Miller Grove Student’s Art Wins Congressional Contest, To Be Displayed At US Capitol
Miller Grove High School student Bailee Shipp’s artwork will be displayed at the USCapitol for the next year. Shipp’s work was selected as the winner from Texas’ Fourth Congressional District.
The Congressional Art Competition, the U.S. House of Representatives’ official art competition for high school students, allows each member to honor one high school student from their districts.
The Artistic Discovery Contest was open to all high school students in participating Districts. The winning artwork of the 4th Congressional district’s art competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork will also be featured on House.gov’s Congressional Art Competition page.
Hundreds of thousands of high school students from across the US submit their work for consideration annually. Submissions must be original artwork by the student in its original medium – painting, drawing, collage, printing, mixed media, computer-generate art or photography. Entries were limited format to 26 inches by 26 inches, and up to 4 inches deep, and could way no more than 15 pounds.
More than 200 entries were submitted from Texas’ Fourth Congressional District and only one winning piece was selected. MGHS junior Bailee Shipp’s computer-generated artwork, titled “Mother of Texas,” is this year’s 4th Congressional District winner.
“Mother of Texas” will hang in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol, the most highly traveled access point between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol. Every day, Members of Congress, distinguished visitors, and tens of thousands of tourists – from the United States and abroad – walk through the tunnel and admire the artwork.
Congratulations to Bailey Shipp for this achievement.
SSHS Class Of 2022 Celebrated At Graduation
The Sulphur Springs High School Senior Class of 2022 celebrated 13 years of hard work Friday evening with commencement exercises. The weather cooperated, almost too well, with plenty of sunshine and heat to ensure the ceremony cold be held on the football field in Gerald Prim Stadium.
The program listed 254 senior candidates eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony, and they wasted no time filing in from two different directions, them walked in pair across the field to their seats on “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the Wildcat Band, located just back from the graduates and stage. Some strode with pride, others speed walked to catch up to longer strides of their walking partner, others practically skipped in excitement while a few walked carefully and other shuffled to their seats.
While all had on the uniform blue gowns and caps with yellow tassels, each graduate wore the stoles and cords they earned recognizing their various activities and achievements, and for a few their commitment to service in a branch of the Armed Forces.
Each graduate showed his or her own unique style and personality in the outfit and footwear worn beneath their gowns. Some were dressed formally, in ties and slacks or special occasion dresses, while others opted for more comfortable clothing more suited to the late May heat and field. Footwear varied from chunky to spiky heels, to platforms, flats, boots and dress shoes. A few had footwear adorned in shiny sequins and one even had gold spikes. Some waved to friends and family who called out cheers of excitement and encouragement.
Hopkins County Military Coalition participated, presenting the colors. The students selected classmates who gave opening and closing prayers. Another classmate sang the Star Spangled Banner acapella.
Superintendent Michael Lamb welcomed everyone, congratulated the class of 2022 on their accomplishment. He urged the class to remember as they jump into the next phase of their lives immediately following graduation, to keep in mind that it goes by quickly.
“You are destined to do great things. We are excited to see what you go do. You’ve overcome a lot of adversity, particularly the last few years and you have done well. This class has done many great things. I celebrate this with you, I’m excited for you, not only as an administrator but as a parent. I have one here too,” Superintendent Lamb said.
2022 Salutatorian Dawson Carpenter offered thanks to counselors and administrators who work tirelessly to meet the needs of their students; teachers and coaches who make it their mission to get hte best out of each student, often learning more about who the student are as people; and to his classmates for making the past four years enjoyable, from going all out to support the football team from the student section, to spending late nights hanging out at Whataburger when he probably should have been at home writing an essay. He said he would cherish the memories made with them during their time together.
He thanked his parents for instilling competitiveness spirit necessary for him to be where he is, as salutatorian.
“I cannot help but think how blessed we all are to come together tonight as we walk across this stage and into the next chapter of our lives. It is because of this blessing that I feel the need to acknowledge the thing that has been weighing so heavily on our nation’s heart this week,” Carpenter said.
He asked those present to join him in a moment of silence to honor the lives lost in the school shooting in Uvalde Tuesday. Afterward, he asked everyone to keep the community in their prayers as they grapple with the tragedy.
He then acknowledged being terrified of speaking in front of crowds, so much so that in second grade he told his mom he wanted to have the second best grades in high school so he wouldn’t have to give a speech at graduation.
“Standing in front of you tonight I am about as far out of my comfort zone as I can get. However, as we take the next step, we will be forced to leave the familiarity that we have all grown accustomed to over the past four years. I challenge Class of 2022 to embrace those uncomfortable situations and find personal growth that comes out of it. Give the speech, try out a new hobby, go out and meet new friends. the world is full of opportunities, you just have to seek them out for yourselves. Go out and show what a Sulphur Springs Wildcat is capable of,” Carpenters said.
Valedictorian Joel Villarino noted that the Class of 2022 is “the most exceptional class to come out of Sulphur Springs in recent years, and maybe for several to come.”
“No class has strived to make the most of our time at Sulphur Springs High School quite like 2022. We push each other to be the best versions of ourselves and we’ve created a class culture of excellence,” Villarino said.
The valedictorian note that several class members are competitive even at the national level academically, artistically and athletically. He expressed confidence that the Class of 2022 will be the best representatives of what Sulphur Springs is capable of. He said none of that, whoever would have been possible without the people who support them.
He noted all of his accomplishment to be the result of the sacrifices his parents have made for him.
“I couldn’t have wished for a better people to raise me. You always made sure I knew I was loved and that you are proud of me. To not try my best would have been a disservice to what you’ve done for me. Thank you for making me the young man you see here today,” Villarino said.
He offered thanks to his sister, who he’s watched grow into an extremely bright and unique person, who’s helped him, listed to him talk for hours and helped him with art.
“I know you’ll do great things, but do it your own way. Don’t feel pressure to follow the path I took,” he said sister Alexis.
Villarino then too thanked his classmates for pushing him to be the best version of himself he can be socially and academically. He said he is fortunate to call them peers and friends.
To the family of class members, he offered assurance that they’ve done their part ensuring this is an exceptional group of young adults and thanked them.
He said SSISD is fortunate to administrators who represent the caring and servants’ hearts that make up the core of the community, and offered thanks to them as well for the class.
He acknowledged that the teachers only see a fraction of what they do for students, and that past few years have been especially difficult for them, but that everything they do makes a difference in the lives of each and everyone of the graduates. He offered thanks to them.
Villarino said while the class has achieved great things while in high school, he believes it’s only the first chapter in the story of the class’ success.
“As we embark into an increasingly turbulent world, I hope we will become the future leaders that are so desperately needed right now. Nothing can be taken for granted. All of us remember going on spring break during our sophomore year and never coming back. And, as we were reminded this Tuesday, we live in a world that is truly capable of pure evil – so much so that it can be hard to see light in the dark. We are in a turning point in history and now it is up to us to do our part toward steering us to a brighter future. We cannot afford to sit idle as our rights and our values are being threatened. Change must be made, and we must make our voices heard,” Villarino said.
He then challenged his classmates to make a conscience effort to make a difference in the world, no matter how big or small. He said the past four years are a testament to how quickly time passes. He urged his classmates to not let time pass them by, to find a purpose and stick to it, to always strive to be the best versions of themselves, to not lose the drive that brought so much success in high school and toe remember that there are no limits to what they can do.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to grow up with. I hope you will look at the future of the class of 2022 as a beacon of light in our dark world,” Villarino concluded.
Four members of the Class of 2022 played and sang, “Good Old Days,” the class song.
Principal Derek Driver certified that all of the class members present have met all of the state and local requirement as candidates for graduation. School Board President Robert Cody accepted the certification. Renee Maeker then called each candidate’s name. Students then walked the stage to receive their diploma from school officials and shake their hands in congratulations.
