State Rep. Cain Files Universal School Choice Legislation
The Texas Parental Empowerment Act of 2025 will allow state funds to follow students to any school that serves their needs.
By Emily Medeiros – November 13, 2024 – State Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) has filed legislation that will offer all Texas parents greater control over their children’s education.
House Bill 212 creates a “Parent Empowerment Program” that would be administered by the Texas Comptroller. It would allow “state funds to follow students to the educational institutions that best meet their needs.”
According to the legislation, parents who choose to send their children to private schools may apply for reimbursement from the state in an amount that is the “lesser of the tuition paid; or 80 percent of the state average maintenance and operations expenditures per student.”
HB 212 specifies that money from the available school fund and federal funds may not be used to pay the program’s reimbursements, meaning the program will not be paid for by diverting funds from current government school financing.
Additionally, any savings from the program will be reinvested back into Texas public and charter schools.
Cain’s bill also states that private schools “voluntarily selected by a parent for the parent’s child to attend, with or without governmental assistance, may not be required to comply with any state law or rule governing the school’s educational program that was not in effect on January 1, 2025.”
Home schools are not mentioned in the bill, but in Texas they are considered private schools.
“Texas parents know best what works for their children, and this legislation puts that belief into action,” said Cain. “It’s time we fully recognize that children belong to their parents, not to the government, and empower Texas families with true educational choice.”
“This bill helps create a better future by allowing parents to decide the best educational setting for their child,” he concluded.
A fiscal note is not yet attached to the bill, but HB 212 authorizes the comptroller’s office to deduct up to two percent of the program’s reimbursement amounts for administrative costs.
Cain’s legislation comes days after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said that his top policy priority for the upcoming legislative session is school choice. Patrick also said that if Gov. Greg Abbott declares school choice one of his emergency items this session, the Texas Senate will pass school choice in the early weeks of the session.
The 89th Legislative Session is set to begin on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Breast Cancer Support Group Holds First Meeting in Hopkins County
November 13, 2024 – The inaugural meeting of Hopkins County’s Breast Cancer Support Group was held on Tuesday, November 12 with an excited group of women in attendance.
The highlight of the evening was a presentation by Debbie Stribling about being thankful for a cancer journey. She eloquently presented a moving piece written by Liz Curtis Higgs.
Renee Maeker presented the opening prayer, and Kristi Brewer provided a closing prayer. Carolyn McKinney and the Foundation provided refreshments and door prizes.
Discussion was held about outreach and how to best help individuals on a cancer journey. This group is acommitted to meeting each person where and how they need to be met. For those who don’t want to be part of group, a gentle card or call will be given. For those who want more information, knowledge and resources will be shared. For those who just want to be near people who have been through the experience, monthly meetings will be held. Each person’s journey is different, so the support will be unique as well.
This meeting was inspirational and reassuring.
Future meetings of the Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group will be held each month on the second Monday at 5:30 pm in the conference room of the Medical Plaza at 113 Airport Rd. The next meeting will be on Monday, December 9. All breast cancer patients and survivors are welcome. Women with female-related cancers are also invited.
The Foundation extends a warm thank you to the women who have made the Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group a reality. Their desire to serve others is heartening. To stay informed about the breast cancer support group and other offerings, please follow the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on Facebook or Instagram.
For more information, contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799 or
[email protected].
Ag Commissioner Sid Miller Speaks on New International Water Agreement With Mexico
November 13, 2024 – “The newly amended water agreement between the United States and Mexico is a step in the right direction, but Texans know that promises don’t water our fields, sustain our livestock, or supply our cities. While we welcome progress to secure the state’s water supply, we need action—plain and simple.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been in constant talks with U.S. and Mexican officials, turning up the heat on Mexico to finally make good on their commitments. On October 17, 2024, I issued an executive order allowing Texas farmers and ranchers to tap directly into the Rio Grande, and, sure enough, Mexico finally showed up at the table.
