Congratulations to IC STEM Coordinator, Courtney Selph, for being named 2026 Ozarka College Alumni of the Year! We are so proud of you, Mrs. Courtney!
Read more about this honor, here: https://www.ozarka.edu/index.cfm?template=campusnews_view&uuid=07E76B40-1422-B139-DA3AC6E7B11ACF1A
Congratulations to one of our middle school teachers, Mrs. Courtney Sanders, and her family for being named 2026 Izard County Farm Family of the Year! Courtney and her husband, Nathan, are the parents of ICC alumnae, Lilly Felton and Dayka Lock, as well as current 9th grader, Xander Lock. Congrats to all of you!
Additional information about this honor is available here: https://arfb.com/news/2026/apr/30/2026-county-farm-families/?fbclid=IwdGRjcARwaOBjbGNrBHBo1GV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHjkBZHmwvaTlhYIQiRcRg2cAmQVSERwdkXjRlz8AQvu46201r8IeUiqpILwN_aem_FHWXF2QjGVkIRgRHcfTmig
On Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 PM, we will honor the accomplishments, hard work, and dedication of our 2025-2026 Cougar athletes during our Athletic Banquet and Awards Ceremony.
All athletes in grades 7-12 and their families are invited to attend as we recognize the memories, milestones, and successes from this school year. We look forward to celebrating together!
📍 High School Cafeteria
🗓 Tuesday, May 12
⏰ 6:00 PM
Go Cougars! 🖤🤍
All athletes in grades 7-12 and their families are invited to attend as we recognize the memories, milestones, and successes from this school year. We look forward to celebrating together!
📍 High School Cafeteria
🗓 Tuesday, May 12
⏰ 6:00 PM
Go Cougars! 🖤🤍
The Cougar Choir participated in the Music in the Parks Festival today! Music 🎶
They performed this morning at Ozark High School in Ozark, MO and then spent the rest of the day at Silver Dollar City! They brought home the 2nd place trophy for their division 🏆 and Destiny Wisecarver was recognized and awarded for her amazing solo! 🎤
We're excited to offer another opportunity for your family to join Cougar Nation! Learn From Home - Stay Connected - Be an Izard County Cougar!
Congratulations to our very own STEM Coordinator, Courtney Selph, on being selected to serve on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Teacher Leader Council for the 2026-2027 school year!
This is an incredible honor and a testament to Mrs. Selph’s passion for education, conservation, and creating meaningful learning experiences for students. As a member of the council, she will collaborate with educators from across Arkansas to help shape conservation education, provide feedback on curriculum and resources, and promote outdoor learning opportunities for students statewide.
We are so proud to see Mrs. Courtney representing Izard County STEM School and helping inspire the next generation of Arkansas conservationists. Congratulations, Mrs. Selph — this opportunity is so well deserved, and we can’t wait to see the impact you make! 🌿🐾
This is an incredible honor and a testament to Mrs. Selph’s passion for education, conservation, and creating meaningful learning experiences for students. As a member of the council, she will collaborate with educators from across Arkansas to help shape conservation education, provide feedback on curriculum and resources, and promote outdoor learning opportunities for students statewide.
We are so proud to see Mrs. Courtney representing Izard County STEM School and helping inspire the next generation of Arkansas conservationists. Congratulations, Mrs. Selph — this opportunity is so well deserved, and we can’t wait to see the impact you make! 🌿🐾
We are proud to announce that our district has been awarded a $550,000 Arkansas 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant!
This three-year grant from the Arkansas Department of Education is designed to support community learning centers that provide enrichment opportunities during non-school hours in the areas of reading, literacy, math, and science.
The grant will allow our district to continue providing K–8 academic summer school programs, as well as before-school and after-school academic support throughout the school year.
A special thank you goes to Elementary Principal Eve Hatman, 21st Century Grant Coordinator Allie Pepper, and STEM Coordinator Courtney Selph for their hard work in writing the grant and for consistently going above and beyond for our students.
This is just another example of how we continue to put students first!
We’ve loved celebrating our amazing teachers all week long! To wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, we are enjoying Sonic drinks and cheesecake bites today as a small thank you for all you do each and every day for our students and school. We appreciate you more than words can say!
Happy School Nurse Day! 🩺💙
Today we celebrate the caring and dedicated professionals who keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn each day. From offering a comforting smile to handling everything from scraped knees to serious concerns, our school nurse plays a vital role in our school community.
Thank you to Nurse Tanna Brashear for your compassion, expertise, and commitment to the well-being of our students and staff. We appreciate all that you do!
At the top of the Class of 2026, we’re proud to recognize our Valedictorian — Whitley Cheyenne Smith!
