TO CONGRATULATE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS, SCIENCES, AND THE ARTS STUDENTS ON SCIENCE FAIR COMPETITION ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND TO OBSERVE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS, SCIENCES, AND THE ARTS DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL.

2026 Fiscal Session Introduced by Matt McKee

Arkansas Senate recognizes ASMSA students for advancing to and excelling at the Regeneron ISEF, designating April 22, 2026 as ASMSA Day at the Capitol.

Sine Die adjournment

Purpose and Intent

SR 29 is a Senate Resolution intended to recognize and commend the students of the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA) for their accomplishments in science fair competitions.

It also designates April 22, 2026, as ASMSA Day at the Arkansas State Capitol and acknowledges the participation of ASMSA students in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) to be held May 9–15, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Key Provisions and Changes

Officially acknowledges the ASMSA Day at the State Capitol on April 22, 2026.

Congratulates and commends ASMSA students who advanced to the Regeneron ISEF, including:

Miranda Lee (materials science project; Biodegradable plastic for dental aligners; regional awards and state-level honors).
Nathan Grady, Kaitleen Toh, and Emily Lin (project on medicinal herb compounds for potential Alzheimer’s treatments; regional wins, state-level placement, and a manuscript in preparation).
Tanvi Marupally (study on Helicase-like Transcription Factor in DNA replication stress; regional and overall first-place wins).
Aarush Goyal (PFAS-related projects; regional and state-level awards; noted for top finishes and recognition; publication in progress with a first-author manuscript).
Isaac Cotton (study on antibiotic resistance dynamics; regional and state-level top placements; ISIF finalist recognition).
Stevie Watkins and Beau Goldthorpe (algal bloom intervention research; top ISER finalists; advancing to Stockholm Junior Water Prize).
Nathan Harbut (arithmetic performance and brain activity study; regional and state-level honors; Naval Science Award).

The resolution enumerates the students and their projects to highlight the breadth of ASMSA’s STEM and science fair success.

Who Would Be Affected

ASMSA students, families, and staff who participated in or are associated with the named science fair projects and competitions.

The Arkansas Senate and state leadership, which would officially recognize ASMSA Day and the students’ achievements.

The broader Arkansas educational community by spotlighting ASMSA as a model for gifted and talented education in mathematics, sciences, and the arts.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Filed and introduced as SR 29 in the 95th General Assembly, Fiscal Session (2026).

Effective date: The resolution takes effect upon adoption by the Senate.

Observance: Designation of ASMSA Day at the State Capitol on April 22, 2026.

Participation: Acknowledges ASMSA students’ upcoming participation in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (May 9–15, 2026, Phoenix, AZ).

Additional Context

Background information included in the resolution notes ASMSA’s founding (1991 establishment, renamed in 2003, first opened in 1993) and its mission to educate and develop curricula for gifted and talented students in math, science, and the fine and performing arts.

Emphasizes the significance of ISEF as a premier international science competition and the high level of achievement by ASMSA students at regional and state fairs.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise bullet-point brief for policymakers or a one-page briefing packet for educators and constituents.

Bill