Some ambled along slowly, some waved and pointed to family in the audience, others practically raced the stage eagerly, some were stoic, while others brimmed with accomplishment and delight in reaching this milestone, several made the most of their moment in the spotlight by offering fist pumps and cheers, and a few offered prayers of thanks at making it to walk the stage. Most were greeted by clapping cheering and having their name and encouragement called by family and friends. Classmates also cheered and clapped for classmates.
Those handing out the diplomas alternated, and in a few cases, educators, administrators and board members were allowed to present diplomas to their students or those they were especially close to.
Principal Derek Driver gave fist bumps in celebration just before they turned to walk the ramp off the stage and return to their seats on the field.
Many were greeted by airhorns, and cheers from their family and friends, including classmates.
After joining together across the rows for the alma mater one last time as students, and the closing prayer, Driver officially dismissed the Class of 2022, ending the graduation ceremony in a sea of blue caps and yellow tassels, and whoops and cheers, and a tide of family and friend descending to the field to offer congratulations and some flowers for their graduates. Several graduates posed together and with family members for photos to commemorate the occasion. A few were on the phone with others who were not able to attend and making plans to gather afterward.
SSHS 2022 Seniors Receive Almost $5 Million In Scholarship Offers And Military Awards
Sulphur Springs High School 2022 Seniors received almost $5 million in scholarship offers and military awards during the annual Senior Awards Ceremony. Scholarship offers totaled $2,939,460 and military awards accounted for the rest of the $4,919,460 announced during the senior awards assembly.
The SSHS Senior Class of 2022 honor graduates, valedictorian and salutatorian, UIL Scholars, National Merit Scholar, and senior state Academic UIL qualifiers and winners were also recognized during the program.
The largest amount announced, $1.98 million went to graduates who are or will be enlisting in a branch of the military.
Recognized for their commitment to the Texas Army Nation al Guard were Amanda Hernandez Bahena and Aidyn Rodgers; to the U.S. Air Force was Weston Fields; to the US Army was Ben Hatcher and Rylee Penny; to the US Marines was Ashtyn Bettis, Clayton Boykins, Brett Lester, Maddox Miller, Evan Patrick and Bryan Taylor.
Tammy Carrell presented Hatcher, Hernandez Bahena and Lester with Sgt. Tanner Stone Higgins Military Scholarships. The awards are given in memory of the SSHS graduate and Army Ranger killed 10 years ago in Afghanistan. Funds come from the nonprofit foundation established in Higgins’ name are raised through a Warrior Run, held annually in April to remember Sgt. Higgins. The foundation provides funds to assist graduating seniors entering any branch of the US Armed Forces, to help military personnel transitioning back to civilian life, as well as military families. Hatcher received a $300 Higgins scholarship, Hernandez Bahena a $700 scholarship and Lester $1,000.
Matthew Sherman was awarded the Easterwood Scholarship for Corps of Cadets for $16,000 from Texas A&M University in College Station. He too was awarded a $1,000 Sulphur Springs Band Booster Scholarship.
Another large amount announced at the May 17, 2022 SSHS Senior Awards Program went to student athletes. Fifteen students amassed $551,000 in scholarship offers to play college sports. They include: Caleb Alexander to play basketball for TLAP Prep Academy, Osvaldo Arellano to play soccer at Paris Junior College, Brooklynn Burnside volleyball at Cisco College, Clair Bybee for track and field at Kansas State University, Addison Caddell softball at the University of Texas at Dallas, Jeauxleigh Cantu tennis at LeTourneau University, Missiah Dugan Southwest Christan College for volleyball, Jaslyn Galvan cheer and dance at UT-Tyler, Justin Haire for basketball at Dallas Baptist University, Alan Hernandez for soccer at NTCC, Ja’Quan Jones football at Clark University, Colt Silman football at East Texas Baptist University, Katie Tiemeyer cheer and stunt at UT-Tyler, Korderrion Turner for football at ETBU, and Jakobe Yarbrough football at Hendrix College.
The 2022 James Cameron Fighting Heart Award recipients were Claire Bybee, Addison Caddell, Cable Glenn and Colt Silman. The 2022 Forest Gregg MVP Award recipients were Parris Pickett, Justin Haire and Korderrion Turner.
Cable Glen received a $5,000 Ben Hogan Award of Perseverance for the way he battle back while recovering. He also was awarded a $1,000 SSHS Athletic Training Program Scholarship.
The John & Deborah Gillis Foundation awarded $320,000 to SSHS students. Receiving $40,000 each Bright Star Scholarships each were Connor Bailey, Dawson Carpenter, Cable Glenn, Mattison Martin, Carter Owen, Katie Tiemeyer, Michelle Tijerin and Cash Vititow.
Glenn, Desirae Hall and Daylon Robertson each received $500 MLK Legacy Award Scholarships. Robertson also received the $500 Perry F. Bradley III Scholarship
Glenn, Alex Flecker and Jadyn VanWinkle were awarded a $1,000 Lions Club Scholarship. All three also benefit from a Sulphur Springs Soccer Association Tommy Long-Weldon Faulks Soccer Scholarship; Glenn and Flecker received $500 each and VanWinkle $1,000.
Receiving $1,000 Jake C. Wilson Memorial Scholarships the year were Emily Atkinson, Connor Bailey, Claire Bybee and Luke Dietze.
Connor Bailey, Dawson Carpenter and Jerkevian Taylor were awarded $3,500 Attlesey and Gamblin Scholarships.
Alaisha Alvardo received a $500 Faulk Company Scholarship and a $1,000 National Technical Honor Society John H. Poteat Scholarship
Luke Dietze and Jacob Semler received the Distinguished Award Scholarship from Baylor University, with the amounts for them being for $103,000 and $108,000 respectively.
The $1,000 James Goggans Memorial Scholarship went to Brandon Williams,
Hallie Hinton, Paige Miesse and Tate Smith each received a $250 Allarea Black Scholarship.
Junior Waverly Club awarded Harley Archer a $750 scholarship.
Janiya Gatlin received two scholarships, the Mason and MoMusic Scholarships for $800 and $500 respectively, from Grambling State University.
Annalee Wesson received a scholarship for Academic Achievement and the Hendrix Achievement scholarship for $80,000 and $4,000 respectively from Hendrix University.
Presented by Amy Jumper, Claire Bybee received the Kansas State Founders Non-Resident Scholarship for $45,304 to attend Kansas State University.
Jimena Mendoza was rewarded the Trustee’s Scholarship for $25,000 from Merrimack College.
Fernando Chimal was awarded the General Merit Scholarship for $750 from Midwestern State University.
Connie Bailey received the Out of State Academic Achievement Scholarship for $48,000 from Oklahoma State University.
Cable Glenn was awarded a $76,000 Presidential, a $1,000 Tiger Network, and a $4,000 Pruet Scholarship from Ouachita Baptist University. He also received a $3,500 One Church Scholarship and a $1,000 Helen Ewing Ditto True Grit Award
Harley Archer was awarded a $4000 scholarship for Academic Excellence from Paris Junior College.
Joel Villarino was awarded two scholarships, the National Merit for $2,500 and the Trustee Distinguished Merit for $60,000, from Rice University. Villarino too was offered a $25,000 University of Texas Computer Science Department Merit Award and a $42,000 Texas A&M National Merit Award.
Both Paige Miesse and Kate Mitchell were awarded the $5,000 Jo McCain Trust Scholarship. Mitchell also received a $500 Hopkins-Rains County Retired School Personnel Scholarship and a $500 Patsy Bolton Scholarship.
Peyton Hammack was awarded the $500 Tommy Starrett Memorial Scholarship.
Jerkevian Taylor was awarded the $1,000 Columbia Lodge #81 Scholarship.
Jadyn VanWinkle received both the $350 Enduring Minds Scholarship and the $1,000 Elks Tesa Scholarship, and an $8,000 Alliance Bank Scholarship.
Jayla Sherrell Yarbrough received a $1,000 scholarship from 360 Barber College.
Savannah Lilley was awarded the Merit Scholarship for $12,000 from the Colorado School of Mines.