Texans take care of Texas, and we don’t wait around. We need a reliable, steady water source in our state, and I’m glad to see some action starting to take shape. This amendment to the 1944 water treaty should mean more dependable water flow from Mexico to the Rio Grande—giving well-deserved relief. I also look forward to President-elect Donald Trump taking office in January. He’s an accomplished and proven negotiator and I know he will want this matter settled once and for all.
This is Mexico’s chance to step up and cover its past shortfalls. We’ll be watching closely to ensure every promise is kept. Our cities, communities, and farmers and ranchers have earned it, and I won’t let Texas be left high and dry.”
Governor Abbott Congratulates Texas Restaurants On Earning Coveted Michelin Stars
November 12, 2024 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott congratulated the Texas restaurants selected for the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Texas featuring 15 one-MICHELIN-Star establishments and two MICHELIN Green Star eateries. The full selection totals 117 restaurants spanning 26 cuisine types located in the greater Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio areas, including Bib Gourmand restaurants, recognizing great food at a great value, and Recommended eateries.
“Michelin’s recognition of Texas’ outstanding restaurants is a testament to the world-class talent found not only in the greater Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio areas, but throughout our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “The coveted MICHELIN Stars rankings will have a lasting impact on the Texas economy, bringing travelers from around the world to experience the best that Texas has to offer. More than just our world-renowned barbecue and Tex-Mex, every region of Texas offers a rich menu of flavors that draws visitors from across the globe. This is why the foodservice industry is a cornerstone of our economy, contributing more than $100 billion in sales last year and serving as the state’s largest private employer. Thank you to The MICHELIN Guide for recognizing our world-class cuisine, and congratulations to all of the chefs, restaurateurs, and their teams for helping to make Texas one of the best places in the world to live, visit, and dine.”
The MICHELIN Guide Texas was officially released at a ceremony last night hosted by Houston First with the support of Travel Texas and attended by First Lady Cecilia Abbott. Chefs and restaurant teams were honored on stage during the inaugural ceremony.
“The MICHELIN Guide Texas offers a remarkable opportunity to share our state’s culinary diversity and exceptional quality with the world,” said Travel Texas Director Tim Fennell. “Featuring our talented chefs and exceptional restaurants, the Guide encourages travelers to discover the distinct flavors and authentic dining experiences that define Texas, enhancing the state’s reputation as a premier destination for food lovers.”
“Our anonymous Inspectors were impressed by the culinary community across the state of Texas,” said International Director of the MICHELIN Guides Gwendal Poullennec. “The selection reflects their findings by highlighting uniquely Texas flavors, such as barbecue and Tex-Mex, as well as several international influences. We are very honored to welcome these restaurants to the MICHELIN Guide family for the first time, and we toast to the tremendous spirit of the Texas restaurant community.”
Read more about the MICHELIN Guide Texas.
Travel Texas, within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office, is responsible for the promotion of Texas as a premier travel destination for domestic and international visitors alike. In partnership with convention and visitor bureaus, local chambers of commerce, and private travel-related organizations and associations, Travel Texas works diligently to showcase the rich culture, history, landscapes, and experiences that Texas offers.
Texas Lawmaker Files Bill to Eliminate In-State Tuition for Illegal Aliens
November 13, 2024 – In 2001, Texas became the first state to pass legislation that allowed illegal aliens that live in Texas to receive in-state tuition.
State Rep. Terri Leo Wilson has filed House Bill 160, which would disqualify illegal aliens from receiving discounted in-state tuition when attending public colleges and universities in Texas. This subject has been recurring in the legislature for the past several years, but without progress.
“Today, I am proud to announce the filing of HB 160, the first bill filed for this upcoming legislative session, to end in-state tuition for illegal immigrants,” Willson told Texas Scorecard.
“This legislation is a top priority of the Texas GOP, and it honors the message Texas voters delivered when they elected me and other like-minded conservatives to the Texas House.”
Wilson authored similar legislation in 2023. The bill never made it beyond committee.
In Texas, public colleges and universities are able to offer a reduced tuition rate to students who reside in the state because the state subsidizes the difference with taxpayer funds. This is done to encourage students to receive their secondary education within the state.
