Helena-West Helena Names J.F. Wahl Librarian Gentry 2026 Teacher of the Year

Carlecia Gentry, the librarian at J.F. Wahl Elementary, has been named the Helena-West Helena School District's Teacher of the Year, the district announced March 13 on its official website.

The district's brief congratulatory post carried a straightforward message: "Congratulations to Mrs. Carlecia Gentry, J.F. Wahl Elementary Librarian, for being chosen Helena-West Helena School District Teacher of the Year."

The recognition elevates a school librarian to the district's highest teaching honor, a distinction that underscores the role library professionals play alongside classroom educators in the Helena-West Helena system. J.F. Wahl Elementary, one of the district's elementary campuses, sits within a school system that serves students across Helena-West Helena, AR 72342, with district offices located at 305 Valley Dr.

The district has not released additional details about the selection process, the criteria used to evaluate nominees, or whether Gentry will advance to a county or state-level Teacher of the Year competition. No information about a recognition ceremony has been announced publicly.

The Helena-West Helena School District can be reached at 870-338-4425 for those seeking additional information about the award or Gentry's work at J.F. Wahl.