (win), Josey Dollar 4-6 (loss) and 6-1 (win), Victoria Squires 0-6 (loss)
Boys:
Doubles:
Eilam Holland/Kaden Carter 6-0 (win)
Singles:
Eilam Holland 1-6 (loss), Kaden Carter 5-6 (loss)
Girls:
Doubles:
KatiLynn Ledbetter/ Lanee Shaddon 6-3 (win) and 6-3 (win)
Adalyn Bohlman/Addisyn Ledbetter 6-2 (win) and 6-4 (win)
Singles:
Kim Cline 1-6 (loss) and 6-5 (win), Josey Dollar 4-6 (loss) and 6-1 (win), Victoria Squires 0-6 (loss)
Welcome ALL VETERANS !
Acorn High School presents ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PROGRAM
Thursday, November 6, 2025
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Mary Davis Gym - Acorn High School
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Please contact Chad Frost, AHS Veterans Day Program Coordinator for lunch headcount by Friday, October 31st at (479) 394-4833 or cfrost@orsd.k12.ar.us
Acorn High School presents ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PROGRAM
Thursday, November 6, 2025
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Mary Davis Gym - Acorn High School
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Please contact Chad Frost, AHS Veterans Day Program Coordinator for lunch headcount by Friday, October 31st at (479) 394-4833 or cfrost@orsd.k12.ar.us
AHS Band and Choir presents FALL FUN'D CONCERT & Fundraisers
Thursday, October 2, 2025
7:00 PM
Mary Davis Gym
FREE Admission
Featuring: Beginning Band, High School Band & Choir
Fundraisers:
- Acorn Schools' Backpack Program - donations welcomed (snacks, bottled water and ready-made meals)
- AHS Music Department Bake Sale & Ticket Sales
For more information, contact: Valerie Couch, Acorn High School Music Director
vcouch@orsd.k12.ar.us (479) 394-5544
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Thursday, October 2, 2025
7:00 PM
Mary Davis Gym
FREE Admission
Featuring: Beginning Band, High School Band & Choir
Fundraisers:
- Acorn Schools' Backpack Program - donations welcomed (snacks, bottled water and ready-made meals)
- AHS Music Department Bake Sale & Ticket Sales
For more information, contact: Valerie Couch, Acorn High School Music Director
vcouch@orsd.k12.ar.us (479) 394-5544
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
🏃♂️🏃♀️ Acorn Cross Country Announcement 🏃♀️🏃♂️
The Acorn Cross Country Teams will be hitting the track on Tuesday, September 9th at 3:30 PM. Come out, cheer loudly, and show your support for our hardworking runners! 💙💛
Acorn Schools to host 2025 Harvest Festival event and royalty court
Friday, October 10, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
Harvest Festival games & food - 6:00 - 7:15 PM
Harvest Festival Royalty Court - 7:30 PM
Acorn Schools
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Friday, October 10, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
Harvest Festival games & food - 6:00 - 7:15 PM
Harvest Festival Royalty Court - 7:30 PM
Acorn Schools
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses say "THANK YOU" to American Legion Auxiliary for your generosity providing donuts for our staff!
We appreciate you!
We appreciate you!
Reminder: Tomorrow, September 5, 2025, is Fall Picture Day on the Acorn Campus for students in Pre-K through 11th grade. Dress your best and get ready to smile for the camera!
"Acorn Parents, guardians, and loved ones, please click the link below to access our Veterans Day survey. We would be honored to celebrate your Veterans during our program. We kindly ask that you complete the survey at your earliest convenience. Thank you for helping us honor those who have served!"
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1rzLW5ziCPxkgjuhn7FZbro4CFKGGpRFzUY8NnwRjyiLYBA/viewform?usp=header
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1rzLW5ziCPxkgjuhn7FZbro4CFKGGpRFzUY8NnwRjyiLYBA/viewform?usp=header
Acorn Anglers Team Tournament at Lake Ouachita
The Acorn Anglers Bass Fishing Team was at it again Saturday, August 30th at Lake Ouachita for their second team tournament this season. With the support of an awesome group of parents, guardians, family members and boat captains, 11 boats with 21 anglers took off at safe light for a beautiful day of fishing in amazing weather. We had a special send-off and prayer from our guest boat captain of the day, Mr. Kerry Barnett from Waldron, Arkansas.
Weigh-in was exactly what we hope for each time, with almost every team weighing in a bag.
In our junior division (4th-8th grade), Landon Johnson and Canyon Davis took first place with a combined weight of 4.64. Second place went to AbiGail and Elijah Slaten with 3.81. A close third goes to Tanner Davis, who accepted the challenge of fishing solo; he weighed in with 2.28. Brothers Chisum and Addis Myers caught fish and had a blast; just missed the slot limit/length by a hair. Junior high big bass AND trash fish awards went to Mr. Canyon Davis! Canyon’s trash fish was a long Gar that his partner Landon helped him to land. They were able to take an epic photo, but decided they didn’t want him hanging out in their boat for the day!