According to research conducted by the Huffines Institute, in 2001, Texas became the first state to pass legislation that allowed illegal aliens that live in Texas to receive in-state tuition. At least 24 other states have followed the example by passing similar legislation.
Currently there are over 59,000 illegal aliens enrolled in colleges and universities across the state.
“Texans have spoken clearly: they want their taxpayer dollars safeguarded for lawful citizens. I am committed to carrying out this much needed reform while working alongside my colleagues to uphold the values Texans expect,” explained Wilson.
According to their platform, the Texas Republican Party opposes illegal aliens receiving in-state tuition, and ending the magnet is a legislative priority for the party.
Bill filing began November 12 and closes March 15th.
This article originally appeared here.
Learn What’s Going on With CANHelp and Blue Santa on this Episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with the Executive Director of Hopkins County CANHelp, Brian Crump. The two chatted about the coat drive currently under way, Blue Santa, and a little bit about the history of CANHelp. Brian Crump also talks about how CANHelp will extend their hours November 14th and November 21st so families may have more of an opportunity to sign up for Blue Santa. Watch this episode and learn what’s going on with Hopkins County CANHelp these days in the community.
Veterans Bring Service and Skill to TxDOT
November 8, 2024 – By Paul Stinson – AUSTIN —Veterans bring valuable experience for future employers and TxDOT is helping them start the next chapter in their life by providing hands-on experience.
After a military career spanning 10 deployments, four duty stations and more than two decades, U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant “DJ” Berryman is wrapping up 24 years of service to his country.
His final tour involves another setting that requires teamwork, work ethic and technical know-how: TxDOT.
Berryman, who is developing the next generation of Aircrew as the current military training superintendent at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, will hang up his uniform in December.
But before he does, he’ll be picking up valuable hands-on experience in traffic studies, design and signals at TxDOT’s Abilene District as the agency’s first-ever participant in SkillBridge, a nationwide program that helps veterans take their next career step before joining the civilian workforce.
“The SkillBridge program has provided an opportunity to leverage the skills I’ve developed in my military career while also exploring a new career field,” said Berryman, who began training with TxDOT’s Intelligent Transportation Systems lead in June. “Although my background in aircraft electrical and environmental systems offers some familiarity with electrical work, the specifics of TxDOT’s operations are quite different.”
Those differences haven’t stopped him from having an almost immediate positive impact, said Abilene District Director of Transportation Operations Randee Shields. She brought on Berryman to intern as part of the team responsible for the repair of traffic signals.
“His technical skills in electrical systems have been vital and he has even provided electrical on-the-job training to some of our staff,” Shields said.
participants continue to receive their military compensation and benefits while industry partners provide the civilian training and work experience in the program which has helped more than 50,000 servicemembers make the transition since 2011.
SkillBridge is the newest tool used by TxDOT to seek out those with military experience who offer a vast range of transferable skills including a strong work ethic, attention to detail and adaptability — just some of the many military attributes valued by TxDOT, which currently employees more than 1,300 veterans.
Shields, who is also the spouse of a retired Marine, is all too familiar with the obstacles veterans face upon exiting the service, including the challenges of finding a civilian role that speaks to their potential and skill sets.
“I saw many [military] retirees who were once entrusted with millions of dollars in equipment, the welfare of hundreds of troops and oversaw national defense level programs have to settle into entry level jobs,” Shields said.
Shields said the program lasts up to 180 days, which makes it possible to evaluate talent for a potential fit beyond an entry level role. This allows candidates enough time in more specialized positions and gives them the opportunity to achieve fluency in how TxDOT operates.
SkillBridge approved TxDOT as an Industry Partner earlier in the year. This distinction marks the latest chapter in the agency’s history of valuing what servicemembers have to offer.
That includes Chief Administrative Officer Richard McMonagle. He said dedication to a mission and taking pride in serving the public made him feel right at home at TxDOT after a 25 year career with the Marine Corps.