Whitley has made an incredible impact at ICHS through her leadership and involvement. She has served as Vice President, Junior Advisor, and President of FFA, is a Beta member, and was named a State AGFC Cooking Champion—just a few highlights of an outstanding high school career.
When reflecting on her time at ICHS, Whitley shared that her favorite memories come from her many FFA and 4-H trips, where the experiences and relationships created a true sense of family and community.
She credits Mrs. Stroud and Mrs. Faulkner as two educators who made a lasting impact on her life. Whitley said:
“Mrs. Stroud helped me discover what kind of leader I am and introduced me to so many of my interests. Mrs. Faulkner pushed me to take classes and try things I never thought I could do.”
After graduation, Whitley plans to attend college and work toward becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic, with the goal of specializing in the equine industry.
Her advice to younger Cougars:
“Study hard and make it last, because it will be the ride of your life.”
Congratulations, Whitley! Your leadership, dedication, and passion set the standard—we are incredibly proud of you!
Whitley has made an incredible impact at ICHS through her leadership and involvement. She has served as Vice President, Junior Advisor, and President of FFA, is a Beta member, and was named a State AGFC Cooking Champion—just a few highlights of an outstanding high school career.
When reflecting on her time at ICHS, Whitley shared that her favorite memories come from her many FFA and 4-H trips, where the experiences and relationships created a true sense of family and community.
She credits Mrs. Stroud and Mrs. Faulkner as two educators who made a lasting impact on her life. Whitley said:
“Mrs. Stroud helped me discover what kind of leader I am and introduced me to so many of my interests. Mrs. Faulkner pushed me to take classes and try things I never thought I could do.”
After graduation, Whitley plans to attend college and work toward becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic, with the goal of specializing in the equine industry.
Her advice to younger Cougars:
“Study hard and make it last, because it will be the ride of your life.”
Congratulations, Whitley! Your leadership, dedication, and passion set the standard—we are incredibly proud of you!
We’re proud to recognize another exceptional leader from the Class of 2026 — Akynna Brinlee Nielsen, Salutatorian!
Akynna has been deeply involved during her time at ICHS, participating in BETA, FFA, FBLA, EAST, ICSS Show Team, ICSS Livestock Judging Team, and Track. Her leadership stands out as she has served as BETA and FBLA President, FFA and 4-H Reporter, and an EAST Student Champion.
When reflecting on her time at ICHS, Akynna shared that some of her favorite memories come from school trips, where she enjoyed spending time with others outside of the classroom.
She credits Officer Brett and Mrs. Stroud as two of her biggest influences, saying they consistently pushed her to step outside of her comfort zone, believe in herself, and grow into a more confident and determined person.
Looking ahead, Akynna has big plans. She plans to attend Ozarka College to earn an Associate of Science in Agriculture, before transferring to the University of Arkansas to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education—continuing to grow her passion for agriculture and leadership.
Her advice to younger Cougars: “Don’t let other people’s opinions affect you!”
Congratulations, Akynna! Your leadership, drive, and accomplishments set you apart—we’re incredibly proud of you and can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
Akynna has been deeply involved during her time at ICHS, participating in BETA, FFA, FBLA, EAST, ICSS Show Team, ICSS Livestock Judging Team, and Track. Her leadership stands out as she has served as BETA and FBLA President, FFA and 4-H Reporter, and an EAST Student Champion.
When reflecting on her time at ICHS, Akynna shared that some of her favorite memories come from school trips, where she enjoyed spending time with others outside of the classroom.
She credits Officer Brett and Mrs. Stroud as two of her biggest influences, saying they consistently pushed her to step outside of her comfort zone, believe in herself, and grow into a more confident and determined person.
Looking ahead, Akynna has big plans. She plans to attend Ozarka College to earn an Associate of Science in Agriculture, before transferring to the University of Arkansas to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education—continuing to grow her passion for agriculture and leadership.
Her advice to younger Cougars: “Don’t let other people’s opinions affect you!”
Congratulations, Akynna! Your leadership, drive, and accomplishments set you apart—we’re incredibly proud of you and can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
We are pleased to share the hiring of Jennifer Murphy as our curriculum coordinator for the 2026-27 school year! Jennifer Murphy has served in K-12 Arkansas education for 30 years at the school, regional, and state levels supporting literacy instruction.
"I am excited to continue my work with the educators and students at Izard County Consolidated School District to support them in literacy instruction best practices," said Mrs. Murphy. "My mantra is 'Be Intentional. Be Demanding. Be Supportive.' and these words are what I strive to keep in mind when working with both students and teachers."
