PJC Offering Free Coding Camp in Six Locations Over Summer
Paris Junior College has holding a special coding camp made possible by the Texas Workforce Commission at six locations during June, July and August.
Applications must be received by the PJC Continuing Education Department on Tuesday, June 1.
The college will be closed on Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day.
The free Coding Camp is for students entering the sixth, seventh, or eighth grades, or those who have completed eighth grade in the 2020-21 school year.
The camp will provide hands-on experiences to foster an interest in computer coding and programming.
Campers will be presented challenging and innovative concepts in learning, problem solving and analytical skills.
Enrollment is limited and priority is given to foster youth, students with disabilities, students from low income families, and students from populations underserved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).
PJC received a $49,567 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission to provide curriculum to bring computer science science to life and teach real industry competency.
The six camps will accept 90 students who will become familiar with the basics of Arduino, Blockly, C++ and Python coding, Cyber Security, Raspberry Pi, drone systems, robotics, mechanical and electrical engineering and programming in a team-based environment.
“The growing demand for high-skilled technical workers means Texas must continue to attract more students into STEM fields,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Through programs like Camp Code, TWC remains committed to building a diverse workforce with the foundation in STEM necessary to keep our world class economy growing.”
Each camp will be held Monday through Friday from 8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Students may be dropped off at 7:45 A.M. and picked up by 4:45 P.M. Transportation assistance is available upon request.
Camp dates and locations are:
- June 21-25, 2021
- PJC – Sulphur Springs Center
- June 28-July 2
- Cooper ISD
- July 12-16
- Paris Junior College, Paris campus
- July 19-23
- PJC – Greenville Center
- July 26-30
- Clarksville ISD Youth Connection
- August 2-6
- Quinlan ISD
To apply, a parent or guardian and the student must complete the application form and a parent or guardian must complete the Permission, Medical & Media Release Form. The forms are at https://www.parisjc.edu/downloads/Coding-Camp-App.pdf. Both must be returned by the deadline of June 1, 2021.
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance; parents or guardians will be notified if their child has been selected. For questions or additional information, please contact 903-782-0447.
The application may be emailed to mpotter@parisjc.edu, faxed to 903-782-0443, or dropped off at the PJC Continuing Education Department in Paris or at the PJC-Greenville or PJC-Sulphur Springs by the June 1 deadline.
The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically.
For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org.
To receive notifications about TWC programs and services subscribe to our email updates.
Grays Building Dedication Hosted Friday Morning, Official Ribbon Cutting Planned This Summer
Community members got their first good look into the new HW Grays Building in Pacific Park during a dedication in which a plaque inside the building was revealed.
“This is a project that we are really excited about. The [City] Council and I have been talking about this for a long time and anticipating this. We are so excited to see this beautiful structure come together,” said Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers at the May 28, 2021 event.
Sellers recalls HW Grays, for whom the building is named, to be a “kind wonderful man.” He said his first encounter with Grays was through involvement with the 4-H program. He noted it’s nice to being able to again name a community building such as “this beautiful structure” after Grays.
While there’s still some finishing work to be done – the roll up bay doors that open into the park have yet to arrive and be installed, and restroom fixtures and facilities, and kitchen counters and equipment yet to be installed. City officials and project managers said they are planning for a formal ribbon cutting on or around June 19, in time for the annual Juneteenth events held annually in Pacific Park.
City Manager Marc Maxwell noted that a painting of Grays is expected to be placed in in the building before the officials ribbon cutting ceremony this summer.
The plaque notes the H.W. Grays Building to be a property of the city of Sulphur Springs, lists May 28, 2021 as the date of dedication, the mayor and city council members, city manager and secretary, architect, and offers special thanks to the chief building official, public works director, city electrician and facilities management supervisor for their contributions to the project. City staff have poured part of the concrete walk nearest the road, with more to be completed around the grounds later.
“We don’t have nothing on this side of this caliber so this is probably the most extensive city structure on this side,” said Bridgette Cooper, who founded and has as president of the non-profit East End Allegiance: Our Youth, an organization created to empower youth to be self-sufficient and confident in their being through education, enrichment activities, training, and mentorship, and along with other community members, advocated for improvements to unsafe playground equipment and the Grays building in Pacific Park in the fall of 2018.
