Amidst all of the cares and issues of everyday life in this world, some days, the lemonade pours out like a fountain of youth, reviving the weariest of souls and quenching the thirst of those near dehydrated from simply living. We here at the West Bowie Post had one of those days last week, with that sweet lemonade being poured out from one sweet reader, who showed us by her kindness that what we are doing here…matters. Now, I doubt that this sweet lady would want me to use her name in this space. You see, she is one of those people from our community that does things to be nice, just to be nice. It reminds me of something my friend Joni Haldeman used to tell me so often. She told me that Noble Hearts are the kind of folks that do not like getting an award. They don’t enjoy being in the spotlight, or getting a big pat on the back, or having a story written about them in the local newspaper. She said that a Noble Heart does what they do simply because it is the right thing to do…it is who they are…they do what they do because someone needed to do it. That is exactly what this very kind reader did for us last week. She didn’t do what she did for us because she thought I would write these words about her. She didn’t do what she did to make money, earn an award, or get any kind of recognition. Her kindness was born out of her heart. Her kindness was the kind that comes to you just because the person delivering it is a kind soul. It might seem frivolous to you, but to have a reader spend their own time and money to go out and enlist her friends to join the ranks of our readers by buying a subscription, well, you can only imagine what that does for a couple of folks doing their best to put out a local newspaper. To me, it was as if this dear lady scooped up a slice of Heaven and dropped it at our doorstep. You might think that this is all a little over the top, but rest assured, things like this are out of the ordinary in our industry, and in our world as a whole. We recently had a story about a young lady in Hooks who has made it her mission to spread kindness around her school this year. That story all by itself warmed my heart. If you follow that story, with the kindness shown to us by this sweet reader, you could say the kindness meter is off the charts. And if you ask me, kindness is one thing our community, and our world, needs a whole lot more of these days. In a world filled with wars, crime, riots, and debauchery of all kinds by those who are supposed to be our leaders, it is so refreshing to see random acts of kindness still exist. In this world where a man obviously has many things to hide can stand before us all and just “plead the 5th” it is like the sweetest glass of cold lemonade ever to see people use their voice to do good things for those around them. In Galatians, our Father tells us that one of the fruits of the Spirit is kindness. Then again, in Ephesians 4:32 His word says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Then also His word tells us to do unto others, as we would have them do to us. I mean, how many times do we have to be told to be kind before it seeps into our conscious and becomes an everyday part of our lives? Being kind is so simple. Why don’t we do it more? Just look around you. There are so many ways you can make someone’s day with a simple random act of kindness. I saw it happen on the campuses of our local school districts this week as individuals and businesses showed out to greet our school staffs back for another year. It really is refreshing to see, and we all should really find ways to do it more. So, in honor of the sweet reader who made our days last week with her outpouring of kindness, let me do one of my own. The first person that calls me after reading this piece, I will buy them a free subscription to this newspaper. The second person who calls me after reading is going to get a free drink from our neighbor at DK Nutrition, and the third person who calls me is going to get a free coffee from Brew Bliss. Oh and by the way, while I decided not to tell you the name of the sweet lady that was the catalyst for this week’s column, I will tell you that her daughter-in-law is the senior English and dual credit Frameworks teacher at DeKalb High. Hey, if you know, you know!

By Rylee Freeman Growing up in a small town, one of the most common phrases sounds something like, “I hate how everyone knows all of my business!” I said it plenty of times myself. When I went to college, I was excited for a blank slate. New friends. New beginnings. So orientation weekend began- my first opportunity to meet new people. And what did I do? I sat in my dorm room, alone, organizing my closet and desk while calling my parents every hour. I told myself that I’d just start making friends once class started and that I was too overwhelmed by orientation to really get to know anyone. Classes started and since I started as a business major, my classes consisted of primarily football players. How was I supposed to relate to them? I didn’t. I felt like I had nothing in common with anyone. I met a few nice people, but every connection I had was entirely surface-level. There wasn’t a single genuine conversation. I spent my first semester of college crying in my dorm room and texting all of my friends from home. My friends from home. I missed them beyond words. They knew my heart. They understood me. My likes, dislikes and everything in between. I missed my teachers and coaches. I missed my hometown church- where I could walk in and feel love throughout the sanctuary before anyone spoke a word. I missed the familiarity. This is all to say that maybe it’s okay to have the people from your hometown “know all your business.” You’re surrounded with people that either watched you grow up or grew up alongside you. They love you despite knowing your flaws and mistakes. Fast forward to second semester, I had found three girls that turned into precious friends. I spent less time crying and more time cherishing genuine laughs with those friends. It’s great to make new friends, but there’s a comfort in being known by the people who have seen every version of you. So hold those people close and never take for granted the bonds formed within a small town.