“Although every day I use the planning, leadership, and decision-making skills that I learned in the Marine Corps, it is in preparing for [emergency] response operations where I really employ my operational experiences,” he said. “In hiring military veterans, TxDOT gets employees with leadership skills, who are self-disciplined, motivated and used to working in teams to overcome challenges.”
TxDOT’s effort to ensure that the agency and veterans alike can make the most of their potential is led by the Talent Acquisition Team. The team participates annually in 20 to 25 events statewide to seek out military talent and support its broader goal of achieving a workforce that is at least 10% veterans. TxDOT has delivered on that ambition with veterans accounting for an average of 13.6% new hires over the 2020-24 period.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Statement: School Choice Is My Top Policy Priority
November 12, 2024 – AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recently issued this statement: “With the general election over, Texans are now looking ahead to the upcoming legislative session beginning in January.
“Every legislative session, the Texas Senate and the Texas House take turns introducing the state budget. This session, it is the Senate’s turn. Accordingly, Senate Bill 1 will be the state budget.
“To underscore its importance, Senate Bill 2 will be the Senate’s school choice legislation. Thirty-two states, both Republican and Democrat, have enacted some form of school choice legislation. There is absolutely no reason why Texas children and parents should be left behind.
“A one-size-fits-all approach to education in a state with a population of 30 million, 254 counties, 1,200 school districts, and over 8,000 campuses simply cannot possibly meet the needs of every student.
“Many Texas schools are striving to be great, and are great, and most are good. Unfortunately, no matter their effort, some schools struggle to meet the unique educational needs that some students require. Parents should be empowered to place their child in the best learning environment, whether that is a public or private school.
“Texans across the political spectrum agree that parents must have options to choose the school that best fits the needs of their child to ensure their success. Voters have spoken clearly during the primary and general elections; the time for school choice in Texas is long overdue.
“Texas can have school choice without undermining the public school system. In 2023 (last session), the legislature appropriated $39 billion per year on public education. Last session, the school choice bill the Senate passed three times was $500 million. It died in the House every time. The school choice fund was completely separate from public education funding. It would have provided for 60,000 students out of 5.5 million students in public schools. School choice is clearly not a threat to public education.
“In addition to naming school choice Senate Bill 2, it is my hope Gov. Abbott declares school choice one of his emergency items for this session. Under the Constitution, the legislature cannot pass legislation during the first 60 days of session, unless the governor declares it an emergency item. If Gov. Abbott names school choice an emergency item, the Senate will take up and pass school choice in the early weeks of session, instead of having to wait 60 days until March.
“Since 2015, the Senate has passed school choice five times. It died in a Republican-controlled House each time. That is unacceptable and inexcusable. With an expanded Republican majority in the Texas House, there is no reason Texas students should be left behind. Parents must be able to make the best decisions for their children, so they can receive the education that fits their unique needs.”
Paris Junior College Wraps 100th Anniversary Homecoming
November 11, 2024 – The final day of the 100th anniversary Homecoming celebration at Paris Junior College did not disappoint, with a parade, Distinguished Alumni Reunion lunch, tailgate, basketball games, crowning of a king and queen, and capping the day with a concert from Clay Hollis.
The Distinguished Alumni luncheon was a reunion to honor all previous honorees, their friends, and family. Dr. Stephen Benson, ninth president of PJC, gave a very warm welcome to the audience.
“Since 1924 PJC has been a place where students could grow, explore and achieve,” said Benson. “We are proud to have alumni whose contributions span industries and communities, from business and healthcare to the arts and sciences. We have had the privilege of watching legends emerge, individuals who’ve made and continue to make a significant mark in their fields. Today, they represent not just PJC’s success, but the powerful impact of community colleges.”
First guest speaker at the luncheon was Kelley Baxley, a 2010 inductee into PJC’s Academic Hall of Honor, who had a decades-long career in the building automation industry as a senior account executive. He spent 10 years with Johnson Controls and 32 years with Siemens, managing the latter’s higher education vertical market for 23 years and the Lockheed Martin aerospace division in Fort Worth for nine years. He was named four-time sales professional of the year at Siemens and retired in February 2024. Among many accolades, he was awarded the prestigious Eagle Award by the International Association of Physical Plant Administrators for Colleges and Universities in 2010.
