Meal A Day Menu – May 30-June 3, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of May 30-June 3, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Beef Spaghetti, English Peas and Garlic Toast.
- Tuesday – Rope Sausage, Sauerkraut, Black-Eyed Peas an Corn Bread.
- Wednesday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll.
- Thursday – Chicken Pot Pie, Broccoli and Pickled Beets.
- Friday – Hot Dogs, Potato Chips and Cole Slaw.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Paris District Road Report for May 30, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting May 30, 2022. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
The annual contract to perform seal coat operations in Grayson County is scheduled to begin the week of June 6. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car to direct traffic through the work zone while crews place a seal coat to the pavement on these roadways: FM 902 between the Cooke County line and US 377, FM 902 between SH 5 and SH 11, FM 120 between SH 289 and Willow Springs Road, and FM 1897 between US 69 and Ambrose St.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. The northbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Lamar/Houston Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road from just north of Houston Street and transitions back to the existing main lanes south of North Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 main lanes and the bridge over Washington Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Washington Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to complete work in preparation of the mainlane detour. To detour, eastbound Washington Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Lamar Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on North Travis Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Washington Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Washington Street closure at US 75:
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. The Lamberth Street intersection on the east side of FM 1417 will be closed to traffic on May 31, to allow crews to complete the concrete paving at this intersection. Travelers are asked to use Taylor Street or Canyon Creek Drive during this closure.
SH 5, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne along Newport Drive from Partin Elementary School to SH 5, and along SH 5 from Newport Drive to Forrest Moore Park. Construction on a new multi-use trail is underway. The project will install an eight-foot-wide minimum sidewalk trail along this stretch of roadway. Occasional lane closures will be required to complete the work while this project is underway.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and then overlay the roadway.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic.
FM 121, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne from Preston Avenue to John Douglas Road. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as construction crews work to install sidewalks, curb ramps, and landscape features.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
The annual contract to perform bridge repairs in Grayson County is underway. The following locations will have bridge repairs performed, so travelers should expect occasional lane closures while this work is underway. US 75 northbound mainlane bridge at Iron Ore Creek, US 75 southbound frontage road bridge at Iron Ore Creek, and FM 1417 at Post Oak Creek.
FM 697, Grayson County, from SH 11 to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 898, Grayson County, from US 69 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on backfilling the roadway.
The annual contract to perform seal coat operations in Fannin County is scheduled to begin the week of June 6. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car to direct traffic through the work zone while crews seal coat the pavement at these locations: US 82 between the Grayson County line and SH 121, FM 68 between SH 78 and SH 34, and FM 1396 between SH 78 and FM 2029.
CR 3810 at Loring Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3810 at Loring Creek is complete and has been reopened to through traffic.
CR 3315 at Allen Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3315 at Allen Creek will be closed to through traffic on May 31 in order to replace the bridge. During this closure traffic is asked to use CR 3310 as a detour.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1552, Fannin County: from SH 78 to County Road 3710. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow-moving construction equipment as crews work on re-establishing vegetation on the project. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.
FM 1396, Fannin County: from FM 897 west to FM 2029. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway.
SH 78, Fannin County: from FM 981 to CR 5066. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on signs.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
SH 37, Franklin County: from the elementary school to US 67. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install sidewalk.
IH 30, Hopkins County: from Loop 301 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and traffic delays as crews begin surfacing operations.
FM 1536, Hopkins County: from SH 19 to FM 71. Watch for lane closures and short delays as crews begin upgrading cross drainage structures.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: from IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lanes closures and short delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to the Bowie County line. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas while final work is being performed.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
CR 3440, Delta County: at Jennings Creek. Watch for road closure while crews replace the existing bridge.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Sidewalk and Curb Ramp Project (several counties): The contractor has set barricades at the Wolfe City, Texas, location. The contractor is currently working on FM 816 and constructing driveways and curb and gutter along with pedestrian ramps. The contractor will begin working on sidewalks after the holiday weekend. This project will improve pedestrian sidewalks and construct ADA-compliant curb ramps at these locations: Hunt County, SH 34 at Crockett Street to SH 34 at FM 816 in Wolfe City. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 903, Hunt County: From US 380 to FM 1569 South. The contractor has set barricades and bulletin boards and advance warning signs. The contractor will be placing geogrid and will be grading out for cement placement. The contractor will begin to cement treat the new six-inch roadway base as weather and materials availability allow.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has completed widening and reworking existing base for the last section of the project. The project has less than 1,000 feet until completion of cement-treated base. The contractor will continue setting safety end treatments and driveway pipe on the south side of the project once material delays are resolved. Please be aware of lane closures, detours, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor completed the concrete paving on the intersection of SH 276 and FM 264.The contractor is working on the culvert extension on the west section SH 276. The contractor is working on ditch and back slope grading – preparing areas for scheduled temporary seeding and addressing sidewalks and ADA ramp installation. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has finished mailbox turnouts. The contractor is working on the proposed signing for the project. Seal coat for the pavement surface should begin soon, based on material availability and weather permitting.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing overlay operations on FM 2655 to SH 11 in Wolfe City. Crews will be performing potholing at various locations in Hunt County. Maintenance crews will be installing mailboxes, delineators, and signs in various locations. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operations at various locations. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing seal coat prep work on FM 1903 from SH 34 to the I-30 frontage road. Crews will be performing sign installations, mailbox installation, potholing, and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operations on various roadways. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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11 Jailed in Hopkins County On Felony Warrants May 19-28, 2022
At least 11 people were jailed in Hopkins County on felony warrants from May 19 to May 28, 2022.