By Kenny Mitchell kenny@westbowiepost.com The community is invited for a special night of Christian music in August as local vocalist Heather Russell, along with pianist Richard Lovelace and local singer and firefighter Jack Abston will perform a benefit concert to raise money for a family in need. Local resident Carla Henson will be having an organ transplant in Dallas, and the family will have to spend an extended time near the hospital in Dallas as she recovers from the surgery and undergoes post-op treatments and tests. Henson has had a tough year in her health, going to multiple hospitals in the area that could not help her before finally being sent to Medical City in Dallas. She has already spent two weeks in an ICU room and is now in a regular room awaiting the transplant operation. She has been approved for the transplant and will have to remain in Dallas for at least two months after the procedure is completed, with family members having to travel back and forth to be with her. Her daughter, Jenna Henson, told the West Bowie Post, “My sweet momma is preparing for a lifesaving organ transplant and the road ahead is long. With frequent travel, lodging for two months, medications, follow-up appointments, and time away from work, the financial burden is significant. If my momma has ever touched your life, we ask that you consider supporting her and our family during this journey.” Heather Russell, known around the area as a top-notch singer, told us, “I wanted to do something for the family so, and this is what I do.” Russell says the set list will have something for everyone as she intends to sing some of her classic favorites including “All My Hope’ along with “Speak the Name” and “When He was on the Cross” and many more of what she calls a set list very heavy with a CeCe Winans vibe. Lovelace, who is well known also as a talented pianist, will also add some instrumental tunes to the night’s performances, and Abston is set to do his own arrangement of the gospel tune, “Where I find God.” Russell stated, “I know with my own health problems how expensive it is to go back and forth and to have to stay in Dallas, plus all of the expenses that come with it. They have a long road ahead of them and they don’t have a big family for support, but they do have a big church family at Red Bayou, and Tapp will be there for them too.” Russell, who serves the community as the Administrative Director at New Boston SIDC/CDC and Chamber of Commerce, added, “We have never done something like this before, but it seems like the appropriate time for us to do this. If you don’t feel blessed when you walk out of that church that night, then there is something wrong with you.” The night will also include a silent auction for cakes and pies at the concert intermission, with the desserts prepared by those in the community who definitely know their way around the kitchen. A GoFundMe has also been started to help the family and you can find it at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-carlas-organ-transplant-and-recovery? Jenna added, “From the bottom of our hearts, the Henson and Sanders family want to thank you for your kindness and support and helping us not walk on this path alone. Our family is 6th generation members at Red Bayou, and I absolutely love those people for doing this for us.” The concert is scheduled for Sunday, August 23 at 6 p.m. Admission is free but a love offering will be taken to support the Henson/Sanders family.

