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.
Owens Says Spring Football Has Been Good for His Young Team
Wildcats Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Greg Owens said spring football workouts were good for his team and coaching staff this year. This is the fourth year for the Wildcats to have spring football. He described his current team as youthful after 32-seniors graduated off of this past season’s team. Coach Owens said his current bunch brings energy and excitement. He added they don’t always know where they are going sometime. Coach Owens said during spring practice coaches put the players under pressure to see how they react. He said the main goal of spring ball is to develop the offensive line and the defensive front seven and safeties. Because of the youth of the team, Coach Owens said the Wildcats are participating in more 7 on 7 football than usual right now for the reps it provides for players throwing, catching and covering. He said spring football has featured teaching, teaching and teaching of fundamentals. Coach Owens said there have been lots of bright spots and he said it has been very productive. He added it has also shown there is still a lot to be done and things to work on this summer. Spring practice ended Thursday in the athletic period during the school day. All that’s left now is the Spring Game coming up Friday at 6 p.m. at Gerald Prim Stadium.
Hearts of Life Presents Sophie For Adoption
Sophie is still searching for her forever home! Sophie is a mature yet high energy girl! She can be a complete goofball but also loves to be at your side. She walks well on the leash and would make an excellent running partner! Her adoption fee is $100.00. If you’re interested in this sweet girl, please call or text us at 903-439-5019, email [email protected], find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/heartsoflife or on Petfinder.com.
Local Author Don Brown’s “Experiences of a Lifetime” Book Signings This Week
After retirement as Vice President of Ben-Tex Pharmaceuticals in Houston, Don Brown and his wife Nora moved to Sulphur Springs in the early 1990’s. This move followed a lifetime of ministry and world travels and put them closer to their two children and grandchildren. Then in 2017, following the passing of his wife and 68-year prayer partner, Don decided to put their many interesting experiences into book form. His self-published work “Experiences of a Lifetime” was released in 2019 and will be offered locally this week in two book-signing events at Good News Christian Bookstore in Sulphur Springs.
“Experiences of a Lifetime” has 199 brief chapters, most only one page long. Each fascinating, well-written recollection offers a vignette of an enriching experience and a lesson learned. Readers will follow Don from his youthful years in Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas as a minister’s son to earning money and life skills through farm and ranch work. His teen years included high school Varsity sports from which he earned three college scholarships as well as a ministerial scholarship. Later, broad opportunities to preach God’s word came as he and Nora followed God’s direction to new places. He credits God’s direction and protection in all his experiences, from his frequent hitchhiking across the 4-States region during college years, to witnessing a secret and sacred Ute “Sun Dance”, to a life-threatening encounter at the Great Pyramid when visiting the Holy Lands. Within the chapters, Don subtly uses each story as a faith-building teaching tool.
You can meet Donald Brown on Thursday May 16 and on Saturday May 18, 2019 at Good News Christian Bookstore inside the VF Outlet along I-30’s Industrial Drive East in Sulphur Springs. The two book signings will be held from 10 am til 2 pm, Don will gladly autograph the books purchased. He is a retired pastor, an active member of First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs and Director of an Adult Department at the church. You can find out more at donaldbrownauthor.net.
Raffle to Fund Ms. Hopkins County Senior Trip to State Pageant this Summer! Tickets at Seniors Center
from: Karon Weatherman, Director of Sulphur Springs Sr Citizens Center
We have a project going to raise money for the 2019 Ms Hopkins County Senior Pageant Winner to help pay for her expenses at the State Pageant. We are selling 50/50 Raffle Tickets for $ 1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. You can purchase your Raffle Tickets at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center or from any of the 10 Contestants. I will list them on the bottom of this post. 50 % of the funds raised will go to the 2019 Pageant Queen and the other 50% will be split between 2 Lucky Winners that will have their tickets drawn from a basket during the pageant. You do not have to be present to win.
You just need to make sure your Name and Phone number
are on the Ticket Stub for the drawing on June 1st. The drawing will be held during the evening of the Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic Pageant, scheduled for the Civic Center Banquet Hall on Saturday June 1, 2019 at 6pm. Admission to the Pageant is free. The evening will be filled with talent by contestants and former Ms. Hopkins County Senior title-holders.
Contestants are: Vender Wright, Marjean Allen, Nancy Bassham Bolton,Pam Gibson George, Jan Gray, Majel Redick, Elizabeth Wilburn, Valerie Tuttle Ross, Jan Massey and Linda Hawk Pickle-Hill. The current reigning Ms. Hopkins County is Mary Ivey.