“Happy birthday PJC, 100 years – how about that,” said Baxley, upon taking the podium.
Baxley relayed how he began his career as a 19-year old graduate. Taking the advice of his air conditioning professor to enter the control business, he interviewed with Johnson Controls. Arriving to interview for the position he applied for, he was instead asked to apply for a new position – pneumatic applications engineer.
“Parlez-vous français – hey!” Baxley said. “I told them I would certainly interview and five hours later, I was shown where my office would be.”
The company sent him to an engineering school in Wisconsin. On the first day, as fellow students introduced themselves, Baxley found they had all graduated from university programs.
“I boldly stood up and looked at that crowd and said, ‘I’m Kelley Baxley, I’m from Paris Texas, and I graduated from PJC with an associate’s degree in air conditioning and refrigeration.’ You could hear a pin drop. At the next break everybody came to me and asked ‘what did you do to get here?’ I said, ‘I don’t know.'”
Returning home, he was told that while his scores weren’t as good as they’d like, he’d outworked everyone and asked if he would bring the same work ethic to his job, he responded, “yes sir, I sure will.”
“That’s how my career started,” Baxley said, crediting PJC for instilling that discipline in him.
Next to speak was Mandi Watson, who is in her 23rd year in the field of women’s and children’s health care, Director of Women’s and Children’s services at Paris Regional Health, managing the hospital’s maternal and neonatal program. She has a national certification in inpatient obstetrics, and her electronic fetal monitoring have provided top notch care to patients. Her nursing background includes surgical, pediatric, geriatric, and obstetrical care. She was awarded the Nursing Excellence Token and received corporate recognition for contributions to the Maternal Safety Initiative Program.
Watson served as perinatal co-chair for the Northeast Texas Regional Advisory Council and remains a board member. She graduated from Leadership Lamar County and serves on its board, participates in the United Way Reading to the Future campaign. She started at PJC, where she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year honor society, and elected president of the associate degree nursing program. She obtained her bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington.
“I would not have been able to obtain my personal goals without PJC,” Watson said. “As children, we often think of what we will be when we grow up, and registered nurse was high on that list. But my parents had not gone to college, and I worked at their business. I married young, had a daughter and was a single mother. I went to work as a unit secretary in the emergency room at McCuistion Medical Center and saw amazing nurses saving people’s lives every day.”
Most of those nurses attended PJC, and and they took her to the campus to register. She went to the Educational Opportunity Center at PJC and with the aid of now-retired employee Donna Glass, filled out all the paperwork for admissions and financial aid.
“I still have that folder today,” Watson said, holding up the folder. “I keep it as a reminder of where I started on December 12, 2000.”
After completing the vocational nursing program, she married and had a son. Her husband Justin is also a PJC graduate. She then completed the associate degree nursing program.
“It took me five years, but I did it. I was a non-traditional first generation college graduate,”
Her daughter started PJC and joined the cheer squad, then graduated in 2019 and transferred to the University of Texas at Tyler. Her son took dual credit classes in high school from PJC.
“As a nurse leader,” Watson said, “I can appreciate having Paris Junior College’s nursing program in our community. This is such a benefit that we are able to teach, train and recruit the new nurses to our facility and assist them on a on their educational journey. Without accessible, affordable education at PJC, I would not have been able to obtain the goals that I wanted and been able to support my family and to continue to work and grow in the community that I live, and I’m just very thankful for all the opportunities and all the help. All it takes is one person who can really help you along that journey, and I have since returned the favor. There’s been a few people that I’ve actually guided to the Educational Opportunity Center so that they, too could start their journey. But I’m just so very thankful for all that PJC has given me.”
The final day of Homecoming continued with a Tailgate at the Hunt Center parking lot that was well attended. The women’s and men’s basketball teams played Southwestern Christian College, and both won.
