SSHS Seniors Awarded More Than $3.3 Million In Scholarships, Awards At Ceremony — Part 1
More than $3.3 million in scholarships, military and other monetary rewards were presented to seniors at the Sulphur Springs High School Awards Ceremony Thursday evening, May 16, at SSHS Auditorium at Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
Top graduates, UIL scholars, students who have earned Medical Assistant Certifications, Forrest Gregg MVP and James Cameron Fighting Heart Award recipients were also recognized during the program.
The exact total value of awards could not be figured because the amounts of some scholarships and awards were not announced at the event.
Several students received multiple awards, and some received scholarship offers from multiple schools and groups.
Chase Crouch, for example, will have his pick of at least five college. He was awarded a total of $366,000 in scholarship offers, including $20,000 from Colorado State University, $20,000 from the University of Wyoming Honors College, $82,000 from New Mexico State University, $120,000 from Southwestern University and $124,000 from Cornell College.
Valedictorian Carissa Carter and Salutatorian Maddie Millsap were each awarded Paris Junior College J.A. Love Estate scholarships for being the top students in their class.
The first year of Carter’ tuition will be paid for her to attend any state university or college as the valedictorian.
Carter also received a $2,000 Rotary Club scholarship, an $80,000 Honors Scholarship and an $11,000 Presidential Scholarship from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Millsap also received a $32,000 Bright Star Scholars Recipient scholarship from the John and Deborah Gillis Foundation, to be paid in increments of $4,000 per semester for up to eight consecutive semesters, and can be applied to graduation school fees, if she attains her bachelor’s degree in less than the traditional four years.
Also receiving $32,000 Bright Star Scholars awards from the Gillis Foundation were Jennifer Lopez-Cervantes, Madelyn Ray, Rhett Reid and Landry Tyson.
Craig Johnson also presented Rotary Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 to Madelyn Ray and Caitlyn Williams.
Some of the biggest awards went to students enlisting in the United States military. Overall, an estimated $1,260,000 in benefits were awarded to seven seniors. U.S. Army SSGT Matthew Nix noted each is eligible to receive $150,000 in Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for school as well as 150 free semester hours once they are out courtesy of the Texas Hazelwood Act.
Joining the U.S. Army to serve in the infantry are Mason Arnold and Cason Churchman, as a preventive medicine specialist is Angela Brown, and to follow his older brothers into the Rangers is Noah Sells. Recognized for their intended commitment to the U.S. Marine Corps was Colton Allen, who plans to serve in security forces; and to the U.S. Navy were James Evan Rushing and Haylie-Marie Whorton.
Tabbed to receive Sgt. Tanner Higgins Memorial Awards upon completion of basic training were Cason Churchman, a $300 award; Colton Allen, $700; and Sells, $1,000.
Students also received at least $383,000 in athletic scholarships.
Awarded football scholarships were Austin Dodd and Landry Tyson to for Texas A&M University-Commerce, D’Corian Young Trinity Valley Community College, Damian Dugan Hardin Simmons, Jose Rodriguez Louisiana College, and Jermond Bryant-Amos and DQ Pitts RPA College.
Kaden Argenbright was awarded a baseball scholarship to play at Henderson State University.
Receiving basketball scholarships were Keaston Willis to play for Incarnate Word University and Xavier Cork Western Carolina University.
Autumn Tanton and Lexi Whisenhunt were awarded scholarships to play volleyball at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
Receiving track scholarships were Sadavia Port for the University of Texas at Arlington, Abbi Baier for South Eastern Oklahoma State and Abbi Beggs for Indiana State.
Carter Lewis received a golf scholarship from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Dodd, Porter, Tanton and Landon Thornton were announced as the Forrest Gregg MVP Award recipients.
Baier, Willis, Tyson and Bailey Hagerty were named James Cameron Fighting Heart Award recipients.
Another special award presented at the program was the Helen Ewing Ditto True Grit Award. The $1,000 cash award is given to a student who exhibits true grit, positive traits, makes the most of what he or she has, and has a strong value system. Dylan Jester was nominated for the award by SSHS staff.
Alyson Vaughn was presented the Spirit of FCCLA Cash Award in the amount of $100 by Debbie Stribling.
These are only a few of the scholarships and awards announced Thursday night for seniors. Additional information and images from the program will also be posted at www.KSSTradio.com. Stay tuned to KSST radio and Channel 18 for programming saluting Sulphur Springs seniors.
