DINING
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By: Anne Granado
From the Publisher...
Back to School…again.
As the summer months are ending and the temps are soaring, it is again time for school – and, of course, football season!
School was always something I enjoyed. As a child, I remember having a bicycle wreck and being kept from going to school for an entire week! It was horrible! I begged every morning for the chance to return to my class. My mom would take me to the doctor every morning to hear him say no once again. After a week, I was finally allowed to return, and I was excited!
As a teenager, I absolutely loved this time of year. With football season always in sight, and as a majorette, I loved all the fun times with friends and the school spirit that would descend upon everyone in the small town I grew up in. Although I grew up in Alabama, you would have almost thought we lived in the great state of Texas! Football was everything!
It seems like yesterday when I reflect on all our fun. It’s also interesting to look back on how skinny I was then! Anyone who has seen me lately knows I have lost some weight. However, back in the day, I was super skinny! To the point that now I would be accused of having an eating disorder! My only problem back then was making sure nobody in my family ate any of my boxed Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, my after-school snack, before we had supper in a few hours! I sure wish my metabolism was the same as it was back then!
I hope everyone is excited about the new year to come! I certainly hope that you are. You can always benefit from education—reading, writing, or arithmetic. I have begun teaching interview lessons again and tell my clients that you can never go wrong learning how to talk to people. So whether you are learning the basics or doing something a little extra to help you in the future, keep learning! You will be so happy you did.
God bless you and yours…
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PEDIATRIC EYE CARE WE LOVE
• Optometrist provide comprehensive eye examinations that evaluate 17 visual skills children need to succeed in reading, learning, sports, and life.
Therapeutic Optometrists
• 60% of children struggling with school have undiagnosed vision problems
• All children should have a comprehensive eye examination by their Optometrist at age 3, before starting kindergarten, and every year they are in school.
• At Family Eye Care Clinic, children do not need to know their letters or make difficult choices.
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Melinda Asher has taught business and technology classes at Texas High School for the last eleven years. She initially pursued a career in education after being asked to substitute teach when her three sons were younger. Melinda is married to Mike Asher, and today, all three of their sons are Texas High graduates: Jonathan graduated in 2015, and Joseph and Joshua, their twins, graduated from Texas High in 2020. “My family and my dogs keep me going. My dogs are always happy to greet me, are good listeners, and let me vent about my day. They don’t judge, and they don’t repeat what I say!” Melinda says. “My husband is my rock. He is my ultimate support!”
When Melinda started working as a substitute teacher, she enjoyed it so much that it inspired her to begin taking classes toward becoming a certified teacher. Now, more than a decade later, Melinda has been able to teach several subjects, and no matter what she teaches, she seeks to encourage and inspire the high school students in her classroom. “The most rewarding part of my job is developing relationships with my students. I hope to be someone my students trust and turn to for advice and help,” Melinda says. “At the end of the school year, when my students or graduating seniors tell me I was their ‘go-to adult’—not just in academics but also on a personal level—that is truly fulfilling and touches my heart.”
While there have been many proud moments over the last eleven years, Melinda says she is most proud of completing graduate school. However, her students’ successes are the most gratifying daily. “My students are awesome and are what make me feel accomplished. I am honored each year to watch them compete at the state level in our Career and Technical Student Organizations, such as BPA, DECA, and Robotics,” Melinda says. “I learn so much from my students. Here I am today, teaching dual credit classes that allow students to earn college credit while in high school. That’s pretty cool stuff!”
To build strong relationships with students, Melinda starts by creating an environment where all students feel safe asking questions and sharing information. She also begins to get to know them as soon as possible. “Relationships are key to a healthy learning environment. All students are capable of learning and have unique knowledge and experience they can bring to the group,” Melinda says.
Next, Melinda assesses where her students are so that she can meet their needs in her class. “Learner-oriented teaching allows students to gain knowledge using various methods,” Melinda says. “By determining a student’s level, I can provide the scaffolding needed to build on the connections between what they already know and the new knowledge we seek to create.”
In Melinda’s classroom, students often work together to collaborate on projects. She believes that students grow faster when they synthesize their knowledge. “Experience gained from students working together will help students build a collaborative practice throughout their lives. I count on ‘teaching successes’ to create opportunities for that to happen,” Melinda says. “I have a quote in my email signature that states, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.’ Education comes in many forms. It doesn’t always mean sitting in a classroom behind a desk listening to a lecture.”
One of the biggest lessons that Melinda has learned from her years of expertise in the classroom is to only focus on the things she can control. “Every day in the classroom is different, and every child is different; often, a different learning path must be employed to reach different students in the same classroom,” Melinda says. “A teacher must be flexible. Being a teacher is about continuing to learn and adapt. Teaching is more than having students gain content knowledge; it is about the whole student. I hope to help the students use their minds, hearts, and actions to impact the world.”
She also recognizes the importance of adult involvement in a student’s life, even if they are not family. “Parental involvement varies from student to student,” Melinda says. “Educating our young people should be a team effort that includes all the active adults in a student’s life.”
One aspect of education that Melinda wishes more people understood is that while some students need a traditional college education for
their future careers, some do not. “There is a significant need for trade programs,” Melinda says. “I want all students to feel proud of their career goals regardless of their path.”
As this next year begins, Melinda knows she will face challenging days in the classroom. However, she is always motivated when she thinks about the past students who have stopped by or reached out to share how much she impacted their lives. “Having previous students reach out to share how much they use what I taught them or how much they appreciate my classes makes my heart happy,” Melinda says.
Fun Facts:
If I could return to high school, I would take my music studies more seriously because I enjoyed being in the band and got a lot out of it.
The best advice I’ve ever received as a teacher is to strive to keep “work” at work and save your home time for family. I try, but it is challenging to do regularly.
My favorite subjects in school were science and technology classes because I had some great teachers!
