(submitted)
(Stuttgart, AR, October 4) In front of students, faculty, staff, and the local community, senior Leslie Alexander was crowned as the 2019 Homecoming Queen during a special coronation ceremony in the Junior High School Gym. “When I heard my name, I screamed in my head…this day is even more special because my family is home from the military,” Alexander said after the surprise announcement.
Leslie Alexander is the daughter of LaToya Alexander and Joe Alexander, Jr. It is evident by her involvement at SHS that Alexander is proud to be a Ricebird. She serves as the Student Council Vice President and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Ricebird’s leadership team. Alexander loves music and performs as a member of the FCR music team. Alexander’s talent in music allowed her to win the SHS talent show two times. She has been on the SHS yearbook staff for two years and recently attended the Josten’s Leadership Conference. Alexander performs with the SHS band as a member of the color guard. She might also be found on stage as a member of the SHS Thespian Club. Over the summer, Alexander represented SHS as an Arkansas Girls’ State Delegate. After graduation, she plans to attend college in Arkansas and major in either clinical psychology or business management.
The annual homecoming coronation takes place to honor the senior football players and the homecoming maids. The SHS band plays “Beauty and the Beast” to fit the Disney theme as the maids and players cross the gym floor. The five senior football players help escort the maids onto the stage during the coronation. Once all of the maids and players are on stage, the gym becomes quiet as the Homecoming Queen is officially announced.
The five senior football players bring a lot of experience to the team. Hayden Davis is the center for the Ricebird offense and has been a part of the team for six years. Mitchell Stovesand is wide receiver for the Ricebird offense and free safety for the defense. He has played football for six years. Colton White plays linebacker for the Ricebird defense and has been on the team for one year. Omarion Bones plays outside linebacker for the Ricebird defense and has been playing football for six years. The final senior is Conrad Bulloch, who plays wide receiver for the Ricebird offense and cornerback for the Ricebird defense. He has played football for the Birds for six years.
The following senior girls were selected by their peers to represent the school on this year’s homecoming court:
Kelis Dewanna Arnold is the daughter of Lisa Dawn Gonzales and Kevin Dewight Arnold. She is a member of the Stuttgart High School track team, where she participates in the 4 X 4 relay, 4 X 4 run, the triple jump, long jump, hurdles, and 300 meter run. She is also involved in Future Business Leaders of America, Leo Club, Key Club, Science Club, and Fellowship of Christian Ricebirds. She also participated in the Real Talk Team. After graduation, Arnold plans on going to the National Guard and attending Arkansas State University to major in biology.
Annie Caroline Bauman is the daughter of Amy and Brandon Bauman. She is currently serving as the Student Body President. She has been an active member of the Stuttgart High School Student Council for four years. Bauman has been a cheerleader for six years, serving as captain her 9th and 11th grade years. She plays soccer and tennis for the Ricebirds. Bauman was selected as an Arkansas Girls’ State Delegate, where she was elected to the Senate. After graduation, Bauman plans on attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Lauren Lang Hord is the daughter of Katie and Eddy Hord. She has played basketball as a Ricebird for six years and cheered throughout her junior high and high school years. Hord has played tennis for two years on the Stuttgart tennis team. She is active in many clubs, including the Fellowship of Christian Ricebirds, Key Club, Interact, Leo Club, Thespian Club, Spanish Club and Science Club. Hord was selected to represent Stuttgart High as a Girls’ State Delegate. After graduation, Hord plans to attend the University of Mississippi to study allied health studies.
Guindalyn Blair Ball is the daughter of Monday Ball. She plays trombone and baritone for the SHS band. She has received many awards, including first chair baritone, first and second division solo/ensemble achievements, and an Outstanding Leadership award during summer music camp at Texas A&M. Ball is an active member in FFA, where she served on the Chapter Conduct team, and is now a member of the Veterinary Science competition team. She holds a greenhand, chapter, and state degree. She has achieved seven Ag-related certifications. After graduation, Ball wants to study public relations or political science at Southern Arkansas University.
Aliyah Barry is the daughter of Latrell Sims and Stacy Barry. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Ricebirds, and she has participated in the Thespian Club. Throughout her high school career, she has been involved in the SHS band, the yearbook staff, and served as a Ricebird Reader. She has also participated in the SHS talent show, where she sang and danced for the last three years. Barry has been recognized as a Principal’s Award winner for her dedication at SHS. Barry can be found participating in all of the spirit activities on campus, including all of the Homecoming activities. After graduation, Barry plans on studying psychology.
Niryjah Bradford is the daughter of LaShuna Bradford and Nathan Bradford, Sr. She played football for the Stuttgart Junior High School Ricebirds in the 7th and 8th grade, and is now a member of the Stuttgart High School track team. She was the track High Point Champion her 9th grade year and has since competed in the 4×1 and the 300-meter hurdles at the state track meet. As a member of the school soccer team, she has competed at the state level. Bradford has played for six years in the Stuttgart High School band. She volunteers frequently with her church. After graduation, Bradford wants to attend college and major in political science.
Hattie Isabella Haygood is the daughter of Kelly Ashcraft and Shane Haygood. She has been a Stuttgart High School varsity cheerleader for five years and has played on the Stuttgart High School girl’s soccer team for four years. Last year, Haygood had the opportunity to play for the state title in soccer. Haygood has also played tennis on the Stuttgart High School girls’ tennis team for two years. She has been an active member of Fellowship of Christian Ricebirds, Leo Club, Key Club, Thespian Club, and Science Club. She has volunteered to read at Park Avenue Elementary School as a Ricebird Reader. After graduation, Haygood plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville to major in psychology.
Erica Nichole Hawkins is the daughter of Nikki and Cedric Hawkins. She has been a varsity cheerleader for three years and has played on the Stuttgart High School girl’s soccer team for three years. Hawkins competed at the soccer state championship last year with her team. Erica has played basketball and run track for the Ricebirds for six years. Hawkins was selected as an Arkansas Girls’ State Delegate. She has participated in DECA, Future Business Leaders of America, Interact, Leo Club, Key club, and Science Club. After graduation, Hawkins wants to attend college to major in Kinesiology and pursue a career as a physical therapist.
Morgan Leigh Ludwig is the daughter of Whitney and Kyle Ludwig. She has cheered for five years and is currently leading the Stuttgart High School varsity cheer team as this year’s captain. Ludwig has played basketball as a Ricebird for six years. She has played on the Stuttgart High School tennis team for three years. Morgan is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Ricebirds, the National Honor Society, Leo Club, Interact, Spanish Club, Science Club, FBLA, and Key Club. After graduation, Ludwig plans on attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Maya Taylor Savion Lester is the daughter of Darcelle Jacobs and James Jacobs. She is the Thespian Vice President and talent coordinator. Lester played a key role in the Thespian’s production of “Into the Woods.” Because of her dedication to the Thespians, she received an Outstanding Drama Student award. She has served her class as Junior Class Vice President and Senior Class Vice President. Lester has been awarded Outstanding Percussionist for the Stuttgart High School marching band as she plays both percussion and trumpet. After graduation, Lester plans on majoring in biology and chemistry and minoring in the performing Arts. She would like to teach English abroad in Tokyo, South Korea and China.
The Stuttgart School District will produce college and career ready students who will be productive citizens.
