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Alivia Steeves '29 earned a spot in the All-Region Junior High Treble Choir and participated in the All-Region Clinic and Concert last weekend at Bentonville High School. Hundreds of students from across the region audition every year for this highly competitive opportunity. We are proud of your hard work and dedication, Alivia! 

The Empty Bowls and Harvest Festival classes took a field trip to deliver handmade bowls to Life Styles, Inc., the recipient of this year's donations. Life Styles "enthusiastically supports individuals with disabilities in reaching their full potential as contributing members of the community."

Each Thaden student partnered with a Life Styles participant and collaborated on the glazing of a bowl. Together they decided on a glazing technique and style and spent some time getting to know each other. It was lovely to be hosted in their beautiful art studio and spend time hearing about their art projects. The Life Styles Blair Center focuses heavily on bringing art into the lives of their clients and hosts many arts events, and it has been wonderful to partner with them this year. Thank you to everyone who attended Harvest Festival, supported our students, and helped to broaden our community.

Congratulations to Lily Cate (LC) C. ’26, who was selected as one of only 50 high school students across Arkansas to participate in the Clinton Foundation’s Student Presidential Leaders Series (SPLS). The yearlong program engages students in developing leadership skills, exploring civic participation, and learning how to turn their knowledge into action.

Throughout the program, LC connects with peers from across the state, collaborates with community leaders, and completes a capstone project focused on how students engage with outdoor activities and state and national parks. Her work so far has encouraged young people to connect with nature, promote stewardship, and find inspiration beyond the classroom.

We’re proud of LC for representing Thaden with curiosity, initiative, and leadership throughout this statewide program.

On September 27, Thaden School partnered with members of the local Chinese community, Bentonville High School, Bentonville West High School, and the Bentonville Public Library to host Chinese Culture Under Painting Brushes. The event celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival with paintings created by children ages 4–10, each reflecting themes of Chinese culture. Guests also participated in hands-on activities such as mooncake making and batik (wax-dyeing) art.

Fourteen Thaden Mandarin students from both Middle and Upper School volunteered at the event. Some guided guests through batik, others tried their hand at mooncake making, and many engaged in meaningful conversations that led to new friendships with students from BHS and BWHS. Through their service, Thaden students contributed to the community while embodying the values at the heart of a Thaden education: kindness, reliability, and curiosity.

Over Labor Day weekend, Thaden teachers and students competed in the Celebrate! Corporate Relay at Memorial Park in Bentonville. Put on by the Rampy Foundation, Trifest is the largest triathlon in Arkansas each year, raising funds and awareness for MS research. Twenty-seven teams competed in the relay, with each member swimming 800 meters, cycling 13 miles, and running 3.2 miles.

Two Tri-Thaden teams represented the School with outstanding performances. Coach Venable, Gwilym S. ’29, and Ms. Abbey finished second in the Educators Cup and fifth overall. Ms. Heil, Marshall D. ’26, and Mr. Elliott earned third in the Educators Cup and seventh overall.

Together, the students and teachers challenged themselves side by side, building resilience and coming together for a cause that matters.