Empowering young people by offering those looking for alternatives to college promising careers right out of high school

Tuesday I attended the second annual Draft Day organized by Be Pro Be Proud in Northeast Arkansas. The organization’s mission is to bring a new generation of professionals to America’s skilled workforce by giving students a clear idea of available job options in the area and to help them pursue those opportunities. College isn’t for everyone. The Draft Day event brings together employers, training providers, helpful resources, and a mobile workshop experience in one place to help students explore, plan, and launch rewarding careers right after graduation in today’s technical roles.

More than 30 local businesses, from construction to manufacturing to healthcare, met and discussed opportunities with students. I enjoyed the opportunity to speak to juniors and seniors who would be using Draft Day as a stepping stone to have a job lined up by the time they graduate. I encouraged them to be confident, professional, engaged, and to grab ahold of the opportunity they are being given.

Be Pro Be Proud fills a gap where our education system has fallen short for some high school graduates, and offers these students an alternate direction that may make better sense for them. We should work to empower young people to plan for their future and define success as they see fit. Be Pro Be Proud began in 2016 in Arkansas through a partnership between the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas. The program is currently operating through licensed efforts in Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. (See news item below.)

No votes this week.

The House will be in session on Monday, April 17, 2023.

Monday, I met with local leaders in Desha County to discuss how to potentially consolidate resources to provide clean water to the citizens of Southeast Arkansas.

Thursday, I spoke at the ribbon cutting for the new Community Pavilion and Farmers Market in Paragould. (See news item below.)

Friday, I traveled to Sharp County to meet with local leaders and attend a flag ceremony at Highland School District to commemorate the remodel of their elementary school. (See news item below)

Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Federal judge blocks water rule in Arkansas, 23 other states

A federal judge ruled Wednesday in favor of states seeking an injunction blocking a federal regulation affecting bodies of water, including navigable waterways, lakes and streams.

Both Presidents Obama and Biden have tried to seize from state and localities the regulation of ever-smaller wetlands, streams, ponds, and periodic sources of water. This radical power grab for federal control would mean higher prices for agriculture products, as well as environmentalist vetoes over private land use, all without making our water cleaner.

KAIT8

A national career program makes its last tour stop in Jonesboro

Students from across Region 8 gathered Tuesday at a local high school to learn what their career futures might hold. Be Pro Be Proud’s Statewide Draft Day Tour made its last stop at Nettleton High School. Draft Day brings graduating high school seniors together with companies looking for the next pipeline of talent in NEA.

Local business leaders and I discussed the importance of skilled-labor participation and encouraged student involvement.

KAI8

Ribbon cutting held for new Community Pavilion

The city of Paragould held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Community Pavilion. According to the Paragould Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Pavilion will be home to the Paragould Farmers’ Market.

KAIT8

Highland School District celebrates near-completion of building renovations

A Northeast Arkansas school held a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the near completion of its elementary school upgrades.

The Cherokee Elementary School in Highland has seen substantial upgrades to the building over the last few years. One of the upgrades included an outdoor facelift and a new flag pole.