Hooks inducts four into Ring of Honor

Hooks ISD inducted four new members into its Ring of Honor last Friday night in special ceremonies before the Hornets big district game against the Daingerfield Tigers.

Joe Derrel Hubbard Jr.

A career teacher and educator, Joe spent nearly 30-years imparting knowledge, wisdom, and guidance, while also molding minds young and young at heart.

Over three decades, Joe taught music and fine arts at Hooks Elementary School, sixth grade English Language Arts at Hooks Jr. High School, and adult GED classes through Texarkana ISD. He also served as a member of the Burns Redbank Water Co-op Board and the Hooks ISD Board of Trustees, where he was instrumental in voting on policies to shape curriculum while also being a champion of educational excellence.

Joe finished his career teaching in the state prison system at the Telford Unit in Bowie County through the Windham School District.

Joyce Elaine Hubbard

For four decades, Joyce worked across healthcare as a Registered Nurse, providing the highest level of patient care and comfort. She began her career in the Wichita Falls State Hospital, followed by Wadley Regional Medical Center and New Boston Hospital. Joyce was also a nurse educator serving as Nurse Preceptor for ADN Students at Texarkana College and BSN students at the University of Arkansas at Hope campus, and she was an American Red Cross CPR instructor.

Affectionately known as “Nurse Joyce,” the majority of her career was spent as the school nurse in Hooks ISD and Trinity Christian School, where she advocated for student wellness, partnered with the Lions Club to purchase eye glasses for students, and spearheaded critical initiatives such as districtwide immunization drives with Christus Health, and more. It was there, she realized that for students to thrive academically and personally, health and wellness support was necessary.

Jim Whisenhunt

In 1965, he became the owner and pharmacist of Whisenhunt’s City Pharmacy. For nearly 60 years, he served the people of Hooks – not simply as their pharmacist, but as a friend, neighbor, and trusted member of the community. He cared for generations of families, celebrated their milestones, shared in their hardships and became a familiar beloved face in the community. His commitment to Hooks extended far beyond the pharmacy. He served as Mayor of Hooks for a short time and dedicated more than 40 years to the Hooks ISD School Board. During those four decades, he had the incredible privilege of presenting high school diplomas to ten of his own children and grandchildren – a testament to both his commitment to education and the deep Hornet pride that runs through his family.

Patti Whitehead

Patti spearheaded the Backpack Program to make sure that Hooks kids have what they needed for school and even food over the weekends. She helped lead the Hooks Community in Action and served on the Hooks School Board for several years.

She has been part of the Special Industrial Board and the Community Development Board.

For decades she worked for First Bank/Bancorp South here in Hooks, always greeting people with a smile and her quick wit.

She has given her whole life to the community of Hooks, TX.