The next phase of the park improvement will be renovation of the actual grounds themselves, which a Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant will help fund. Plans are being finalized for park renovations. The first phase of the park improvement project was funded with bond funds authorized by tax payers, which will also pay for construction of a new senior citizens activity center and will be repaid using EDC funding.
Required SSISD Physicals for Athletes and Band Members Offered Free on June 1
All Sulphur Springs High School and Middle School athletes and band members must get a physical in order to participate during next school year.
The Sulphur Springs ISD is offering free physicals on Tuesday, June 1 at the High School Gym from 5:15 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
Students must bring a completed and signed medical history or a parent.
Again required physicals for athletes and band members offered free on Tuesday, June 1 from 5:15 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the High School Gym.
Plano Man Arrested For Being Intoxicated In Court Hearing
A 35-year-old Plano man was arrested after allegedly being intoxicated in court, according to police reports.
The man was slated to appear in the the Hopkins County Court-At-Law at the 9 a.m. court session for a pretrial hearing on an Aug. 3, 2020, driving while intoxicated charge. However, the man appeared intoxicated when he arrived in the county courtroom for the hearing. He “was assumed to have driven to court intoxicated,” police noted in arrest reports.
The county court-at-law judge reportedly spoke with the man at 9:50 p.m., advised him his bond was revoked for DWI because of his level of intoxication and had him taken into custody at 10:19 a.m. Thursday, May 27, 2021. The 35-year-old Plano man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 11 a.m. for bond revocation on the DWI charge and for public intoxication.
Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton on Summer Camp, Middle School Soccer and The Edge for Soccer
Just before the end of the school year for SSHS teachers, Wildcats Soccer Coach and Teacher Alexi Upton wanted an opportunity to give an early plug for his SSISD Summer Soccer Camp coming up July 26-29 in the evening at the Multi-Purpose Building.
The camp is designed for boys and girls entering kindergarten through the 9th grade. Coach Upton said the kids get touches on the ball and learn passing, shooting and scoring while having fun.
He said instructors would include current coaches, former Wildcats and Lady Cats players and some former coaches. Cost is $50. Forms and info are available at the SSISD website. Campers can also get enrolled by showing up early the day of camp.
There will also be The Edge for Wildcats and Lady Cats’ athletes coming up this summer. The Edge runs for 6 weeks Mondays through Thursdays beginning June 7 and running through July 15.
It will be taking place for both groups from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. at Gerald Prim Stadium. The Edge is designed for athletes entering 9th through the 12th grades.
The Edge is a strength and conditioning program that also has time daily for sports-specific skills work.
Coach Upton noted that he just got finished with some Middle School Soccer competitions. Sulphur Springs’ teams played squads from Longview, Pine Tree and Mount Pleasant. He said there was supposed to be a Middle School Tournament but it got rained out. Coach Upton said the Middle Schoolers faced some good competition.
He said camp and Middle School Soccer give him a chance to see some good kids coming his way in the future. Coach Upton, coming into his 4thyear as Head Wildcats Soccer Coach, said he has seen quite an increase in his number of soccer athletes adding he expects to have 70 to 75 on his Varsity and JV Teams next season.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Saltillo Seniors Awarded More Than $101,000 In Scholarships
Employee Of The Year, Athletic And Academic Standouts Also Recognized by Saltillo ISD
Saltillo seniors were awarded more than $101,000 in scholarships during this week’s awards program in the school gym. That’s 15 of the 18 students in the Saltillo High School Senior Class of 2021 receiving scholarships. In addition to scholarships, students earning academic and athletic honors this year, and the Saltillo ISD Employee of the Year also were recognized during the awards program held Tuesday evening, May 25, in the school gym.
The largest single scholarship announced Tuesday was a $52,000 Merit Scholarship awarded to 2021 SHS salutatorian Garrett Tarver by Oklahoma University.
The next largest amount was a $32,000 Mary Bonham Educational Trust awarded to Brittney Peeples to help her fulfill her goal of attaining a college education.
Bianca Castro was awarded a $5,000 scholarship given by former teacher Barbra Conley Norris.
An Eagle Award Scholarship of $6,000 per semester was presented to Ally Smith.
Chandler Bain and Anna Reeder each received a $2,850 Finis and Onree Attlesey and Garland and Sweet Gamblin scholarship.
