Dixons Named Distinguished Alumni - CHS Graduation 2026

Cabot High School is proud to announce the selection of Dearl and Shelba Spence Dixon as the Distinguished Alumni for the Graduating Class of 2026. A cornerstone of the Cabot and Sylvania communities for decades, the Dixons, members of the Cabot High School Class of 1961, represent the very best of Panther pride, service, and perseverance.

Both Dearl and Shelba are lifelong residents of the Cabot area. While Shelba attended Cabot schools for her entire education, Dearl began in Ward before the districts consolidated. Their high school years in the early 1960s were marked by deep involvement; Shelba was a leader in the Cabot High School Student Council, the yearbook staff, and the Future Homemakers of America, while Dearl was the class secretary, a powerhouse athlete in track, basketball, and football, and a dedicated member of the Future Farmers of America.

The Class of 1961 recognized their potential impact early on, naming them Mr. and Miss CHS. Shelba was further honored as "Most Likely to Succeed," "Best All Around,"and the "Ideal Girl of CHS," while Dearl was voted "Best Athlete.”

Just two weeks after their high school graduation in May 1961, Dearl and Shelba were married. As they celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary this May, their legacy is visible through their three children - Anita, Steve (1965-2020), and Renee - as well as 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and numerous great-great-grandchildren. The Dixon family’s commitment to education in the Cabot School District is profound: nearly every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild has or is attending Cabot Public Schools, with a daughter, Renee Calhoon, and granddaughter, Mallorey Jones, serving as former teachers and administrators within the district.

In 1964, despite Shelba’s youthful vow to never marry a dairy farmer, the couple purchased a dairy farm that became a farming centerpiece for the region. Their hard work was recognized nationally in 1971 when they were named the National Farmers Home Administration Farm Family of the Year. Dearl and Shelba were successful dairy farmers for 37 years before they decided to farm beef cattle and hay.

Their list of service roles within the community is extensive:

• Dearl: Served 13 years on the Cabot School Board (1969–1982), 20 years on the Cabot FFA Scholarship and Advisory Committee, 14 years on the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, and 18 years as a Director for the Bank of Cabot (now Centennial Bank). He is also an inductee of the Cabot Panther Foundation Hall of Fame, was elected to become a Lonoke County Justice of the Peace, and an active member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he coached Little League and is a member and former officer of Sylvania Presbyterian Church and the Sylvania Presbyterian Church Cemetery Board.
• Shelba: Served as President of the Cabot Elementary PTO, a dedicated room mother, and a leader within the Junior Chamber of Commerce Women’s Organization. She is a member of Sylvania Presbyterian Church, where she has served as a Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, member of the choir, and officer of the Women of the Church.

The Dixons will lead graduates in the symbolic turning of the tassel during graduation ceremonies on May 16, 2026.