AHS Juniors Selected for Youth Tour
Acorn High School Juniors Eilam Holland and Jordan Lyle have been selected to participate in the 2026 Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative selected these students among a host of applicants to represent this region of Arkansas on the youth tour of Washington, D.C. in June 2026. Each student has achieved a host of accomplishments that demonstrate their commitment to this program and opportunity to learn about our nation’s history.
Instrumental in starting the Youth Tour Program in Arkansas is credited to Mr. Alton Higginbotham, former president and chief executive officer of First Electric Cooperative Corp. Mr. Higginbotham stated that the program attracts the “best and brightest” of Arkansas’ youth and believed that in addition to learning about the federal government, the program gives our youth a better understanding of the important role of the electric cooperatives.
The annual tour has been sponsored by Arkansas’ electric cooperatives since 1990 for Arkansas youth. Approximately 40 high school juniors with chaperones attend the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas’ Youth Tour and are selected by the state’s electric distribution cooperatives through essay contests and an interview process. During the tour, the group visits historic sites such as Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian Institution, Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Holocaust Museum and the U.S. Capitol. They also visit and meet with members of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation.
Congratulations, Eilam and Jordan! We are proud of you!
#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!
Acorn High School Juniors Eilam Holland and Jordan Lyle have been selected to participate in the 2026 Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative selected these students among a host of applicants to represent this region of Arkansas on the youth tour of Washington, D.C. in June 2026. Each student has achieved a host of accomplishments that demonstrate their commitment to this program and opportunity to learn about our nation’s history.
Instrumental in starting the Youth Tour Program in Arkansas is credited to Mr. Alton Higginbotham, former president and chief executive officer of First Electric Cooperative Corp. Mr. Higginbotham stated that the program attracts the “best and brightest” of Arkansas’ youth and believed that in addition to learning about the federal government, the program gives our youth a better understanding of the important role of the electric cooperatives.
The annual tour has been sponsored by Arkansas’ electric cooperatives since 1990 for Arkansas youth. Approximately 40 high school juniors with chaperones attend the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas’ Youth Tour and are selected by the state’s electric distribution cooperatives through essay contests and an interview process. During the tour, the group visits historic sites such as Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian Institution, Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Holocaust Museum and the U.S. Capitol. They also visit and meet with members of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation.
Congratulations, Eilam and Jordan! We are proud of you!
#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!
ORSD Recognizes February 2026 Employees of the Month
Oden Campus
Tina Thomas
Nicole Edwards
Congratulations and thank you for serving the ORSD family and community, Tina and Nicole!
#orsdlifeprep
Oden Campus
Tina Thomas
Nicole Edwards
Congratulations and thank you for serving the ORSD family and community, Tina and Nicole!
#orsdlifeprep
ORSD Recognizes March 2026 Employees of the Month
Oden Campus
Tina Thomas
Nicole Edwards
Congratulations and thank you for serving the ORSD family and community, Tina and Nicole!
#orsdlifeprep
Oden Campus
Tina Thomas
Nicole Edwards
Congratulations and thank you for serving the ORSD family and community, Tina and Nicole!
#orsdlifeprep
CONGRATULATIONS AHS CLASS of 2026!
We are proud of you, Tazanna!
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
#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!
We are proud of you, Tazanna!
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
#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!
ORSD - Acorn and Oden Campuses will be closed for Spring Break from March 23 through March 27. We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing break and takes advantage of the warmer weather.
Classes will resume on March 31. We look forward to welcoming our students back and hearing all about their Spring Break adventures!
Classes will resume on March 31. We look forward to welcoming our students back and hearing all about their Spring Break adventures!
Acorn Anglers Fishing Tournament at Lake Hinkle
Saturday, February 28, 2026
What a gorgeous day on the lake!! Our anglers were ready to shake off the winter blues and get some weights on the board, and boy, did they do just that! We had a great turnout with nine of 12 boats participating.
First place for our three junior teams competing went to AbiGail and Elijah Slaten with 2.6 lbs; second place to Canyon Davis and Landon Johnson with 1.5 lbs!
Our six senior teams jumped those weights up a bit with first place going to JJ Bass and Cooper Strother with a combined total of 12.6 lbs! These two are hard to beat! Weighing in with an impressive 10.13 lbs, Brantlee Tunnell and Kasen Strother came in second for the day. Three other teams weighed qualifying fish, making for a good day overall….BIG BASS for the day went to JJ Bass, with a 4.8 pounder! James Gibbons was a close second for big bass with a nice 4.5 bass–the competition is fierce!
