What an incredible day at DMESC!!
Five years ago, Girl Power began right here at the De Queen–Mena Education Service Cooperative as a single local event. Today, it has grown into a statewide movement empowering young women across Arkansas to explore high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand career pathways. Watching that growth unfold firsthand on February 11 was something special.
The quality of this year's student projects was outstanding. From CNC Wood and CNC Metal to CNC Lasering and Multi-Tool, the craftsmanship, creativity, and confidence on display showed just how powerful hands-on learning can be. Even more inspiring was the way the girls celebrated one another’s successes!
Girl Power is about more than competition. It is about connection. We saw industry and education partners come together for students and for the future workforce of Southwest Arkansas. Teachers collaborated, shared ideas, and learned from each other. Students built relationships with industry leaders and local businesses that will grow into networks that do more than help them get a job. These connections will help them build, grow, and sustain successful careers.
I could not be prouder of our DMESC team. Our staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the floor to make this event seamless. Once again, they demonstrated what an incredible support system they are for our students and districts!
We were also blessed to have the creator of Girl Power, Stacey Southerland, with us. Seeing her so happy, laughing with the girls, and enjoying the event she started five years ago was a full-circle moment for all of us!
Congratulations to all of the girls who competed and helped make the day such a great success!! Best wishes to our 1st and 2nd place winners as well as our Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice selections! All of these students will advance to the 2026 Girl Power State Competition at Saline County Career and Technical Center in Benton on February 24.
DMESC Girl Power 2026 was not just an event. It was a reminder of what happens when we raise expectations, build partnerships, and believe in our students' potential.