PJC Receives Clean Audit Report; Approve Sport and Recreation Management Degree; Enrollment Increases
Paris Junior College and the PJC Memorial Foundation received a clean audit report at the January PJC Board of Regents meeting on Monday.
“We have a clean opinion,” said Andy Reich of McClanahan Holmes as he presented results of the 2017-2018 audit to the regents. He explained that there was a clean opinion on the federal and state funding audits as well, “there are no findings.”
The regents also approved an Associate of Science in Sport and Recreation Management and a Public Health option on the Associate of Science in Kinesiology which will facilitate transfer to Texas A&M University – Commerce.
“Texas A&M University – Commerce has a Sport and Recreation Management degree,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “They asked that we have the first two years so students can have seamless transfer to their program. We have quite a few students who want this degree; they want to be sports agents, personal trainers, athletic directors, or manage recreational centers.”
The Public Health option with a one-course difference to the kinesiology degree will allow transfer to TAMU-C for their public health bachelor’s degree and when completed, students may go advance straight into their master’s program in public health.
The Board of Regents received a preliminary enrollment report showing an enrollment of 4,433 students, up from 4,294 at this time last year. There are many more still waiting for processing issues to be resolved; a final enrollment number will be presented at the February meeting.
Regents also heard the latest data from the annual Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System report which compares PJC to 22 other medium size Texas colleges. PJC’s graduation rate is 32 percent versus 21 percent at peer colleges, 78 percent of students are on financial aid versus 68 percent of students, 61 percent are on Pell compared to 52 percent, and PJC spends less in nearly all categories than peers.
In other business, the Regents:
• Received an updated presentation from Stantec on Student Center renovations including window replacement. The Board voted to move forward with bids for the project.
• Accepted the Texas Association of School Board’s Local Policy Update 35 to the governing policies of the college.
• Accepted employment of Student Recruiter/Academic Advisor Katherine Barnes, Adult Education Site Coordinator/Career Pathways Navigator Marifrances Casey, Computer Information Systems Instructor Cedric Crawford, and Radiology Technology Instructor/Clinical Coordinator Laura Fendley.
• Approved a City of Paris utility easement on Jefferson Road.
Video Presentation: Delta County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet 2019
Delta County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet 2019 video produced by Jeremy Glossip, student at North Hopkins High School.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report January 16-22, 2019
Wood County Sheriff’s Report January 16, 2019 to January 22, 2019 includes:
January 16th
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 1:37 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Hawkins; at approximately 1:52 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2310 near Mineola, at approximately 9:10 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 9:18 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies spoke with the owner of the property and the vehicle was removed.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:16 p.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on CR 2281 near Mineola. A known actor took the reporting party’s vehicle without consent.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2225 near Quitman, at approximately 3:34 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s property.
At 5:02 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 4890 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2659 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:12 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 84, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 8:40 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
January 17th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4790 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:02 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the wrecked vehicle and this incident was forwarded to the Department of Public Services.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on CR 1726 near Yantis; at approximately 12:14 a.m. Jody Luscomb, 52, of Yantis, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Lake Holbrook point; at approximately 1:22 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3482 near Hawkins, at approximately 2:07 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:18 a.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on HWY 154 near Quitman. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 4:30 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Lane Ogle, 20, of Yantis, was arrested for Criminal Mischief and Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 11:06 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any signs of theft.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person, on CR 3810 near Hawkins; at approximately 6:15 p.m. Deputies located and provided the individual with a courtesy transport.
January 18th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Choctaw near Quitman; at approximately 3:43 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2954 near Alba, at approximately 7:06 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:44 a.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on CR 2460 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 9:14 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3230 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to Alba Golden School, at approximately 10:20 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2198 near Mineola, at approximately 10:39 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:43 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1246 near Quitman, at approximately 3:14 p.m., in reference to an animal complaint. Deputies located a malnourished horse and this case was forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to Lloyd Ave. in Quitman, at approximately 3:35 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Billy Cockerham, 39, of Hawkins, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:59 p.m., in reference to a terroristic threat that occurred on Geronimo near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to Village Circle in Yantis, at approximately 4:43 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1970 near Yantis, at approximately 5:47 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 7:56 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 2650 near Mineola.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Evans St. in Mineola; at approximately 8:33 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4186 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:38 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to SPUR 514 near Yantis; at approximately 10:12 p.m. Billy Finklea, 69, of Yantis, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3540 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:48 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Johnson Lane in Mineola; at approximately 11:56 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
January 19th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2376 near Alba, at approximately 12:04 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies located an open door, but were unable to locate any signs of theft.