By Rylee Freeman As skepticism of online information grows, The Farmacy Ranch in DeKalb gives locals a place to shop for natural goods and learn about them firsthand. The Farmacy Ranch is an all-natural shop with handmade, everyday products ranging from face care, bath products and cleaning supplies to cooking items, herbal products and specialty loose-leaf teas for both restorative and enjoyable purposes. Owner Janine Carter began this journey in 2019 when her granddaughter received a serious eczema diagnosis. Striving to find a natural alternative to prescription steroids, Carter conducted research, discovered different herbs and created a salve that was successful. In 2022, Carter and her husband moved to East Texas, where she enrolled in school to begin formal training. Carter spent a year and a half renting space inside a local coffee shop. After substantial growth and advancement, she realized it was time to upgrade to a larger space. When the current location became available, Carter obtained a manufacturing license so she could convert one of the back rooms into a manufacturing area and make all of the products in-store, exemplifying the business’s truly local aspect. Although traditional medicine is appropriate at times, Carter said she is passionate about restoring the body naturally through the use of natural ingredients without artificial dyes, fragrances or chemical preservatives. “I am a firm believer that every symptom has a core, and just treating a symptom is not helping,” Carter said. The Farmacy Ranch is an offline business, as Carter values communication with her customers to ensure they know what they are getting when purchasing products. “I really am more interested in people learning this lifestyle,” Carter said. “I’m always here, so if people have questions, it’s important to me to provide a listening ear.” Carter teaches a series of classes that runs every year from January through October. Each class is typically spent making or learning how to make something. The last class she hosted focused on making restorative massage oil, fitting the class theme of “Living a Life of Intentional Balance.” The classes are designed for anyone to jump in and learn at any time, rather than following a strict schedule that must be completed in order. Alongside its wide variety of products, The Farmacy Ranch has what Carter calls “the sipping room,” which serves as a small place for community members to gather. It offers self-serve tea and a comfortable seating area to take in a moment of peace. Carter views this space as a “community give-back” for all of the love and support she has received. As for future endeavors, Carter hopes to one day turn a back room into a wellness center, for which she has an abundance of ideas. The Farmacy Ranch is located at 104 N. Runnels St. in DeKalb and can be contacted by phone at (214) 543-1595 or by email at j9@thefarmacyranch.com. Further information can be found on the website at thefarmacyranch.com.

“Protecting our surface water and ground water is essential to the future of our farms, our families, and our way of life.”-Chris Spencer By Kenny Mitchell kenny@westbowiepost.com Water water everywhere, and not a drop to drink. Northeast Texas leaders are working together to make sure that dies not become a reality for their constituents with their work toward a groundwater conservation district. Bowie County commissioners formally joined that effort last week with the appointment of the county judge to serve as the Bowie County representative on the multicounty joint committee for the creation of a regional groundwater conservation district, and the approval of a legal services agreement with SledgeLaw Group PLLC related to the creation of a regional groundwater conservation district in northeast Texas. The move to protect Northeast Texas groundwater is directly connected to the proposed development of several AI data centers in Bowie County, and what NE Texas leaders say is a response to protect our most valued natural resource. Cass County Judge Travis Ransom told the West Bowie Post, “Water is the foundation of every community’s future. Whether we’re talking about homes, agriculture, manufacturing, or economic development, none of it is possible without a reliable water supply. Creating a regional groundwater conservation district is a proactive step that gives Northeast Texas a seat at the table in protecting our aquifers while balancing conservation, preserving private property rights, and responsible economic growth.” Bowie County residents are no strangers to fighting to protect our water rights, property rights and natural resources. Along with groundwater, the fight to protect NE Texas surface water has been raging for over 25 years with oppos ition to the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir in the Sulphur River Basin. Similar to the fight to protect our groundwater, the opposition to Marvin Nichols has centered on the rights of local landowners and the protection of natural resources like bottomland hardwood forests and a variety of endangered species of wildlife. Janice Bezanson, of the Texas Conservation Alliance, has been at the forefront of opposition to the proposed reservoir since day one. She states today, “The future of Texas, for people and for the economy, depends on protecting our water resources - both water quality and water quantity. Over-allocating water supplies will only lead to bigger problems later. The focus needs to be on water efficiency - minimizing waste, maximizing reuse, and not allowing vested interests to promote more water development than is needed.” Whether it be an AI data center or