Presented by Estefania Torres, both Claire Bybee and Hannah Wilcox received the $6,000 scholarship for Academic Excellence, while Priscilla Gasper received the same scholarship for $10,000, from Stephan F. Austin University.
Hannah Wilcox also received the President’s Gap scholarship for $2,000 from Tarleton State University.
Dawson Carpenter received the College Board National Rural & Small Town Scholarship for $24,000 to Texas A&M University in College Station. Carpenter was also offered a full ride to attend the University of Alabama, estimated at $204,000, as well as a $108,000 Baylor University Distinction Award.
Madison Martin received the TAMU Scholarship for $1,000 from Texas A&M University in College Station.
Several students were awarded the $4,000 Blue & Gold Scholarship from Texas A&M Commerce. They are Caleb Alexander, Harley Archer, Mayra Gudino, Kaslyn Hurley, Jasmine Kessler-Cordova, Giselle Montes de Oca, Jonathan Scott, Hanna Sells, Imani Smith, Harley Speed, Landry Speer, Vanessa Tellez, Annalee Wesson, and Hannah Wilcox.
Several students were awarded the $8,000 Blue & Gold Scholarship from A&M Commerce. They are Brooklyn Archer (who also was awarded the Music Scholarship for the same amount), Cable Glenn, Hallie Hinton, and Makayla Howell.
Tyler Burnett, Addison Irby, Addyson Lamb, Mckenna Lowther, Jakson Medelline, Joshua Tavera, and Haven Walker each received the $2,000 Blue & Gold Scholarship from Texas A&M Commerce. Tyler Burnett also received the $1,000 Charles McCauley Memorial Scholarship. Walker was also awarded TAMUC’s $500 Dance Team Scholarship, $3,000 Other Helpers Scholarship, and $84,600 President’s Promise & Regents Access Scholarship.
Beau Bankston, Bailee Burnett, Litzy Chacon, Fernando Chimal, Emily Dick, Juan Hernandez, Ashley Rodriguez, Jessica Yanez, and Emily Zarco all received the $16,000 Presidential Scholarship from A&M Commerce, with Emily Dick and Juan Hernandez both also receiving the $42,000 Honors Scholarship.
Kaitlyn Tiemeyer was awarded the $16,000 Blue & Gold Scholarship from Texas A&M Commerce.
John Moser received the $2,000 Music Scholarship from Texas A&M Commerce.
Jasmine Cordova was awarded the $12,000 Academic Excellence Award Scholarship from Texas A&M Kingsville; as well as a $500 Bobby McDonald Memorial Scholarship
Giselle Montes de Oca received the $40,000 Javelina Promise Scholarship and the $33,800 University Scholarship from Texas A&M Kingsville.
Emily Atkinson received both the $40,000 TCU Purple and White Scholarship and the $18,000 Micro Scholarships from Texas Christian University.
Carter Owen and Reed Williams received the Presidential Merit Scholarship for $16,000 and $20,000 respectively from Texas Tech University.
Peyton Hammack was awarded the $60,000 New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award Scholarship from the University of Arkansas.
Litzy Chacon received both the $10,000 Excellence Honors Scholarship and the $2,137 Emerald Eagle Award Scholarship from the University of North Texas. Chacon too was presented with a $1,000 Hopkins County Leadership Scholarship. She and Luke Dietze, Savannah Lilley, Shelby Ray and Joel Villarino received $200 PACE Scholarships. Chacon and Claire Bybee were awarded $1,000 Coca-Cola Scholarships.
Ashley Rodriguez received the $6,000 Excellence Scholarship from the University of Texas.
Caleb Talmage received the $5,000 Eagle Scholarship from the University of North Texas.
Michelle Tijerin received the $20,000 Texas Excellence Scholarship from the University of Texas in Austin.
Jessica Yanez received both the $20,000 Dell Scholarship and the $1,725 UT for Me Scholarship from the University of Texas in Austin.
Baylie Large was awarded with the $16,000 Maverick Academic Scholarship from the University of Texas in Arlington.
Kirsten “Paige” Miesse was awarded the $32,000 Academic Scholarship from the University of Texas in Arlington.
Addison Caddell received the $12,000 Academic Excellence Scholarship from the University of Texas in Dallas.
Bailee Burnett, Jaslyn Galvan, Imani Smith, and Katie Tiemeyer were awarded the $8,000 Academic Excellence Scholarship, with Bailee Burnett also awarded the Honors and John E. & Dorothy Fay White Endowment Scholarships worth the same amount, from the University of Texas in Tyler.
Mayra Gudino was awarded the $2,000 Academic Excellence Scholarship from the University of Texas in Tyler.
Landry Speer was awarded the $4,000 Patriot 1st Year Scholarship from the University of Texas in Tyler.
Journi Hohenberger was awarded both the $2,500 Poultry Science Scholarship and the $1,500 Dr. Wayne Parker Memorial Ag Scholarship from West Texas A&M University.
Jadyn VanWinkle received the $20,000 Provost’s Scholarship from West Texas A&M University. She also was awarded a $2,500 Cooperative Teachers Credit Union Academic Scholarship.
Health Occupations Association (HOSA) Future Health Professionals Scholarships in the amount of $750 was awarded to VanWinkle, while Bailee Burnett received a $2,000 HOSA scholarship. Burnett too was the recipient of a $1,500 Perry F. Bradley Jr. Scholarship.
Jaden Vititow received the $1,000 Distinguished Merit Scholarship from West Texas A&M University.
Addison Caddell was awarded an $8,000 Sam Kopal Memorial Scholarship as well as a $5,000 Financial Women in Texas East Texas Group Scholarship.
Grocery Supply Company Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each went to Angel Andino, Cable Glenn, Fabian Perez and Vanessa Tellez.
The Kiwanis Club awarded Emily Dick a $1,500 scholarship. She too received a $250 Peggy Reynolds Dallas Morning News Scholarship.
City National Bank presented $10,000 in scholarships in honor of Rickey Reynolds. Receiving one of the $2,000 awards each were Emily Atkinson, Kalyssa Johnson, Kate Mitchell, Harley Speed and Tyler Warner.
North East Texas Livestock Association awarded $2,500 scholarships to Beau Bankston and Cash Vititow, a $2,000 scholarship to Parris Pickett, and $1,000 scholarships to Griffin Crawford and Ellie Kate Daniel.
Vititow and Bankston also received $1,000 Sterling and Eva Beckham Memorial Scholarships. Hopkins County Junior Commercial Heifer Scholarships in the amount of $2,500 went to Bankston, Vititow and Carson Fenton. Vititow also received a $6,000 Big Tex State Fair of Texas Scholarship.
Journi Hohenberger received a $1,500 Hopkins-Rains Soil and Water Conservation District Scholarship.
Landon Brody Dyer Memorial Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each were awarded to Litzy Chacon and Jerkevian Taylor.
Receiving Northeast Texas Chapter 416 Air Force Association Earle North Parker Essay contest scholarships in the amount of $500 were Dawson Carpenter, Lani Horn, Makayla Howell and Shelby Ray; in the amount of $1,500 was Jadyn VanWinkle; and in the amount of $3,000 was Joel Villarino.
Sarah Brann went home with the $250 Teen Court of Hopkins County scholarship.
Alexia Chavez received the $500 Judy Tipping Legacy Scholarship and the $1,000 Sulphur Springs High School Class of 1955 award.
Sulphur Springs ISD Education Foundation Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each were awarded to Emily Atkinson, Shelby Ray and Michel Tijerin.
The $1,000 Clayton and Graves Scholarship went to Emily Zarco.
Engie’s Ryan Economy presented Savannah Lilley with a $1,000 Engie Solar Energy Scholarship.
Hopkins County Patriot Scholarships in the amount of $500 went to Beau Bankston, Emily Dick, Paige Miesse, Kevin Perez, Jacob Semler and Harley Speed.
Dial Study Club awarded $250 scholarships to Cable Glenn, Benjamin Hatcher and Caelyn Pilette.
