The Story Store 2026, presented by WBU and the Northeast Arkansas Educational Cooperative, highlights the imagination and talent of Gifted & Talented students.
We are proud to recognize the 2026 Contributing Student Writers:
Hoxie: Bekah Stowers
Maynard: Faith R. Anderson & Emmett Patten
Sloan-Hendrix: Tinsley Smith & Lexi Dominguez
Marmaduke: Evalyn Wolfe
Westside (Dana Sutton): Mason Dement, Penelope Ford, Addison Keith, Millie McFadden, & Layla Nix
Pocahontas: Abby Long
Corning: Blaze George, Braylee Brickley, Parker Rouse
Rector: Aubree Bagwell, Remi Riddle, Riley Riddle
Piggott: Eliana Flowers
GCT: Erin Coble, Abigail Sexton, Ainslee Miller
Westside (Mrs. Butts): Elliott Ford, Liddy Hazelwood, Easton Dement, Paisley May, & Lane Dillinger
Walnut Ridge: Corden Sims & Haley Hogan
These talented students, along with their dedicated teachers and families, brought creativity, courage, and heart to every page. Story Store exists to celebrate their voices—and to remind us of the power of storytelling in shaping confident, imaginative learners.
The Story Story 2026 is directed by Melinda Williams, with WBU students acting out all the roles. Story Store brings student-written stories to life with the support of GT educators Jill Clogston, Rebecca Jones, and Brent Miller, who helped launch this year’s project—along with creative support from Melinda’s daughter Katie and her husband.
WBU CAST
Sophia-Molly Tabor
Lillian- Kendal LeQuieu
Agatha- Alyssa Burnett
Oscar-Isaiah Doty
Lorraine-Macy Miller