Deputies were dispatched to Main St. in Yantis, at approximately 12:14 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:57 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Choctaw near Quitman; at approximately 1:22 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
At 9:10 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
At 9:35 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Yantis.
At 9:48 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 1801 near Mineola.
At 12:12 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3160 near Quitman, at approximately 12:52 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 1:05 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 1801 near Mineola.
At 4:02 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 852 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1912 near Yantis, at approximately 6:45 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3220 near Quitman, at approximately 8:02 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 9:03 p.m., horses were reported out on HWY 37 near Winnsboro.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Evans St. in Mineola; at approximately 11:54 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
January 20th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2560 near Mineola, at approximately 4:04 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies located the individuals and advised them to lower the volume of the music.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Sioux near Quitman; at approximately 8:26 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 3120 near Quitman; at approximately 8:46 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 852 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:11 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 852 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:26 a.m. Stuart Bruce, 40, of Winnsboro, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Mill St. in Winnsboro; at approximately 10:21 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:38 a.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on FM 852 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 2:44 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies located an individual at the scene, but everything was OK. This case is active.
At 3:07 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 3:41 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
At 5:16 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 1880 near Yantis.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2800 near Mineola; at approximately 8:23 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:31 p.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on FM 1254 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 1660 near Alba; at approximately 9:37 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:05 p.m., in reference to a possible theft that occurred on HWY 80 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
January 21st
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 9:21 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4495 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:24 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and the incident was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4200 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:15 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:46 p.m., in reference to a terroristic threat that occurred on PR 5980 near Yantis. This case is active.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3245 near Quitman, at approximately 5:58 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any persons or signs of burglary.
At 7:11 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4860 near Winnsboro.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3810 near Hawkins; at approximately 11:11 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
January 22nd
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1534 near Alba, at approximately 1:17 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the homeowner and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Yantis; at approximately 2:10 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3226 near Quitman, at approximately 12:42 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4495 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:03 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Carrie Finney, 44, of Winnsboro, was arrested for Criminal Trespass.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:10 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat that occurred on FM 14 near Hawkins. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Between the dates of January 16 and January 22, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Medical Services.
Between the dates of January 16 and January 22, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators obtained 1 arrested warrant and arrested the individual.
Total Jail Count –129 inmates – 101 males and 28 females.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
North Hopkins ISD Extends Superintendent Jolly’s Contract
In a special meeting Thursday evening, Dr. Darin Jolly’s contract was extended by North Hopkins ISD Board of Trustees to extend his 3-year contract through June 2022. The North Hopkins ISD Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, January 24th to discuss Dr. Jolly’s performance as Superintendent and consider his contract in a special meeting at 7:30PM. The meeting adjourned at 11:19PM.
Dr. Jolly stated, “I am blessed and thankful to lead North Hopkins ISD every day. We have an amazing school district with fantastic staff, teachers, principals, and most of all, our Panther students. Together, we have made significant gains with security, safety, academics, technology, facilities, financial stewardship, and community involvement since June of 2016. Our Board of Trustees, under the leadership of President, David James, has great vision and direction for our students, staff and community. Every day is a joy to make a difference in North Hopkins. I look forward to next steps in making our great district even better for the future.”
Miller Grove FFA Skills Team Presents Shop-Made Battering Ram to Rockwall Police SWAT Unit
The Miller Grove FFA Skills Team was happy to assist a community need by building a piece of equipment for an area law enforcement organization. Ag teacher and FFA sponsor Jeffery Gatlin let the students know how their skills could be used in a beneficial way by creating a battering ram for use by a SWAT team in rescue and apprehension. It was built to size, weight and balance specifications using scrap metal on hand and simple welds. The tool was presented to Rockwall Police Patrol Officer and SWAT member Troy Williamson on Thursday January 24 in the school shop. Williamson plans to add this to the “tool box” onboard his SWAT unit. He said the item would cost his department over $400. Gatlin stated that it cost his department less than $30 to build and that it gave the students a sense of pride that their gift might help save a life.