Jail Transfers
Melissa Beth Scott was transported at 9:45 a.m. May 26 by Sheriffs Deputy Terry Thompson from Hadin County jail to Hopkins County jail, where the 42-year-old Kountz, Texas woman was booked in at 2:38 p.m. May 26 on failure to identify by giving false information and possession of less than a gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. She was released Friday from Hopkins County jail on a $2,00 bond on the failure to ID charge and $5,000 on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Mark Allen Potts was arrested in Grayson County and transported to Hopkins County jail May 24, 2022. The 55-year-old Whitewright man was booked in on a warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. His bond was set at $175,000. He remained in Hopkins C,ounty jail Saturday. May 28, 2022, according to arrest reports.
Thompson transported Malavine Akanesi Kaihau Saafi from Dallas County jail to Hopkins County jail, where the 25-year-old Grand Prairie woman was booked in around 10 a.m. May 20, 2022. The charge was bond revocation on an August 2020 possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports. She remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, May 28, 2022. Bond was set at $50,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
Deputy Joe Hooten transported Brian Lynn McPike to Hopkins County jail at 11 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2022. The 51-year-old DeSoto man was booked into Hopkins county jail at 1:21 p.m. May 27, on an outstanding possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. Bond was set at $25,000 on the charge, according to arrest reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, May 28, 2022.
Davis Street Arrest
Deputy Frank Tieman and Sgt. Scott Davis transported Ricky Lee Wayne Liebel from his North Davis Street residence at 9:10 p.m. May 26, 2022, to Hopkins County jail, where the 41-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked in on a warrant for violation of probation on a 2018 possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Bond on the felony charge was set at $75,000. He remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, May 28, 2022.
Traffic Stops
The passenger in a Toyota Camry stopped at 4:45 p.m. May 27, at mile marker 120 on Interstate 30 east was found during a records check to be wanted. HCSO Sgt. Todd Evans arrested Jacob Thomas Ramsey on the warrant for violation of parole, which he was on for a 2015 theft of cattle conviction. The 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man was held in Hopkins County jail Saturday, May 28, 2022, on the felony warrant, according to jail reports.
The driver of a Chevrolet Uplander stopped at 3:44 a.m. May 28, 2022, by Drew Fisher for a traffic violation was found to be wanted. Fisher and Sgt. Tanner Steward took Zachary Clifton Gingles into custody and transported him to jail, where he remained on the charge later Saturday afternoon, according to jail reports.
Additional Charge
An additional charge was added at 12:25 p.m. May 20, 2022, for Peter Millard Wyman, a 56-year-old Sulphur Springs man whos’ remained in jail since April 11, serving a commitment on a third or more drunk driving charge. An aggravated perjury warrant was added to the 56-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s charges last Friday. Bond on that charge was set at $50,000, according to jail reports.
A corrections officer was notified at 2:08 p.m. May 20, 2022, of two additional warrants for Cristian Lonnie Jackson. The 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into jail on two aggravated robbery warrants; the offense, according to arrest reports occurred in January of 2020. Bond was recommended at $50,000 per charge, according to jail reports.
Jail House Arrests
Deputy Bobby Osornio took Lorena Martinez Andrews into custody at 3 a.m. May 21, 2022, in the lobby of the sheriff’s office and escorted her into the county jail, where the 42-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was booked in on two warrants for criminal mischief resulting in $2,500 worth damage or more but less than $30,000, according to arrest reports. She was released from Hopkins County jail later May 21 on $5,000 bond per charge, according to jail reports.
Derek Dewayne Dirks was taken custody around 10:45 a.m. May 19, 2022, and escorted into the county jail by Deputy Aaron Chaney. The 42-year-old Lindale man was booked in for bond forfeiture on an unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon charge and four traffic warrants. Bond on the felony charge was set at $20,000. He remained in Hopkins County jail May 28, 2022, according to jail reports.
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.
