U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., recently met with White Hall High School student Presley Bennett in his Washington, D.C., office.
Bennett’s passion for supporting and improving mental health for Arkansas youth initially led her to work with her peers to develop a “calming” room for her middle school and then personally inspired an accompanying self-published coloring book she created in partnership with the Arkansas Parks, Tourism and Heritage Department highlighting Arkansas state parks.
In 2023, when Presley was an eighth grader, she joined four other students to secure a “mini grant” from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas and used the funding to create a soothing space for both teachers and students who needed a calmer environment to address anxiety or de-escalate, according to a news release.
The room was stocked with journals and sensory objects, inspiring the creation of the coloring book, titled “Peaceful Places.” Presley presented a copy of her coloring book to Boozman. She was accompanied by her mother, Jessie Bennett of White Hall.
“Addressing and supporting the mental health of Arkansas youth helps ensure they can effectively share their talents and passions with their peers, community and our state,” Boozman said. “I’m always proud to meet with bright young students such as Presley who take initiative when they recognize issues or opportunities they can proactively address. Her success proves that anyone is able to make a difference while uplifting and encouraging the best in all of us.”