CHRISTUS Stroke Team Offers Free “Stroke Awareness Lunch and Learn” at noon Wednesday May 22
Within ongoing efforts to become designated a “Primary Stroke Center”, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital of Sulphur Springs has begun an Acute Stroke Program. Facilitating this program is a special “Stroke Team” of professionals who can assess and assist persons experiencing stroke symptoms at the hospital Emergency Room. Because time is so important to stroke victims, this team can mobilize quickly for emergency intervention and treatment. The public is invited to meet the team and Neurologist M.D.Vicas Pandey during a ‘Stroke Awareness’ Lunch and Learn free event on Wednesday May 22 at 12 noon. During a KSST Morning Show interview, we learned more from RN Byron Prince, Stroke Team Leader and ER Director, and RN Cassidy Cameron, Stroke Team co-ordinator.
There are two types of stroke. The Hemorrhagic Stroke results from a burst blood vessel causing bleeding in the brain. The more typical Ischemic Stroke is caused by a blood clot blocking the vessel. The Stroke Team can address both types,and most occurrences can be treated right here in the local hospital. According to Cameron, more strokes involving young people in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s have been documented in recent years. And according to Prince, during the month of April 2019, of the 18 patients seen with stroke symptoms, only three of these had to be transported to the Tyler CHRISTUS Health ‘Comprehensive Stroke Center’. Gaining the designation of “Primary Stroke Center” will be a ‘gold seal of approval’ and an important step for CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs.
Everyone is invited for a healthy lunch and valuable information at the Lunch and Learn on noon on May 22 in the Plaza Conference Center’s first floor classroom, located across from the hospital’s front entrance.
‘Chicks For Charity’ Non-Profit Makes SS Symphony League it’s Final Recipient
Chicks for Charity, a 501c3 non-profit charity organization operating in Hopkins County, has officially been dissolved as of May 16, 2019. This follows Chicks donations of several thousands of dollars which have made a large impact upon worthy local causes since it’s 2010 inception. The non-profit had fulfilled it’s usefulness to the community, after organizers sought others to volunteer for leadership positions. During the final meeting, the collective group of organizers and officers voted to dissolve, end the quarterly meetings, and devote themselves to other interests in their individual lives. In a press release sent by charter member Mandy Kennedy, information about the final donation was explained.
“Chicks voted to give this last donation to the Sulphur Springs Symphony League. This is the 501c3 non-profit that puts on the Symphony on the Square for July 4th, helps purchase instruments for Symphony Orchestra students in need, and sponsors the Dallas Symphony Orchestra performance for the entire 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students every year. They’ve been nominated several times, but this is their first time to receive the winning votes. If you were not with us, please make your check out to “S S Symphony League” and mail it to 13 Jennifer Lane 75482. We will be presenting the donation in two weeks and would like to have all the checks by then”.
Mandy went on to add, “on behalf of the Team Leaders, thank you ALL so much for supporting Chicks for Charity Hopkins County these many years! We’ve done GOOD WORK ladies – and many people in need have benefited as a result of your generosity and shared love for community. I personally appreciate each of you for your willingness to share your time and money so faithfully for so long!! It’s been a sweet pleasure to be on your Team!! Have a wonderful Summer!”
This is the original 2010 mission statement of the Hopkins County Chicks for Charity organization. OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE: To reach out and help our communities by finding 100 or more women to each contribute at least $50, four times a year to collectively give at least $20,000 annually to local charities and non-profit organizations here in Hopkins County, Texas. The idea is to keep our contributions and support local so as to have a direct and immediate impact that we can all personally see, right here in our communities. OUR ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: Sandra Baucom, Peggy Dietze, Dee Elliott, Lequida Jennings, Mandy Kennedy, Jane Sargent, Sher Sevier, Pennye West.
Jefferson Man Jailed On Dallas County Warrant
A traffic stop by Cumby police early Thursday morning resulted in a 42-year-old Jefferson man’s arrest on a Dallas County forgery charge.
Cumby Police Sgt. Ray Embro reported stopping a Chevrolet Aveo at 1:51 a.m. May 16 on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 108 for defective taillights.
On contact, the driver was identified as 42-year-old Brian Scott Greenhill of Jefferson. A records check showed Greenhill to be wanted by Dallas County authorities on an outstanding forgery of financial instrument charge, Embro reported.
Consequently, Greenhill was jailed on the warrant. The vehicle was released to the passenger, a licensed driver, Embro noted in arrest reports.
Greenhill remained in the county jail Friday morning, according to jail reports.
I-30 Traffic Stop Results In Recovery Of Stolen Trailer and Mower, 1 Arrest
Sulphur Springs Police arrested a 33-year-old Jonesboro, Arkansas man early Thursday morning after he was found in possession of a cargo trailer that’d been reported to Arkansas authorities as stolen. Investigation later Thursday by Sulphur Springs Police revealed a mower in the unit also had been reported stolen.