a reservoir that would destroy generational farms or much needed forests, the efforts to protect NE Texas water resources is at the forefront of municipal issues. Bowie County Precinct 3 Commissioner Mike Carter weighed in on the subject by saying, “Water is necessary to sustain all life. As demand for the use of our surface and groundwater increases, everyone, whether an individual or elected official, needs to do our part to insure we conserve anywhere we can.” Governor Greg Abbott has also addressed concerns for water in a recent campaign stop by saying, "Any AI data center even thinking about coming here has to bring their own money, bring their own power, and re-use their own water.” Echoing those sentiments, Republican frontrunner for Texas House District 1 State Representative Chris Spencer states, “Protecting our surface water and ground water is essential to the future of our farms, our families, and our way of life. Northeast Texans have always been good stewards of our water, both at home and commercially. Taking the next step in the creation of a regional Groundwater Conservation District that protects us may seem to some as government overreach. In our case, it is good, responsible stewardship and I will be honored to co-sponsor this legislation in Austin. One of the major issues in regard to water comes from the agricultural community, where a lack of trust has been fostered with the push for a groundwater conservation district, and that push coming while data center developers are seeking to take land and water from the local supply. DeKalb mayor Lowell Walker addressed that mistrust by saying, “Groundwater is a key resource for our agricultural community in this area and some municipalities as well. The proposed groundwater conservation district is being implemented to protect the Carizzo-Wilcox Aquifer, but that aquifer only supplies water for the southern area of Bowie County. I am comfortable with the groundwater conservation district if it only applies to Area 11, which includes that southern part of the county. DeKalb is in Area 8 and does not draw any water from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. Some of the suspicions of our agricultural community are that they are giving the state the power over groundwater, and this is some of the same folks recruiting data centers. The data centers in Bowie County that are in development will be purchasing their water from Riverbend, and not groundwater, so they are not a threat to our ag community. Quite simply, the minor aquifers in our area would not and could not supply the water needs for a data center.”

By Kenny Mitchell kenny@westbowiepost.com The day is fast approaching for the annual Glow Walk in New Boston, scheduled for September 19, 2026. A plethora of fundraising activities are underway for this year’s event, and organizer Stephanie Hawkins says that this is again a year “where every story matters.” One of those fundraising activities is labeled Pie for a Purpose, and it is exactly as it sounds. A long list of volunteer contestants has signed up and the donation jar that earns the most money will be the recipient of a whip cream pie in the face from each of the other contestants. Each contestant has a jar inside Hawkins’ hair salon and at 82 Marketplace where you can go and support the effort by donating into the jar of your choice, with 16 volunteers hoping to raise the most for the cause and take their pie in the face. To date, over $2,000 has found its way into jars for the cause. Currently leading the way, with over $500 raised in his jar, is Kyle Edwards. Hawkins notes, “While it certainly brings laughter and excitement to our community, there's a much deeper reason behind it. Kyle's family has been personally impacted by cancer. His wife recently shared with me that when Kyle's father was battling cancer, there weren't organizations like Glow Walk Foundation to help families through that journey. She also shared how our community came together to support Clay during his battle with brain cancer. This year, Kyle is walking not only in honor of his dad, but also in memory of Clay. Clay Dews is the son of DeKalb restaurant owner Yoli Aguilon, who lost his battle with cancer last October after being an inspiration to all that knew and loved him. Hawkins goes on to say, “Stories like these are exactly why Glow Walk Foundation exists. Every dollar raised helps us support local families facing cancer because no one should have to walk that road alone. Kyle recently became the first participant to reach our $500 fundraising milestone and is now closing in on the $600 Club. While we're celebrating his fundraising success in a fun way, what truly deserves recognition is the heart behind his participation and the mission it represents. Hawkins wants the entire community to see that behind every laugh, every fundraiser, and every pie thrown, there is someone fighting, someone remembering, and someone being helped.” This year’s Glow Walk will once again take place at T&P Trail Head Park Pavilion in downtown New Boston. The event this year will include over 60 vendors and food trucks. The day will kick off with a Shop Before You Glow time from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by a live pie auction at 4 and then prize and raffle drawings at 6 p.m. The highlights of the day will include survivor recognition, battle of the teams, battle of the teas, the memorial walk and then close with the glow walk. For more information on this year’s Glow Walk New Boston or if you would like to volunteer or donate, you can check out their Facebook page or call organizer Stephanie Hawkins at 903-933-9793.

