On the morning of Friday, April 12, Major General Jonathan M. Stubbs of the Arkansas National Guard presented a speech in Love Auditorium. Stubbs, the 54th Adjutant General of Arkansas, has spoken at multiple high schools around the state in order to motivate students to serve their country. The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Model United Nations, Student Senate and AP United States History, Government and Politics and European History classes were invited to attend. 

Following the Presentation of the Colors by ROTC and an eight-part arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner” performed by Camerata, Stubbs presented Principal Todd Edwards with the Commanding General Coin for Excellence and a plaque, commemorating his 34 years of service to the Bryant School District, before beginning his speech. 

Maj. Gen. Stubbs began by addressing the audience of students with the purpose of inspiring them, the future generation of the United States, to contribute to society. To convey this, the speech revolved around 4 principles: 

1. You live in a great country
2. You are the future of our country
3. You have a responsibility to serve your country
4. You need to be the best you can be in order to serve your country well.

“It’s important for me to communicate to the future of our nation just how important each and every one of you are, regardless of what you choose to do, regardless if you choose to serve in the military,” Stubbs said. “Whatever you do, do it with a heart of service for the country, because you’re the future our country needs.”

The major general also explained his three pillars to success: character, commitment and competence. In order to be the best version of yourself, Stubbs recommends developing, as well as guarding, your character through honesty and trustworthiness. 

“Character is everything; it’s the key ingredient,” Stubbs said. “But it doesn’t just happen. This is something to think about over the summer before that next chapter begins. What makes you tick, what’s important to you? What are your values? It’s important, before you start this next chapter, that you understand these things.”

As the speech progressed, Stubbs introduced the Army National Guard to the students as an opportunity to join a team, advance careers and receive free secondary education, all while serving the country. To emphasize this, five Bryant students who have sworn in to the Arkansas National Guard joined Stubbs on stage. Seniors Isabella Sharp, Andrew Karp, Owen Cavanagh, Malachi Akers and junior Eileann Bracamonte were each recognized by the Major General and presented with a 2-Star General Coin. 

“We’ve got great opportunities and benefits within the Arkansas National Guard that will help each and every one of you in life,” Stubbs said. “I believe there’s no better place for a young person than to serve in the Arkansas National Guard, because there’s no better people, no better opportunity and no better deal.”

Stubbs has served for 31 years in the Army, beginning his service as a private first class. In addition to his active overseas deployments, Stubbs has held a myriad of leadership positions, such as Chief of Staff for the Arkansas Army National Guard,  Vice Director for Operations at the National Guard Bureau and currently, major general. His promotion to Adjutant General came in January of 2023 at the request of Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. 

“I was overwhelmed with gratitude, just incredibly humbled to be offered this position because I’ve grown up in this organization and the Arkansas National Guard,” said Stubbs. “To go from where I started to where I am now, it’s just overwhelming. It’s such a privilege and an honor to serve with all these great soldiers and airmen, and to lead them.”