Mrs. Murphy's goal is always to support teachers in effectively nourishing students for success academically and beyond, and we can't wait to see her do so at our school!
"I am excited to continue my work with the educators and students at Izard County Consolidated School District to support them in literacy instruction best practices," said Mrs. Murphy. "My mantra is 'Be Intentional. Be Demanding. Be Supportive.' and these words are what I strive to keep in mind when working with both students and teachers."
Mrs. Murphy's goal is always to support teachers in effectively nourishing students for success academically and beyond, and we can't wait to see her do so at our school!
Let’s recognize another hardworking senior from the Class of 2026 — Sabastion O. Robbins!
Sabastion has represented the Cougars in Football and Basketball, competing and contributing on the court and the field throughout his high school career.
When asked about his favorite memory, Sabastion shared that his junior basketball season stands out as a highlight of his time at ICHS.
After graduation, he plans to attend Southeastern Illinois College and continue working toward his future goals.
Congratulations, Sabastion! We’re proud of your dedication and wish you the very best in the next chapter!
Sabastion has represented the Cougars in Football and Basketball, competing and contributing on the court and the field throughout his high school career.
When asked about his favorite memory, Sabastion shared that his junior basketball season stands out as a highlight of his time at ICHS.
After graduation, he plans to attend Southeastern Illinois College and continue working toward his future goals.
Congratulations, Sabastion! We’re proud of your dedication and wish you the very best in the next chapter!
We’re proud to spotlight another dedicated member of the Class of 2026 — Devan Reed!
Devan has been involved in Art, Volleyball, and Medical pathways, showing a strong balance of creativity and career-focused learning during her time at ICHS.
When asked about the teachers who made the biggest impact on her life, Devan shared that Miss Moore and Mrs. Faulkner played an important role, helping teach her the skills she needed in both medical studies and art.
After graduation, Devan plans to attend college for psychology while continuing to work.
Her advice to younger Cougars:
“Don’t give up on your work—keep trying to reach your goals.”
Congratulations, Devan! We’re proud of your hard work and determination, and we wish you all the best in the future!
Devan has been involved in Art, Volleyball, and Medical pathways, showing a strong balance of creativity and career-focused learning during her time at ICHS.
When asked about the teachers who made the biggest impact on her life, Devan shared that Miss Moore and Mrs. Faulkner played an important role, helping teach her the skills she needed in both medical studies and art.
After graduation, Devan plans to attend college for psychology while continuing to work.
Her advice to younger Cougars:
“Don’t give up on your work—keep trying to reach your goals.”
Congratulations, Devan! We’re proud of your hard work and determination, and we wish you all the best in the future!
We’re excited to highlight another creative and talented member of the Class of 2026 — Mya Cerine Rayoum!
Mya has been involved in a wide range of activities during her time at ICHS, including Band, Choir, EAST, Drama Club, Book Club, Student Council, and Bowling.
She shared that Mrs. Phillips has made a big impact on her life, teaching her that life is full of passion and encouraging her to follow her dreams. She also gave a special thank you to Officer Brett for always reminding students to never give up.
After graduation, Mya plans to travel and pursue a career in music, following her passion and creativity.
Her advice to younger Cougars:
“Don’t let your fear hold you back. Being scared shows that you care, which is exactly why you should do it.”
Congratulations, Mya! We can’t wait to see where your passion and talent take you next!
Mya has been involved in a wide range of activities during her time at ICHS, including Band, Choir, EAST, Drama Club, Book Club, Student Council, and Bowling.
She shared that Mrs. Phillips has made a big impact on her life, teaching her that life is full of passion and encouraging her to follow her dreams. She also gave a special thank you to Officer Brett for always reminding students to never give up.
After graduation, Mya plans to travel and pursue a career in music, following her passion and creativity.
Her advice to younger Cougars:
“Don’t let your fear hold you back. Being scared shows that you care, which is exactly why you should do it.”
Congratulations, Mya! We can’t wait to see where your passion and talent take you next!
We’re proud to recognize another senior from the Class of 2026 — Elizabeth Megin Long!
Elizabeth has been a part of the volleyball team, representing the Cougars on the court during her high school career.
When asked about someone who made a lasting impact on her life, Elizabeth shared that Olivia Stroud helped her learn how to be herself in a new and confident way, something that has stayed with her.
After graduation, Elizabeth plans to attend college and continue working toward her goals.
Her advice to younger Cougars:
“Be yourself and never give up on your dreams.”
Congratulations, Elizabeth! We’re proud of you and wish you all the best in the future!
Elizabeth has been a part of the volleyball team, representing the Cougars on the court during her high school career.