By Kenny Mitchell Kenny@westbowiepost.com The Miracle Legends of New Boston are at it once again expanding the universe for their kids with their newest venture being an adaptive soccer league. With the excitement of the recent World Cup, interest in soccer is at an all-time high for youth of all ages. Registration is currently open to join this new league that is in partnership with the New Boston Soccer Club. Organizers hope to bring an inclusive experience to local athletes of all abilities with an emphasis on fun, inclusion and community spirit. Thanks to their partnership with the New Boston Soccer Club, Miracle Legends can bring an inclusive soccer experience to athletes of all abilities, with soccer now added to their usual baseball diamond activities. Miracle Legends Soccer is designed for athletes with disabilities who want the opportunity to learn, play, build confidence, make friends, and experience the joy of being part of a team. Miracle Legends soccer matches will be played at Tapp Methodist in New Boston on Saturdays, alongside games of the New Boston Soccer League, but a schedule has not been announced as yet. Miracle Legends organizer Jessica Harris told the West Bowie Post, “We enjoy being able to provide fun and safe extracurricular activities for children with special needs. Since we have started with baseball it has proven that it is helping each and every child thrive and become more confident in themselves. We want inclusion, we want every person to have the chance to belong and discover what they are capable of achieving. We are proud New Boston has stepped up and accepted each and every opportunity we have thrown at them to include The Children of The Miracle Legends.” If you would like to register your child for Miracle Legends Soccer, signup forms can be found at: https://forms.gle/8PTMEKYqNgfK2yWk6 Whether your child is ready to kick their first soccer ball or looking for a team where they can belong, Miracle Legends welcomes all and would love to see your child on the field. For more information on Miracle Legends New Boston, see their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AllInclusiveTBallLeagueofNewBoston

By Kenny Mitchell kenny@westbowiepost.com The summer heat is on and that means one thing for sure in New Boston as it is time once again for all of the high-flying cowboy action of the New Boston Round Up Club’s Pioneer Days Rodeo with $8,000 in added money. This year’s rodeo takes place on Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8 at the Round Up Club Arena at 1154 Daniels Chapel Road. Friday night is Military Night and anyone showing a valid military ID can get in to see the action for free. Tickets for this year’s rodeo are $10 with any child six and under getting in free. Rodeo action will begin each night at 8 p.m. and will include all of the exciting rodeo events like Ranch Bronc and Saddle Bronc riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing, along with roping events including tie down and team roping, and of course, the gut bustin’, fan favorite of bull riding. There will also be Junior Barrels for contestants 16 and under with local signups for that event to be called in on Friday, August 1 from 1 to 6 p.m. The number to call in and register for junior barrels is 903-908-5892. Rodeo fans at the arena this year will also be treated to the talents of the young and talented rodeo clown antics of Campbell Autrey. Autrey is a talented young star from Atlanta, Texas that is quickly making a name for himself in the rodeo world with his own style of entertainment. Autrey’s performance at the rodeo will feature an exploding piano and much more fun for the crowd. Local rodeo fans will also enjoy the presentation of little Mr. and Miss Western for this year’s rodeo. The New Boston Round Up Club is proud to welcome Secured Assist this year as the Title Sponsor of the 2026 Pioneer Days Rodeo, put on by the Flying C Rodeo Company. For more information on this year’s Pioneer Days Rodeo please call 903-219-0086 or 903-733-2910. This years coloring contest winner for free tickets to the rodeo, burger meals and cash, donated by The New Boston Round-Up Club was Teagan C. Second place winner of a cash prize from WBP was Tayen B.