If you have been following our progress our first year as a high school bass fishing team, we thank you! You will be seeing and hearing these names and several more a lot in the coming months. We are TBF state-bound and hoping to make a splash!
As always, we want to give our boat captains, sponsors, parents and school a huge THANK YOU for your time, support and encouragement.. A special thanks to Andy and Cheryl Boyd of Boyd RVs in Acorn for the angler prizes in this tournament. They love our school and students and show it every chance they get!
Submitted: Kelly Slaten
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
#AEStigersSERVE
Saturday, February 28, 2026
What a gorgeous day on the lake!! Our anglers were ready to shake off the winter blues and get some weights on the board, and boy, did they do just that! We had a great turnout with nine of 12 boats participating.
First place for our three junior teams competing went to AbiGail and Elijah Slaten with 2.6 lbs; second place to Canyon Davis and Landon Johnson with 1.5 lbs!
Our six senior teams jumped those weights up a bit with first place going to JJ Bass and Cooper Strother with a combined total of 12.6 lbs! These two are hard to beat! Weighing in with an impressive 10.13 lbs, Brantlee Tunnell and Kasen Strother came in second for the day. Three other teams weighed qualifying fish, making for a good day overall….BIG BASS for the day went to JJ Bass, with a 4.8 pounder! James Gibbons was a close second for big bass with a nice 4.5 bass–the competition is fierce!
If you have been following our progress our first year as a high school bass fishing team, we thank you! You will be seeing and hearing these names and several more a lot in the coming months. We are TBF state-bound and hoping to make a splash!
As always, we want to give our boat captains, sponsors, parents and school a huge THANK YOU for your time, support and encouragement.. A special thanks to Andy and Cheryl Boyd of Boyd RVs in Acorn for the angler prizes in this tournament. They love our school and students and show it every chance they get!
Submitted: Kelly Slaten
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
#AEStigersSERVE
Ouachita River School DIstrict - Parent Teacher Conferences
ODEN PRESCHOOL (see dates for conferences)
ODE MADDOX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ODEN HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday, March 19, 2026
See notes on fliers for details.
#orsdlifeprep
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
ODEN PRESCHOOL (see dates for conferences)
ODE MADDOX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ODEN HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday, March 19, 2026
See notes on fliers for details.
#orsdlifeprep
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Ouachita River School DIstrict - Parent Teacher Conferences
ACORN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ACORN HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday, March 19, 2026
See notes on flyer for details.
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
ACORN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ACORN HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday, March 19, 2026
See notes on flyer for details.
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
📢 Game Update – Acorn Tigers Athletics
The baseball game scheduled at Acorn against the Hector Wildcats has been canceled due to a lack of umpires. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
🥎 Good news! The softball game is still ON!
Come out and support our Lady Tigers as they take on the Lady Wildcats. Let’s show our Tiger pride and cheer them on to victory!
#TigerPride #GoTigers
The baseball game scheduled at Acorn against the Hector Wildcats has been canceled due to a lack of umpires. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
🥎 Good news! The softball game is still ON!
Come out and support our Lady Tigers as they take on the Lady Wildcats. Let’s show our Tiger pride and cheer them on to victory!
#TigerPride #GoTigers
ORSD Community,
This is a friendly reminder that Parent Teacher Conferences are this Thursday March 19th from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. If you have any questions, please reach out to the school your child attends. Have a great day!
Respectfully,
Jerrall Strasner Superintendent
This is a friendly reminder that Parent Teacher Conferences are this Thursday March 19th from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. If you have any questions, please reach out to the school your child attends. Have a great day!
Respectfully,
Jerrall Strasner Superintendent
🥎🐯 Tigers Game Day for Acorn Softball & Baseball! 🐯⚾
The Acorn Tigers and Lady Tigers will host the Hector Wildcats tonight at 4:30 PM on our home fields.
Come out and support our Tigers and Lady Tigers as the season continues. Let’s pack the stands, show our Tiger pride, and cheer on our athletes as they take the field!
The Acorn Tigers and Lady Tigers will host the Hector Wildcats tonight at 4:30 PM on our home fields.