A Blue and Gold Freshman Tier 1 Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 was awarded to Kristina Wade.
Levi Rippy was awarded a $1,000 City National Bank Scholarship.
Receiving a $250 PTO/Booster Club Scholarship were Ofelia Cabrera, Chandler Bain, Kristina Wade, Christian Boekhorst, Anna Reeder, Brittney Peeples, Garrett Tarver, Bianca Castro, Josey Bench, Maddy Smith and Ally Smith.
Receiving $200 FCCLA Scholarships were Kristina Wade, Garrett Tarver, Maddy Smith, Bianca Castro, Paisley Kastner, Anna Reeder and Brittney Peeples.
Northeast Texas Community College awarded a $200 Texas Counselor and Principal’s Scholarship to Paisley Kastner.
The Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge presented Mirabeau B. Lamar Awards to Daniel Gonzales, Paisley Kastner and Ally Smith.
Senator Bob Hall sent certificates congratulating each senior on their achievements.
Tim Lane was presented with the Saltillo ISD Employee of the Year Award. He noted that there are a whole bunch of employees at the school who are as deserving of recognition.
Also recognized at the awards program were cross country, basketball, softball and baseball teams’ and individuals’ achievements, FCCLA and Beta winners and competitors, UIL participants and competitors, student who had perfect attendance, who made the A and AB Honor Rolls.
The FCCLA students typically as one of their projects bake cookies for Lake Country CASA to use as a fundraiser. Although there was no Cookie Walk in 2020, the FCCLA members insisted on fundraising to help CASA. Working together the students raised $1,500 to donate to CASA, Chapter Advisor Johnna West noted.
They also participated in the state contest virtually this year. Some participated in new tests this year, studying the material only to learn like half the material was not on the test.
Also, Saltillo FCCLA members typically fund raise selling chocolates and coffee. This year, because of how hands on that was, the students revised their plans, offering popcorn and Pot Tarts to raise funds for scholarships. Students can apply for funding. There are seven students who will be able to apply for the $200 award, by turning in a receipt upon completion of their first semester of post-secondary education.
Saltillo students also competed in February in virtual Beta competitions, which was a little bit more difficult with all competing in a number of different areas. There were many creative students in the group, and seven are advancing to the national contest to be hosted in Orlando in June.
Saltillo ISD students did well in academic UIL competitions at the district level. Two students advanced past the regional contest to state.
Anna Reeder and Garrett Tarver were recognized as the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Saltillo High School Senior Class of 2021. They, along with the 16 other Saltillo seniors will be honored during a commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday, May 28, 2021, in the gym.
Enjoy Cooper Lake State Park and Meet The New Park Ranger!
Cooper Lake State Park -Doctors Creek Hires New Park Ranger
Cooper, TX – “It’s the Park Rangers that make our Texas State Parks the very best,” says Cooper Lake State Park Complex Superintendent, Steve Killian. “Hiring qualified employees is probably my most difficult, most important, and yet most rewarding job that I undertake. We have an amazing team of park rangers at Cooper Lake State Park
serving over 112,000 visitors annually and that number continues to grow rapidly. Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek has just filled a maintenance park ranger position after a long and competitive process. Marissa Powers was selected as our newest ranger! Marissa and her family live in Klondike, TX. She moved from Oklahoma to Greenville, Texas eight years ago after accepting a job with the Texas A&M Forest Service as a wildland firefighter. She was married to her Doug husband in 2018 and moved to Klondike, where they started a family soon afterwards. They welcomed their son Hunter to the world in 2019 and have enjoyed raising him in Delta County country ever since. “I love this community and look forward to many years serving Cooper Lake State Park,” said Ranger Powers.
Come enjoy our park that Ranger Powers and the rest of the staff have prepared for you and your family and friends. Are you ready to go camping? Relaxing around a campfire at the park in the evening is unbeatable! The flickering light and warmth of a campfire will lift your spirits and reconnect your soul to feelings shared by past generations. There is no better place to share a story or eat a meal than Cooper Lake State Park!
