PERRYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL EARNS AGFC RECOGNITION
Perryville, AR (June 19, 2026) – Perryville High School earned School of Conservation Leadership (SoCL) status through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission on June 19, 2026, following a year-long application process.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s SoCL program is designed to increase conservation education, outdoor learning, and outdoor recreation opportunities for students across the state while increasing awareness of conservation careers in hopes of inspiring the next generation of conservation professionals. SoCL applicants must complete an application process that is evaluated using thirteen separate achievement markers.
By earning the designation, Perryville High School is better positioned to access resources that directly benefit students and support educators as they work to emphasize outdoor education and conservation within their curriculum across all grade levels and content areas. This designation supports Perryville High School’s continued efforts to offer programs that engage all learners and support their areas of interest.
“We are committed to creating opportunities for students to pursue the things they are passionate about. Engagement is so important to a strong campus culture, and these opportunities help create a level of engagement and excitement. That carries into our classrooms, and it positively impacts outcomes - academically, socially, and in every other area,” said PHS Principal Chris Norton.
“So much of the success we have had with this program and application process can be attributed to Mrs. Amanda Young and Mrs. Nicole Strecker, who have both done a tremendous job building outdoor education and related opportunities into their classrooms. Mrs. Young’s work on our outdoor learning area was also a tremendous asset during the application process. Our students benefit from their hard work,” Norton continued.
In total, 65 schools statewide participated in the School of Conservation Leadership application process, with 31 schools earning SoCL designation. In addition to the three-year SoCL designation, Perryville High School has been awarded $1,000 worth of outdoor education equipment from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
PHS students and staff will also be working alongside Perryville Elementary School as it seeks to obtain its own SoCL designation during the 2026–2027 school year.

Perryville School District

Perryville School District

AGFC School of Conservation Leadership Press Release