I have several dream vacations. My husband and I would love to visit Rome to see the architecture and history and enjoy great food. We would also love to go to Africa for a photography safari because of the animals and nature. My favorite would be visiting Yellowstone in the wintertime by snowmobile!
One thing my students probably do not know about me is that I used to train in martial arts and kickboxing. I had a pretty impressive flying kick.
Proudly serving the Texarkana Arkansas School District (TASD) for 35 years, Karen Cherry-McDowell is beginning another year of positively impacting young lives. Karen teaches second grade at Fairview Elementary, and she defines her purpose as meeting students where they are while being a source of mercy when they make mistakes. “My belief in meeting each student where they are and providing them with the support they need ensures all students, regardless of their background or learning challenges, have equitable access to quality education. I want my students to know that I believe in their capabilities,” Karen says. Students each have a specific style and place in which they learn the best. Karen works to provide the scaffolding and resources each student needs to be successful.
“Positive reinforcement and respectful correction help bring out the best in students, which is always my goal,” Karen says.
Karen’s desire for an educational career formed in her early years as she babysat for numerous families and helped in the church nursery. She believes this instilled a solid foundation and natural inclination towards teaching. Karen says, “The joy and excitement I see in children when they learn something new is incredibly rewarding and motivating. This intrinsic reward is one of the many reasons I chose to become a teacher. It’s not just about imparting knowledge but also about fostering a love for learning and making a positive impact on young lives.”
Karen’s fostering love is one of the qualities that led her to be named TASD Teacher of the Year, a remarkable accomplishment for which she is both proud and grateful. “As a product of TASD, this recognition is particularly meaningful to me. I can’t think of a better place for me to teach and positively impact students’ lives.” To earn this recognition, Karen had to learn some invaluable lessons along the way. Reflecting on her journey in education, she sees how the following lessons have profoundly shaped her approach as an educator. “Patience and flexibility have become essential virtues, developed through navigating my students’ diverse needs and learning styles. Each interaction with students of varying abilities and backgrounds has underscored the importance of adapting my teaching methods to support individual growth,” Karen says. “Continuous learning has been a cornerstone of my career. Engaging in professional development opportunities, such as workshops and collaborative sessions with colleagues, has broadened my pedagogical toolkit and kept me informed about evolving educational practices. These experiences highlight the dynamic nature of education, motivating me to enhance my teaching strategies continually. Resilience is another critical
lesson learned by facing the challenges inherent in teaching. From setbacks to demanding situations, each obstacle has strengthened my determination to persist with optimism, fostering a resilient mindset supporting personal growth and student success,” Karen says.
Learning these critical lessons, Karen looks forward to the future each day as she is motivated to continue her work in education by seeing the profound impact she can have on student’s lives. Seeing her students grow, learn, and succeed fuels Karen’s passion. Her students’ curiosity, enthusiasm, and determination inspire Karen daily to remain in education. That inspiration is key as all educators face challenging aspects of their careers. Aspects such as the diverse needs of each student, ensuring each student receives the support and attention they require, all while balancing the demands of providing the best education for every single student that crosses the teacher’s doorstep. For Karen, seeing a student’s “aha” moment and realizing she is making a positive difference in each student’s education and development keeps Karen pushing forward and motivated. “Additionally, the support and encouragement from my family, colleagues, and the community remind me of the importance of my work and inspire me to keep pushing forward, even during challenging times,” Karen says. Karen elaborates on her incredible support system, “I have two sons, Cheston and Connor, who are my support pillars. They’ve been there through the highs and lows, always willing to listen to my proudest moments and the challenges. They often help me ‘talk it out’ and even take me to dinner on days when I’m worn out. My mom, Norma Cherry, was a math tutor at TASD years ago and understands the joy and stress of teaching. Together, they are my biggest cheerleaders, constantly encouraging me.”
Even though the education field has its challenging moments, there are rewards beyond comparison for Karen and other teachers alike. “Seeing students grasp challenging concepts, achieve academic milestones, and develop a genuine enthusiasm for learning makes me happy. Beyond academic achievements, building meaningful connections with my students and positively influencing their personal growth and development is incredibly fulfilling.
Their smiles of understanding, moments of shared excitement over learning, and expressions of gratitude remind me daily of why I chose this profession,” Karen says.
Moving forward, Karen wishes for people to understand and take the need for parental involvement in the educational system seriously. “When parents actively participate in their child’s education, it significantly enhances the learning experience and helps students thrive,” she says. Karen believes that teachers and parents working together create a supportive environment that fosters academic and personal growth for every child.
Beyond the teacher’s daily tasks and the need for parent involvement, Karen feels educators need to adapt to our ever-changing world by staying responsive to the evolving needs of our community. “This includes integrating technology effectively into teaching practices, fostering cultural competence to support diverse student populations, and promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for navigating a rapidly changing world. Collaboration with community stakeholders and continuous professional development are also crucial in ensuring educators remain agile and able to provide relevant, impactful education that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the future,” Karen says.
Fun Facts:
If I could return to high school, I would save money because I would prioritize traveling more.
The best advice I’ve ever received as a teacher is, “Love the children just as Jesus did.” ~Charlotte Fuller
My favorite subject in school was art because I was good at it, and there was more freedom in the class.
My dream vacation would be the Redwood National Park because I would love to go there with my sons.
One thing my students probably do not know about me is that I have a hard time sitting still, too.
If your child is struggling to read or finding it difficult to remain on task, the cause may be an undetected vision problem.
• 1 in 20 children ages 3 to 5 have a vision problem that could result in permanent vision loss.
• 60 percent of children with learning difficulties have an undetected vision problem.
• Vision problems in children include, but are not limited to, frequently rubbing eyes, closing, or covering one eye, and tilting the head or thrusting the head forward.