By Kenny Mitchell kenny@westbowiepost.com The Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center, in partnership with DeKalb ISD, facilitated a community child abuse prevention training called Stewards of Children® from the program Darkness to Light. Stewards of Children® teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities. Stewards of Children® is an evidence-informed, adult-focused child sexual abuse prevention training in the United States that increases knowledge and changes behavior. The Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center (TCAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers free services such as forensic interviews, family advocacy, therapy, medical exams, case coordination, prevention education, and more to children who have experienced abuse and their families. Their mission is to unite multidisciplinary team members and community partners to ensure hope, healing, and justice for child abuse victims and their families. Trinity Gardner, Director of Education and Prevention at TCAC, says, “We are grateful for partnerships with local school districts such as DeKalb ISD that believe in creating a culture of child abuse prevention within their district as well as in the community.” This training was open not only to employees of the district but also to community members. Child sexual abuse is preventable, but it takes everyone being aware, educated, and empowered to act. Hanna Mullins, Education Outreach Specialist at TCAC and an alumna of DeKalb ISD, says, “I am so grateful for the district that shaped me into who I am today and for allowing TCAC to share this important information with my hometown.” When school districts, churches, and other youth-serving organizations commit to equipping their staff, volunteers, and community members with the knowledge and skills to prevent child abuse—and to respond confidently and appropriately to the discovery, disclosure, or suspicion of abuse—they create safer environments where children are better protected. Our children can’t learn or be the best versions of themselves if they are not safe. TCAC offers many free trainings for adults and children in the community. If your organization would like to schedule a free training, please email Trinity Gardner at tgardner@casacac.org.

By Kenny Mitchell kenny@westbowiepost.com At their regular meeting held on July 13, 2026, Bowie County Commissioners Court approved a Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant through the U.S. Department of Justice that will reimburse the county for half of the cost to purchase a bulletproof vest for Precinct 3 Constable Dillon Gardner. Th$326.23 grant through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program will ensure that Constable Gardner will be protected by a new vest in accordance with Texas mandates, without any additional taxation burden on the citizens of Bowie County. Constable Gardner will wear the vest during his hours of service to the people of Bowie County during patrol, civil-process service, court security, traffic stops, emergency calls for service, and other official law-enforcement duties. Body armor is an essential piece of safety equipment because officers may encounter dangerous and unpredictable situations with little or no warning. Constable Gardner states, “I want to save the taxpayers in our area as much money as possible while still making sure I have the equipment needed to safely serve the public. This grant reduces the cost to Bowie County and helps protect me while I am responding to calls, conducting traffic stops, and carrying out my daily constable duties.” The Precinct 3 Constable’s Office completed and submitted its own application for the funding. The Bowie County Commissioners Court approved the grant and the county’s participation in the reimbursement process. TCOLE rules require law-enforcement agencies to provide officers on duty with bullet-resistant vests that meet National Institute of Justice standards and remain within the manufacturer’s ballistic-performance warranty period. Most vest models have a recommended service life of approximately five years, making regular replacement necessary for officer safety and continued compliance. This award applies to the purchase of this specific vest. However, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership is an ongoing federal program, and eligible agencies may apply for future funding as replacement needs arise.

