There seems to be a direct correlation between ignorance and living a selfish, isolated life. LeadAR immerses it's participants in travel and interaction, not only with classmates, but people who are in positions to make a real difference in this world. LeadAR allowed me to walk a mile in a lot of other people's shoes, giving me insight and perspective on a wide spectrum of subjects. Subjects that matter, the ones which shape the communities, state and nation in which we live.

Jackie C. Prince
Class 12-Biscoe
Rice and soybean farmer

LeadAR continues to impact my life!  The leadership skills and self-confidence gained in this program have led me into several new and challenging endeavors—reaching far beyond my expectations.  I have established and opened a very successful retail business and was recently elected chairperson of a city/county government commission.  In addition, my LeadAR project (Historic Downtown Farmers' Market Expansion) continues to grow and now serves eight counties in South Central Arkansas.   

Cynthia Keheley
Class 12 - Hot Springs
Cynthia's Garden Gallery & Gifts

My participation in the LeadAR program had a direct impact on my career as an educator and my position as a leader in my community and state. It has also had a positive effect on student learning at our school through the knowledge I have acquired about our state resources, agriculture, and government. LeadAR has also had a major impact on the leadership skills I have obtained, the various people I have met across the state and in other states who serve as resource persons toward education, and toward the effective implementation of my goals. Participation in the program allowed me to network with community and civic leaders, government officials, state representatives, and a variety of professionals in fields related to education, agriculture, and economic development. I am now working with twenty to thirty teachers and administrators from schools across the state, two state department officials, four state representatives who serve on the legislative education committee, and members of state and national organizations on a state teacher council.

As a media specialist, I have ample opportunity to share the knowledge and resources with my students. The information I have learned about our state and our nation is reflected in units I present each year to students in grades K–12 on our state’s resources, culture, people, and history. Some of the city leaders and speakers from seminars have already visited our school to share their experiences and expertise with students. The leadership skills I have obtained at the seminars are utilized in the programs I implement, the lessons I teach, and the way I collaboratively work with staff members, students, parents, community members and local and state leaders. The leadership training has also equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to set goals for myself as well as the capability to obtain them.

Beverly Cothran
Class 12 - Everton
Media Specialist, Bruno-Pyatt Schools

The LeadAR Program provided me with the tools, resources and contacts to make a positive impact in my community and state. I went into the program thinking I wanted to contribute, but came out of LeadAR knowing I could.

Ward Hanna
Class 12 - Little Rock
Housing and Neighborhood Programs Director
City of Little Rock

I am very grateful for the valuable tools gained from my LeadAR experience. Since graduation, I have participated in television and radio interviews pertaining to various city issues. The Press and Public Policy Seminar inspired me to develop a closer relationship with local newspaper staff. They have been very helpful with publicizing important community projects. The extemporaneous speaking and impromptu media interviews were excellent preparation for real life leadership experiences. The LeadAR National Study Tour showed me how to be more effective through the political process. I am fortunate to have a state senator, state representative, and a U.S. Representative, who I see fairly often at community functions. I have solicited and received their support for various community endeavors. I truly see how LeadAR has helped to positively impact my community.

Anita Wiley
Class 12 - Prescott
City of Arkadelphia
Building Department Supervisor

Through the two years of LeadAR, we were given opportunities to meet with women and men who moved beyond the ordinary. My impression of Arkansas changed while we traveled around the state, staying in communities that have worked together towards a more friendly living and working atmosphere. Their stories, tours and sometimes entertainment show how proud they are of their efforts. We found people working hard and having fun. This observation and examples expanded as we went to Washington, D.C., and on to our international trip to Brazil. We are all in this world together with our talents and education. I met people whom I can call and ask for ideas or contacts and then offer the same in return. When someone is looking for a solution to a dilemma, my mind thinks more creatively and broader in terms of searching for a solution.

This was one of the highlights of my life. Thank you to everyone who put so much effort into the LeadAR program.

Kathy Nelle
Class 12 - Hogeye
Self employed artist and care giver