• Infants should receive an in-person comprehensive eye and vision assessment between 6 and 12 months of age for the prevention and/or early diagnosis and treatment of sight-threatening eye conditions and to evaluate visual development.
Erica Fricks has always enjoyed working with children, so when choosing a profession, she felt like education was the perfect route. “As a teacher, I could help guide children and make a difference in their lives,” Erica says. “Even when teaching is challenging, I continue because teaching is my calling. I truly feel God has opened this door for me.”
Erica will start another year as a kindergarten teacher at Red Lick Elementary School this year. She has worked at Red Lick for nine years: one year as a special education aide and eight years as a kindergarten teacher. “One of the most
rewarding aspects of teaching is seeing the growth in my students daily,” Erica says. “It is amazing to see how much they have learned and grown from the first day of kindergarten to the last.”
In those nine years of teaching, Erica says that her greatest teaching accomplishment is being named Red Lick Elementary 2024 Teacher of the Year. “This was such an honor! What made it so memorable was how excited my students were for me. Their faces were priceless when Mrs. Jackson came to our classroom to make the announcement,” Erica says. “My students are the reason I do what I do.”
When Erica gets her class list for the year, she must begin thinking about meeting each student’s needs. She does that by creating an atmosphere of “family” in her classroom. “When children feel like they belong and are truly cared for and loved, they are ready to learn,” Erica says. “My goal is that my students learn to love school and learning. I want them to know that I will always cheer them on. My students will always be my ‘kinder babies,’ and we will always be a class family.”
Erica also takes the time to determine each student’s strengths and weaknesses so that she can help them meet their goals throughout the year. “It is my responsibility to make sure that I use this information when developing lessons to ensure that each child is taught appropriately,” Erica says. Our teaching should not be cookiecutter; it should be individualized for the students in our class.”
One of the biggest tips Erica has learned during her years as a teacher is that it’s very important to create a cohesive team with students and
their families. “You have to be sure that the teacher, student, and parents are on the same page,” Erica says. When this happens, you see a successful student!”
As a kindergarten teacher, Erica wishes more people understood that her role is not just about teaching ABCs and 123s. She also has to teach her students valuable life skills. Not only that, but educators have to stay on top of current trends in education. “Our jobs as educators change daily,” Erica says. “Teachers need to be open to learning new ways of teaching and how to reach children.” When she’s not at work, Erica enjoys spending time with her family. She has been married to her husband, Chuck, for 26 years. “We have two daughters: Audrey, who is attending school to become an OTA, and Abbey, who is majoring in sociology,” Erica says. Also, my family becomes ‘family’ with my kindergarten class each year.”
Because of the cooperative and caring atmosphere that Erica builds with her students, she can get through even the most challenging days. She knows the next day, Erica and her students can start fresh. “No matter what happened the day before, my students are depending on me to continue to build our classroom family,” Erica says. “I feel lucky to make a difference in the lives of my students.”
Fun Facts:
The best advice I’ve ever received as a teacher is don’t try to teach like everyone else.
My favorite subject in school was biology because I loved the labs. I can remember dissecting a sheep’s eye and a cat.
My dream vacation would be a cruise because I love visiting all the different ports.
My students probably do not know that I taught English as a Second Language in Romania for two years.
Educator Educator
Cathy McBroom did not always know she wanted to be a teacher, but she always knew she had a heart for children. As a teenager, she worked in a children’s program at church and loved babysitting. “Then, as a single mom, education drew me in because I could be on the same schedule as my children,” Cathy says. “I started as a paraprofessional and quickly realized this was what God was calling me to do all along.”
For the last 29 years, Cathy has been teaching at Hooks ISD. She currently teaches fifth-grade Reading Language Arts (RLA). Then, she serves in two other positions: Campus Testing Coordinator at the Junior High Campus and English as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator for the district. “I think
that one of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing the growth and progress of my students,” Cathy says. “I love watching them grow academically and socially and seeing their confidence bloom throughout the year.”
Though she has many accomplishments, the one that brings Cathy the most pride is her ability to create a positive learning environment in her classroom. “Students feel safe to participate and voice their opinions without feeling inadequate to others. They feel respected, which motivates them to learn,” Cathy says. “This environment positively influences their academic achievement and builds personal growth and development.”
One thing Cathy is passionate about is that education is so much more than academics, even though that is what most people think of immediately. “Education is learning to build relationships; learning how to see the value of making mistakes and growing from them; it’s understanding that everyone is different and respecting the differences. It’s being able to show empathy and learn to be part of a community,” Cathy says. “As teachers, this is just as much our job as teaching the curriculum.”
When students are welcomed into Cathy’s classroom, she will provide them with a safe place to express their thoughts and ideas and challenge them to engage in learning actively. “Learning is a lifelong journey. If you are not learning, then you are really not living. Therefore, I believe education must be active,” Cathy says. “Teachers must provide opportunities for students to actively be engaged in the lessons and facilitate learning in a way that students claim it. Education is not a one-size-fits-all assumption. Not every person learns the same way. Learning is very diverse, and teachers should provide differentiation to make learning possible for all students.”
Two of the most challenging aspects of Cathy’s job are the diversity of student needs and assessment
and accountability. “Not all students are the same; they come to us with varying needs and learning styles, which can be overwhelming at times,” Cathy says. “Another challenge is that teachers are required to meet growth standards for state assessments, which makes it necessary for us to analyze data and design assessments that meet state standards and the needs of our students.”
However, even on the toughest days in the classroom, Cathy knows she can rely on her colleagues and family’s faith and support. “I know I could not make it through my day without prayer and God’s guidance,” Cathy says. “My colleagues are my second family, and we always encourage and lift each other up. I have been very blessed to work at a school that supports me.”