Hearts of Life Presents Rufus for Adoption
Rufus is still searching for his forever home! Rufus will celebrate his 2nd birthday in April. He is still a typical puppy and everything that comes with it! He is the perfect age to be trained for your lifestyle. Rufus’s brother was adopted to a great home so now it’s his turn.
His adoption fee is $100.00 which includes all previous vetting, neuter and rabies shot. Please contact Hearts of Life Animal Rescue by phone at 903-439-5019, email at [email protected], Facebook.com/heartsoflife or Petfinder.com.
Tira News January 25th, 2019
By Jan Vaughn
The Tira City Council will have a called meeting on Monday, January 28, 2019, at 6:00 p.m., to discuss the water damage and needed repairs at the Community Center. Also on the agenda will be a discussion about property insurance. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend.
Evelyn Horne went to the Ft. Worth Stock Show and the stockyards this past weekend, with a friend of hers from Navasota. They attended the rodeo, saw some exhibits, did some shopping, and “enjoyed fabulous steaks at H3 Ranch restaurant”. She adds, “…and yes, freezing cold, but had fun.”
Yvonne Weir recently returned from a trip to South Africa with Destri, Eben and Nico, her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. She reports, “We arrived after a 24-hour flight, which was interrupted by a layover in London. I was told to stay awake, so I wouldn’t be jet lagged but I kept falling asleep during conversations. We visited Eben’s sister and family in Cape Town and
his parents in Agulhas.
In Cape Town, we went to the beach and Kirstenbosch botanical gardens.
We also went to the water front and shopped. On the way to Agulhas we stopped near a shipwreck site called Birkenhead. This was the place that the “women and children first” tradition when a ship sank originated. Four hundred plus men died, but many women and children survived.
We ate at Bientang cave. The food was wonderful and it was next to the ocean, but the steep rock steps were killers. We rented a house by the sea in Agulhas. It was lovely, but the beach was very rocky. There is a monument there at the lowest point in South Africa and it is where the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean meet. There is a lighthouse there that is fully
operational.
During our drives we saw African deer and wild ostrich. Eben’s parents cooked for us. They cook lamb and sausage over a wood fire, which is in a brick oven. It is the way the Afrikaners have prepared their food for centuries. After staying there three days we headed to Franschoek, which is a winery area. Eben’s parents stayed with us in a lovely home.
We went on a winery tram and saw beautiful country and stopped at 5 or 6 wine tastings. Some were good, others not so much. It is summer there, so the flowers were lovely. One of the flowers, called the Proteus, is found naturally only in the Cape Town area.
After 3 days there I rode with Eben’s parents back to Cape Town and we went to a butterfly preserve. There were many other types of birds, reptiles, etc. there, too. The Flame Butterflies were the most prominent. The next day we toured around Cape Town. The wind was high and the waves were, also. Table Rock was closed due to clouds. We shopped at Simon Town.
We rode the ferry to Robbene Island, and then rode on a bus around the island and toured the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 17 years. The tours were led by former political prisoners and their stories were compelling. We saw a family of penguins and a springbok on the island. The day before we left Table Rock was open, so we rode the cable car to the top. It was beautiful, with 360-degree views of the ocean, Cape Town and
mountains, etc.
All in all, it was the trip of a lifetime and I met very wonderful people. I was slower than the kids, but they were very gracious to help me.”
Grace Vaughn celebrating her 98th birthday
Chip and I picked up his mother, Grace, on Saturday and we met Linda Ellen, Chip’s sister, in Greenville for lunch at Red Lobster. We were celebrating Grace’s 98th birthday, which was on Friday, January 18th . Grace rode back with Linda Ellen, who was spending the weekend with her. They joined Chip, Tiffany, and me, at our house, for lunch on Sunday. Jaidyn was with Malcolm and Kenden was with a friend.
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 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected] .
Loving Your Heart – for the Health of it By Johanna Hicks
While February is best known for Valentine’s Day, did you know that it is also American Heart Month? This February, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service recommends giving your heart love, too, by being aware of heart problems and the steps you can take to prevent them.
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 610,000 deaths each year, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The root cause of heart disease is plaque formation and buildup that occurs when coronary arteries become clogged by cholesterol, fatty deposits, and calcium. Buildup causes arteries to become narrow, making it difficult for oxygen and blood to flow through the body and to the organs.