Sulphur Springs Police Cpl. Chris Rosamond reportedly stopped a Ford F250 pickup and cargo trailer about 2:45 a.m. Thursday because the trailer didn’t have a license plate and the unit crossed the fog line around the 124 mile marker on Interstate 30.
Rosamond noticed a John Deere Zero Turn lawn mower in the bed of the truck as he approached. The trailer was also loaded with new appliances and merchandise, according to Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Jason Reneau.
Rosamond, a seasoned officer, reported he received “deceptive responses from the driver,” which coupled with the loaded truck and trailer raised his suspicions, so he began investigating, according to Reneau.
Rosamond reportedly received permission to search the vehicle and trailer. A records check using the cargo trailer’s vehicle identification number showed it had been reported to Benton, Arkansas authorities in 2017 as stolen, Reneau said.
Reyes allegedly told police he bought the trailer about a month ago from an individual in Memphis. He reportedly had in his possession a certificate of origin for the trailer, but it was not registered to him, according to police reports.
Consequently, 33-year-old Heriberto Reyes of Jonesboro, Arkansas was arrested at 3:25 a.m for theft by possession of stolen property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000, according to arrest reports.
Police impounded the truck and trailer, and were still inventorying the items on them Friday morning.
Police later Thursday contacted Big Tex in Benton, Arkansas regarding the trailer, and learned credit cards or information had been used fraudulently in order to obtain trailers from the business, according to Reneau.
An initial check using the mower’s ID numbers came back clear. However, a call by SSPD Sgt. Detective David Gilmore to John Deere revealed the Zero Turn Mower was one of 10 in a trailer reported stolen from Memphis, Tennessee in January, Reneau said Friday.
If the remaining items are determined to not have been stolen, they will be returned to Reyes, according to Reneau.
Reyes was released from the county jail later May 16 on $5,000 bond on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Tira News for May 16, 2019
By Jan Vaughn
Regina Payton spent a few days with her mother, Martha Payton. She mentioned that her brother and sister-in-law, Brad and Virginia Payton, were coming for a visit on Sunday, along with an aunt and uncle.
Our son, Delayne Vaughn, of Waco, was here on Saturday and Sunday. We enjoyed visiting and playing games.
On Sunday, many of Chip’s family members met at Posey Baptist Church and honored Grace Vaughn for Mother’s Day. Also, Andy Wright, recognized Polly Ferrell, Vera Mae Glossup, and Grace for their dedication to the church and to their families through the years.
After the service, Grace (98 years-old) wanted to ride the motorcycle with her son, Jim Vaughn of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, to our house for lunch. Also joining us for lunch were Liz Steinsiek and Delayne, Tiffany, Kenden, and Jaidyn. Chip, Tiffany, Jaidyn, and I attended the Baccalaureate service at North Hopkins School that evening.
Yvonne Weir, Brenda Allen, Regina Taylor and I met at Roma’s in Sulphur Springs on Tuesday for a belated birthday lunch for Yvonne.
The Aiguier Cemetery Association will hold their annual meeting and pot-lunch lunch on Sunday, June 2, in the North Hopkins School Cafeteria. Everyone will gather to share a meal around noon, with a brief business meeting to follow. Donations to the cemetery fund are always needed and appreciated. Contributions may be mailed to the Aiguier Cemetery Association, c/o Peggy Beck, 332 CR 3620, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
29 SSHS Seniors Recognized As Honor Graduates
Sulphur Springs Independent School District Thursday morning recognized 29 seniors as honor graduates during a special breakfast hosted at Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
The 29 are the top ranking students in the Sulphur Springs High School Senior Class of 2019, which includes 298 graduation candidates.
Each honor graduate was encouraged to have their parents and a teacher or educator who made a lasting impact in their lives attend the breakfast with them. Each honor graduate received a gold honor stole to wear during their graduation ceremony May 24, presented by their chosen educator.
The SSHS counselors called each honor graduate to the front of the room and provided information about their school activities, college and career plans, and the noted why that student selected the educator they recognized.
This year’s SSHS honor graduates are, in alphabetical order, along with their parents’ names, career plans and the educators who impacted them:
- Felipe Alba, son of Ana Marin, plans to attend the University of Houston with a goal of pursuing a career in engineering. Alba was joined by Paula Hass, who taught taught him in 10th and 11th grades. He described Hass as a “great teacher,” whose class he had fun in and with whom he had fun wining in accounting UIL.