Cathy is the daughter of Cecil and Reba Rains, and she has one brother, Chad Rains, and one sister, LeAnn Grgurich. “I have been married to Bill McBroom for the past 24 years, and we have a blended family that consists of five girls: Tia Cooper, Kaitlyn Hensley, Breanna Murphy, Emily Jones, and Makenna McDonald. We have seven grandchildren, two nieces, and two nephews that we totally adore,” Cathy says. “My family has supported me in many ways, like decorating my classroom, putting furniture together, rearranging furniture, and moving from one classroom to another. They understand the demands of teaching and always have encouraging words, especially when I find myself out of sorts. I’m very proud of my girls and of my family.”
As the world continues to change, and Cathy thinks about what education will look like for her seven grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, she believes that education needs to embrace technology and promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. “Our world has become technology-driven, and it is challenging us all to adapt to new ideas in society and the workplace,” Cathy says. “To be successful in and outside of school, students need to be able to think critically and problem solve.”
Teachers also need to practice these same skills as they adapt to the ever-changing world of education. Over the last 29 years, Cathy has seen how teachers have to display adaptability and flexibility to stay current with the latest trends
in education. “You can count on something to change, and you need to be able to adjust to those changes on the fly,” Cathy says. “Another lesson I have learned is to always communicate well with parents and coworkers. I have learned that communication builds relationships with parents, enhancing the students’ success.”
As she prepares for her thirtieth year in the classroom, supporting and teaching students, Cathy acknowledges that education is more than just a job and a paycheck to her. For Cathy, teaching is a calling. “I feel that I’m where God wants me to be. I’m in a place where I can love and nurture the growth of my students,” Cathy says. “I love seeing their faces every day and helping them to grow into loving and caring people.
Fun Facts:
If I could return to high school, I would focus more on academics because I wasn’t prepared for college.
The best advice I’ve ever received as a teacher is that parents send us their best and that we should treasure our students in our classroom.
My favorite subject in school was home economics because I learned things I could apply to my life and see the results.
My dream vacation would involve traveling around the United States and staying in unique places. I’d like to go sightseeing because I believe there are many great things in our country worth seeing.
One thing my students probably do not know about me is that I like to take pictures and scrapbook.
Valerie McGary-Ray is about to start her seventh year of teaching kindergarten at Liberty Eylau Early Childhood Center. Before that, she spent 11 years as an administrative assistant to the principal at Texas High School. She ultimately decided to become a teacher for two reasons. First, she believes in the influence and inspiration that teachers can have in their students’ lives, and second, there are not enough African American teachers present in the classroom. “I believe students need to see teachers that look like them, teaching and loving them,” Valerie says. “However, I also owe my love for teaching, learning, and wanting to be an educator to Mrs. Evelyn Reed, my fifth and sixth-grade teacher. She was a smallframed Caucasian lady, and I was a skinny little African American girl with crooked teeth and a big smile. Mrs. Reed did not care that I looked different from her. She was hard on me during my fifth-grade year, but when I had her in sixth grade, I thought she hung the moon. She taught me songs that dealt with writing, and I
still remember them today. She was amazing, and I adored her. My parents always taught me to respect my teachers, and Mrs. Reed made it easy. She ignited a fire and a passion in me that had never been lit before.”
So far, in the years she has spent in education, Valerie is most proud of being named the 2024 Campus Teacher of the Year. She was also named the 2024 District Teacher of the Year, but she said the campus title was the most significant achievement. “Campus Teacher of the Year means more to me because these are the people I work with daily. They see me on my good days and my worst days. They have seen me struggle with losing my parents in 2021 and 2022, amongst other things. Yet, I continued to push through, and they thought enough to vote me as their Teacher of the Year,” Valerie says. “I try to be friendly, reliable, and available in every way, and they noticed.”
When Valerie steps into the classroom, she is guided by her core educational belief that all students, without exception, deserve the best education possible. “My philosophy is rooted in the core values of inclusivity, equity, and fairness,” Valerie says. “It is a necessity that we learn to shape more than just the classroom environment and reach the whole child. This is what guides my teaching and love for education.”
As every educator knows, this career has both rewarding and challenging aspects. Valerie says that the very best part is seeing a child succeed and witnessing their journey along the way. “I have realized that learning certain skills is hard for some students, but hard does not mean they cannot try,” Valerie says. “The student’s best effort is important in my classroom.”
One of the biggest obstacles Valerie faces is when one of her students is going through something at home, and there is nothing she can do to fix it. “This is when you become the ‘school mama,’ and you let the student know how much you care,” Valerie says. “Our students have such huge burdens, and they carry them daily. I try to lighten the load for them as much as possible.”
Valerie’s other challenge in her job has nothing to
do with students; instead, it is the lack of funding for teachers. “I was always told that you do not go into teaching for the money, and that is a true statement. Teachers work hard, just like everyone else, and we are the least compensated, and yet, most people’s foundation came from a teacher, if not their parents,” Valerie says. “This is a prime example of teaching being a work of HEART.”
On the most difficult days, Valerie is motivated by her students. She likes that her students are chosen randomly for her classroom because she genuinely believes that every student needs access to the best education. “I think every student that enters my room is placed there because we need each other somehow. Yes, some are more grateful to be in my classroom than others, but by the end of the year, all my students tell me they love me and cry because they will miss me. And, of course, I cry along with them and tell them I love them, too,” Valerie says. “The thing is, they know my words are genuine, not just words being said.”
One thing that Valerie wishes more people understood about teachers is that so many are dedicated to the art and profession of teaching. It’s more than just a job; it is a passion. “We wear many hats being teachers; we are mothers, fathers, doctors, nurses, counselors, prayer warriors and so much more. We must be creative and innovative to provide lessons that all students understand on every level. We have a thirst for knowledge, patience, mediation skills, and curiosity,” Valerie says. “We want our students to grow up and be productive citizens.”