Press Release from the Office of the Rains County Attorney Robert F. Vititow
A jury was selected on Monday, May, 23, 2022, in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Rains County in Cause No. 6172, for the felony offense of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child. The name of the defendant, a local citizen of Rains County, is not being released to protect the identity of the 11 year old child victim.
The offense occurred over an extended period of time which began in Irving, Texas. The family moved to Emory in 2017, and the abuse continued through January of 2021. The defendant was 50 years old at the time of the trial and the victim was 11. Theryn Waggener of Winona represented the defendant.
Rains County Attorney Robert Vititow began presenting the evidence Monday afternoon after the jury was selected. The State and the defense closed their cases Tuesday morning, and after hearing the evidence, the jury returned a verdict of guilty around noon.
The punishment phase began after lunch. The defendant faced a range of punishment of 25 years to 99 years or life in prison (without the possibility of parole), and up to a $10,000 fine. The defendant elected to have the jury assess his punishment. Vititow argued to the jury, If someone steals something from you such as a ring, you can replace it; what the defendant took from his daughter, she can never replace. It’s a life sentence for her, and he deserves a life sentence. There are certain acts that when a person commits them, they should forfeit the right to walk among the public freely. this is one of those acts. The jury determined the appropriate punishment in this case was life and did not assess a fine.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child is a an offense that was passed by the legislature in 2007 in House Bill 8, known as Jessica’s Law. The law was passed in direct response to the problems inherent in prosecuting sex crimes involving child victims. Under this law, jurors are not required to agree in their guilty verdict on the same acts of sexual abuse that occurred. Instead, the jury must unanimously agree that the defendant committed at least any two of the acts of sexual abuse alleged in the indictment over a period of 30 or more days. Vititow explained, “In hypothetical case, four jurors may believe that acts one and three occurred, and the remaining jurors may only believe acts two and four occurred as long as they
all agree any two acts occurred and they were more than 30 days apart. A defendant convicted
under this statute is not eligible for parole.”
The indictment in this case alleged acts of sexual abuse being indecency with a child by contact and aggravated sexual assault of a child, with three different dates being alleged to have occurred on or about January 1, 2018, December 1, 2019, and December 1, 2020. The State was not required to prove the exact dates of the abuse, but only that they occurred prior to the date of the grand jury returning an indictment which was on June 29, 2021.
Vititow commended the court personnel and the citizens of Rains County who served as jurists for the excellent job they did. The jury obviously took their job very seriously. Law enforcement is a joint effort which includes the officers, the prosecutors staff, all of the court personnel and the citizens of Rains County who served as the jurists.
Rains County Attorney, Robert Vititow
Tran, Galvan Top 2022 Honor Graduates At Como-Pickton High School
Sandra Tran and Leslie Galvan are the top 2022 Honor Graduates at Como-Pickton High School.
Valedictorian Sandra Tran, daughter of Quynh Tran and Suong Van, will graduate May 27, 2022, with a 4.0 grade point average. She has attended Como-Pickton CISD for eight years.
Tran was in the band and color guard from 10th to 12th grade, serving as Color guard captain her senior year. She also received Outstanding Color Guard Award in both 11th and 12th grades.
She was the Cross Country manager all four years of high school.
In One Act Play, she was a cast member her freshman year and was a member of crew her sophomore, junior and senior years, during which the CP troupe’s OAP was a bi-district qualifier. She helped the OAP qualify for area her senior years. She received the Outstanding Crew member award award in 11th and 12th grades.
Tran has been a member of the National Honor Society, Book Club and Spanish Club all four years of high school, including serving as NHS president in 12th grade. She was in FCCLA and FFA her sophomore year as well.
She too has been active in Academic UIL all four years of high school, winning first place honors in copy editing 11th, and 12th, making her a regional qualifier both years.
As a four-year member of the CP Varsity Track Team, Tran helped her team win the district championship her freshman and senior years, and this year helped them earn an Area championship as well. She has been a regional qualifier the last two years, and this year received the Ron Heflin Fighting Heart Award.
Among the honors and awards she has achieved Tran lists being named the CP Senior Class of 2022 valedictorian and being on the A Honor Roll.
Tran’s advice to other students who also hope to be successful is to not be afraid to try something new, including an extra class never taken or a new sport.
“Being afraid holds you back from your potential. Even if you’re not good at it, at least you have experience,” Tran said. “Being open-minded and adaptable is a good trait to have if you want to succeed. Also, being able to see the bigger picture while you are working towards something is definitely a trait one needs to be successful.”
In addition to her school work and activities, Tran also worked for Brookshire’s Grocery Company from Dec 30, 2020 to April 13, 2022.
Tran plans to become a nurse practitioner because has has a great interest in the medical field.
“Nursing is a rewarding career that exists to help others and I am ready to be a part of it,” Tran said.
She plans to attend the University of Texas at Tyler, where she will begin working toward that goal as a nursing major. She already has several college credits, thanks to the dual credit English, government, economics, algebra, statistics, history, Texas government and art appreciation classes she had the opportunity to complete while attending CPHS.
Tran received was awarded a $500 Como-Pickton Athletic Booster Club Scholarship and was also offered a $40,000 Texas A&M University-Commerce Presidential Scholarship.
CPHS Senior Class of 2022 Salutatorian Leslie Galvan, daughter of Ivan and Maria Galvan of Como, graduates with a 3.96 PGA. She has attended CPCISD for 14 years.
She has been very active in academic and extracurricular activities as well during her high school career.
Galvan was involved with the Spanish Club throughout high school, serving as club secretary her senior year. She has been very active in FFA all four years of high school, during which she’s been on the Senior Quiz Bowl Team. She was an FFA Spanish Creed Speaker and was selected to serve as a Texas FFA Association Ambassador her sophomore, junior and senior years. During her junior year, Galvan served as FFA Chapter reporter and this year served as FFA Chapter secretary. She has competed in FFA Public Relations the past 2 years, winning first place this year. Also during her senior year, she was named FFA CDE Member of the Year and Ag Mechanics Showman of the Year, and earned her Lone Star Degree.
She has been on the floriculture team, agriculture mechanics and participated in Skills USA all four years of high school. As a senior, she was reserve grand champion in the CP Floral Exchange and finished fifth in the East Texas State Fair Floral Contest. Galvan also competed in academic UIL during her junior and senior years, and this year won first place honors at the district newswriting contest.
As a freshman, Galvan was ranked overall in Ag Mechanics & Metal Tech and Algebra I Honors classes, and second overall in Principles of Construction and Biology Honors classes. As a sophomore, she was ranked first overall in Ag Structure Design and Fabrication and Architecture Design 1 classes; second overall in English II Honors, Advanced Floral Design, Geometry Honors, and World History Honors classes. As a junior, she was was second overall in Ag Equipment Design & Fabrication, Algebra II Honors, English III Honors and Construction Tech I classes.
She also remained on the AB Honor Roll her freshman year, and the A Honor Roll her sophomore and junior years.
The past two years, she has served as basketball manager and athletic trainer. Galvan also was in the National Junior Honor Society her freshman and sophomore years of high school. As a senior, Galvan served as NHS Chapter reporter, Class of 2022 secretary.
She began taking dual credit courses as a junior, and has successfully competed US History, College English, Algebra, Statistics, US Government and economics classes giving her 24 hours worth of college credits when she graduates high school.
Galvan said her strongest influence and source of motivation comes from her parents.
“Ultimately, my goal is to one day look into the present day as the past and see how my hard work become rewarding, and demonstrate to my parents how much I appreciate their sacrifices. My parents have always served as my two biggest supporters, giving me the motivation to wake up every day with the purpose of being one step closer to achieving my goals. From learning a new langue to teaching me to pump gas, my parents have always been by my side, giving me more than I could ask for. This leads me to have a desire to give as much back to those who have supported me in the same aspect I have been blessed with. I hope to one day become a person who people can look up to and serve as inspiration for anyone who also believes in their potential,” Galvan said.
She said reflecting on her parents’ perseverance encourages her to pursue her “American dream and to fulfill their aspirations of creating a bright future for their children despite conflict.”
