Volume 12 Issue 1

No American institution is more cherished than Walt Disney World.  Covering nearly 39 square miles, and employing over 58,000 cast and crew, it has rightfully earned the distinction as the most magical place—ever!  It’s the epicenter of childhood fantasy, a parental fanny pack runway and baby stroller superhighway!  It is the most visited vacation resort in the world, with an average yearly attendance of more than 52 million people from across the globe.

My family and I just returned from a seven-day trip to this magical vacation kingdom.   According to a quick Google search, and now personal experience, we walked an average of 10-12 miles per day while taking in all the attractions and rides, as well as the entertaining character visits, parades, and fireworks displays.  Until you’ve done that with a seven-year-old and three-year-old in tow, you’ve never fully lived!

We conquered each and every park with a huge smile on our faces [most of the time] and a spirit of excitement.  Despite the relentlessly long lines—thank you FastPass—overpriced food and souvenirs, and exhausted children, every second of our adventure was an experience my family will never forget!  Even though there might have been some challenges to overcome, the magic of Mickey always won in the end!

Speaking of magical payoffs, both the Benton Panther and Bryant Hornet football teams experienced roller coaster seasons that ultimately ended in storybook fashion! Their seasons literally “started off with a bang” at War Memorial Stadium, but later came full circle as both teams found themselves battling for the 6A and 7A State Championships. The Panthers finished the season as runner-up and the Hornets won their first-ever State Championship.

We’re so proud of these hometown heroes who represented their respective schools and our county well. What they accomplished was a huge feat and one that deserves to be commemorated and remembered for years to come!  Your town. Your life. Your magazine.

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