In the ever-changing world and our community, Valerie has learned that for students to be successful, their diversity has to be prized, and they have to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. “Providing equal opportunities for all students goes a long way in helping any student feel respected, and every child that enters a classroom should feel celebrated for being different,” Valerie says. “No student should feel punished because of their socioeconomic background, where they attend school, or how they acted in previous grades. Every day is a new and fresh start for every student. We should all give some grace.”
Serving at the forefront of students’ lives, Valerie is consistently inspired by their stories and their resilience. “I have realized that some students do not go home to a safe environment and are not cared for properly. My classroom is their safe space for those seven and a half hours each day. I can protect them, and they can be themselves,” Valerie says. “We learn and laugh, and they are comfortable. The classroom is where the right teacher can make magic happen.”
When she is not at school, Valerie draws love and support from her family. She has been married for 15 years to her high school sweetheart, Charles, and she has three “smart and very athletic” children: Jordan is 24; Ja’Kai is 18; and her bonus son, Jamal, is 28. Valerie also has four grandchildren: Jerzy, Cho’zen, Kylo, and Kartier. “My children, Jordan and Ja’Kai, are my biggest supporters on my toughest days. They have definitely seen me at my worst, and honestly, they have had to take care of me a time or two. Sometimes this mama needs to be straightened out, and they definitely let me know,” Valerie says. “I would not know what to do without them, and I am so thankful for the love they have given me, even when I felt like I did not deserve it. I love ya’ll!”
As Valerie faces another year in education, she will lean on the biggest lesson she has learned as an educator: without patience and love, there is no way learning can take place. “While I learn to have patience with each of my students, I also teach them to have patience with me. Almost every one of my students has learned the skill of having patience and how important it is,” Valerie says. “Also, I do not always know the background of where my kids are coming from, but it is my responsibility to show them love every day. Sometimes, it is necessary to show them tough love, but they are still old enough to understand that I still love them just as much as the next child. In my classroom, love is everything, and it starts with them loving themselves first.”
Fun Facts:
If I could go back to high school, I would definitely run those laps my coaches wanted me to run in track because I surely need to run somewhere now! But it is not happening.
The best advice I ever received as a teacher was to never jump to conclusions and always get both sides of every story.
My favorite subject in school was English because my mother always ensured I spoke correctly.
My dream vacation would be to visit Hawaii because of a poster I had as a little girl. It had my name written in Hawaiian and a little girl with a grass skirt.
One thing my students probably do not know about me is I am really terrified of scary movies and driving in storms.
Kimberlie Starnes grew up living in Houston and San Antonio, but at 18, her family moved to New Boston, Texas. A few years later, she married David Starnes, and the couple continued to reside in New Boston, raising their three sons: Jonathan, Josiah, and Jared. Kimberlie did not set out to be a teacher as it was not her first career choice. She was destined to become a nurse; however, a job opportunity changed her projected career path. “I took a job at the Happy Days Child Care Center in New Boston while I was enrolled in college. There, I met my husband, who would also become a teacher, and discovered my interest in education. My boss, Mrs. Ruth Eggenburger, and supervisor, Mrs. Susan Hanna, made quite an impression on me with their work ethic and dedication to the children of our community. I found joy in creating lessons and activities for the
youngest learners and watching my students grow,” Kimberlie says. Soon after, Kimberlie found herself changing her major as she pursued her degree in education both from Texarkana College and Texas A&M-Texarkana (TAMU-T).
During Kimberlie’s senior year at TAMU-T, she was chosen to work as an intern in the Professional Development School at Westlawn Elementary. This particular school was a collaboration project between TAMU-T and Texarkana ISD. “Education graduates were given the opportunity to spend their student teaching months working as an actual teacher under a mentor in their own classroom. There I was greatly encouraged and influenced by amazing educators such as Dr. Juanita Hargus and Dr. Trisha Ray. Once I graduated, I went on to help develop and manage a Christian school in New Boston, taught third grade for New Boston ISD, and then went back to Texarkana ISD, where I taught second, third, and fourth grade at Waggoner Creek Elementary.” Kimberlie is currently teaching reading and writing to sixth graders at Red Lick Middle School. “My family and I have fallen in love with Red Lick. My husband moved to Red Lick ISD to coach and teach middle school history, and I soon followed. I have found a home and an amazing community of leaders, teachers, and families here. Our youngest son is currently a seventh grader at the middle school.” Kimberlie adds.
Reaching the kids who have been reluctant learners and watching them become successful students has been Kimberlie’s greatest achievement in her career. She believes students are more receptive to learning once educators have built a safe, inviting relationship with the student. She states, “When I am willing to listen and adjust to them, they begin to open up and learn. It becomes easier for them to progress and start moving forward. It takes two people for learning to occur. I have learned when the teacher and the student work together, they will both be successful.” Her proudest moments are
often connected to those students she has seen deal with the most significant behavioral and learning challenges and come out on top. This type of student success is the most rewarding aspect of her job. “I track my kids’ growth in several areas as they progress through the school year. Their reactions to seeing what they have accomplished over the year are priceless. I encourage my students to monitor their own growth and to set and meet daily and yearly goals. I encourage them to focus on competing against themselves rather than being concerned about peers’ accomplishments or what society considers a success,” Kimberlie says. This studentgrowth attitude has led Kimberlie to be recognized as Teacher of the Year for Waggoner Creek in 2020 and Red Lick Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2024.