She said the leadership skills she’s gleaned through her school experiences, the confidence she’s gained though FFA to step out of her comfort zone has allowed her to build networks and develop her own voice, she will use to accomplish her American dream.
“Today, I am able to demonstrate my knowledge and talent of having a servant’s heart with a leader’s mind due to the character development I experienced these previous years. The tenacity developed within me empowers me to strive for excellence and the fulfillment of my goas. As a first generation college student, my ultimate dream in life is to make my parents’ sacrifices worthy while accomplishing my dreams and goals,” Galvan stated.
The 2022 CPHS salutatorian plans to attend Paris Junior College to become an LVN, then begin the RN program. She plans to enroll at UT-Tyler to begin the RN to BSN program, with a goal of graduating in 2026.
Galvan was awarded at $500 City of Como and Sanitation Solutions Scholarship and a $1,000 Como-Pickton FFA Scholarship to apply toward her college studies.
2021-22 UIL Academic Year In Review For SSISD Elementary, Middle & High School Teams
Sulphur Springs ISD coordinators recently updated the school board on students’ strong showing at all three levels of academic UIL competition this year.
Elementary UIL
SSISD Elementary Academic UIL Coordinator Sasha Posey reported a total of 120 students, 45 coaches and five campus coordinators traveled to Greggton UMC in Longview, where Pine Tree ISD hosted an elementary academic UIL competition for grades 2-5 on Jan. 28, 2022. Joanna Foster, Ana Ramirez, Dustin Morgan and Stacie Shearer served as coordinators for grades 2-3 at their respective primary campuses, while Posey was campus coordinator for the fourth and fifth graders at Sulphur Springs Elementary.
“Our students competed in 27 events which are designed to complement and extend student learning in the classroom. These events range from demonstrating creativity through writing skills to making quick mental calculations to identifying pieces of famous artwork along with its title and artist,” Posey told the SSISD School Board at their regular May school board meeting earlier this month.
UIL Award Ceremonies were held at SSES on May 2 for second and third grade students and May 18 for fourth and fifth grade students. During these award ceremonies, all UIL students received a ribbon for participating in the UIL competition. Teams who placed first, second, or third were also awarded a ribbon. Students who placed individually in their event received a UIL medal to commemorate their performance.
Second Grade
Out of 18 competitors in four events, second graders garnered one team award and one individual award.
The second grade music memory team consisting of Finley Peugh, Rachel Weber, Isabella Bañuelos and Kaylee Roque won first place honors; also recognized for participation in music memory were Isabella Gamblin and Jaciel Gaona. Music memory coaches were Shara Roden, Amber Harmon, Karen Miranda and Kelly Herriage.
Second grader Sadie Lawrence was recognized for finishing fourth in storytelling competition. Also competing in storytelling were Elle McClendon, Hank Daniel and Quintten Thesing. Storytelling coaches were Justin Findley, Kaci Smith, Olga Tellez and Sarah Miles.
Additional second graders recognized for participating in UIL competition included Jaxon Arnold, Rosalia Davila, Sebastian Sanchez and Cole Wasilowski in chess puzzle; and Avery Bryant, Ja’Kobe Hall, Ava Pruitt and C.J. Teer in creative writing. Coaches for chess puzzle included Dylan Blair, Kim Gillem, Margarita Gonzalez and Anna Moreland; and for creative writing were Kimberly Earhart, Amy Tanton, Lissette Cruz and Cassity Egan.
Third Grade
SSISD third graders competed in five different UIL events. One team was recognized and one student placed in individual competition as well.
The third grade music memory team earned third place team recognition. Competitors included Zachary Birdwell, Chip Emmert, Stetsyn Sanchez, Caleb Eoff, Haddie Brantley, and Jaclyn Chisom. Coaches were Danette Lovelady, Amber Harmon, Christi Emmert and Kelly Herriage.
Third grader Kyler Ramey earned individual fourth place recognition in storytelling. Other third grade storytelling competitors included Emma Mejia, Harley Bryant and Abel Miles. Coaches were Cassie Ibanez, Kaci Smith, Ashley Sanchez and Terri Rogers.
Additional third graders recognized for participating in UIL competition included Amelia Ansley, Kenzie Marquez, Gavyn Ashmore and Brandon Bilyeu in chess puzzle; Layla Shackleford, Braylee Normandeau, Spencer Shiever and Will Toliver in ready writing; and Ka’Mariyah Thomlinson, Ivana Vega and Eli Reyes in spelling. Coaches were DaMarcus Johnson, Kim Gillem, Carolyne Rowe and Laura Kring for chess puzzle; Kimberly Earhart, Amy Tanton and Amanda Walker for ready writing; and Carissa Williams, Blake Miles and Nallely Carreon for spelling
Fourth Grade
Fourth graders competed in seven different UIL events. Six earned individual honors in three different competitions and one team was recognized.
The fourth grade number sense team was recognized as a third place team. Individually, Jessica Chen won second place honors in number sense. Also competing in number sense were fourth graders Justin Ditto, Declan Thesing and Colter Holland. Sherry Baugh is the coach for the number sense team.
All four fourth graders competing in oral reading earned medals. Jayci McClung won third place honors, Bailey Fisher placed fourth, Brayden Moreland fifth and Abigail Gravens sixth in oral reading. Vicki Nugent is the team coach.
Rounding out the list of fourth grade individual winners was Hunter Robinson, who earned a third place medal in ready writing. Also competing in ready writing were Brantlee Robertson, Chesley Roden and Mabry Mitchell. Joanna Byrd was the team coach.
Additional fourth graders recognized for participating in UIL competition included Matthew Guerrero, Katherine Glass, Gabriela Chim, Collin Walker, Ben Draper and Brynlie Swann in art; Erik Gonzalez, Aziyah Clough, Brantley Scroggins and Ian Preas in chess puzzle; Olivia Holloman, Macy McDowell, Sofia Bonilla, Olivia Davis, Aubrey Boatman and Chandler Wood in music memory; and Emma Pogue, Emmalynn Overly, Lexie Slaughter and Brantley Scroggins in spelling. Coaches for these teams were Erick Perez, art; Alisa Kulak, chess puzzle; Jennifer Young, music memory; and Megan Wiggins, spelling.
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade won second place overall at this year’s competition, with students competing in 11 different UIL events. Eight teams earned recognition and 22 fifth graders received individual medals.
The first place spelling team included Chandler Armstrong, Ayla Oud, Chloe Johnson and Jaetyn McPherson. McPherson won second place honors, Armstrong fourth place and Oud fifth place. Sonya Matthews was the team coach.
The second place dictionary skills team included Taryn Ford, Lila Wells, Kaleigh Payne and Brittan Hill. Individually, Wells won second place honors, Ford fourth place and Hill sixth place. Hayley McKinney was the team coach.
The second place listening skills team consisted of Moises Guerrero, Cassidy Smith, Tess McKenzie and Riley Mathews, with Mackenzie Pettit as coach. Mathews won second place honors and McKenzie placed fourth.
Making up the second place music memory team were Jesse George, Kaleb Turner, Raleigh Pryor, Aurora Ricker, Avery Rosamond and Kymora Young. Rosamond won second place honors and Young fourth place. Jennifer Young is the team coach.
The social studies team made up of Olivia Caldwell, Berhazi Hernandez, Lukas Cote and Nate Russell won second place team honors. Individually, Russell won first place honors and Cote fourth place. Cain Langhoff was the team coach.
The chess puzzle team consisting of Michael Perez, Seth Gillem, Alberto Gaona and Aldahir Guerrero earned third place team recognition. Individually, Gillem won second place honors in chess puzzle competition. Lisseth Carmona was the team coach.
The third place maps, graphs and charts team included Chloe Johnson, LillieMae Peterka, Shai Walker and Adddison Woodall, with Jennifer Walters as coach.