For our senior high anglers, (9th-12th), it was a tight top four for sure! First place went to the team of Caston Horn and Trey Martin with 8.21. Second, Kasen Strother and Brantlee Tunnell, with 7.27. Third, JJ Bass and Cooper Strother with 6.07. Fourth, Beau Rodgers and Jasper Dollar with 5.88. Ninth graders Cy Young and James Gibbons weighed in with 3.48. Two other boats participated but also battled that slot/length limit: Kooper Hollin and his cousin, Cody Russert, and Braxton Hemund with Kortsen Edwards. Jasper Dollar won trash fish and the Big Bass award went to Caston Horn, 3.17.
As always, a huge thank you to our amazing boat captains who spend hours with these anglers donating their gas and time to this program. We had some amazing businesses partner up with us as sponsors over the past few weeks–a shout out to Miner’s A & B Tires, Union Bank, Tedder Bros., Myers Cruizzers, and the amazing Mrs. Vicki Rose-Couturier, for her continual support of all AHS students.
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Ouachita River School District
Through a safe, caring, and serving environment, students learn, grow, excel, and succeed...this is our mission in preparing students for LIFE!
The Acorn Anglers Bass Fishing Team was at it again Saturday, August 30th at Lake Ouachita for their second team tournament this season. With the support of an awesome group of parents, guardians, family members and boat captains, 11 boats with 21 anglers took off at safe light for a beautiful day of fishing in amazing weather. We had a special send-off and prayer from our guest boat captain of the day, Mr. Kerry Barnett from Waldron, Arkansas.
Weigh-in was exactly what we hope for each time, with almost every team weighing in a bag.
In our junior division (4th-8th grade), Landon Johnson and Canyon Davis took first place with a combined weight of 4.64. Second place went to AbiGail and Elijah Slaten with 3.81. A close third goes to Tanner Davis, who accepted the challenge of fishing solo; he weighed in with 2.28. Brothers Chisum and Addis Myers caught fish and had a blast; just missed the slot limit/length by a hair. Junior high big bass AND trash fish awards went to Mr. Canyon Davis! Canyon’s trash fish was a long Gar that his partner Landon helped him to land. They were able to take an epic photo, but decided they didn’t want him hanging out in their boat for the day!
For our senior high anglers, (9th-12th), it was a tight top four for sure! First place went to the team of Caston Horn and Trey Martin with 8.21. Second, Kasen Strother and Brantlee Tunnell, with 7.27. Third, JJ Bass and Cooper Strother with 6.07. Fourth, Beau Rodgers and Jasper Dollar with 5.88. Ninth graders Cy Young and James Gibbons weighed in with 3.48. Two other boats participated but also battled that slot/length limit: Kooper Hollin and his cousin, Cody Russert, and Braxton Hemund with Kortsen Edwards. Jasper Dollar won trash fish and the Big Bass award went to Caston Horn, 3.17.
As always, a huge thank you to our amazing boat captains who spend hours with these anglers donating their gas and time to this program. We had some amazing businesses partner up with us as sponsors over the past few weeks–a shout out to Miner’s A & B Tires, Union Bank, Tedder Bros., Myers Cruizzers, and the amazing Mrs. Vicki Rose-Couturier, for her continual support of all AHS students.
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Ouachita River School District
Through a safe, caring, and serving environment, students learn, grow, excel, and succeed...this is our mission in preparing students for LIFE!
It is Acorn Peewee Basketball time. Below is the posted link to sign your student up. Registration is due by September 4th.
This program is focused on making this experience fun for the players while emphasizing fundamental skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Practices will begin soon (some who played last year may already be practicing). We are looking for coaches for the 3rd-grade girls and 3rd-grade boys teams. Please contact Mr. Spradlin ASAP if you are interested at 479-216-4658.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfinJcXxBnQQ6M7jegdCK8JfQYj2PGRCTxe97GFW-6JLl5w8g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101993802560081434851
🌟 Stay Connected with Acorn Elementary! 🌟
Our Acorn Elementary Facebook page is the best place to catch all the exciting updates, student celebrations, and day-to-day happenings in our classrooms and library. 📚🐾
Today we’re celebrating our newest AR Point Club readers 🎉 — check it out on our elementary page!
👉 Follow us here: Acorn Elementary Facebook
Don’t miss a moment — “like” and follow our page so you can see all the ways our Tigers are shining! 💙💛
#AESTigersServe #AcornElementary #ARPointClub
AHS Golf Team @ Foreman
The AHS Golf Team played in the Foreman Golf Tournament on Monday, August 25, 2025. Foreman High School hosted the tournament which included: Acorn High School, Foreman High School and Horatio High School. AHS Golf Team members included:
Eilam Holland
Caiden Hicks
Beau Rodgers
Regan Larucci
Isaiah Clovis
Brett Phillips
Trey Martin
Asher Cook
Cy Young
Braxton Hemund
Congratulations to Asher Cook for individual score of 42 and the AHS Golf Team on their first tournament of the season!
