03 Aug 2025 A lifetime of learning

I never slept well the night before the first day of school. No bedtime routine could overcome my excitement, nervousness and general butterflies. But I enjoyed school, and love learning new things even now.

Our August issue is themed “A Lifetime of Learning,” and we explore the topic for all age groups. In Mark Oliver’s article, which he wrote about our cover, we learn that infants and toddlers who are read to regularly develop a much larger vocabulary, giving them a jumpstart on learning. 

Then we travel to elementary schools, where First Service Bank employees are offering kids their two cents about financial literacy and good character by writing children’s books and distributing them to first-grade students. The third book in the series was recently published, and the bank’s staff members take them to schools in their markets to teach the  principles of helping others and making and managing money.

After high school, some students choose to attend workforce training schools like those offered at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. Businesses like Koontz Electric in Morrilton provide scholarships and job opportunities to encourage interest in skill sets that will never be obsolete.

Lori Dunn brings us an update on the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, which has funded more than 822,000 scholarships since 2009. Check out the article to learn about changes and how more people are eligible for scholarships.

There is a highly competitive program in our state called Lead Arkansas (LeadAR). Every 18 months, a group of adults is selected and begins an intensive, hands-on program. Since 1984, more than 500 people have graduated, learning leadership skills they take back to communities around our great state. 

When photographer Makenzie Evans and I recently visited the Faulkner County Museum to shoot my editorial photo, we were amazed by the interesting exhibits we passed on our way to the area titled “Early Education.” The desks, slate tablets and slate pencils reminded me of a scene from “Little House on the Prairie.” Learn more about early Arkansas schoolhouses and see authentic photos with Vivian Lawson Hogue’s column.

I hope you’ll continue your lifetime of learning by setting aside an hour this month to turn the pages of our good news magazine, either in print or at 501lifemag.com. The experience will be refreshing, and you’ll sleep better knowing you have learned more about the wonderful region we call home.

Stefanie Brazile
Editor