Come out and support our Tigers and Lady Tigers as the season continues. Let’s pack the stands, show our Tiger pride, and cheer on our athletes as they take the field!
2025-2026 CAREER CONNECT: Reverse Career Fair
On March 4th, area high schools from Polk and Montgomery Counties in partnership with the following event sponsors; University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, DeQueen/Mena Education Service Cooperative and the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025-2026 Career Connect: Reverse Career Fair event in the Dick and Frances Carver Grand Hall of the Ouachita Center on the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain main campus. The event was from 9-10:30 a.m. with 50+ career representatives from business, industry, agencies, organizations, military branches, and higher education institutions.
The event provided an opportunity for our area high school seniors to present their resume, elevator pitch and share their future story in an “information exchange” with local, regional and state business and industry representatives and community partners. The event was an enriching, engaging learning experience “connecting” students to the business community. Students were able to practice, apply, and gain confidence in their communication and interview skills with career and community partners sharing in their future success.
High school seniors from each of the four high schools were represented: Cossatot River School District, Mena School District, Ouachita River School District - Acorn High School and Ouachita River School District - Oden High School. The event was a huge success for students, career and community partners, and school districts.
Our school districts and counselors would like to extend our gratitude to the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, DeQueen/Mena Education Service Cooperative, Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce and all of the career and community representatives and partners! Thank you for sharing your time, talents and important information with our students in helping them to develop a sense of belonging and connectedness to their community, both personally and professionally. We are grateful for the investment you make in helping students be better prepared for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
On March 4th, area high schools from Polk and Montgomery Counties in partnership with the following event sponsors; University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, DeQueen/Mena Education Service Cooperative and the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025-2026 Career Connect: Reverse Career Fair event in the Dick and Frances Carver Grand Hall of the Ouachita Center on the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain main campus. The event was from 9-10:30 a.m. with 50+ career representatives from business, industry, agencies, organizations, military branches, and higher education institutions.
The event provided an opportunity for our area high school seniors to present their resume, elevator pitch and share their future story in an “information exchange” with local, regional and state business and industry representatives and community partners. The event was an enriching, engaging learning experience “connecting” students to the business community. Students were able to practice, apply, and gain confidence in their communication and interview skills with career and community partners sharing in their future success.
High school seniors from each of the four high schools were represented: Cossatot River School District, Mena School District, Ouachita River School District - Acorn High School and Ouachita River School District - Oden High School. The event was a huge success for students, career and community partners, and school districts.
Our school districts and counselors would like to extend our gratitude to the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, DeQueen/Mena Education Service Cooperative, Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce and all of the career and community representatives and partners! Thank you for sharing your time, talents and important information with our students in helping them to develop a sense of belonging and connectedness to their community, both personally and professionally. We are grateful for the investment you make in helping students be better prepared for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
CONGRATULATIONS AHS CLASS of 2026!
We are proud of you, Irene!
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
#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!
We are proud of you, Irene!
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
#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!
Acorn Anglers Fundraiser: seasoned and grilled Tyson chicken breast fillets--pick up at Acorn High School in front of the new gym this Thursday night (March 19th) during Parent Teacher Conferences.
Sold by the pound, ready to eat: $15/pound!
See any Acorn student angler to pre-order or just stop by Thursday night--first come, first served!
Thank you to our sponsors, Tyson Foods and JR's Charbroiler of Waldron, AR!!
And thank you to our community for their support this year!!
Sold by the pound, ready to eat: $15/pound!
See any Acorn student angler to pre-order or just stop by Thursday night--first come, first served!
Thank you to our sponsors, Tyson Foods and JR's Charbroiler of Waldron, AR!!
And thank you to our community for their support this year!!
🥎🐯 Lady Tigers Game Day! Acorn Softball! 🐯🥎
The Acorn Lady Tigers will travel to Caddo Hills tonight at 5:00 PM to take on the Lady Indians.
Come out and support our Lady Tigers. Let’s pack the stands, show our Tiger pride, and cheer on our athletes as they take the field for tonight’s matchup!
Go Tigers! 💙💛
The Acorn Lady Tigers will travel to Caddo Hills tonight at 5:00 PM to take on the Lady Indians.
Come out and support our Lady Tigers. Let’s pack the stands, show our Tiger pride, and cheer on our athletes as they take the field for tonight’s matchup!
