News

As part of her final summative in Mr. Slaton's "Agents of Change" course, Violet S. '27 recently authored an op-ed examining maternal health care access in Arkansas and the ongoing challenges facing mothers and health care providers across the state. Through research, policy analysis, and interviews with community members and health care professionals, Violet explored how access to care impacts families in both urban and rural communities.

Her writing reflects the kind of thoughtful inquiry and civic engagement encouraged at Thaden, where students are challenged to investigate complex issues, consider multiple perspectives, and connect classroom learning to real-world challenges. By combining research with firsthand community experiences, Violet’s work demonstrates the power of student voice in meaningful public conversations and exemplifies Thaden's Community-Based Learning program.

Read the article here.

Congratulations to Coach John Marshall, Girls Soccer Coach, on being named the 3A-W Conference Outstanding Coach! Under Coach Marshall’s leadership, the Thaden Girls Soccer team captured the Conference Championship and completed an undefeated season, an incredible accomplishment and testament to the dedication and hard work he has invested in the program over the past five years. Congratulations to Coach Marshall and the entire Girls Soccer team, and best of luck next week at the State Tournament!

The Thaden Visual Arts Department is pleased to announce that Lillian B. '33 placed first for Grade 5 in the 2026 Wildlife of Arkansas Student Art Contest hosted by Arkansas Wildlife Federation (AWF) for her scratchboard piece titled "Spring Vibrations." An online exhibit of all the winning artworks will be displayed on the Arkansas Wildlife Federation website by June. Lillian’s artwork will also be published in the upcoming summer issue of AWF's Arkansas Out of Doors magazine. 
 
As a winner, Lillian is invited to a special awards reception at the Arkansas State Capitol on Saturday, May 9, where Arkansas Wildlife Federation will recognize her and the other winning artists and unveil the traveling art exhibit featuring the artwork. Congratulations, Lillian!

Earlier this month, 12 students traveled to Hot Springs, Arkansas, to compete in AYAA (Arkansas Young Arts Association), the state's largest student art competition, with 62 schools and 1,380 students represented from across the state. We are happy to announce Thaden students swept the Functional Ceramics awards, winning 1st-4th place! 

Our students won the following awards:

Cambria F. '26: Fiber Arts Expressive 1st place
Emil S. '26: Digital Abstract 1st place
Violet B. '27: Fiber Arts Realistic 3rd place
Eliza S. '28: Functional Ceramics 1st place
Natalie W. '28: Functional Ceramics 2nd place
David R. '26: Functional Ceramics 3rd place
Stellen H. '28: Functional Ceramics 4th place
Robyn B. '26: Sculptural Ceramics 3rd place

Be sure to look for their pieces on display around campus.

The Thaden Visual Arts Department is thrilled to announce that five students, in Grades 5 and 7, are participating in the 2026 Arkansas Art Educators’ Northwest Arkansas Regional Art Show Competition. The artwork is displayed at the Fayetteville Public Library from April 11 to May 2 in the Lucky Day Lobby (level 200). Two-dimensional art created by K-12 grade students in the Northwest regional counties of Washington, Benton, Carroll, Boone, Marion, Madison, Newton, Searcy, Pope, Van Buren, and Conway is on display during the exhibition. Winning artists will also be invited to an awards ceremony and a state show at the end of the exhibition. 

Participating Thaden students include: Vivian M. ‘31, Grace S. ‘31, Elijah W. ‘31, Emery M. ‘33, and Vivienne S.D. ‘33. 

Please go to the Fayetteville Public Library and check out our amazing artists' work! 

Thaden School is thrilled to announce that numerous students have received honors in the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for the Heartland Region. Presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in the United States. Established in 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards bring the work of young people to regional and national audiences. The Scholastic Awards recognize students in grades 7 -12 with the distinctions of Honorable Mention, Silver Key, and Gold Key. Gold key works automatically advance to the national level of judging in New York City. 

The awards have recognized some of America's most celebrated artists and writers while they were teenagers, including Tschabalala Self, Stephen King, Kay WalkingStick, Amanda Gorman, Charles White, Joyce Carol Oats, and Andy Warhol. We are proud to count our Thaden students among these esteemed award alumni! 

See full list of Thaden award winners here.