Education does have its fair share of challenges, one of those being technology. People not involved in education may be surprised to learn how detrimental some technologies and social apps are to our children. Every day, Kimberlie sees kids struggle with focus and behavior. She says, “I find myself needing to make major adjustments to my class and lecture time due to students’ inability to stay on a task for an extended period of time. They are amazingly adept at manipulating technology and are talented in new and unique ways. Today’s students have learned how to utilize digital tools in ways we could have never begun to imagine just a few years ago. Unfortunately, they struggle with working through interactions with peers, paying attention to things that do not interest them, and going unentertained for long periods.” As educators look toward the future, Kimberlie believes they will need to refocus on executive functioning skills such as interacting with others in face-to-face settings and problem-solving. “We must also adapt how we assess what students have learned. We will need new assessment methods rather than relying on the traditional pen-and-paper exam. I have seen students clearly demonstrate their understanding of a topic by creating amazing digital responses to questions and problems. Their work, however, would never pass today’s standardized state assessments,” Kimberlie says.
Adding to the list of challenges, Kimberlie states that the most challenging aspect of teaching usually stems from outside forces, such as societal issues, families, and peers. “The challenges and pressures
from outside the school building can have unforeseen consequences inside the classroom. They can sometimes create circumstances that can feel insurmountable for both students and teachers. Kids deal with unrealistic expectations set by social media and entertainment. Teachers deal with their own unique challenges with impractical agendas handed down by state leaders and agencies,” Kimberlie says.
What keeps Kimberlie going each day? Her personal faith in Jesus Christ keeps her focused and gives her strength. She enjoys sharing her faith with students through the Fellowship of Christian Students and student-led Bible studies. Recognizing students first as children of God helps Kimberlie reprioritize and move forward. Her strongest motivator for continuing in education despite its challenges is that she sees herself as a learner. “I enjoy getting into the lessons and activities right alongside my students. I am not afraid to tell the kids, ‘Hey, I don’t know the answer or how to do that, but let’s see if we can figure it out!’ I still enjoy learning, reading, and growing as a student myself!” Kimberlie says. As an educator, one of the greatest lessons she has learned is that everyone is a student and has new things to learn each day. “Children are born with natural curiosity. My job as a teacher is to help kids find that desire and channel it into new learning.”
Fun Facts:
If I could go back to high school I would pay much less attention to what everyone else was doing and be more adventurous in my learning!
The best advice I received as a new teacher was to choose your battles. Figure out what is most important and focus on that.
My favorite school subjects were reading and literature because I’ve always been a book nerd!
My dream vacation would be an RV road trip with my family across the country to see as many national parks as possible.
My students may not know that I like to play RPG video and tabletop games with my family.
Our staff has decades of beauty and anti-aging experience to help ensure you are provided with the most ideal and personalized experience possible. Regardless of skin type, our services and programs have been specifically tailored to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Contact us today to begin your journey into eternal beauty.
Elizabeth Jacobsen Owner Dr. Erik Jacobsen Medical Director
Abbygayle Elizabeth Hudspeth, Esthetician Amanda Ross FNP-BC
Heather Nalepa Licensed Massage Therapist Jordan Felker LVN
TRIPLE C REPAIR
TRACE CARTER - OWNER
CASSEY CARTER – OFFICE MANAGER
EDMUND ALFEREZ – VIRTUAL ASSISTANT WILL CARTER – APPRENTICE TECHNICIAN
JEREMY TAYLOR – SERVICE TECHNICIAN
Triple C Repair began when Trace Carter identified a critical need among customers: affordable appliance repairs. Driven by his passion for building community and aiding others, Trace embarked on a mission to make essential services accessible to all. This led him to proudly open the doors to Triple C Repair in April 2023. “We bring years of extensive experience in the industry,” Office Manager Cassey Carter says. “Our team is excited to leverage this expertise to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients.” The mission of this organization is to deliver high-quality, cost-effective, and efficient services to its customers. “As we always say, ‘If you’re tired of the rest, call the best,’” Carter says. “At
Triple C Repair, our slogan is ‘Shielding you from costly repairs,’ and we stand by it with every service we provide.”
The technicians at Triple C Repair are highly trained and specialize in servicing all types and brands of appliances, from basic maintenance to complex repairs. “In addition to appliance services, we offer a wide variety of other services,” Carter says. “If you have any specific needs, just let us know, and we’ll do our best to assist you.”
Even though their regular business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT, Triple C Repair does accept emergency calls. “We understand that emergencies can happen outside of these hours.
Our dedicated service technicians are committed to ensuring that our customers’ needs are met, even beyond regular business hours,” Carter says. “We accept calls and provide services after hours for emergencies, so you can always count on us when you need urgent assistance.”
Their service area extends within a 75-mile radius around Texarkana. Additionally, they cater to clients throughout northeastern Texas and northern Louisiana. “This extensive coverage ensures that we can meet the needs of a diverse range of customers in these regions, providing reliable and efficient services wherever they are required,” Carter says.
Because Triple C Repair is a locally owned company, they are hiring employees from this area, such as Jeremy Taylor, a service technician for Triple C Repair. “This job has been a blessing for me. They took me on knowing I had limited experience and made me feel like family,” Jeremy says. “They have great service and rich familybased values that reach every customer they serve. I believe in Triple C because they are honest and go the extra mile when doing a job or customer right.”
Will Carter, an apprentice technician at Triple C Repair, has strong faith in the company because he has seen their high-quality work. “Their work surpasses many of today’s top repair companies, their prices are the most competitive, and their service is exceptional,” Will says. “My belief in Triple C Repair isn’t just because I am the owner’s son. From an early age, my father, Trace Carter, instilled in me the values of providing quality, cost-effective, and efficient service—values that define our business today.”
At Triple C Repair, they pride themselves on going the extra mile to ensure prompt customer care, aligning with the valuable feedback they receive. “Our commitment extends beyond assistance; we prioritize efficiently resolving customer issues with a focus on affordability and quality,” Carter says. “What sets Triple C Repair apart from other service providers is our dedication to fostering relationships, not just building a reputation,
ensuring enduring customer satisfaction.”