The third place number sense team consisted of fifth graders Ryson Hodges, Giovanny Romero, Brittan Hill and Blake Bimmerle, with Jasmine Mejia as coach. Individually, Hill was recognized for finishing sixth in number sense.
In ready writing, Kylee Harrison won first place honors, Riley Mathews second place honors and Chandler Armstrong sixth place. Also competing in ready writing was Jaslyn Carter. The team coach was Julie Silman.
Although no team award is given for oral reading, SSISD fifth graders won four of the six medals in this event. Hallie Lawrence won first place honors, Presley Bland second place, Kayla Slaughter third and Claire Toliver fifth place in oral reading. The team coach was Lori Green.
Also participating and contributing to the fifth grade’s overall second place ranking were Sybilla Carnes, Courtney Wiblin, Naomi Ramirez, Madilynn McWhorter, Cherish Rimes and Ryan Ragan in art. Karen Moreland was the art team coach.
Elementary UIL Coordinator Sasha Posey said looking to the future, the elementary UIL coaches and students will continue to place emphasis on academic events by practicing weekly with students, targeting specific skills, and forming final teams leading up to the yearly competition.
“We expect our elementary program to generate enthusiasm for academic UIL, thereby increasing student participation that will continue into our middle school and high school programs. This, in turn, will increase SSISD’s statewide competitiveness at the high school level,” Posey stated.
Middle School UIL
Sulphur Springs Middle School students competed against students from Hallsville, Pine Tree, Marshall, Texarkana and Mount Pleasant ISDs in 18 events at the District Academic UIL Contest. Overall, sixth graders and eighth graders both earned second place sweepstakes awards, and seventh grade finished in third place overall for the sweepstakes award, Middle School Academic UIL Coordinator Jeffrey Denton reported.
Sixth graders earned 24 individual awards and five teams sixth grade teams were recognized. Seventh graders also earned 24 individual awards and had eight teams recognized. At the eighth grade level, seven teams and 29 individuals were recognized. Denton noted that team awards were not given in speaking and writing events, only individual awards.
One Act Play
In One Act Play competition, SSMS finished second overall out of the eight schools competing, and was awarded first place points for academic contest. The four members of the SSMS thespian troupe winning individual honors included Nathan Bilyeu, Best Actor; Emma Boatman, All-Star Cast member; Taylor Price, Honorable Mention Cast member; and Aiden Barnes, Best Technician Award. Kristopher Luce is the director.
Art
In art competition, seventh grader Ryane McCullough placed sixth.
Kannon Gibons won first place honors, Camila Martinez-Barradas second and Piper Welch third place honors in eighth grade art, assuring a first place team finish as well. Jordan Ortloff is the art team coach.
Calculator Applications
Seventh grader Brooklyn Hodges was recognized for finishing sixth in calculator applications, and the seventh grade team made up of Ashley Monsivais, Daniela Hernandez, Brooklyn Hodges, and Robert Denton was recognized for their third place team finish. Mandi Denton is the team coach.
Chess Puzzle Solving
All three SSMS grade levels earned first place team honors in chess puzzle solving. Alysia Butler is the coach for all three teams.
The sixth grade chess team included Gabriel Castro, who won first place individual honors, Jensen Jumper second place and Grant Hansen third place.
The seventh grade chess team included Eric Li, who won first place honors; Uriah Lee, who won second; and Haiden Horrocks.
The eight grade chess team included Isaac Stanley, who won third place individually; Luke White, who finished fourth; Rhett Williams and Sulivan Lamb.
Dictionary Skills
All three grade levels also won first place team honors in dictionary skills competition as well. Cassidy McClure is the coach for all three teams.
The sixth grade team included Brielle Garing, who won second place honors; Marcos Valasquez, who placed fourth; Aiken Grimes, who placed sixth; and Danya Medina.
Making up the seventh grade team were Yosgar Marquez, a first place winner; Drake Griffin, a fourth place finisher; Perla Santacruz, a sixth place finisher; and Tania Ruiz.
The eighth grade team consisted of Lily Bankston, Kyler Van de Laar, James McCoy, and Bryan Medina; individually, Bankston placed third, Van de Laar fourth and McCoy fifth in eighth grade dictionary skills competition.
Listening Skills
All three of the listening skills teams coached by Brandi McCain earned team recognition.
The first place eighth grade listening skills team consisted of Amy Hurtado, the first place winners; Madison Jeter, second place winner; and Amani Finnie.
The sixth grade listening skills team made up of Abigail Montoya, Mitchell Emmert, and Kayden Pierce was recognized as a third place team; individually, Montoya earned second place honors.
Making up the third place seventh grade number sense team were Zoe Phillips, Alexandra Springfield, and Tania Ruiz; individually, Phillips was recognized for finishing fifth and Springfield sixth.
Maps, Graphs And Charts
The eighth grade maps, graphs and charts team won first place honors by taking four of the top six places. Chase Maynard won first place honors, Preston Nottingham second place, Justin Strickland fifth place, and Dylan McKinney sixth place. Kimberly Isonhood is the team coach.
Music Memory
Music memory was another contest SSMS students performed especially well in; all three grade levels not only had three individual winners but also won first place team honors. Aaron Lovelady coaches these teams.
The first place sixth grade music memory team included Juliet’s Tellez-Mariscal, Lillian Fleener, Isabella Salas, Jentri Hill, and Ja’Kaden Yarbrough. Tellez-Mariscal won second place honors, Fleener third and Salas sixth place.
The first place seventh grade music memory team consisted of Sarah Mireles, who won first place honors; Bailee Wilkerson, who won second; and Abby Noguera, third place honors.
Eighth graders Grayson Wall, Anthony Small, Julia Ricker-Garcia, Cara Batterton, and Nathan Bilyeu were recognized as the first place music memory team. Individually, Wall won first, Small second and Ricker-Garcia fourth in music memory.
Number Sense
Only one student and one team earned recognition in number sense competition. Sixth grader Kayden Pierce won first place honors in number sense. The seventh grade number team made up of Colby Mayfield, Zack Young, Eduardo Chimal, and Hannah Speed earned third place recognition as well. Sarah Giles coached the SSMS number sense teams.
Science
One student in each grade level earned individual recognition in science. Seventh grader Bailey Winn finished third, while sixth grader Jacob Love and eighth grader Aiden Barnes each finished sixth in science.
The seventh graders Bailey Winn, Hayden McCoy, Kelley Case, and Gavin Solorzano also earned third place team recognition in science.
Kelly Holloman was the science coach.
Social Studies
In social studies competition, the eighth grade team consisting of Cameron Davis, Aiden Barnes, and
Jonathan Gardner won second place team honors.
Three students – one in each grade – also earned individual recognition. Seventh grader Cole Willis won first place honors, eighth grader Cameron Davis won second and sixth grader Gabriel Gomez won third in social studies.
Jill Crump is the coach for the social studies competitors.
Spelling
Spelling teams at all three grade levels earned team recognition. Taylor Thorsen is the coach for all three.
The first place eighth grade spelling team included Kale Burgin, who won first place honors; Abigail Bautista, who won second; and Colby Schwartz won third.
The sixth grade spelling team made up of Jackson Williams, Kaston Willis, and Vanessa Reyes earned second place recognition. Individually, Williams won second place and Willis finished fourth.
The second place seventh grade spelling team included Kenzi White, Cameron Endsley, and Kaylie Resendiz. Individually, White won second place honors in spelling.
Writing Events
In editorial writing, Lilyann Butterfus was recognized for placing fifth and Ireland McNair sixth among sixth graders. Christine Thomas was the event coach.
Sixth grader Lilyann Butterfus won second place honors and seventh grader Chloe Willis third place honors in ready writing. Patty Isonhood was the team coach.
Speaking Events
Six SSMS students, two at each grade level, earned individual recognition in impromptu speaking. Faith Ratliff won second and Elijah Teer third in sixth grade competition. Jessica Reed won second and Andrew Vo fourth among seventh grade impromptu speaking competitors. In eighth grade competition, Briana Dykes was recognized for finishing first and Conner Curtis sixth in impromptu speaking. Trevor McClure was their impromptu speaking coach.
