Fort Smith Metro Daily News Briefs: Creative Arts and West Point cadets

Following are news brief items from the Fort Smith metro.

Creative Arts
The Institute for the Creative Arts (ICA) has announced that in the fall of 2025 concurrent enrollment will be open to ICA students through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

Classes will be offered on site at ICA in many academic areas including English, history, mathematics, statistics, humanities, political science, criminal justice, sociology, speech, philosophy, and psychology. Students who have taken the ACT test are eligible for concurrent enrollment. Classes are taught by UAFS instructors using the same syllabus and textbook that would be used on the UAFS campus.

“We’re excited to be able to offer concurrent enrollment,” said ICA President Dr. Rosilee Russell. “This allows students to get ahead in their college requirements while at the same time save money on college tuition.”

Also, ICA is providing free breakfast and free lunch to all students, and has been approved as a provider for families who receive Education Freedom Accounts funding from the Arkansas Department of Education. The accounts allow families who homeschool or use private schools to pay for educational services in the areas of arts, academics, mental health, and many other areas as well.

The ICA is a performing and visual arts high school that is tuition-free and open to all Arkansas students.

1 Million
Parrot Island Waterpark on July 9 welcomed its one millionth guest. Leslie Alder was surprised at the front gate by General Manager Drew Peterson and presented with a prize package that included a complimentary season pass and special VIP perks for the day.

“This is an incredible moment for Parrot Island and the entire Fort Smith community,” Peterson said. “Reaching one million guests is a testament to the support of our loyal visitors, our dedicated team, and the family-friendly experience we’ve worked hard to create over the past decade.”

Since opening in 2015, Parrot Island Waterpark, which opened in 2015, includes attractions like the FlowRider surf simulator, a lazy river, five water slides, wave pool, activity pool and Tiny Turtle Island for younger guests.

The waterpark is located at Ben Geren Park, which includes miniature golf, playground equipment, outdoor picnic areas and pavilions, softball and soccer fields, tennis courts, a 1.5-mile fitness and circuit walking trail, two 18-hole disk golf courses, over eight miles of paved bike trails, 11 miles of mountain bike trails, and a 27-hole county golf course.

NAACP Scholarships
The NAACP Sebastian County Branch has awarded more than $10,000 in scholarships to high school graduates. The seven recipients will each receive a $1,500 scholarship. The recipients will receive their awards at a presentation set for 2 p.m., July 26, at the U.S. Marshals Museum.

Following are the 2025 recipients.
Leslie Barroso
Kari Carter
La’Carkous “IC” Douglas
Scott Holland
Courtney Jones
Makayla Robinson
Onesty Thomas

“We are thrilled to recognize these seven scholars for their contributions to our community and their academic excellence,” said Talicia Richardson, President of the NAACP Sebastian County Branch. “Our scholarship committee worked diligently to select students who truly represent the values of leadership, service, and academic integrity.”

According to the press release, scholarship funds come from fundraisers and corporate donors like Arvest Bank which has contributed more than $13,000 in the past three years.

New Students
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith hosted its second Mane Event new student orientation on July 11. Approximately 700 incoming students and their families were expected to visit the campus. Activities included resource sessions, campus exploration, college-specific meetings, and community-building activities.

Family members and guests participated in breakout sessions focused on campus safety, academic support, tutoring, housing, and career services. A Spanish-language track was offered to ensure Spanish-speaking families received the same information.

Mane Event is a required orientation for all first-time UAFS students. The final orientation will take place July 25.

Flood Support
Fort Smith-based Randall Ford has partnered with the United Cajun Navy to help families affected by the devastating flooding in Texas. From July 10 through July 16, the community is invited to join the effort by donating essential supplies to fill a tractor trailer bound for those directly in need.

Donations can be dropped off at Randall Ford, located at 5500 Rogers Ave., in Fort Smith from 8 a.m to 7 p.m., during the week, and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Suggested items include toiletries, non-perishable food, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies, bottled water, and baby supplies.

“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this disaster,” said Bradford Randall, dealer principal. “By coming together as a community, we can help make a real difference for those facing unimaginable challenges right now.”

Ballet Event
The Western Arkansas Ballet is hosting the “Dance the Decades: Vintage Swing” fundraiser which is set for 6 p.m., Sept. 6, at the U.S. Marshals Museum.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in “1940’s inspired attire” for an event that will include vintage fashion, music, swing dance lessons with Marcus Coker, heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and live entertainment provided by Don Bailey & The Swing Machine with Tabitha Graves.

Tickets are $100 each and available at waballet.org or by calling 479-785-0152. Proceeds from the event benefit WAB’s wardrobe department providing funds to update costuming for The Nutcracker.

West Point Chair, Cadets
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, has been reelected as chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors (BOV). The United States Military Academy at West Point BOV is charged with providing independent advice and recommendations on institutional matters, including morale and discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other issues.

Womack was first appointed to the BOV in 2012 by House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and was elected BOV chairman in 2017. He is the only congressional representative from Arkansas to serve on the board.

“The cadets at West Point, including the outstanding individuals from Arkansas’s Third District I nominated, are some of the finest young men and women our country has to offer,” Womack noted in a statement. “I am grateful to my colleagues on the Board and for our work to support West Point in developing military leaders committed to Duty, Honor, and Country.”

Following are the West Point cadets from Arkansas’ 3rd Congressional District.
Class of 2026
Ellery Doyna; Fayetteville
Luke Monk; Fort Smith
Sydney Rhuda; Bentonville
Joey Sta Romana; Centerton
Luke Welcher; Fayetteville

Class of 2027
Carlee Casteel; Rogers
Josiah McCullough; Lowell

Class of 2028
Trystin Davis; Bentonville
June Dresel; Fayetteville
Tehya Meers; Fayetteville
Christopher Monk; Fort Smith
Cooper Thompson; Springdale
Jackson Witherington; Fort Smith

Class of 2029
Arthur Coomer; Bentonville
Ryan Johnson; Rogers