Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders unveiled a new initiative today aimed at celebrating the everyday heroes of Arkansas, announcing the launch of the Faces of Arkansas program. The monthly series will honor an Arkansan whose story exemplifies dedication, resilience, and community service, with each feature displayed at the entrance to the Governor’s office as a visible reminder of the people the administration serves.
“My priority for my team is that we love what we do, who we do it with, and who we do it for. I’m launching the Faces of Arkansas Program as a constant, physical reminder of who I was elected to serve – and who our real priority is every day I have the privilege of serving as Arkansas’ Governor,” Sanders said. “We selected Ms. AB as our first Face of Arkansas because her service, sacrifice, and unrelenting love for her students and our state are exactly what we should all try to emulate.”
Each month, the program will highlight a different Arkansan through a combination of a written profile, professional portrait photography, and a short video. Their framed photo will hang inside the Capitol, serving both as inspiration for the Governor’s staff and as a broader source of encouragement for the community. Those selected are individuals who make Arkansas function—whether by advancing their profession, overcoming obstacles, or serving as pillars of their local communities. The program is designed to showcase ordinary people achieving extraordinary feats through leadership, compassion, and dedication.
The inaugural Face of Arkansas is Cheron Atkins-Butcher, a fifth-grade teacher at Sherwood Elementary School. Her classroom is a vibrant reflection of her teaching philosophy, with colorful books organized by hue, ceiling tiles signed by students from years past, and small treasures tucked in every corner. Known to her students as “Ms. AB,” she wears her energy proudly in her red glasses, Razorback T-shirt, and red snakeskin Converse, creating a welcoming environment where children are encouraged to explore and grow.
A painting from a former student sits in her classroom window: an airplane with a figure leaping out and the words “My Superhero Wears Wings.” The image captures her remarkable journey from paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army to educator shaping young minds. Raised in a military family, Cheron traveled the world as a child, learning early the value of service and sacrifice. Inspired by her father’s 30-year career in the Army, she followed a path of service herself, though it would later take a different form.
After leaving the military, Cheron relocated to Chicago as a young single mother of two. Balancing parenthood and education, she commuted an hour each way on the train to attend classes, with her toddler in her lap. This period of her life exemplified her resilience and determination, qualities she has carried into her teaching career. Eventually, a longtime educator, Beverly Williams, offered her a position in Pulaski County, bringing Cheron back to the community where she had lived decades earlier and reconnecting her with family.
At Sherwood Elementary, Cheron has cultivated not just a classroom but a sense of community. She founded the school’s first cheer team after noticing students practicing in the car line, providing a safe and communal activity that fosters belonging and teamwork. “It’s something communal,” she said. “Something safe. Something kids can look forward to outside of academics.” Her teaching approach embraces creativity and engagement, transforming lessons into interactive experiences. Poetry assignments become art installations, persuasive essays are analyzed with peer feedback, and grammar is brought to life through readers’ theater.
Cheron’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom. She earned three Bronze Stars for her military service, and this year, she was selected as one of 23 educators statewide for the inaugural Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship. The nine-month program honors educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment and innovation. “Hearing voices from every corner of Arkansas, learning how others bring success, it’s reinvigorated me,” she said. “I want to take those ideas back to my kids and my colleagues.”
Governor Sanders’ Faces of Arkansas program is designed to celebrate individuals like Cheron, whose dedication embodies the values of service, courage, and community. The initiative highlights not only their achievements but also their character, resilience, and the impact they have on the lives of others. Each monthly honoree will remind Arkansans that true leadership and contribution often come from the ordinary people making extraordinary efforts every day.
For Cheron Atkins-Butcher, the program is both a recognition of her past accomplishments and a reminder of the ongoing work she performs for her students and community. From military service to education, she has consistently shown how courage, dedication, and compassion can transform lives. “Arkansas,” she said with a smile, “is the place you want to be. We’re just as good as anywhere else—East Coast, West Coast, it doesn’t matter. We’re just as good.”
The Faces of Arkansas initiative is set to become a lasting tradition at the Governor’s office, giving staff, visitors, and the broader public a glimpse into the diverse stories of dedication, leadership, and service that define the state. By showcasing these stories, Governor Sanders hopes to inspire others across Arkansas to engage in their communities, support one another, and strive for excellence in every endeavor.
Through this program, the Capitol will not only display portraits but also celebrate the spirit of Arkansas itself—a state enriched by the resilience, creativity, and commitment of its citizens. As the Faces of Arkansas series continues, it will serve as a testament to the extraordinary potential found in ordinary people, and a reminder that every Arkansan has the ability to leave a lasting impact on their community and the state as a whole.
The Faces of Arkansas program promises to elevate everyday heroes like Cheron Atkins-Butcher, celebrating their stories while inspiring future generations to pursue service, leadership, and excellence. In doing so, Governor Sanders hopes to ensure that the people of Arkansas remain at the center of government, with their experiences and contributions recognized and honored in a very tangible and lasting way.