Anyone is at risk for developing heart disease. However, people who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoke cigarettes are at higher risk. According to the CDC, about 47% of Americans have at least one of these risk factors. Additional factors that contribute to the progression of the disease include:
· Diabetes
· Being overweight or obese
· Poor diet
· Physical inactivity
· Excessive alcohol use
· Having a family history of heart disease
· Age, especially in women 55 and older
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service recommends taking preventative measures by becoming aware of risk factors and consulting with a doctor on a regular basis. Developing a treatment plan with a physician can help stabilize blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood cholesterol levels. Other preventative measures include:
• Eating a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables
• Being physically active
• Stopping the use of cigarettes
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Reducing sodium intake
When it comes to pursuing a healthy lifestyle, try incorporating heart healthy foods into your diet such as green, leafy vegetables, avocadoes, whole grains, and seeds. Add these ingredients into meals like Quinoa Cakes, a Fresh Berry Caprese Salad, or an Avocado Mandarin Salad by using recipes from AgriLife Extension’s Dinner Tonight. To find more recipes, visitdinnertonight.tamu.edu.
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop
While we’re on the topic of February, Heart Month, I want to remind everyone about an upcoming workshop. The Christmas holidays and Valentines’ Day are both popular times for couples to become engaged, and Extension wants to help prepare them for a healthy start! The Twogether in Texas Marriage education workshop is designed to equip couples with practical information to strengthen their bond and help them get their marriage off to a good start.
Three workshops are offered each year, so if one date doesn’t work, there are two other opportunities! The workshop is a one-day (approximately 6 hours) event, covering the following topics:
- Marriage expectations
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Money Management
- Goals & dreams
Videos, couple interaction, group participation, and fun activities are included in the workshop. Engaged couples who complete the workshop will receive a certificate for a $60 savings (state portion) when applying for a marriage license. The certificate is good for one year from the date I issue it, so even if the wedding is several months away, the savings is still viable. Here are the specifics on the upcoming workshop:
- Date: Saturday, February 9 (other workshops are offered on May 18 and August 24)
- Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Hopkins County Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Cost: nothing, but couples are requested to RSVP so adequate preparations can be made
- To reserve a seat: call 903-885-3443 – give us your names and phone number
Closing Thought
Life is too precious to hurry through and not enjoy the moment – Melinda Hill
Recipe of the Week
Avocado Mandarin Salad
Ingredients:
one 11-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
½ cup green onions thinly sliced
1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups torn salad greens
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and sliced
¼ cup fat-free Italian dressing
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine oranges, onion, pecans, and pepper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Place the greens in a salad bowl, and top with orange mixture and avocado slices.
- Drizzle with dressing before serving.
Nutrition Facts per serving (makes 8 servings):
Calories – 100; total fat – 7 g; cholesterol – 0 mg; sodium – 85 mg; carbohydrate – 8 g; dietary fiber – 3 g
Cumby Trojans Robotics Team Hosts State, National VEX Qualifying Event
On Saturday January 26, 2019 the World Champ Cumby ISD Robotics team will host a qualifying event for other Texas high school teams. About 20 teams from nearby and across the state who compete in the VEX Robotic Program competitions will arrive at Cumby High School for the day-long qualifier. Matches will begin at 9am, and spectators are welcome to attend free of charge.
Team members are Jadryen Long, Akayshia Smith, Lacy Jacobs, Cillian Smith, Kadden Cota and Ken Chapin. Senior students Long, Jacobs, Cota and Chapin are veterans of the school’s World title. Robotics coach is Ms. Lee Gifford who sponsored the team to the 2016 win at World and in their first and second-place National wins.
The 6-member team has been working feverishly since school resumed in 2019, getting their robot built and strategies developed for the “Turning Point” game, the recommended contest game. Match winners will be teams with the fastest and highest-scoring robots in the tasks assigned. The Cumby team demonstrated how their robot must enter and maneuver the playing field, lift and place a designated object, toss a ball to hit a target, then park itself in a designated space. This year’s qualifying rounds will differ from previous ones due to the newly developed VS electronic robot technology required of the high school-level teams. Fundraising was necessary due to the cost of the new robot technology. This is Cumby ISD’s seventh year to compete.
