Know Before You Go

Arkansas

As you prepare for State Convention, we’ve gathered some info that will be helpful to have before you arrive!

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Select Your Division

State Leadership

  • Mr. Jerry Newton | Chair
  • Ronnie Kissire | Vice Chair
  • Susan Kissire
  • Don Watts
  • Dr. Stephanie Nehus
  • Leticia Walker
  • Kelly Leonard
  • Dr. Harry Alvris
  • Larry Newsom
  • Tim Smith
JerryNewton

Mr. Jerry Newton

Board Member

Heather Bradway North Benton, AR

Heather Bradway

Regional Leadership Sponsor

Nettleton Junior High School

JaxonEdwards ELPRES AR

Jaxon Edwards

Elementary President

Morrilton Intermediate School

LillianGeurin ELVP AR

Lillian Geurin

Elementary Vice President, National Elementary Vice President

Retta Brown Gifted and Talented Center

AuroraIvory ELLead AR

Aurora Ivory

Elementary Leadership Representative

Park Magnet

JerryNewton

Mr. Jerry Newton

Board Member

Ashley Farley

Ashley Farley

State Sponsor

Paragould Junior High

Sally Lybrand

Sally Lybrand

State Sponsor Elect

Rison High School

Heather Bradway North Benton, AR

Heather Bradway

Regional Leadership Sponsor

Nettleton Junior High School

AudreyCurtin JRPRES AR

Audrey Curtis

Junior President

Hector Middle School

GabrielBirdwell JRVP AR

Gabriel Birdwell

Junior Vice President

Rison High School

HusaniTurner JRSEC AR

Husani Turner

Junior Secretary

Nettleton junior high

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Bailey Woods

Junior Leadership Representative

Dr Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy

VivianBaucom JRLead AR

Vivian Baucom

Junior Leadership Representative

Heber Springs Middle School

JerryNewton

Mr. Jerry Newton

Board Member

Angel Jacobs

Angel Jacobs

State Sponsor Elect

Rison High School

Joyce Foster

Joyce Foster

State Sponsor

Star City High School

Heather Bradway North Benton, AR

Heather Bradway

Regional Leadership Sponsor

Nettleton Junior High School

TysonGarlow SRPRES AR

Tyson Garlow

Senior President

Conway High School

JaidenBible SRVP AR

Jaiden Bible

Senior Vice President

West Side High School

AshleighJohnsor SR Sec AR

Ashleigh Johnson

Senior Secretary

Rison High School

Victoria Hodges SRLead AR

Victoria Hodges

Senior Leadership Representative

Clarksville High School

AnahiCuatepotzo SRLead AR

Anahi Cuatepotzo

Senior Leadership Representative

Conway High School

Haven Simpson SRLead AR

Haven Simpson

Senior Leadership Representative

Rison High School

The Elementary & Junior Basics

Here are the three most helpful links to get you prepped for your convention!

The Details

Everything you need to know for the Arkansas Elementary/Junior Convention!

COMING SOON!

FIRST GENERAL SESSION
January 20, 2026
3:00 PM

Presiding: Tucker Newsom | Junior President
Pledge Of Allegiance
National Anthem
Welcome & Introductions: Tucker Newsom | Junior President
Greetings from State Sponsor: Ashley Farley| State Sponsor
Council Introductions: Jerry Newton| Council Chair
Keynote Address: Ben Moss | Vice President
Campaign Rally
Songfest Finals (Top 5) Elementary
Songfest Finals (Top 5) Junior
Awards Presentation – Academics
Adjournment: Tucker Newsom | Junior President

SECOND GENERAL SESSION
January 20, 2026
7:30 PM

Presiding: Ben Moss | Junior Vice President
Keynote Address: Parker Bussell | Elementary Vice President
Keynote Address:  Peyton Arnold | Junior Secretary
Introduction of Candidates
Voting – 1 Hour
Performing Arts Finals – Solo, Duo, Trio – Elementary (Top 3)
Performing Arts Finals – Solo, Duo, Trio – Junior (Top 3)
Awards Presentation |Individual
Adjournment: Ben Moss | Junior Vice President

THIRD GENERAL SESSION
January 21, 2026
12:30 PM

Presiding: Peyton Arnold | Junior Secretary
Keynote Address: Landon Scroggins | Elementary President
Keynote Address: Tucker Newsom | Junior President
Installation of New State Officers
Charge from the Council: Jerry Newton | Council Chair
Performing Arts Finals – Group – Elementary (Top 3)
Performing Arts Finals – Group – Junior (Top 3)
Awards Presentation – Team and Club
Adjournment: Newly Elected President

The facility is fully cashless accepting Apple Pay, tap to pay & credit/debit cards.

