Written by Julia Jenkins
A historic and deadly tornado outbreak swept through the Midwest from March 13 to 16, 2025, leaving widespread devastation in its wake. The second-largest March outbreak on record spawned numerous powerful tornadoes across Missouri and Arkansas, including multiple EF3 and EF4 storms that leveled neighborhoods, destroyed homes and claimed lives.
Although Searcy was not directly affected, several Harding students from the Midwest experienced the storm’s impact through the devastation faced by their family and friends back home.
Senior Korban Butler, a Missouri native, was at his social club’s spiritual retreat when he learned that a tornado had torn through his hometown.
“I didn’t know anything was going on until 11 o’clock,” Butler said. “Which, honestly, is probably for the better because it was already hard enough finding out what happened.”
Although his home remained standing, the tornado inflicted significant damage on his property. Broken windows, uprooted trees, two crushed cars, a destroyed boat and two demolished sheds were just some of the destruction left behind.
Junior Alex Kowiti, from Bakersfield, Missouri, described how the tornado devastated her community, claiming three lives and flattening homes and buildings.
“We’ve never had one that bad before,” Kowiti said. “I mean, we’ve had tornadoes go through, but not any that have done any massive destruction at all.”
Despite the devastation, Kowiti has seen her town unite in the aftermath. Relief groups, donations, and businesses have stepped in to support those affected, strengthening the sense of community even in the face of tragedy.
Junior Kiersten Mahan, whose town was also impacted, echoed similar sentiments.
“You can tell that people love each other and are there for each other and have each other’s backs through it all,” Mahan said.
All three students expressed the difficulty of being away from their families and hometowns during this challenging time. While they want to help, being in school has made it difficult. However, they have found comfort in the overwhelming support from the Harding community.
“That’s my favorite thing about Harding,” Mahan said. “Everybody surrounds one another and everybody is there for each other. It’s really awesome.”
For Butler, one of the most powerful moments in the aftermath of the storm was seeing his church community come together. The Sunday after the tornado, his church still gathered—despite having no power—and more people attended than usual.
“I think it just brings out the good of God in it,” Butler said, “because that’s really where you got to keep your focus.”
