31 Dec 2024 Welcome to the second annual Five-Oh-Ones to Watch

This issue of 501 LIFE shines a spotlight on outstanding people from Central Arkansas whom we have determined to be a “Five-Oh-One to Watch” in 2025.

Last fall, we asked readers to nominate people who make life in Central Arkansas brighter for us all and live in the 11 counties we serve: Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Garland, Hot Spring, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski, Saline, Van Buren and White. The response was overwhelming, with numerous impressive nominations! An editorial selection team spent time with the nominations and compiled a group of honorees who are featured in this year’s first issue.

They were selected for their talents, commitment to their community, volunteerism and passion for what they do every day. These “Five-Oh-Ones to Watch” are changing the game in Conway, leading the way in Little Rock, setting new standards in Searcy and taking center stage in Central Arkansas.

We are confident that this elite group of honorees will inspire some areas of your life. Together with our Presenting Sponsor, Methodist Family Health, join us in congratulating them as we unveil the “Five-Oh-Ones to Watch” for 2025.

Honoree Rachel Lovelace (center) is a professional sewing instructor and fashion designer who made her tie, Tina Novak’s scarf and Lance Restum’s bowtie for our cover photoshoot, which was shot by Makenzie Evans. Lovelace launched the Young Designers Academy in 2021 and worked with University of Central Arkansas staff members to coordinate the second annual Conway Fashion Week in October at the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts. The cover photos, along with Lovelace’s, Novak’s and Restum’s individual photos, were shot at the beautiful new facility on the UCA Campus.

We thank Amanda Horton, executive director of UCA Public Appearances, and Jakob Miller, facilities manager for the Department of Public Appearances, for making the Windgate stage available so we could shine a spotlight on these honorees.