During halftime of the men’s basketball game, Gabriella Sosa and Connor Freeman were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. Other students on the Homecoming Court included Nevaeh Brown, Stefano Carvajal, Victoria Russell, and Kordrick Turner.
The evening ended with a Clay Hollis concert at the Love Civic Center. Hollis is the grandson of H.L. “Hub” Hollis, who was PJC’s first athletic director. More than the historic link during PJC’s 100th anniversary, the audience appreciated the music and most danced throughout the concert.
PJC’s next Homecoming will begin on November 8, 2025.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Hamlet: A Horatio Story Opens Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Paris Junior College
November 11, 2024 – Paris Junior College’s Drama Program brings a new take on a famous Shakespearean tragedy opening on Wednesday, Nov. 13 and running through Nov. 17 on the Duane Allen Stage in the Ray E. Karrer Theater. “Hamlet: A Horatio Story,” tells the tale from the perspective of Hamlet’s loyal friend, Horatio, set against the backdrop of a mid-century asylum.
PJC drama faculty William L. Walker penned the adaptation and also directs.
“This adaptation reimagines Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy from the perspective of Horatio, Hamlet’s steadfast friend and confidant,” Walker said. “By placing Horatio at the center of the narrative, we aim to bring new depth to the tale, exploring themes of loyalty, love, and the search for truth amidst grief and madness.”
Set in the eerie corridors of a 1950s mental asylum and within Horatio’s memories, “Hamlet: A Horatio Story,” takes audiences through a journey of psychological suspense and philosophical inquiry. Horatio’s narrative guides the audience through the cryptic, surreal environment of his memories, where the asylum staff — doctors, nurses, and patients — assume the roles of Hamlet’s original characters.
The audience will experience the story of Hamlet’s descent through the distorted perception of Horatio, portrayed not only as Hamlet’s confidant but as a narrator struggling with his own grip on reality.
“This production asks questions about loyalty, truth, and perception that feel especially resonant today,” Walker adds. “Horatio is often an overlooked voice, but here, he becomes our anchor in a world that seems to shift with every step. It’s about him making sense of Hamlet’s tragedy — and his own.”
The set design by Walker is minimal and dark, almost feeling dangerous. The production’s costume and makeup team, led by Celia Stogner and Walker, create looks resembling asylum wear with bits of color added to announce characters’ place and status.
“Our hope is to invite you into a different view of Hamlet’s path, one that highlights the resilience of friendship even as revenge and redemption play out on a dark and intricate stage,” said Walker.
“Hamlet: A Horatio Story,” runs from November 13 to November 16 at 7:30 p.m. and November 17 at 2:30 p.m. on the Duane Allen Stage in the Ray E. Karrer Theater on the Paris Junior College campus. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $10 for Senior Adults/High School Students, and free to those with a current PJC ID. Tickets are half off with the donation of a new, unused toy. Tickets are available for purchase at the door.
Cast
Horatio – Kai Fornof; Hamlet – Daniel Martinez; King Claudius/Ghost – Jeff Stewart; Queen Gertrude – Lisa Martin; Laertes – T.K. McGee; Ophelia – Rylie Johnston; Polonius – Tim Wood; Rosencrantz – Jeri Howe; Guildenstern – Derek Dacus; Cornelius/First Gravedigger/Attendant – Addison Brown; Player King/Second Gravedigger/Attendant – Ryan Smith; Player Queen/Doctor/Attendant – Sally Boswell; Voltemand/A Lord/Attendant – Amanda Blouin; Francisco/Prologue/Attendant – Elizabeth Holliefield; Barnardo/Osric/Attendant – Libby Stowell; Lady in Waiting/Messenger/Margory – Alyssa Ottmo; Marcellus/Lucianus/Sailor/Attendant – Emma Davis; and Mortimer – Collin Henson.
Crew
Director – William L. Walker; Stage Manager – Brenna Mills; Asst. Stage Manager – Maegan Martinez; Light/Scenic Design – Will Walker / Andy Johnson; Costume Coordinators – Celia Ann Stogner and Brenda Stellpflug Ottmo.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