- Peyton Baugh, daughter of Sherry Baugh, plans to attend the University of Oklahoma to pursue a career as a civil engineer. Baugh was joined by Renee Maeker, who taught her Spanish II, III and IV her sophomore through senior years and Baugh described as “always incredibly helpful and supportive, no matter the subject or circumstance.
- Mariana Botello, daughter of Lorenzo and Gloria Botello, has been admitted to Texas A&M University-Commerce Honors College. Botello recognized Demetra Robinson. She said she is “forever grateful” to have had Robinson as a teacher.
- Mason Burgin, son of Corey and Teffany Burgin, plans to attend Texas Tech University. He recognized Gayle Rainey, his third grade teacher, who “made learning fun,” and more importantly, made Burgin realize he could succeed at anything he puts his mind to.
- Carissa Carter, daughter of Jackie and Ron Carter, plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce, where she’s been admitted to the Honors College, with a goal of becoming a dermatologist. The SSHS valedictorian recognized Gail Herman, her literary criticism coach all four years of high school, for being a “great influence in my education, UIL, and my personal life,” for for giving her “memories I will laugh at for years to come.”
- Chase Crouch, son of Joseph and Renee Crouch, plans to attend Southwestern University where he will pursue a career as a political scientist or economist. He recognized counselor Karey Brice, who he says “expressed interest in all of my extracurricular activities from the day we met.”
- Austin Cade Dodd, son of Landon and Cindy Dodd, plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce. He recognized coach Kurt McCain who has taught him all four years of high school, to whom he’s grown very close.
- Pacen Edwards, son of Angela Edwards and Keith Edwards, plan to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce; he’s undecided in his career plans. He recognized Mrs. Warren, who taught him in fifth, seventh and 11th grades, with whom he says he’s always been close.
- Alli Fain, daughter of Holly and Terry Fain, plans to attend Texas A&M University, where she will major in communications with a goal of attending law school. Fain recognized Mylissa Bailey, who she says has been “one of the brightest parts of my day, and can always see the positive and make light of every situation.”
- Kaitlyn Ferrill, daughter of Kristi and Jeremy Ferrill, plans to attend Texas A&M Commerce. She recognized her 10th grade teacher, Kaley Williams, for always being “a great example of how to love and respect the people around you.”
- Brayden Fisher, son of Carol Stoermer, plans to attend Baylor University with plans to pursue a career in computer science. Fisher recognized his ninth and 10th grade teacher, Gina Wilder, as the “proprietor of my career choice and my UIL experience.”
- Jaci Glenn, daughter of John and Joy Glenn, plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce, where she plans to work toward a career in nursing. Glenn recognized her 9th and 12th grade teacher, Amanda Clark. She said Clark’s classes “have always been the ones I look forward to.”
- Wendy Harrington, daughter of Maria Harrington, plans to attend the University of North Texas. She recognized Sarah Tull, who over the last two years “has been a great mentor and has greatly assisted me with all my needs.”
- Diana Herrera, daughter of Oscar and Irma Herrera, plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce, with a goal of becoming an orthodontist. Herrera recognize Carmen Contreras, her fourth grade teacher at Travis Elementary, for helping her “embrace my strengths and found potential in me.”
- Tessa Holt, daughter of Chris and Jennifer Holt, plans to attend Tyler Junior College. Holt recognized her fourth grade teacher Misty Brock. Her favorite school memories, which include hatching baby chicks, include Brock.
- Cameron Horton, daughter of Brad and Laynie Horton and Fred Horton, plans to attend Paris Junior college, then transfer to TAMU-Commerce to attain a bachelor of science in biology, then Ross University veterinary school to attain a doctorate of veterinary medicine. She recognized Coach David Carrillo, who she considers a mentor who “has taught me so much about life.”
- Jennifer Lopez-Cervantes, daughter of Pedro Lopez and Maria Cervantes, plans to attend the University of North Texas. She recognized Brynn Smith, who over the last two years has mentored and supported her in all academic aspects.
- Taylor McElfresh, daughter of Ginger and Clayton McElfresh, plans to attend Texas Tech University, where with a goal of pursuing a career in physical the therapy field. She recognized Caroline Kenealy, “because of how strong and courageous she is, and how inspiring she’s been in my life.”
- Maddie Millsap, daughter of Brad and Lisa Millsap, plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington. Millsap recognized her kindergarten teacher, Mary Surber, who pushed her at a young age to reach her potential, believed in her and taught her to believe in herself.
- Gracie Moore, daughter of Tonya Moore and Nick Moore, plans to attend TAMUC, with a goal of becoming a teacher. She recognized Lynn Smith for helping her “come of out my shell by getting involved.”