Recent Redwater High School graduate Anna Fryar of the Redwater High School Chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) earned the highest national honor by capturing 1st Place in the Nation in the Early Childhood Education STAR Event at the 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference, held July 6–10 in Washington, D.C. This marks Anna's second FCCLA National Championship during her high school career, an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects years of dedication to Family and Consumer Sciences education and leadership. After advancing through regional and state competition, Anna Fryar competed in Early Childhood Education, Level 3, where she was named the National Champion, earning 1st Place among the nation's top competitors. The event challenged participants to demonstrate their knowledge of child development by designing and presenting developmentally appropriate learning experiences while showcasing their ability to effectively teach and engage young children. STAR Events, which stands for Students Taking Action with Recognition, provide FCCLA members the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained through Family and Consumer Sciences education to authentic projects, presentations, and career-focused challenges. Only the highest-performing students from each state earn the opportunity to compete on the national stage, making a national championship one of FCCLA's most prestigious honors. "Winning this national title means so much to me. I spent the past year perfecting this project, and seeing that hard work payoff is highly rewarding.” said Anna Fryar. Throughout her four years at Redwater High School, Anna gained valuable hands-on teaching experience through the support of Redwater Elementary School, whose administrators and teachers welcomed her into their classrooms as part of the Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Training program. During her senior Capstone course, Anna worked alongside mentor teacher Mrs. Kristen Bryan in her second-grade classroom, where she shadowed instruction, developed and taught multiple classroom lessons, and compiled a professional teaching portfolio documenting her growth and experiences. At the National Leadership Conference, Anna presented her portfolio before demonstrating her teaching abilities by responding to an impromptu classroom scenario. Given just 20 minutes to prepare, she designed a developmentally appropriate lesson using materials from her teacher toolbox and delivered the lesson to a panel of judges, ultimately earning 1st Place in the Nation. In the fall, Anna plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University where she will be majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. "Anna's second national championship is the result of four years of dedication, perseverance, and a genuine passion for teaching. It has been amazing to watch her confidence, leadership, and teaching abilities grow throughout her high school career. We couldn't be more proud of everything she has accomplished. said Jessica Davis, FCCLA Adviser at Redwater High School. The Redwater High School FCCLA Chapter joined hundreds of delegates from Texas and more than 10,000 FCCLA Members, Advisers, and guests from across the nation, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa at the conference. Anna Fryar’s national championship brought home one of FCCLA's highest competitive honors and represents an extraordinary accomplishment for Redwater ISD, the local community, and the state of Texas. The FCCLA National Leadership Conference brings students and educators together for Competitive Events, leadership development, career exploration, educational workshops, and national recognition. The 2026 conference was especially historic as it was held in Washington, D.C., during the America 250 celebrations. "Hosting the 2026 National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., during the America 250 celebrations created a powerful and historic opportunity for FCCLA Members," said Sandy Spavone, CEO of FCCLA. "These students are building the skills, confidence, and connections to make an impact in their schools, careers, families, communities, and country right now." For more information about the Redwater High School FCCLA Chapter, please contact Jessica Davis at jdavis@redwaterisd.org

By Rylee Freeman Hubbard ISD has spent the summer renovating the campus to provide greater opportunity for students both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities. Interim Superintendent Adam Chandler has invested substantial time in developing a detailed strategy to create the most effective educational experience possible for students. Hubbard ISD has created what Chandler calls “The Academy,” a new approach designed to produce high-end academic achievement. “One of our goals is that when our kids leave Hubbard ISD, there’s no doubt where they came from,” Chandler said. “We think that The Academy is going to be a very good way to drive that forward.” “The Academy” will include programs such as robotics and rocketry, providing students with advanced educational experiences and opportunities for development that goes beyond traditional textbooks. Hubbard ISD will also offer a junior high athletics program. As part of the campus renovations, the district hired Darlene Taylor Murals to transform the cafeteria with a mural designed to inspire students each day as they enter the space. “It is an inspirational piece that shows students that it’s a broader world out there and we are going to do everything we can to prepare you for it,” Chandler said. The mural incorporates the core academic subjects while also showcasing a world of curiosity and opportunity. Along with the mural, a fully reconstructed junior high wing has opened the door for additional educational advancements. Chandler said one of the rooms will be transformed into a dedicated science classroom, while the remaining classrooms are being prepared to support several upcoming projects. Chandler, alongside his leadership team, have been meeting weekly to make certain that academics are remaining the district’s top priority. “We strategically aligned our master schedule to ensure that we have the most amount of academic time poured into our kids as we possibly can,” Chandler said. After working at numerous school districts, ranging from Class 1A to Class 6A, Chandler says that Hubbard’s smaller environment provides educators with the opportunity to invest in each student and ensure individual needs are being met. “Don’t be confused by our small school size,” Chandler said. “Watch the great things we’re about to put out. We would love to have families and students come be a part of that.” Hubbard ISD has an open-enrollment policy, and Chandler encourages interested parents to visit the school, meet with administrators, tour the facilities and pick up a registration packet. The district office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional information and updates are available on the Hubbard ISD Facebook page.