Go Tigers! 💙💛
🌿✨ Tomorrow is the Night– Acorn Elementary Family Night! ✨🌿
Join us on March 17th from 5:00–6:00 PM for a fun-filled evening together! 🌞🌼
Enjoy hot dogs, explore our outdoor classroom, take part in a scavenger hunt along the walking trail, and each family will receive a pot, dirt, and a plant to grow at home! 🌱
We can’t wait to see our school families there! 💚
Join us on March 17th from 5:00–6:00 PM for a fun-filled evening together! 🌞🌼
Enjoy hot dogs, explore our outdoor classroom, take part in a scavenger hunt along the walking trail, and each family will receive a pot, dirt, and a plant to grow at home! 🌱
We can’t wait to see our school families there! 💚
🐯 This Week in Acorn Athletics 🐯
It’s shaping up to be another exciting week for Acorn Tiger Athletics! Come out and support our student-athletes as they compete and represent Acorn with pride.
Monday, March 16
• Lady Tigers Softball travels to Caddo Hills – Game begins at 5:00 PM
• Senior High Track travels to Booneville
Tuesday, March 17
• Lady Tigers & Tigers host Hector – Games begin at 4:30 PM
• Junior High Track travels to Mena
Thursday, March 19
• Parent-Teacher Conferences – 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Friday, March 20
• Lady Tigers & Tigers travel to Hackett – Games begin at 4:30 PM
Saturday, March 21
• Enjoy Spring Break! 🌸
📣 All sporting events are weather permitting.
Let’s continue to show our Tiger Pride and support our Acorn Tigers! 💙💛🐯
It’s shaping up to be another exciting week for Acorn Tiger Athletics! Come out and support our student-athletes as they compete and represent Acorn with pride.
Monday, March 16
• Lady Tigers Softball travels to Caddo Hills – Game begins at 5:00 PM
• Senior High Track travels to Booneville
Tuesday, March 17
• Lady Tigers & Tigers host Hector – Games begin at 4:30 PM
• Junior High Track travels to Mena
Thursday, March 19
• Parent-Teacher Conferences – 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Friday, March 20
• Lady Tigers & Tigers travel to Hackett – Games begin at 4:30 PM
Saturday, March 21
• Enjoy Spring Break! 🌸
📣 All sporting events are weather permitting.
Let’s continue to show our Tiger Pride and support our Acorn Tigers! 💙💛🐯
CONGRATULATIONS AHS CLASS of 2026!
We are proud of you, Ethan!
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
#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!
We are proud of you, Ethan!
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
#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!
Attendance Matters!
Every day is an opportunity for our students to learn, grow, and connect with their classmates and teachers. In elementary school, each lesson builds the foundation for future success, and being present helps students stay confident and engaged. Our teachers work diligently with all of our students from 7:45 to 4:00 each day to help them be successful. We encourage families to make school attendance a priority whenever possible. Together, we can help every child succeed--because every day counts! Thank you, families, for having your child at school every day, all day.
Every day is an opportunity for our students to learn, grow, and connect with their classmates and teachers. In elementary school, each lesson builds the foundation for future success, and being present helps students stay confident and engaged. Our teachers work diligently with all of our students from 7:45 to 4:00 each day to help them be successful. We encourage families to make school attendance a priority whenever possible. Together, we can help every child succeed--because every day counts! Thank you, families, for having your child at school every day, all day.
🏀🐯 Acorn High School Athletics –Tigers Postseason Honors 🐯🏀
Acorn High School Athletics is proud to recognize these Tigers for their outstanding achievements during the basketball postseason. These honors reflect the dedication, hard work, and commitment these athletes have shown throughout the season.
All-Conference Honors
Kaden Carter
Asher Cook
We are incredibly proud of these Tigers and the effort they put in all season long. Their determination, teamwork, and Tiger pride have represented Acorn High School tremendously.
Congratulations to these athletes on a fantastic season and well-deserved recognition! 🐯💙💛
Acorn High School Athletics is proud to recognize these Tigers for their outstanding achievements during the basketball postseason. These honors reflect the dedication, hard work, and commitment these athletes have shown throughout the season.
All-Conference Honors
Kaden Carter
Asher Cook
We are incredibly proud of these Tigers and the effort they put in all season long. Their determination, teamwork, and Tiger pride have represented Acorn High School tremendously.
Congratulations to these athletes on a fantastic season and well-deserved recognition! 🐯💙💛
