Friends,
For more than 80 years, Arkansas Boys State and Girls State have gathered our brightest young people and asked them to govern.
Delegates run for office, cast votes, argue legislation, and lead mock cities and states. It is one of the best civic education programs in the country, and Arkansas has been doing it longer than most.
This week, I had the privilege of speaking at both.
On Sunday, I joined nearly 580 delegates at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway for the 85th Boys State opening session. I spoke about what civic engagement actually demands, the work ethic, the leadership principles, the willingness to learn from failure as much as from success.
My message to that room of future leaders was simple: be happy warriors and keep going. Obstacles will appear, setbacks will come, but our history is defined by those who refuse to quit.
I also had the opportunity to talk about my time in public service and the lessons passed down to me by my grandfather and great uncle, both World War I veterans and proud members of the American Legion. |
Tuesday brought over 550 delegates to Benson Auditorium at Harding University in Searcy for Girls State. The energy in the room was incredible, and the welcome was warm. It was clear from the start that these young women were having fun, but they were also ready to work and to learn.
I spoke about what it means to step into a position of leadership and the responsibility that comes with it. Trusting your judgment, even when it is hard. Understanding that everything worth doing involves successes and setbacks, and that how you handle both determines what kind of leader you will be. I also encouraged them to turn their passion into action, to use their God-given gifts to make their mark on the world.
Arkansas has produced some of the most consequential women leaders in American history. Hattie Caraway was the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Daisy Bates shepherded the Little Rock Nine through Central High when the eyes of the nation were watching. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is herself a Girls State alumna.
That tradition of civic engagement and courage runs deep in this state, and the next generation of leaders was in that room, poised and preparing to take the torch.
Both programs remind us that our republic is not self-sustaining. It is built, sustained, and passed down, from one generation to the next. I'm proud Arkansas is doing its part. |
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Rep. Hill celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Bauxite Community Center over Memorial Day weekend. During World War II, the mines surrounding this small Saline County town produced more than 95 percent of the nation's bauxite ore, the raw material used to manufacture the aluminum that formed the backbone of over 300,000 American fighters, bombers, and cargo planes used by Allied forces to win the war.
At the event, Rep. Hill thanked the Bauxite Historical Association and Museum, Dr. Russell Burton, and its board members for preserving this important landmark, Shane Broadway for the invitation to speak, and COL (ret.) Ronnie Stuckey for leading the community's honoring of veterans. |
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Rep. Hill attended the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Memorial Day Ceremony at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock alongside his friend and Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, as well as several state and local leaders and members of the military. Rep. Hill met with veterans, family members, and friends of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and honored their memory. |
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Rep. Hill was honored to speak at the rededication of the Arkansas Medal of Honor Memorial this past Memorial Day at the State Capitol. The ceremony recognized four Arkansas heroes: John L. Canley, Samuel Johnson, George Kenton 'Ken' Sisler, and Daniel R. Edwards. Their courage and sacrifice are now immortalized on the grounds of our State Capitol. |
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Every year, the Congressional Art Competition reminds me how much talent lives right here in Arkansas. This year was no exception.
The winning piece of art, "Safe Place" by Mia Hunt, will be displayed in the United States Capitol for a year, and the Fan Favorite will hang in my Little Rock office.
Congratulations to the AR-02 recipients: - First Place: "Safe Place" by Mia Hunt, Mount St. Mary Academy
- Second Place: "Last Walk" by Lauren Blanscet, Little Rock Christian Academy
- Third Place: "We are Between" by Isabella Minga, Benton High School
- Honorable Mention: "What She Holds" by Daughoney Powell, Bigelow High School
- Fan Favorite: "Sharing Lunch" by McKenzie Nguyen, Little Rock Christian Academy
Thank you to every student, teacher, parent, and judge who made this year's competition a success. Team Hill looks forward to welcoming Mia Hunt and her family to Washington this June. |
Two Brothers, One Calling Last month, Juan Falquez was commissioned as an Infantry officer, and Sebastian Falquez was commissioned as a Field Artillery officer in the Arkansas National Guard. Standing alongside one of their instructors, SFC Barlow, this moment reflects years of hard work, leadership, and commitment to service, now being carried forward together as brothers and officers. |
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"Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States" by Howard Chandler Christy (1940). |
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On May 29, 1790, the final one of the original 13 colonies ratified the United States Constitution. Which state was it?
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Last week’s Trivia: How many steps does the sentinel walk during each pass at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? B) 21
55.5% of respondents answered correctly. (22.7% answered "50") |
The Trump Accounts app officially launched this week. Now every family has a simple, direct way to get involved and start building their child's future. Download it today and make sure your family is ready for the official July 4th launch.
Kids born between January 2025 and December 2028 are eligible for a federal contribution into a “Trump Account.” More than 6 million Americans have already opened accounts, which will begin receiving funding starting the Fourth of July this year, so don’t delay.
Families can sign their kids up for a Trump Account using the IRS Form 4547 as they file their taxes. To learn more, click HERE or call my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941. |
My office can arrange tours of the Capitol and many other sights in Washington, D.C., on behalf of you and your family during your stay. Please note: White House tours require Real IDs or other accepted forms of ID, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID.
If you and your loved ones are planning on visiting Washington, D.C. in the coming months, I recommend you reach out to my office to request tours as soon as possible HERE.
If you have any questions about your visit to Washington, D.C., please call my D.C. office at (202) 225-2506. |
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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