We Need Your Nominations for the 2026 Arkansas Safe Schools Leadership Awards
Does the School Resource Officer (SRO) on your campus go above and beyond to promote a safe and positive learning environment?
Does your school administrator show commitment to enhancing campus safety?
If you’re an SRO, does your Chief/Sheriff/SRO Supervisor do whatever it takes to support your role on the school campus?
If so, WE WANT TO RECOGNIZE THEM! We need your nominations for the 2026 Leadership Awards that will be presented at the Arkansas Safe Schools Conference.
THE LIST OF AWARDS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
The Kool Aid “SRO of the Year” Award is presented in recognition of a School Resource Officer who has had a positive impact on their school and community and has demonstrated support for a safe and positive learning environment. Nominations may be submitted by peers, supervisors, school personnel, students or community leaders.
The Larance Johnson Educational Professional of the Year Award is presented in recognition of a School Administrator who has made a specific, significant contribution to their School Resource Officer (SRO) Program. Nominations may be submitted by SROs, peers, supervisors, school personnel, students or community leaders.
The Leadership Award for Chiefs, Sheriffs, or SRO Supervisors is presented in recognition of an Arkansas Chief, Sheriff or SRO Supervisor who has made a specific, significant contribution to their School Resource Officer (SRO) Program. Nominations may be submitted by SROs, peers, supervisors, school personnel, students or community leaders.
Is there a junior or senior student who has made smart choices at your school district? The Dwayne “Big D” Yarbrough Smart Choices Student Award is presented in recognition of an 11th or 12th Grade Student who has demonstrated how making smart choices resulted in student success. This student should also understand the importance of helping others and making choices that benefit and make their school district and community a better place. Nominations may be submitted by school resource officers or school district administration and staff.
The Arkansas Safe Schools Conference will be sponsoring the SRO Cool Car Contest again this year to take place during the 22nd Annual Arkansas Safe Schools Conference. To submit an entry, someone from your department must be registered to attend the conference. All entries must be accompanied by a photo of the car. The car being entered must be assigned to your department and must be present at the conference in order to win.
Please email your nomination forms to Diana Larkin at [email protected] by May 30, 2026. If you mail-in nominations, they must be postmarked by May 30, 2026 to be considered.
To mail a nomination, send it to:
Criminal Justice Institute
ATTN: Diana Larkin
26 Corporate Hill Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
For more information:
Diana Larkin – 501-570-8098 or [email protected]
Mitchell Regnas – 501-570-8036 or [email protected]