Are you ready to come out to the park for the day? Why not fish from the bank, off our pier, fishing wall, or rent a kayak and try your luck along the shoreline. Fish attractors have been placed around the Doctors Creek floating fishing pier and the fishing wall at South Sulphur to help increase fishing success. Crappie, bluegill, bass, and catfish are
being caught at both park units. May and June are great times to fish at Cooper Lake! Fishing licenses are not required if you are fishing from the bank or fishing pier at Cooper Lake State Park. Other very popular activities are hiking our trails, playing on our playground, swimming, and so much more! Texas State Parks are the best places
to relax, recreate, and recharge your soul!
Cooper Lake State Park is very economical with entrance fees of $5 for adults with kids 12 and under always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily with a Senior Pass. Unlimited park entrances for you and everyone in your vehicle (15 persons) can be accomplished with the purchase of a Texas State Park Annual
Pass for $70 which is good for over 12 months. For more information, please visit and like our Facebook pages (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek (903) 395-3100).
Hatley, Miranda Ranked Top Students at North Hopkins HS
At the top of the Class of 2021 at North Hopkins High School are Jessica Hatley, valedictorian, and Saul Miranda, salutatorian.
Jessica Hatley has been a student at North Hopkins ISD for 11 of her school years. Her parents are Jon and Tiar Hatley.
As a student at North Hopkins, she participated in National Beta Club and was a state and regional qualifier in CX Debate, Number Sense and Literary Criticism. She earned first place in the Voice Of Democracy Contest for public speaking. She also served as Secretary and Vice-President of her FFA Chapter.
With a 4.0 GPA, she graduates with distinction as Valedictorian of her class.
While attending high school, Jessica earned 60 credit hours at Paris Junior College and currently is in the application process for an Associates Degree. Her career interest is in the various fields of the computer industry. In the fall, she plans to attend Brigham Young University to major in Computer Sciences.
Salutatorian Saul Miranda has been a student at North Hopkins ISD since he entered school. He graduates at the top of his class with a 3.92 GPA. Saul is the son of Alfonso and Janet Miranda.
Saul is a 3-year member of National Beta Club and participated in UIL in Number Sense.
While in high school, Saul earned dual credits in English. He plans to attend Texas A & M University-Commerce, pursue a major in Art and seek a career in animation or game design.
The top students along with the rest of the senior class will be honored with a graduation ceremony at 3 p.m. Saturday May 29, 2021 in the North Hopkins Panthers High School Gym. Guests may attend to see the students receive their diplomas. Attendees are asked to wear masks.
Como-Pickton Seniors Receive Over $210,000 In Scholarships
More than $210,000 in scholarships were announced this week for Como-Pickton seniors during the annual Senior Night program at the school. Como-Pickton High School Class of 2021 graduate candidates also were recognized for academic achievements as well.
The 10 students recognized for having the top cumulative averages were:
- Kaitlyn Morgan, valedictorian, 6.373 grade point average
- Lexi Busby, salutatorian, 6.144 GPA
- Delane Baxley, 6.121 GPA
- Jackson Monk, 6.096 GPA
- Madison Garner, 6.068 GPA
- Summer Gilbreath, 6.057 GPA
- Chloe Romero, 5.924 GPA
- Josue Pulgarin, 5.904 GPA
- Kade Kaslon, 5.884 GPA
- Cindy Munoz, 5.847 GPA
Michael Bowen presented Valedictorian Kaitlyn Morgan and Chloe Romero were awarded $1,000 Como-Pickton FFA Scholarships. He also awarded Morgan a special scholarship, given in honor of his friend and coworker, who taught and coached at CP, the late Lonnie Niblett. In addition to the $500 Lonnie Niblett Memorial Scholarship, Bowen presented Morgan with a $1,000 Texas FFA Foundation scholarship.
Kaitlyn Morgan, Chloe Romero, salutatorian Lexi Busby, Summer Gilbreath, Jackson Monk, Braden Miller, Shakela Sims and Jessie Satterfield each received $500 Como-Pickton Athletic Booster Club scholarships.
Michael Bowen also presented Kevin Dias, Mario Lara and Pablo Villa with $500 financial awards to attend Tulsa Welding School. The students participated in a welding contest in Houston which featured approximately 260 students. Diaz finished in the top 20.