When asked about someone who made a lasting impact on her life, Elizabeth shared that Olivia Stroud helped her learn how to be herself in a new and confident way, something that has stayed with her.
After graduation, Elizabeth plans to attend college and continue working toward her goals.
Her advice to younger Cougars:
“Be yourself and never give up on your dreams.”
Congratulations, Elizabeth! We’re proud of you and wish you all the best in the future!
In order to allow all district families, faculty, and staff to attend graduation Tuesday evening, there will be no after school program that day (May 5, 2026).
We’re excited to feature another member of the Class of 2026 — Daniel Anderson!
Daniel has been involved in a variety of activities during his time at ICHS, including Band, EAST, Football, Esports, and Beta.
One thing that stands out most to Daniel about his high school experience is the opportunity to help around the school, something he says has been one of his favorite memories.
After graduation, Daniel plans to attend college and continue building his future.
When it comes to advice for younger Cougars, Daniel shared:
“Don’t let what other people say decide what you do. Make your own path and listen to yourself—or your teachers, they know what to do.”
Congratulations, Daniel! We’re proud of you and wish you all the best in the next chapter of your journey!
Daniel has been involved in a variety of activities during his time at ICHS, including Band, EAST, Football, Esports, and Beta.
One thing that stands out most to Daniel about his high school experience is the opportunity to help around the school, something he says has been one of his favorite memories.
After graduation, Daniel plans to attend college and continue building his future.
When it comes to advice for younger Cougars, Daniel shared:
“Don’t let what other people say decide what you do. Make your own path and listen to yourself—or your teachers, they know what to do.”
Congratulations, Daniel! We’re proud of you and wish you all the best in the next chapter of your journey!
Let’s highlight another talented member of the Class of 2026 — Owen L. Stasny!
Owen has stayed involved in a variety of areas during his time at ICHS, including Band, EAST, Baseball, E-Sports, and Odyssey of the Mind.
When reflecting on his time at Izard County, Owen shared that his favorite memories come from playing in the band and competing with the baseball team—two experiences that helped shape his high school journey.
After graduation, Owen plans to attend Arkansas State University, where he will major in Music – Jazz Studies.
His advice to younger Cougars:
“Try not to follow one track—do everything you want to do while you have the opportunity.”
Congratulations, Owen! We’re proud of the impact you’ve made at ICHS and can’t wait to see where your talents take you next!
Owen has stayed involved in a variety of areas during his time at ICHS, including Band, EAST, Baseball, E-Sports, and Odyssey of the Mind.
When reflecting on his time at Izard County, Owen shared that his favorite memories come from playing in the band and competing with the baseball team—two experiences that helped shape his high school journey.
After graduation, Owen plans to attend Arkansas State University, where he will major in Music – Jazz Studies.
His advice to younger Cougars:
“Try not to follow one track—do everything you want to do while you have the opportunity.”
Congratulations, Owen! We’re proud of the impact you’ve made at ICHS and can’t wait to see where your talents take you next!
We’re proud to spotlight another outstanding senior from the Class of 2026 — Jamie M. Riggs!
Jamie has been involved in a wide range of activities during her time at ICHS, including Basketball, Softball, Cheer, BETA, FCCLA, and CHASE.
One of her favorite high school memories was being crowned Homecoming Queen in 2024, a moment she’ll always remember.
Jamie shared that Ms. Roberts has made the biggest impact on her life. She said: “She took the time to really teach me and made sure I understood before moving on. She was always there when I needed someone the most, helping in the best way she could and always putting her students first.”
After graduation, Jamie plans to work as a CNA while completing an online dental assistant program through University of Arkansas.
Her advice to younger Cougars:
“Don’t procrastinate. Make sure you know how much you can handle and don’t push yourself too far. Know your limits, keep your head up, and maintain good grades!”
Congratulations, Jamie! We are proud of you and excited to see all that your future holds!
Jamie has been involved in a wide range of activities during her time at ICHS, including Basketball, Softball, Cheer, BETA, FCCLA, and CHASE.
One of her favorite high school memories was being crowned Homecoming Queen in 2024, a moment she’ll always remember.
Jamie shared that Ms. Roberts has made the biggest impact on her life. She said: “She took the time to really teach me and made sure I understood before moving on. She was always there when I needed someone the most, helping in the best way she could and always putting her students first.”
After graduation, Jamie plans to work as a CNA while completing an online dental assistant program through University of Arkansas.
Her advice to younger Cougars:
“Don’t procrastinate. Make sure you know how much you can handle and don’t push yourself too far. Know your limits, keep your head up, and maintain good grades!”
Congratulations, Jamie! We are proud of you and excited to see all that your future holds!