*No outside food from other vendors are allowed in the Convention

Coming Soon

Tuesday, January 20:

7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday, January 21:

7:00 AM – 12:30 PM; 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

  • Docks A & B (Living Literature/Engineering/Robotics) Please make arrangements to remove Living Literature Props from the Competition Room upon Completion of Living Literature to make space for Robotics and Engineering Competition.)  (If your school is dropped off and do not have a vehicle to store your props, please move them to Horner Hall and utilize the space next to the walls upon completion of Living Literature.)
  • Docks C & D (Visual Arts(If your school is dropped off and do not have a vehicle to store your props, please move them to Horner Hall and utilize the space next to the walls upon completion of Visual Arts.)
  • Docks C, D & Annex Roll-up Doors are accessible for (Stage Props)

Coming Soon

Stage props: must be stored at all times in Hall E, which is located directly behind the stage. When storing your props, please be mindful and condense them against the wall. This will help prevent any obstruction for Betas entering or exiting the room. Additionally, please ensure that the arena area remains free of any props. 

Living Literature/Engineering/Robotics/ Prop Storage: will be in Hall A.  Please condense your props in a small pile away from the competition area/squares. 

 

Luggage Storage / Student Holding

Luggage Storage will be in Horner Hall if needed.  Please condense your Luggage against any wall inside of Horner Hall.  National Beta, nor the Convention Center will not be responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items of Luggage.  Please store them at your own risk.

Student Holding Area:  Please feel free to utilize the newly added seating area within Horner Hall, along the concourse, and the arena. This space is provided for students to sit, relax, and eat. We highly discourage students from sitting on the floor along the concourse.  This will help to keep the Convention area free-flowing, and the floor free from food.

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Concessions

Below you’ll find a Concession Menu prepared by the team at the Hot Springs Convention Center. These options will be available for your students during the duration of Convention.

Cash, credit, phone tap, Apple Pay are all accepted.

In addition:

  • The Convention Center no longer has water stations. However, the building now has complimentary touchless refill stations for water bottles at all water fountains throughout the facility. Encourage your students to bring a water bottle to take advantage of these touchless stations.
  • All beverage machines are available 24/7.They accept cash, credit cards and Apple/tap to pay.
  • The Hot Springs Convention Center does not allow any outside vendor foods. (EX. Domino’s Pizza & Chick-fil-a)  Those types of foods must be consumed outside of the Convention Center. 
    * However, students with packed lunches from home or school will be allowed to bring those inside of the Convention Center for lunch. 

CONCESSIONS HOURS

Tuesday, January 20

Hot Springs Market: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Plaza Lobby (Grab & Go): 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Arena: 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Wednesday, January 21

Plaza Lobby (Grab & Go): 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Arena: 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Thursday, January 22

Hot Springs Market: 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Plaza Lobby (Grab & Go): 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Arena: 12:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Friday, January 23

Plaza Lobby (Grab & Go): 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Arena: 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Beta Grab & Go
Beta HS Menu
Beta FS

Coming Soon

AR EL JR State Service Project

For our state service project this year, we are asking our Betas to “Radiate Warmth” and supply blankets to shelters. We will have a drop off spot at convention for groups that would like to donate new and gently used blankets. These blankets can then be taken to various shelters. There may also be a need in your community and your group would rather make your blanket donations closer to home. That is perfectly ok – we want to spread warmth throughout the state.  However, we want to recognize your group as well. If you choose to keep your donations close to home, you can take pictures of your group packing and/or delivering blankets. Even if you bring your blankets to Hot Springs, take pictures. Email your pictures to joyce.foster@starcityschools.org, and we will create a slide show to show during the first presession.

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

The Senior Basics

Here are the three most helpful links to get you prepped for your convention!

The Details

Everything you need to know for the Arkansas Senior Convention!

COMING SOON!

First General Session
Thursday, January 22, 2026
2:30 PM

Presiding: Dylan Mercer | President
Pledge of Allegiance
National Anthem
Greetings from State Sponsor: Joyce Foster
Council Introductions: Jerry Newton | Council Chair
Performing Arts Finals – Solo, Duo, Trio (top 3)
Keynote Address: Andrea McDaniel | Secretary
Awards Presentation – Academics
Adjournment: Dylan Mercer | President

Second General Session
Thursday, January 22, 2026
7:30 PM

Presiding: D.W. Stephens | Vice President
Keynote Address: Dylan Mercer | President
Campaign Rally
Show Choir Finals (Top 3)
Awards Presentation – Visual Arts & Individual
Adjournment: D.W. Stephens | Vice President

Third General Session
Friday, January 23, 2026
12:30 PM

Presiding: Andrea McDaniel | Secretary
Installation of New State Officers
Keynote Address: D.W. Stephens | Vice President
Performing Arts Finals – Group (Top 3)
Awards Presentation – Club & Team
Adjournment: Newly Elected President

The facility is fully cashless accepting Apple Pay, tap to pay & credit/debit cards.