The AHS Golf Team is coached by AHS Athletic Director Dewayne Taylor. We are proud of you, AHS Tigers!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
The AHS Golf Team played in the Foreman Golf Tournament on Monday, August 25, 2025. Foreman High School hosted the tournament which included: Acorn High School, Foreman High School and Horatio High School. AHS Golf Team members included:
Eilam Holland
Caiden Hicks
Beau Rodgers
Regan Larucci
Isaiah Clovis
Brett Phillips
Trey Martin
Asher Cook
Cy Young
Braxton Hemund
Congratulations to Asher Cook for individual score of 42 and the AHS Golf Team on their first tournament of the season!
The AHS Golf Team is coached by AHS Athletic Director Dewayne Taylor. We are proud of you, AHS Tigers!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
A few highlights from the 2025 Polk County Fair & Livestock Shows
Acorn Elementary and High School students showings and entries
#orsdlifeprep
#aestigersserve
#ahstigersserve
Fall Pictures will be taken on Friday September 5, 2025 for the Acorn Campus. This will be for students in Pre-K through 11th Grade.
Ouachita River School District Acorn and Oden campuses will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025 for Labor Day
AES~ Save the Date Announcement!
OUACHITA RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT - PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE!
Students have opportunities to pursue pathways in high school that prepare them for careers and achieve Merit Demonstration and Diploma Distinction recognition while in high school! ORSD offers courses, practicum experiences and industry-recognized certifications in a number of pathways that include high demand, high wage (H2) pathways.
Pathways offered include:
Accounting
Ag Power, Structural & Technical Systems
Animal Systems
Banking
Construction
Culinary Arts
Management
Pre-Educator
Software Development
Advanced Placement (AP)
Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy
In partnership with post-secondary for concurrent credit, ORSD - Acorn and Oden students can earn college credit that lead to certificates of proficiency, technical certificates and associate degrees. The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain provides H2 pathway programs in partnership with Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden students in the following programs:
Medical Professions
Advanced Manufacturing: Welding
Advanced Manufacturing: Machine Tool
Automotive Technology
Concurrent Credit
Contact our high school offices for more information:
Oden High School
135 School Drive
Oden, AR 71961
(870) 326-4311
Mrs. Elicia Bergum, Oden K-12 Principal
Mrs. Apryl Philpot, Oden K-12 Counselor
Acorn High School
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-5544
Mr. Dewayne Taylor, Acorn High School Principal
Mrs. Tammy Young, Acorn High School Counselor
Ouachita River School District
Through a safe, caring, and serving environment, students learn, grow, excel, and succeed...this is our mission in preparing students for LIFE!
#orsdlifeprep
#OHSwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
Students have opportunities to pursue pathways in high school that prepare them for careers and achieve Merit Demonstration and Diploma Distinction recognition while in high school! ORSD offers courses, practicum experiences and industry-recognized certifications in a number of pathways that include high demand, high wage (H2) pathways.
Pathways offered include:
Accounting
Ag Power, Structural & Technical Systems
Animal Systems
Banking
Construction
Culinary Arts
Management
Pre-Educator
Software Development
Advanced Placement (AP)
Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy
In partnership with post-secondary for concurrent credit, ORSD - Acorn and Oden students can earn college credit that lead to certificates of proficiency, technical certificates and associate degrees. The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain provides H2 pathway programs in partnership with Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden students in the following programs:
Medical Professions
Advanced Manufacturing: Welding
Advanced Manufacturing: Machine Tool
Automotive Technology
Concurrent Credit
Contact our high school offices for more information:
Oden High School
135 School Drive
Oden, AR 71961
(870) 326-4311
Mrs. Elicia Bergum, Oden K-12 Principal
Mrs. Apryl Philpot, Oden K-12 Counselor
Acorn High School
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-5544
Mr. Dewayne Taylor, Acorn High School Principal
Mrs. Tammy Young, Acorn High School Counselor
Ouachita River School District
Through a safe, caring, and serving environment, students learn, grow, excel, and succeed...this is our mission in preparing students for LIFE!
#orsdlifeprep
#OHSwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
Oden High School & HCI Partnership
On Thursday, August 14th, Oden High School conducted their annual physicals for student athletes. Oden Schools had a wonderful opportunity to host Healthy Connections, Inc., who provided physicals for our dedicated athletes! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Healthy Connections team for supporting our students' health and wellness.
#orsdlifeprep
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Photos courtesy of Coach Colby Kennedy
On Thursday, August 14th, Oden High School conducted their annual physicals for student athletes. Oden Schools had a wonderful opportunity to host Healthy Connections, Inc., who provided physicals for our dedicated athletes! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Healthy Connections team for supporting our students' health and wellness.
#orsdlifeprep
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Photos courtesy of Coach Colby Kennedy