A great example of this dedication to customer service is the story of Edmund Alferez, who began his relationship with Triple C Repair last year when he reached out to them about a work order 2-3 hours away from their location. “I didn’t expect them to accept it due to the distance, but their dedication to helping people shone through. They took on the job, knowing it had been pending for some time,” Edmund says. “From that moment, I firmly believed in Triple C Repair and the incredible family behind this company. They go beyond simply doing a job; they genuinely care about helping their customers efficiently and promptly. Today, I am a virtual assistant and dispatch agent for Triple C Repair.”
No matter the situation or issue, Triple C assures its customers that it is committed to providing exceptional service. “Our goal is not only to ensure your satisfaction but also to build lasting relationships through our high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective services,” Carter says. We are committed to maintaining competitive and affordable pricing to ensure our customers receive the best value for their money.”
For more information about TripleC, please visit their portfolio at www.triplecrepair.net. You can also find client reviews and feedback by searching for Triple C Repair on Yelp, Google, and Facebook. Feel free to contact them at 870-330-5024 or email them at info@ triplecrepair.net.
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READER'S CHOICE 2025
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Above are the categories for ALT Magazine’s 2025 Reader’s Choice. With more than 90 categories to nominate your favorite businesses and people in the Ark-La-Tex, we are putting together the most comprehensive list in Texarkana. The top nominees will be listed in November where you can vote for your choice.
Nominate Before : 8-31-24 www.alt-mag.com
A MID-RETIREMENT CHECK-IN
RETIREMENT & LONGEVITY
Evaluate your retirement beyond health and wealth.
As you move through retirement, it’s important to set time aside to reflect on how you’re doing. While most people often focus on their health and finances, it’s equally as important to think about other areas of your life as you approach the midpoint of your retirement, which could be between the ages of 70 and 80, depending on your longevity. This is the time to ask yourself some broader questions to ensure you’re making the most of the years you’ve worked so hard to enjoy.
A holistic retirement check at the halfway point can make sure you stay on track. To get a better understanding of what you should take into consideration, observe the lives of retirees around you and think about the choices they’ve made. Then, reflect on these questions.
Does my home still work for me?
According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retirees spend an average of 1.77 hours per day on housework, like cleaning and laundry. This can vary greatly depending on the size of the house, the number of rooms and the amount of outside maintenance required, like shoveling snow or mowing the lawn. If you find yourself wanting to ease up on household chores, downsizing might be a good solution. Besides less upkeep, it provides an opportunity to declutter and simplify your life, which can be quite satisfying, even liberating.
On the other hand, you may not want to reduce your square footage. If you frequently
have your children or grandchildren over for extended stays, you might need a place with an additional bedroom. If hosting holidays and other gatherings brings you joy, having enough space to create cherished memories may be important to you. Everyone’s situation is different, but you should ask yourself how the space is working for you.
If you’re someone who can’t quite tackle stairs lately or requires other accommodations, then accessibility may be top of mind. A single-story home could make it easier to move around. Alternatively, a new condominium may be a good choice. Many modern condos come equipped with features that help ensure you can move about comfortably without any difficulties.
Let’s not forget about location. And we don’t mean the beach or the mountains. Do you have family members spread across the country? Moving closer to children or grandchildren who can help you with caregiving or errands as you age may be attractive. Even if you’d always dreamed of retirement in Arizona and have enjoyed it, companionship from family may top your priority list and lead you to evaluate where you have more connections.
Do I have any health concerns cropping up?
As you hit the midpoint of your retirement, it’s natural to experience some changes in your health. If you’re fit as a fiddle, then congratulations! However, it’s still important to
think about the availability and proximity of your doctors, as well as any insurance changes that may be necessary. If you know you’ll need a knee replacement soon, examine your health plan and consider what this upcoming surgery might cost under different options. During Medicare’s annual open enrollment from October 15 to December 7, you can make any changes necessary to your insurance coverage.
Some Medicare Advantage Plans even give access to gym memberships and fitness classes. The SilverSneakers program, which is widely known and accepted at facilities like the YMCA, is just one of them. Joining a gym will not only give you the opportunity to commit to regular physical activity, which can prevent health problems that come with age, but it can also give you a sense of community that benefits your mental health.
Am I spending time in a fulfilling way?
If you’ve always enjoyed your solo hobbies but are finding them a little lonely these days, consider joining a book club at the library or a walking group to help forge new connections.
The idea is to not be married to the hobbies you’ve always enjoyed. As life goes on and things change, so might your interests or needs. What once provided solace and relaxation might become stressful or feel like a chore. It may be time to add something new to the mix, to try something you’ve never done before or revive a pastime from decades ago.
How retirees spend the day
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average daily activities include:
• Volunteering – 2.47 hours
• Educational classes – 2.43 hours
• Playing games – 2.08 hours
• Gardening and lawn care – 2.07 hours
• Reading – 1.98 hours
• Socializing – 1.96 hours
• Religious services – 1.85 hours
Do I need to make any adjustments to my finances or estate planning documents?
When it comes to managing your finances, start by examining your budget and determine if your income still aligns with your spending needs. The last thing you’d want to do is miss out on experiences like travel to avoid overspending. (In the same breath, you don’t want to sacrifice financial stability.)
That’s where advisors can help make adjustments, confirm whether your current asset allocation is still appropriate, and simulate portfolio response to life changes*. Remember to lean on them for advice when your financial needs or wishes change. Express your expectations for the second half of your retirement and include those aspirations in your budget to make sure they happen.
If you’ve experienced any major life changes (such as marriages, divorces, births or deaths) in the first half of
retirement, ensure that any changes in your intentions are reflected in your estate planning documents and beneficiary designations.
The longer we live in retirement, the more challenging it is to course correct if need be. One way to ensure that you’re on track for a fulfilling retirement is to conduct a mid-retirement review. With the right adjustments, you can ensure your financial, health and overall well-being goals are all being met
*IMPORTANT: The projections or other information generated regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results and are not guarantees of future results. Results may vary with each use and over time. Asset allocation does not guarantee a profit nor protect against loss.
Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.
© 2023 Raymond James Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange / SIPC, and Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC, are subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc. Raymond James® and Raymond James Financial® are registered trademarks of Raymond James Financial, Inc.
Drug Take Back Initiative Operation Medicine Cabinet
•It is important to know that law enforcement is only interested in the removal of unused and/or outdated medications from the homes of our citizens.
•It matters not whose name is on the prescription, by whom it was prescribed, where it was prescribed, or where you reside.
•We stress that it makes no difference if you live in Texas or Arkansas.
•We take back all medications, no questions asked. You can remove the label if you desire but it’s not necessary.
•We ask that you do not deposit needles (sharps), inhalers, medication from businesses or clinics, ointments, lotions, liquids, aerosol cans, hydrogen peroxide, or thermometers.
One box has been placed behind the Bi State Justice Building at 100 N. State Line Ave., Texarkana, Arkansas and another outside the Texarkana Emergency Center, 4646 Cowhorn Creek Rd., Texarkana, Texas. These boxes are regularly checked and the contents are immediately packaged for destruction. If you would like to personally drop your medications off to law enforcement, you can at the Miller County Sheriff’s Office on East Street and Bi State Justice Building in Texarkana.
National Take Back Day October 2024
8am - 12pm at Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital
You can learn more about this program by visiting www.artakeback.org or on Facebook by searching Arkansas Take Back or Arkansas Drug take Back.
The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department is proud to partner with Texarkana Emergency Center in an effort to remove unused and out of date prescription medicines from your homes. 4646 Cowhorn Creek | Texarkana, TX
Suzie TK SnippeTS
By: Suzie Tyler
MEMORY vs HISTORY
Memory is a collection of stories passed down through generations as a first-hand account of events that happened.
History is an interpretation of the memory of past events and a collection of everything that has occurred before now.
The most dreaded disease today is the loss of our short-term memory. I do not mean just having a senior moment. As one elderly lady told her pastor, “Oh, I do believe in the hereafter. Whenever I walk into a room, I forget what I came in here after.”
There are varying types of memory loss. If you have experienced a family member or friend who has had Dementia or Alzheimer’s, you know the difference. It is sad when there is no memory of a spouse, a sibling, a loved one, or a friend. It is often called a slow death because you lose them twice, first emotionally and then physically.
Many celebrities have been diagnosed and kept the media in the dark. Glen Campbell was given the diagnosis in 2010, shortly after recording the album Ghost on the Canvas. Typically, a tour to promote a new album is performed. After the discovery and an intimate discussion with him, his family, and the band, the decision was made to take it on a farewell tour with his children becoming key members of his band, and he chose to be open and candid about the disease. It opened a new spotlight and dialogue on Dementia.
In his farewell tour, he performed many signature songs for thousands of adoring fans, one of which was at the Perot Theater in Texarkana. My husband and I were happy to be among the attendees of that final 2014 tour. Many people in the audience knew this young boy from Delight, Arkansas, who was thrust into the spotlight of music fame in the ’60s.
New research discovers new things every day about Dementia, and many things are thought to help prevent total memory loss. One important entity is staying busy with new things to help build new brain cells. Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, and drink plenty of water. New scientific data shows that some foods and natural supplements can improve memory. Crossword puzzles, a new hobby, and learning technology skills will help build awareness while building new brain cells! Be proactive and do the research.
We all have our favorite childhood memories. Children and grandchildren love to hear you tell stories of your growing-up times. You will build a relationship while entertaining them and making them part of family history! I encourage everyone to write their memoirs! It keeps your mind sharp and leaves a family history of events for future generations. Self-publishing is so user-friendly now. Who knows? You may become the next New York bestseller and find a new career in your retirement.
Follow me, SuzieTK, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (aka X,) and Amazon Authors.
Drink Up
Fish Tales with Mike Brower
So, here we are in August and it’s not going to cool off until October. Fishing in the heat is something I mention every year as there are people who don’t understand you can get sick or die from dehydration. You need to replace the water and salts you sweat out or your skin will become pale and you will have headaches, dry eyes, dizziness and all sorts of other issues that you don’t want to deal with.
I always suggest drinking water, then drinking a bit of an electrolyte drink, and keep drinking before you get thirsty. Once you get thirsty you are behind the curve and will be trying to catch up, which can lead to going into a larger deficit and then possibly getting into trouble.
Every year in the National Parks people die because they didn’t carry enough water along with them. The good news is that there is only a minuscule amount of people that get sick from being on the water and dehydrated because most everyone remembers to bring some sort of liquid refreshment with them.
Only a few of us have ever been stupid enough to forget something to drink and we only do that once. Lake water is not what you call tasty or refreshing,
Enjoy your day fishing and stay hydrated!
AUGUSTevents
Bill Spradlin Realtor 903-748-3186
Tracy Spradlin Broker 903-748-2477
NOW LEASING
Jan Williams Realtor 903-277-5771 Pam Hollingsworth Realtor 903-277-1222
AVAILABLE NOW, Newly built gorgeous townhomes. Take your pick of a three bedroom, two full baths, one half bath unit or two bedroom, two full baths, one half bath unit.
LOCATED AT 3445-3475 BROOKE PLACE TEXARKANA TX (Pleasant Grove ISD), at the end of a cul-de-sac, off Richmond Road. Each unit features stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, open floor concept, breakfast bar, laundry room, vinyl plank flooring throughout, and attached one car garage. Pets welcome 35lbs or less. Walk to Ironwood for Happy Hour and a nice dinner, or Amigo Juan’s for a Margarita! Only 5 minutes to Christus St. Michael Hospital & 12 minutes to Wadley Regional Medical Center, Only 5 minutes to Texas A&M Texarkana Campus & 8 minutes to Texarkana College.