*No outside food from other vendors are allowed in the Convention

Coming Soon

Thursday, January 22:

7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday, January 23:

7:00 AM – 12:30 PM; 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

  • Docks A & B (Living Literature/Engineering/Robotics) Please make arrangements to remove Living Literature Props from the Competition Room upon Completion of Living Literature to make space for Robotics and Engineering Competition.)  (If your school is dropped off and do not have a vehicle to store your props, please move them to Horner Hall and utilize the space next to the walls upon completion of Living Literature.)
  • Docks C & D (Visual Arts(If your school is dropped off and do not have a vehicle to store your props, please move them to Horner Hall and utilize the space next to the walls upon completion of Visual Arts.)
  • Docks C, D & Annex Roll-up Doors are accessible for (Stage Props)

Coming Soon

Stage props: must be stored at all times in Hall E, which is located directly behind the stage. When storing your props, please be mindful and condense them against the wall. This will help prevent any obstruction for Betas entering or exiting the room. Additionally, please ensure that the arena area remains free of any props.

Living Literature/Engineering/Robotics/ Prop Storage: will be in Hall A.  Please condense your props in a small pile away from the competition area/squares.

Luggage Storage is not specified.  Please condense your Luggage against the wall and out of walkways.  National Beta, nor the Convention Center will not be responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items of Luggage.  Please store them at your own risk.

Student Holding Area:  Please feel free to utilize the seating areas along the concourse and the arena. This space is provided for students to sit, relax, and eat. We highly discourage students from sitting on the floor along the concourse.  This will help to keep the Convention area free-flowing, and the floor free from food.

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

National Beta is excited to bring College & Career Fairs to our conventions, giving high school students (grades 9–12), parents, and educators the chance to explore future pathways. At the fair, you’ll connect with representatives from colleges, universities, trade schools, and/or military programs; ask questions; compare options; and discover scholarship opportunities.

Date: January 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Horner Hall

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Below you’ll find a Concession Menu prepared by the team at the Hot Springs Convention Center. These options will be available for your students during the duration of Convention.

Cashless facility accepting credit, phone tap, and Apple Pay.

In addition:

  • The Convention Center no longer has water stations. However, the building now has complimentary touchless refill stations for water bottles at all water fountains throughout the facility. Encourage your students to bring a water bottle to take advantage of these touchless stations.
  • All beverage machines are available 24/7.They accept cash, credit cards and Apple/tap to pay.
  • The Hot Springs Convention Center does not allow any outside vendor foods. (EX. Domino’s Pizza & Chick-fil-a)  Those types of foods must be consumed outside of the Convention Center. 
    * However, students with packed lunches from home or school will be allowed to bring those inside of the Convention Center for lunch. 

CONCESSIONS HOURS

Tuesday, January 20

Hot Springs Market: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Plaza Lobby (Grab & Go): 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Arena: 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Wednesday, January 21

Plaza Lobby (Grab & Go): 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Arena: 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Thursday, January 22

Hot Springs Market: 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Plaza Lobby (Grab & Go): 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Arena: 12:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Friday, January 23

Plaza Lobby (Grab & Go): 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Arena: 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Beta Grab & Go
Beta HS Menu
Beta FS

Coming Soon

🌟 Arkansas Beta State Service Project: Supporting Breakthrough T1D 🌟

We’re excited to announce this year’s Arkansas Beta State Service Project — promoting diabetes awareness and raising funds for Breakthrough T1D!

Because exercise is important for those living with diabetes, our officers suggested walk-a-thons—but we know cold weather and holiday schedules might make that tricky. So, we’re encouraging each club to get creative and support the project in your own way!

💡 How Your Club Can Participate

Fundraise:
Host a fun DIY event — Dodgeball or Kickball tournaments, Ice Cream Socials, Car Washes, or “Put a Cap on Diabetes” Days!

Volunteer:
Join Breakthrough T1D events:

·        Community SummitFeb. 7, Camp Aldersgate

·        Little Rock GalaMar. 14

·        NWA GalaApr. 25

Raise Awareness:
Share T1D facts and stories in announcements, newsletters, or bulletin boards. Invite a local speaker to talk about living with Type 1 Diabetes.

📸 Share Your Impact!

Send donations directly to Breakthrough T1D (Arkansas website launches soon at www.breakthrought1d.org/arkansas).

Please email your photos and videos to joyce.foster@starcityschools.org so we can feature your club in a slideshow at convention!

Let’s join together to support T1D research and show the power of Beta service! 💙

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Contact the Beta Team

If you have any questions about the National Convention, please contact our National Office.

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