Kourtney Davis, admissions counselor at Texas A&M University-Commerce, announced a total of $96,000 in scholarships awarded by the university to CPHS Class of 2021 seniors. The awards are based on academic merit, which means they are awarded solely on each students’ GPA and class rank, and are renewable for up to four years at TAMUC. Receiving $4,000 Tier 2 Blue and Gold Scholarships from A&M-Commerce were Maliyah Diaz and Shakela Sims. TAMUC Blue and Gold Tier 1 Scholarships totaling $8,000 went to Cindy Munoz, Chloe Romero and Josue Pulgarin. Receiving $16,000 Presidential Scholarships to attend TAMUC were Lexi Busby, Kaitlyn Morgan, Delane Baxley and Jackson Monk.
Kaitlyn Morgan too was was awarded a $500 City of Como Scholarship by Austin Baxley, a $1,000 Sulphur Springs Lions Club Scholarship, as well as a $500 Sanitation Solutions Scholarship. Judy Jones presented her with one of five Sulphur Springs Rotary Club Scholarships awarded in the amount of $2,000 for leadership.
Lexi Busby received a $500 scholarship from First Baptist Church of Winnsboro presented by David Henry, to a senior of high integrity, leadership, character in and out of class. Trevor Wallace presented Lexi Busby with a $1,000 Letterman Leadership scholarship. The award is given to an athlete who is Academic All State, nominated by coaches, with the recipient selected through a community vote.
The class salutatorian was also presented with a Storm Sports Scholarship and her coach pitch helmet from the team; the award presented in the amount of $1,000, renewable for up to four years, is awarded to a student who follows 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” example in her speech, life, faith and purity which they said she has done on the court, field, class and life on the court and field.
Lexi Busby also awarded a $1,500 Wood County Junior Livestock Show Scholarship and offered a $16,000 Merit Scholarship to attend West Texas A&M.
Robin Shrode, executive director for the John and Deborah Gillis Foundation, announced Delane Baxley and Jackie Gomez as the recipients of $32,000 Bright Star Scholarships, payable in amounts of $4,000 per semester for up to eight semesters. The foundation awards 10 scholarships annually. This year, the committee received 70 scholarship applications. Although the decision was tough, they were able to identify 10 who best fit the criteria. Baxley and Gomez were among this year’s recipients as were two students at Sulphur Bluff, one from Miller Grove and five from Sulphur Springs high schools.
Chloe Romero received a $2,000 City National Bank Scholarship at the May 24 CPHS Senior Night Celebration. Michael Bowen awarded her with a $1,250 NETLA Scholarship for her participation in the annual Junior Market Livestock Show for a number of years.
Superintendent Greg Bower presented three graduate candidates with a $1,000 Como-Pickton Administrators Scholarship. After he began working at CPCISD and noting the scholarships awarded to students, he vowed to work with administrators to raise enough money to give scholarships for well deserving kids to apply toward college or higher learning. Recipients of the 2021 Administrators Scholarship were Cindy Munoz, Nathan Menser and Leslie Hernandez..
Shakela Sims received a $16,000 Hardin Simmons Presidential Scholarship and a $2,000 Grocery Supply Company Scholarship.
Summer Gilbreath and Leslie Hernandez were awarded $2,850 Finis and Onree Attlesey and Garland and Sweet Gamblin Scholarships. Gilbreath also received a $1,500 Dixie Softball Scholarship.
Wendall Hildebrandt presented to Pablo Villa a $2,000 scholarship from The Hawks Gun Club of East Texas and the Friends of the Hawks, an organization consisting of about 60 members from the Winnsboro area who in addition to their shared interest in firearms also volunteer their time to help others. The award is given to someone who also gives back to the community.
Oscar Strain presented Madison Garner with a $2,000 Ford Driving Dreams Scholarship.
Mario Lara was awarded a $500 Andrews Real Estate Team Scholarship, presented by Steven Andrews.
A Northeast Texas Community College Counselor and Principal’s Scholarship in the amount of $200 was awarded to Josue Pulgarin.
In addition to scholarships, Como-Pickton seniors who made A and AB Honor Rolls, Honor Graduates, the Top 10, valedictorian and salutatorian, and received Red Cord honors by donating blood at least twice, were recognized for their achievements during the May 24 Senior Night as well.
The seniors’ commencement service has moved indoors due to predictions of storms on Friday. Graduation will begin at 7:30 p.m. May 28, in the secondary cafeteria. Seating will be open. No tickets are necessary.
