PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. (2025) – Joe T. Robinson High School teacher Rachel Farhat has been awarded the nationally competitive Voya Unsung Heroes Grant and 2025 Unsung Heroes Award, earning $2,000 to support an innovative student-led project in the school’s journalism department.
Farhat’s winning idea, “We Write Us: Lit Magazine for Marginalized Students,” will launch Robinson High School’s first-ever literary magazine. The student-centered project is designed to amplify the voices of scholars by showcasing a diverse range of backgrounds, interests, and experiences.
According to Farhat, journalism students will lead every stage of the publication process—from collecting submissions to editing, designing, and distributing the magazine. They will also collaborate with the art, music, and English departments, gaining leadership and organizational skills while creating a publication that reflects the culture and creativity of the Joe T. Robinson High School community.
“Joe T. Robinson's students are curious, justice-driven, and community-minded individuals,” Farhat said. “I wanted to create a platform where they could be the drivers of the art and literature we consume. This grant allows them to take ownership, see themselves in the culture at our school, and celebrate their voices.”
The Unsung Heroes program, sponsored by Voya Financial, recognizes educators nationwide who bring innovative teaching ideas to life. Each year, 50 finalists receive $2,000 grants, with three top winners earning additional awards of $25,000, $10,000, and $5,000.
Joe T. Robinson High School and Kodiak High School were the only recipients of the Unsung Heroes Award from Arkansas in 2025. Since its inception, the program has supported over 1,000 K–12 educators with more than $6 million in funding for creative classroom projects.
Farhat is in her second year of teaching at Joe T. Robinson High School. She stated the recognition is not just a personal honor but also a reflection of Robinson High School’s commitment to creativity, leadership, and academic excellence.
“This award not only supports the growth of our journalism students but also reflects positively on Robinson High School’s dedication to empowering young people,” Farhat said.
The first edition of the literary magazine is expected to debut later this school year.