At last week’s annual awards banquet hosted by the New Boston Chamber of Commerce, the highlight of the evening’s festivities was the presentation of the Chamber’s three annual honors. Each year the New Boston Chamber awards a Business of the Year, the Doye Corley Humanitarian of the Year and the Lloyd Wilson Citizen of the Year award.
This year’s recipient of the Lloyd Wilson Award is a man that earned the designation after years of serving the community and its youth. Chamber President Kayla Simmons presented the award this year to New Boston ISD educator Justin Arsenault. In her remarks, Simmons said, “This year’s recipient has dedicated countless hours to creating a better future for New Boston through our youth. He encourages and gives our youth tools for success. This person goes the extra mile regularly doing things far outside of their job title… Not only is this person present but they make sure the community knows about all of the achievements our youth are making. He has pride in his city, and it shows. New Boston has a much brighter future because of the trail that is being blazed by people like him.”
Justin Arsenault is an educator and school administrator with over 11 years of experience in New Boston ISD. Over the course of those years, he has had the privilege of working with students, staff, and the community to foster a culture of growth, achievement, and excellence. For the past five years, he has served as the Middle School Principal, a role that has allowed him to combine his passion for education with his competitive nature and coaching background.
Before stepping into the role of NBMS Principal, Arsenault worked as the Middle School Assistant Principal and was actively involved in coaching various sports. He told the Tribune that his time as a coach has deeply influenced his approach to leadership. “I believe in the value of hard work, dedication, and fostering an environment where everyone strives to be the best they can be,” said Arsenault. “I was fortunate to grow up with parents who led by example, showing me firsthand the power of determination and a strong work ethic.”
Arsenault says that his journey into education wasn’t straightforward. After graduating from Southern Arkansas University in 2012 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, he spent about a year and a half working at a chemical plant in Magnolia, Arkansas. While he enjoyed the work there, he felt a strong pull to pursue his true passion—education. He then decided to make the leap into teaching and coaching, and he tells us that it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Arsenault stated, “As a father, my approach to leadership is deeply rooted in family values. My wife, Morgan Arsenault, and I have been together since high school (James Bowie), and this summer we will celebrate 12 years of marriage, I think (lol). We have three wonderful children— Livi Rae, Lincoln, and Lux—and our family is deeply involved in the New Boston community. Morgan teaches first grade at New Boston Elementary School, and Livi Rae and Lincoln are both students there, while Lux is still a toddler. We are also active members of the New Boston Church of Christ, where our faith plays a central role in our lives.”
In addition to his duties at the NBISD, Arsenault also serves on the New Boston Community Development Corporation (NB CDC), working to support and promote the growth and development of our community. He and his family also participate in the New Boston Youth Sports Association (NBYSA), where he serves as the Softball and T-Ball Commissioner and as a coach for various youth sports teams.
He notes, “I am also proud to have been part of the team that helped New Boston Middle School receive recognition as both a State and National “School to Watch” in 2024, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and community. Education is a calling for me, and I believe that fostering an environment where students and staff alike are encouraged to grow, push their limits, and achieve their best is at the heart of what makes a school successful. Whether it’s as a coach, assistant principal, or now as a principal, my philosophy has always been simple: if you’re going to do something, do it the best you can.”
Of the award presented to him at the Chamber banquet, Arsenault says that he was honored by the accolade and shares the recognition with his family.
He concluded, “I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support from the many individuals in this community who have mentored me and helped me grow since me and my wife have been members of the town. This award reflects not only my commitment to giving back but also the strength and unity of a community that has always been there for us.”