Six SSMS students also placed in modern oratory. Sixth grader Riley Reynolds, seventh grader Piper Lilley and eighth grader Paige Batterton all won first place honors. Seventh grader Oakley Wies won second place honors and Sara Ferguson was recognized for finishing fourth in modern oratory. Adrienne Lilley was the SSMS modern oratory coach.
In poetry oral reading, two of the students Karina Perez coaches placed: seventh grader Alexa Gonzalez placed fifth and eighth grader Rachel Law won second place.
Three students in each grade level earned individual recognition in prose oral reading. Michael Ann McKenzie won first place honors, Jovi Young fifth place and Natalie Gomez sixth place among sixth grade competitors. At the seventh grade level, Lindsey Hayes won first place, Miley McCormack second and James Winnett-Moore fifth in prose oral reading. Emma Boatman won first place, Nathan Bilyeu second and Jaycie Arledge fifth among eighth grade prose oral reading competitors. Hayley Glenn is the coach for all three grade levels in this event.
High School UIL
SSHS UIL Coordinator Gerald Grafton also gave a review of the SSHS UIL Academic Team’s year, which he noted has provided some exciting moments.
Robotics
The year began in the fall with UIL B.E.S.T Robotics Competition. The robot the SSHS team built performed well. SSHS students also participated in a fall speech practice meet at Princeton and our UIL Academic events participated in three big UIL practice meets in the fall.
Congressional Debate
The SSHS congressional debaters competed at the Regional UIL Congressional Debate meet held at Region 8 Service Center on Nov. 11, 2021. The team composed two pieces of legislation, and three students competed. Jack Bain was awarded a 6th place medal at the event.
UIL Film
The UIL Film program experienced continued growth this year. SSHS submitted three films (two narratives and one traditional animation) in the UIL Young Filmmakers Competition. Two of those films advanced to the second round of judging.
One Act Play, Theater
UIL One Act Play had an amazing run this year. The cast and crew of “Peter and the Starcatcher” advanced all the way to regional competition. To do this, the One Act Play team had to go through the gauntlet of District, Bi-District, and Area, Grafton noted.
For the third consecutive year, AllieGrace Woodard brought home a medal in the State UIL Theater Design competition. Her creations were presented and judged at the state level May 3-4. This year, AllieGrace finished second in Costume Design and fourth in Hair & Make-up.
Historic Essay Contests
SSHS UIL Essay competitors continued their tradition of success. Each year, UIL offers two essay competitions: the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay and the Latino History Essay. In each event, 12 finalists are chosen with six receiving medals. This year, 10 out of 24 state finalists in the UIL essay competitions were from SSHS. And, two are the new state champions: Addisyn Wall in Barbara Jordan Historical Essay, Lausen Ost in the Latino Historical Essay Contest. Lexi McCoy came in second at state in the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Contest. Andrew Flores finished fifth and Lindsey Plumley sixth at state in the Latino History Essay Contest.
Academic UIL
Academic UIL teams finished second to Hallsville at district with 17 students advancing to Regionals in 11 events. At regionals, the team finished second to Highland Park with 12 students advancing to state in 7 events. At the UIL State Academic Meet May 5-7 at UT Austin, both the spelling and vocabulary team and the literary criticism team won the state champions. Individually, Shelby Ray is the 2022 literary criticism state champion and Alexis Villarino came in second, while Dawson Carpenter finished second and Lexi McCoy fifth in copy editing at state. The social studies team finished fourth at state as well.
The state competitors and their coaches were recognized at the Monday, May 9, 2022, school board meeting, along with this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian (Joel Villarino and Dawson Carpenter.)
Senior Competitors
Grafton and the UIL coaches noted that SSHS is “very proud of the senior class of 2022. They led by example and will be missed. Senior UIL students of 2022 are Lucy Braddy, Dawson Carpenter, Fernando Chimal, Anayeli De La Cruz Andres Flores, Lani Horn, Savannah Lilley, Shelby Ray, Caleb Talmage, Joel Villarino, Brandon Williams, and AllieGrace Woodard.”
Cumby Man Accused Of Firing A Gun During Disturbance
A 49-year-old Cumby man was accused of firing a gun during a disturbance with a woman and her son Tuesday.
(HCSO jail photo)
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris Baumann responded at 4:17 p.m. May 24, 2022, to what was reported as an active disturbance on County Road 4734. Upon arrival, he detained the 49-year-old male resident for further investigation.
Christopher Michael Parker claimed he was arguing with the woman, who was seated in the chair next to him in the living room of the residence. The woman reportedly leaned forward and reached down and reached into the purse by her feet. He claimed he knew she carried a firearm in her purse, so he picked up his firearm and fired a warning shot into the ceiling above her head and told her to leave, Baumann alleged in arrest reports.
The woman’s son allegedly retreated to his bedroom, but punched a hole in the hall wall as he did so. Parker was alleged to have threated to kill the other male and his mother, according to arrest reports.
Another deputy reportedly met the female and her son at a different location to try to glean what had occurred.
Parker was taken into custody at 5:43 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2022, and booked into Hopkins County jail at 6:41 p.m. May 24, 2022 on two aggravated family violence assault with a deadly weapon charges. Sgt. Todd Evans was noted in arrest reports to have assisted on the call.
Parker remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, May 26, 2022. The 49-year-old man’s bonds totaled $200,000 – $100,000 per aggravated assault charge, according to jail reports, which also show one prior assault charge on his records. Parker was was jailed May 5, 2004 on a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; he was released from the county jail on a $20,000 bond later that day, jail records reflect.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
75-Year-Old Man Jailed For Possessing Child Pornography
A 75-year-old man was jailed Wednesday for possessing child pornography, which was reportedly found during a search of his home, according to arrest and sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from someone who believed there to be child porn at the man’s address. An investigation was launched and evidence of child porn linked back to the North Davis Street address. A search warrant was obtained and executed at the Davis Street residence. “Huge amounts” of corroborating evidence were found, according to HCSO Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford.
The resident, James Frank Neel, was taken into custody at 4:01 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2022, by Weatherford and Sgt. Richard Greer and booked into Hopkins County jail at 5:17 p.m. May 25 on one possession of child pornography charge.
The investigation into the matter continued. Neal was charged with 19 additional counts of possession of child porn Thursday, May 26, 2022, at the jail. The 75-year-old Sulphur Springs man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, May 27, 2022, on all 20 third-degree felony possession of child porn charges. Bond was recommended at $100,000 each and the 19 new charges, which would put the total bond on those 19 charges at $1.9 million, according to HCSO jail and arrest records.
Enrollment for Fall Classes at Paris Junior College is Underway
STUDENT SUCCESS
Student Success Coach Elizabeth Joslin, left, visits with sophomore students Nicole Guterrez, center, and Lois Rocha, both of Sulphur Springs. Enrollment for fall classes is underway. Call 903-885-1232 for more information.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Como-Pickton Senior Awards Program 2022
Como-Pickton High School seniors were honored this week with scholarships, honors and awards. Overall, the CPHS Class of 2022 received more than $221,000 in scholarships at the annual awards program.
Como-Pickton Assistant Superintendent Lydia Walden presented Kara Tifft with a $500 Hopkins County Veterans Patriot Scholarship, on behalf of the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial Freedom Ball. Walden explained that the 2022 Hopkins County Freedom Ball was graciously supported this year by various families and businesses in the community who donated to the organization’s scholarship fund. The scholarship is designated for a Hopkins County student who is involved in activities that support veterans in our community – things like organizing or working at the Veterans Day School Program and volunteering at “The Wall that Heals” event held back in the fall.
Amy Rayzor presented Tifft and Meghan Cummins with scholarships from Legacy Ag Credit, awards given to students who not only excel in academics but also agriculture. Cummins received a $2,500 scholarship and Tifft a $5,000 scholarship.
