Central Arkansas Sweethearts are leading the next generation
Local high schoolers on a mission to advance health and hope for the community
Are you looking for the next group of community leaders? If you’ve met the Central Arkansas Sweethearts, you’re in the right place.
These sophomore girls are community minded, strong leaders who advocate for heart health on behalf of the American Heart Association-Central Arkansas. The 2026 class is made up of 50 girls from across the region who work throughout the school year, participating in educational programs and activities. They’ll be introduced at the Central Arkansas Heart Ball, set for April 11 in the Wally Allen Ballroom at the Statehouse Convention Center. Sweethearts will be recognized individually on stage and perform a first dance with their escorts to the Temptations’ hit song “My Girl”.
Kathy Findley, senior development director in the local American Heart Association-office, has led the program since 2021, and Ashley Bennett is in her first year as Sweetheart Director.
“The Sweetheart program is a great opportunity for young women to learn about heart health, philanthropy and volunteering while having fun and building a community,” says Ashely. Sweethearts are required to complete at least 25 hours of educational programing and community service, fundraise and become certified in CPR.
The Sweetheart who has volunteered the most hours will receive the Sotomora Service Award, named for the program’s founders, Eileen and Dr. Ricardo Sotomora. And one dedicated young lady will receive the prestigious Allison Justiss Sweetheart Memorial Scholarship, a $5,000 college scholarship given out in memory of former Sweetheart Allison Justiss by her parents.
The Sweethearts play an essential role in the success of the heart ball. This year, the group has an ambitious fundraising goal of $95,000, and Ashley is confident they will surpass it. The funds generated through their efforts will directly support initiatives that improve the health and well-being of the Central Arkansas community.
Education is another core pillar of the Sweethearts program. The girls take time to learn about heart healthy lifestyles and the prevention of heart disease.
Already, they have visited Arkansas Heart Hospital, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and UAMS. Throughout these tours and more, the girls learn about healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices. They also learn the signs of stroke and the importance of knowing their blood pressure, cholesterol and other key health markers.
“One of their favorite programs is the simulation lab at the School of Nursing at UA Little Rock,” says Ashley. There the girls see life-size mannequins used for training and experience virtual reality situations.
Through this education and more, the Association hopes Sweethearts will be empowered with lifesaving knowledge and develop a genuine commitment to lifelong heart health.
Sweethearts are role models for their peers and put their phones to good use. Whether they’re making a social media post inviting friends to an Association event or sharing heart-healthy tips, these young ladies are inspiring their friends to lead active and charitable lives.
From volunteering in the community to curating silent auction items for the Heart Ball, this group of dedicated high schoolers works hard to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
The impact of the Sweethearts’ dedication extends far beyond the community they serve. Their commitment not only fuels vital fundraising efforts but also shapes their own journeys. Through lessons centered on education and empowerment, these young women cultivate teamwork, strengthen bonds and emerge with invaluable leadership skills that will guide them well into the future.
“It’s inspiring to see a group of young women that want to educate themselves in order to make their community stronger and healthier,” says Kathy.
Those who wish to stay involved with the program join Leadership – a group of past Sweethearts who want to continue their association with the program. They serve as philanthropic mentors to the girls, encouraging them to stay active and involved in volunteering for the Association. The number of girls serving on this team are a testament to the impact the Sweethearts program has on its participants.
Girls interested in becoming a 2026-27 Central Arkansas Sweetheart should contact Ashley.Bennett@heart.org. More information about the Central Arkansas Heart Ball can be found at
www.heart.org/heartofcentralar.
Eden Beck, Ellen Markham, Charlotte Boch
Annabelle Wilson, Clare Guthrie, Adia Lawrence, Marley Gibbons, Madelyn Wilson,
Paige Dunn, Bliss Norton
Mia Canizares, Catherine Johnson, Presley Garrett, Catherine Anderson, Katya Angtuaco,
Kennedi Flynn, Ella Ables
Sloan Smith, Riley Priest, Sarah Kate Liles, Lucy Busfield, Molly Ross, Sophie Senavinin, Nyla Wright
Addie Kate Wood, Ana-Cherie Davidson, Jasmine Kirk, Ellie Brazzel, Akire Williamson, Mallory Morgan
Sweethearts not pictured:
Caroline Fowler, Madeleine Putt, Hailee Tharp, Gabriel Tharp, Olivia Lusk, Kinze Jones, Alyssa Kitchens,
Addison Soller, Mary Malzewski