- Autumn Tanton-Neighbors, daughter of Amy Tanton, plans to attend Oklahoma Wesleyan University. She recognized Chandra Crawford, her second grade teacher, because of how special she made her feel with her “endless amount of love.
- Madelyn Ray, daughter of Kyle and Lesli Ray, plans to attend Texas A&M University-College Station to pursue a career in social work or work in missions. She recognized Elizabeth Bialecki, who she can talk to about anything and who “has always been there for me.”
- Skylar McKenna Shumate, daughter of Mitch and Destiny Shumate, plans to attend Texas A&M-Commerce. She recognized Mr. Wilson, who never taught her, but from whom she gained wisdom through daily conversations. She said she strives to have the patience and love he shows when she attempts to inspire the children she teaches one day.
- Sierra Smith, daughter of Andy Smith and Kimberly Smith, plans to attend Texas State University, where she will major in kinesiology in the hopes of becoming a physical therapist. She recognized Bailey Dorner, who she’s grown to love as a coach and mentor during the many hours spent with her during softball.
- Allison Breann Stephens, daughter of Brad Stephens and Rene Stephens, plans to attend Texas A&M University-College Station, where she will major in pre-physical therapy in hopes of becoming a physical therapist one day. She recognized Chris Valdovinos, who has been her rock throughout high school.
- Landry Tyson, son of Derek Tyson and Christi Tyson, plans to attend Texas A&M-Commerce, where he will work to become a strength and conditioning trainer. He recognized Gerald Grafton, whose influence Tyson said goes far beyond that of math; his wisdom, Tyson said, will help guide him throughout his career and life.
- Lainey Whittle, daughter of Robert and Faith Whittle, plans to Attend Texas A&M University-Commerce to study marketing. She recognized Rachel Finney, whose taught her all four years of high school and has always been wiling to lend a listening ear and help through rough times.
- Caitlyn Williams, daughter of Michael and Donna Williams, plans to attend Baylor University. She recognized her sixth grade teacher, Amy Harden, who she said “always speaks out of love has helped me with many projects in and out of school.
- Zoe Wilson, daugheter of Chris Wilson, plans to attend Baylor University to work toward a career in special education. She recognized Debbie Stribling for supporting her, even when it meant pushing her to do more.
KSST’s video of the awards program may be viewed here.
Friday Graduation Features PJC Top Student Award
While not quite at the record of over 600 graduates at Paris Junior College a few years ago, more than 440 students have applied to graduate from Paris Junior College this semester. Over half plan to walk in the Friday commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. in Noyes Stadium.
Part of the ceremony will be the announcement of the Distinguished Service Award, the highest student honor given at PJC. Five outstanding sophomores have been nominated for the Distinguished Service Award this year, including John Altman of College Station, Giselle Benitez of Paris, Maddie Ellsworth of Clarksville, Jayla Oldfield of Detroit, and Breanne Smallwood of Mount Pleasant.
Producers Sell Over 5,000 Head Of Cattle At NETBIO Sale
Livestock producers converged on the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission Wednesday to market their cattle in the May Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization pre-conditioned stocker and feeder calf sale.
A total of 241 producer/members of NETBIO shipped nearly 5,500 head of calves and yearlings to the sale. Those cattle were purchased by 36 buyers who paid an average of $795.17 per head.
Sellers, buyers and visitors from throughout the region — and some from neighboring states — attended the sale that featured a lot of excellent quality cattle.
“We had a lot of good cattle consigned to the sale and there was a lot of interest from the buyers — both those at the sale and some buying over the Internet,” said David Fowler, co-owner of the livestock commission. Buyers bidding over the Internet purchased 1,042 head of cattle.
Fowler said feedlot buyers were well represented, along with many buyers from throughout the region. “It was a very good offering of cattle and buyers recognized the excellent quality,” Fowler said.
Most of the cattle purchased were going to feed yards in the Panhandle. However, Fowler added that quite a few were purchased to go back to grass out west and to local pastures.
Cattle prices held up well under “not so good world marketing conditions,” primarily because producers shipped in quality pre-conditioned cattle and the demand for all weights was good.
The NETBIO Pre-Conditioned Stocker and Feeder Calf Sale gives producers a market to offer their pre-conditioned calves and yearlings in load lot quantities. NETBIO holds eight pre-conditioned calf sales per year, which is the marketing arm for members of the organization.
The next sale will be held at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission on Wednesday, July 17. The weaning deadline for calves consigned to that sale is June 2. The last date for booster shots is June 17.
That sale will be followed by sales on Sept. 18, followed by a sale on Oct. 16 and the anniversary sale on Nov. 20.