Keith Shurtleff said one of the things Alliance Bank, which has been in the community for almost 100 years, likes to most is support local youth. Alliance has an ongoing relationship with almost every school district in the county. Each year Alliance give scholarships. This year, across the bank service area, 10 scholarships will be awarded to local graduates. Two of the scholarships are designated to benefit Hopkins County youth, with one of those specifically earmarked to go to a student graduating from a rural school district. The Alliance Bank scholarship in the amount of $2,000 a year, renewable for up to four years, was awarded Meghan Cummins.
CP Counselor Lou Colvin announced Makayla Hall as a recipient of one of 10 Bright Star Scholarships, a $40,000 award. The Bright Stars Scholarship Program was created in 2018 by the John and Deborah Gillis Foundation, which exists to provide multiple educational opportunities to amplify, strengthen and empower Hopkins County students so they will be college and career ready in order to be highly competitive in a global society. The award is divided into up to eight semesters.
Colvin also presented City of Como and Sanitation Solutions Scholarships in the amount of $500 were awarded to Leslie Galvan and Erika Mares.
Coach Danny Bulls presented $500 Como-Pickton Athletic Booster Club Scholarships to Kara Tifft, Marissa Corona, Nate Lovelady, Tucker Rutledge, Sandra Tran and Kara Tifft.
On behalf of Franklin County Sheriff’s Posse, Michael Bowen awarded a Franklin County Youth Rodeo Scholarship in the amount of $500 to Logan Langley.
Jovany Tellez was announced by Bowen as the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from Texas State Technical College.
For competing in the National FFA Dairy Handlers Association contest at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis a couple of years ago, Presley Cummins was awarded a $2,500 scholarship.
Bowen has the honor of awarding a scholarship given by the family of Dr. Wayne Parker, a Hopkins County veterinarian for many years, one Bowen recalled his family visited in when he was young. After Dr. Parker’s death, his family established a scholarship fund in his memory for a student planning to study animal science.
“This year, we have a student who is going to pursue a degree to be a veterinarian. Dr. Parker, I know, would be proud of this,” Bowen said, when announcing Kara Tifft as the recipient of the $1,000 scholarship.
Kara Tifft, Leslie Galvan and Micah Flemens were awarded $1,000 Como-Pickton FFA Scholarships, funded by the annual FFA Stew and Auction.
Bowen also awarded Micah Flemens with a $2,500 Northeast Texas Livestock Association (NETLA) scholarship and a $2,000 State Fair of Texas Premier Exhibitor Scholarship for finishing second out of 40 students in the fair’s ag mechanics sweepstakes event.
Bowen had the honor of awarding a $500 Lonnie Niblett Memorial Scholarship to Jordyn Mahoney.
Presley Cummins, Makayla Hall, Tucker Rutledge and Kara Tifft accepted a $250 Como-Pickton Little Dribblers Scholarship, presented by Coach Trevor Wallace.
Andre Simon, First Baptist Church-Sulphur Springs music minister, had the honor of presenting a $1,000 Tommy Jackson Scholarship and a $750 FBC Scholarship to Nate Lovelady. He too presented Lovelady with three scholarships on behalf of East Texas Baptist University – a $40,000 Honors Scholarship, a $24,000 Music Scholarship and a $10,000 Christian Leadership Scholarship. That makes $76,250 in scholarships Lovelady received during the May 23, 2022 program.
Patsy Evans had the honor of presenting to Tucker Rutledge a $2,000 Clay Evans Memorial Scholarship. Funds for the scholarship come from an annual crawfish boil, started by her sons Andy and Clay, and two of their friends were on a job in Louisiana. They were so taken by the Cajun culture – the music, food, the people who could tell catfish tales better than Texans. They liked it so much, that they stopped on the way home in 2014 and bought 2 bags of crawfish, a bunch of shrimp and frog legs on the way home. They invited friends and family to their crawfish boil. Each year thereafter, the crawfish boil was held and the number attending continued to grow into the hundreds. In 2012, they began selling t-shirts to cover the cost of the food for the boil. In 2013, the fundraiser became a fundraiser to help Clay with medical bills. It was a huge success, with a great outpouring of support with people coming from miles around to the boil to contribute. The next year, they guys decided the event would continue to be held and used to fund a scholarship annually to honor Clay’s memory. The funds would go to someone graduating from Como-Pickton, the school clay and all of his siblings attended. The 2022 Clay Evans Memorial Scholarship recipient, Tucker Rutledge, has participated in many UIL events, demonstrated leadership abilities and has a plan to study computer science at Northeast Texas Community College.
Colvin then presented Presley Cummins with a $3,500 Finnis and Onree Attlesey and Garland and Sweet Gamblin Scholarship.
Wendell Hildebrandt announced two scholarships on behalf of The Hawks Gun Club of East Texas and the Friends of the Hawks, a men’s club that meets once a week for breakfast and that gather once monthly. The Friends of the Hawks consist of like-minded men who believe in the second amendment and giving back to the community. Some of the ways they give back include working with Winnsboro Police Department to host a Christmas toy drive, a helping to park cars and with parades. Another way The Hawks giveback, Hildebrandt explained is by raising money for local kids who are planning to go to a trade school and who will come back to the community and put back into the community. The Hawks awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Avelardo Villa and a $3,000 scholarship to Logan Langley.
Colvin noted that each year NTCC gives a $200 scholarship to the principal and counselor to award. This year’s NTCC Counselor and Principal Scholarship was awarded to Kallie Ann Ramirez.
Ben Pegues and son presented Hannah Pegues Memorial Scholarships to Alyssa Corona and Marissa Corona.
“As many of you know, 7 weeks ago today, our family and community completely changes. But, with that, we got a generosity from you that was just overwhelming. In the spirit of that generosity we have the Hannah Pegues Memorial Funds. The recipients this year are Alyssa Corona and Alyssa Corona,” Ben Pegues said.
Colvin presented a Stephen F. Austin Academic Excellence Award in the amount of $2,500 to Juli Sawyer.
Sulphur Springs Rotary Scholarship awarded a $3,000 scholarship to Presley Cummins and a $1,000 scholarship to Kara Tifft. That makes a total of $19,750 in scholarships Cummins received. Tifft also was awarded a $4,000 Tarleton Honors Scholarship, bringing the total amount of scholarships awarded to her May 23 to $13,750.
Colvin presented a Texas A&M University-Commerce Presidential Scholarship in the amount of $40,000 to Sandra Tran. Tran received a total of $40,500 in scholarships Monday evening.
Nathan Brown and Alex Holcomb each was awarded a $500 Texas High School Bass Association Scholarship, presented by Colvin.
Jaired Maddox, UT-Tyler Admissions Officer, said while there were several eligible, he would be presenting only one $8,000 UT-Tyler Academic Excellence Scholarship to Jessica Houghton.
Como-Pickton CISD Superintendent Greg Bower, assisted by the other district administrators, presented two Como-Pickton Administrators Scholarships. He noted that each year the district administrators see time after time organizations, colleges, people and businesses go out and fundraiser money to help CP kids go off to college and represent CP and their school in the future. As the biggest employer in the Como-Pickton community, the administrators felt they too could find ways to raise funds to help support students as they begin the next chapter of their lives after graduating from CPHS. Over the past 5 years, the administrators have raised over $20,000, which has been awarded to graduates for college. This year’s fundraising included a teachers versus students volleyball contest, and offered candy, drinks and water.
At the May 23 Senior Honors and Awards Program, CP Administrators Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to CPHS Class of 2022 Seniors Erika Mares and Yarely Tellez.
CP seniors were also recognized for being on the A and AB Honor Rolls, Red Cord Honors, FCCLA, Spanish Club, CCMR, National Honor Society, Honor Graduates, the cumulative Top 10 students in the class and 13-year Eagles (those who’ve attended CP since kindergarten). Awards were presented for Distinguished Eagle of Excellence, and class awards. Alyssa Corona lead the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, Principal Kelly Baird welcomed everyone and offered closing statements. To close out the evening, a slide show featuring the CP Senior Class of 2022 through the years was played.
