Around the District

This week marked a district work period, which means I got to spend time doing my favorite thing: traveling throughout Arkansas’s Third Congressional District. Read more below!

Southside Visit

Congressman Womack visits Southside HS

It was time to visit with some Mavericks this week, so I headed down to Southside High School! Upon arrival, I was greeted by Superintendent of Fort Smith Schools Terry Morawski, Southside High School Principal Jeff Prewitt, and Fort Smith Schools Supervisor of Facilities Shawn Shaffer. They gave me an update on district wide improvement projects, including work to improve safety and security, expand technology, enhance career and technical education facilities, and other upgrades.

Congressman Womack talks to students

I then had the privilege of meeting with JROTC members and students. These young adults are at a pivotal moment in their lives, where their decisions, both good and bad, will have a lasting impact on the trajectory of their futures. We discussed the importance of education, making wise decisions, and working to serve others. As I said to them, “For a Southside Maverick, mediocrity is unacceptable.” I’m confident they will always strive for excellence.

Congressman Womack learns about STAR Academy

Next on the agenda was spending time in the classrooms! We stopped by the STAR Academy. STAR is a self-paced, flexible learning option that allows students a unique opportunity to accelerate in their core classes. When students get ahead and finish all of their required classes early, they have more time for career and technical education, concurrent classes, specialized electives, and more. The program is targeted at students wanting to finish their core courses in less time and take additional concurrent college credits through the PEAK Center for Innovation, UAFS, or additional AP hours. I really loved the environment and idea of students having the ability to challenge their teachers and themselves. If a student has a higher capacity for learning, they can jump to it. Furthermore, teachers also have the ability to teach various levels, giving them the ability to immerse themselves in instruction on multiple levels.

Congressman Womack discussed his work in Congress with AP Government and Current Events classes

I then headed to talk to AP Government and Current Events classes. I discussed my work in Congress, role on the House Appropriations Committee, and policy positions. They asked me about the latest from Washington and some questions related to voting legislation. As I reiterated, the ability to vote is one of the most sacred rights we have as citizens of our great republic. It’s a privilege to be protected. Attempts to centralize election control in the hands of the federal government and unelected bureaucrats will do everything but that. The Constitution is clear—these rights are reserved to the states.

Congressman Womack visits the Life Skills classroom

We wrapped up a great visit with stopping by Meagan Thompson’s Life Skills class. Students—many of whom are differently-abled—learn community and vocational skills, domestic and daily living abilities, and functional academics. The students were working on a project for the Janet Huckabee Center in Fort Smith. They were making lanyards that will be used by visitors in the building. We appreciate their work!

Congressman Womack viewing student art exhibits

I was proud of everything I saw at Southside. They are committed to providing a well-rounded curriculum that includes strong academic, physical, spiritual, emotional, and community pillars. I look forward to seeing these young men and women grow and use their education to become leaders of our community.

More about the visit here and here.

America Outdoors Association

Congressman Womack on a meeting with America Outdoors Association members from Arkansas

From the mountains to the flowing waters of the Buffalo National River, the natural wonders of Arkansas are enjoyed by all. I appreciated my conversations about our public lands, outdoor spaces, and recreation services with Third District and state America Outdoors Association members!

Arkansas Alzheimer’s Association

Congressman Womack with the Arkansas chapter of the Alzheimer's Association

We all forget things from time to time. But for some, it’s not just a quick slip of the mind; it’s the initial symptom to a life-changing diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and a new and uncertain reality. We must care for those suffering from this disease, as well as our senior citizens who might need a little more help from day to day. I thank David Cook and the Arkansas chapter of the Alzheimer's Association for stopping by my office to talk about important legislative policies that will support Arkansans affected by Alzheimer’s and help find a cure.

Jim Rollins Elementary School of Innovation

Congressman Womack with his tour guides

Who better to give a tour of the Jim Rollins Elementary School of Innovation than the Springdale students who fill the halls and classrooms each day? Special shoutout to my incredible tour guides! I got a firsthand look at the excellent learning and education happening in the Third District. The students were excited to show me their favorite parts of their school, where they are encouraged to work with their peers and use teamwork to problem solve!

Congressman Womack attempts some free throws

We then headed to the gym for some basketball. The kids weren't too impressed with my free throws, but we still had a lot of fun!

Congressman Womack having some fun in the classroom with teachers and students

Before I left, they even sang me an early “Happy Birthday!” I asked them to guess how old I was turning. Someone said 1000! Just so there is no confusion... I'm not there yet. I ended the visit by thanking the students who led the tour for their hard work and giving them challenge coins. As always, they were given in a handshake and while standing at attention! I reminded them to always "pay it forward,” strive for excellence, and make good decisions!

Congressman Womack gave challenge coins to the incredible students who helped with his tour

I also appreciated talking to parents and educators about the previous Director of Springdale Bands Pat Ellison, who unfortunately passed away last year. It was a tremendous loss. Her bands won many awards, and the All-State ensembles were filled with her students. The level of excellence and standards she set for Springdale bands is an example of what students and educators should aim to achieve. I thank Jim Rollins Elementary School of Innovation for the warm welcome and look forward to seeing them again soon.

Congressional Award Presentation at Bentonville

Huge congratulation to Anish Leekkala

Arkansas’s students are part of the next generation of leaders. I had the privilege of presenting Anish Leekkala, an 11th grade student at Bentonville High School, with the Congressional Award, the United States Congress’ highest honor for young Americans.

In the classroom, on the news, in everyday conversation – we often talk a lot about leaders. But what is leadership? How do you define it? To me, a leader is someone who acts. They don’t just think about being the change—they show the way. I frequently think of the question — “If not you, then who?” One of the hardest parts of leadership is leading and not knowing if anyone is going to follow. But you will never know if you don’t try. Anish not only tried – he accomplished. He set a goal and immersed himself in activities and actions that would help him reach it.

Anish received the Congressional Award, the United States Congress’ highest honor for young Americans

He worked towards becoming fluent in five coding languages, volunteered his knowledge and STEM skills to teach others, took action to support underserved communities and our frontline workers, and made bettering his health, physical stamina, and knowledge of other cultures a priority. I will note while balancing all of these things, he also placed second in the Congressional App Challenge!

His impressive record of public service is a testament to his character, work ethic, and commitment to excellence. This silver medal wasn’t given—it was earned by Anish. He didn’t wait for opportunities to serve his community—he stepped up and is doing those things right now. That is how I define leadership. He is an inspiration and reflection of the strong characters being built in Arkansas and in Bentonville. Congratulations!

Learn more about the presentation here.

Tomorrow, I will be speaking to the Arkansas National Guard Association members at their conference. I’m looking forward to talking about appropriations, defense policy, and updates related to Ebbing Air National Guard Base.

Wishing you a great weekend, and I hope to see you around Arkansas in the coming days. You can keep an eye on my website or check out my Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news from my office. Please note, I am also accepting summer 2022 internship applications for my Washington, D.C. office. If you know a college student or recent graduate who wants to get a behind-the-scenes look into the U.S. Congress and support work to help Arkansans, they can learn more about how to apply to our internship program here.