Her name is Abagail.
It might sound a bit spooky to think of her as the ghost “haunting” Gentry High School’s 1,000-seat theater, but as every good stage veteran knows — every theater has one. At Gentry, she’s become the perfect scapegoat when things don’t go as planned.
“Oh, that chair fell over? It’s Abagail’s fault. Something broke? Blame Abagail,” said GHS theatre teacher Josh McBride with a laugh.
In reality there hasn’t been much to blame Abagail for lately. Gentry High School’s fine arts programs — theatre, band, and choir — are thriving, with students racking up awards and opportunities under the leadership of McBride, band director Ruby Contreras, choir director Anthony Dutton, and assistant choir and band director Derek Wood.
“These programs are just exploding with talent and success,” said McBride. “It’s been an amazing ride.”
Leading by Example
Lazaro Cardenas, a soon-to-be senior involved in both choir and band, credits the fine arts staff for elevating student performance.
“You see all those awards on the wall?” he said, pointing to the sparkling plaques in the choir room. “Most of those are because of Mr. Dutton. And I know I’m a lot better because of him.”
Lazaro, who also performed in GHS’s spring production of The Little Mermaid and plays euphonium in the band, recently returned from the All-State Choir clinic in Russellville. He and fellow student Olyvia Freed earned spots after competing against hundreds of Arkansas students. It was Lazaro’s second time making All-State and Olyvia’s third.
Freed, who will attend the University of Central Arkansas this fall to major in theatre, said the Gentry fine arts program played a key role in preparing her for college and a future career as a teacher.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without this program,” Freed said.
Other recent graduates are finding success too. Mackenzie Riley will join the Razorback Marching Band, and Michael Hassett will march with UCA’s band in Conway.
A Stable and Supportive Team
One of the keys to the programs’ growth has been consistency. Dutton and Contreras will begin their fourth year at Gentry this fall, while McBride enters his third. That kind of continuity is rare in smaller districts — and it’s made a major difference.
“These teachers really care about us,” said Cardenas. “You can tell they love what they do, and they want us to succeed.”
Principal Justin Blanchard agrees, noting the strong collaboration among the directors.
“They work together so well — as a team — and that really makes a difference,” he said. “They balance schedules, share students, and support each other, and it shows in what our kids are achieving.”
Gentry Choir: Harmony and Honors
Highlights from the 2024-25 school year include:
State Success: In April, the Treble and Chamber choirs traveled to UCA for a statewide competition, with the Chamber Choir receiving superior ratings across the board — the first Gentry choir to do so in many years. Their scores placed them second in Arkansas among 4A small ensembles.
Regional Excellence: In March, both middle and high school choirs earned superior ratings in sight reading. The 7th and 8th grade men’s choir received the highest scores in school history.
Community Engagement: From holiday caroling at senior housing and local businesses to performing at Pioneer Madness and the Thanksgiving service at First Baptist Church, the choir has been an active part of the Gentry community.
All-State & All-Region Honors: Cardenas and Freed made All-State, while seven high schoolers and six middle schoolers earned All-Region honors.
Creative Fundraising: The Valentine’s Day “sing-a-gram” fundraiser was a hit, both financially and as a community-building activity.
Gentry Theatre: Telling Stories, Building Confidence
The theatre program also had a strong year:
Fall Comedy: Students performed The Day the Internet Died, a satirical comedy exploring life in a tech-deprived town.
Spring Musical: The Little Mermaid dazzled audiences with vibrant sets, whimsical costumes, and standout performances.
Expanding Opportunities: McBride introduced theatre education at the middle school level and welcomed younger students into high school productions. GHS now offers Theatre I, Advanced Theatre, and Technical Theatre.
“Theatre helps students not just perform but discover who they are,” McBride said. “It builds confidence, skills, and a sense of purpose.”
Gentry Band: A Year of Firsts and High Notes
The Gentry band program also hit several milestones:
Marching Band Achievement: The Marching Pioneers placed fourth in the 4A State Marching Contest — a Final Four finish.
Superior Ratings: Forty-five students earned first division ratings at the Region VI Solo and Ensemble contest.
Concert Band Recognition: The concert band earned an “excellent” rating and placed eighth at the 4A state competition in Jonesboro.
New Equipment: The school board approved funding for 100 new uniforms and new instruments in February.
Student Accolades: Lazaro Cardenas, Kailyn Lemke, and Todd McLellan all earned All-Region honors. Giovani Cardenas earned first-band, first-chair on euphonium in Region VI.
Middle School Momentum: Gentry Middle School’s band received a superior rating in sight reading — a first in recent history.
Looking Ahead to 2025–26
New Chamber Choir Members: The top choir has been announced, with returning and rising stars like Hazel Cruz, Lazaro Cardenas, and Jaylin Green.
Band Leadership: Student leaders for next year’s band include Calvin Lee, Aaliyah Xiong, Madison Polina, Layla Crosby, Peyton Lee, and more.
Upcoming Productions: McBride has selected next year’s theatre shows — promising to challenge students and engage the community once again.
Summer Rehearsals: Band camps begin in July, with new uniforms and fresh energy.
As the directors return and student talent continues to blossom, the 2025–26 school year is shaping up to be another landmark season for Gentry’s fine arts.
Even Abagail would be proud.