Four States Living Magazine August 2023

Last week, my oldest was pet sitting for a family who had horses and chickens and goats. She called me one day and said, “Hey Mom, do you want to do a drive-by and let Brooks look at the animals?” That was a definite yes. On the way, we saw a Bigfoot statue in someone’s front yard, so of course we had to take a photo of Brooks with Bigfoot.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER THE WAY I SEE IT ...

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

Ihave a sweet friend who lets me pick up her three-year-old son from school twice a week. Two days each week, I do my darndest to pick up that precious boy. It doesn’t matter what kind of day I have had, good or bad; those minutes I get to see Brooks are the best in my entire week, and I don’t take them for granted. Everything is right with the world when he’s around.

What little ones offer is a whole new outlook on life. Everything (after a good nap) is exciting and new and an opportunity to investigate. Whether we are playing “I Spy” or picking tomatoes or strolling the aisles at PetSmart to check out the fish, cats, and birds, the mind of this perfect child is always ready to learn.

My youngest child is now 22. He and his fiancée are planning a wedding, so I know he is ready for me to stop referring to him as a child. But raising children doesn’t stop when they turn 18 or 21, or finish college, or get married. I know that I will be ready to listen, catch, or rescue any of my kids at any time for any reason. I have had an amazing life with more opportunities and adventures than I deserve, but none of that compares to the experiences I have had with the three humans whom I call my children. They are why my world turns.

The reason I get to hang out with Brooks is because his mother recently had a new baby. Watching her nest before the baby was born was heart-warming. I knew she and her husband were really intentional parents, and I just wanted to help them in any way I could while their family was adjusting to growth. That’s how I weaseled my way into the pick-up line at school. I bought my own car seat, too, in hopes that they knew I was serious. I really wanted to be helpful.

What I did not expect was how important Brooks’ presence would be in my week. Things he says or does stay in my head and make me smile. Both of my daughters started asking if they could ride with me on Tuesdays and Thursdays to pick up Brooks. The days in between, we talk about him and the things we could take him to see.

Four St ates Living

PUBLISHER

Dr. Robin Rogers

INTERIM EDITOR

Ellen Orr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Shane Darby

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Victoria Herman

All the way back to his house, we sang farm songs, and he would occasionally holler out, “Cock-a-doodle-doooooo.” Truly. I could eat him up with a spoon because he’s so wonderful. And, after a little adventure, he is always ready to go home to see his mommy and daddy. I never fail to tell them that he’s the sweetest and smartest little man.

At my age now, I remember how hectic child-rearing was when I was younger. Working, feeding hungry bellies, volunteering, and just keeping kids bathed was hard. If I accidentally forgot to buy diapers, it seemed like the world was about to end.

Now that my season in life has changed and is less hurried than it was back then, I have more time to slow down and make up silly rhymes or sing crazy songs or ride by the construction sites just to look at the heavy equipment and talk about what cranes do. In the rearview mirror, I see how all of my kids’ grandmothers loved them so much and occasionally went overboard on the outings, ice cream trips, and Target runs. They were as smitten as I am.

So, go easy on the older folks who truly adore your little ones. We can’t help ourselves. We know the parents of today are doing better than past generations did; you know more than we did (thanks to the Internet, research, and changing societal expectations). And we also know you sometimes need a break.

I keep asking to keep the baby and Brooks; maybe it will happen when there is an anniversary or a special birthday.

In the meantime, as long as Brooks’ parents will let me, I’m going to keep finding little adventures for us to do a couple of times a week. The best view is the light in a child’s eyes, and the greatest sound is their laughter.

As the school year starts back, there is anticipation and excitement for students, teachers, and parents. This month, we have a wonderful issue full of inspiring stories about area students, teachers, retired teachers, coaches, band directors, and people who support teachers.

The young couple on the cover, Piper and Hunter Hale, have a unique story. Students of Mr. Hale decided to find their handsome, young band director a girlfriend, and did they ever cast a wide net! I can’t wait for you to read their story.

Lifelong learning is the key to fulfillment. Whether you are three or 103, keep looking for things to inspire you; around every turn is something to learn. Stay cool, and as always, thanks for reading FSLM. .

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shane Darby

Chloe Sanders

Kate Silva

Lauren Simmons

Katie Stone

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Reese Langdon

Lindsey McMillan

Ellen Orr

Lauren Simmons

Katie Stone

COLUMNISTS

Velvet Hall Cool

Four States Living Magazine is published the first business day of every month. © Copyright 2023 by Four States Living Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Four States Living Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are $40.00 per year. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material contributed.

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CONTENTS

ON THE COVER AUGUST 2023

You never know when or where you’ll meet the love of your life. For one young couple, the story of how they met is one worth telling.

Read A Match Made on TikTok on page 10.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INSIDE: TEACH & TRANSFORM

story on page 16.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

The

Anita and Mike Brisco’s decades of devotion to Texarkanan students fostered transformation—of raw materials, of students, and of the entire district’s arts and science programs. Read their

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXARKANA’S SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIVE BALL WAS HELD AT THE TEXARKANA COUNTRY CLUB ON SATURDAY, JULY 8TH.

Texarkana, Texas Mayors John Jarvis, Bob Bruggeman, and James Bramlett

Natalie Haywood, Denis Washington, Amber Adams, and Camille Powell

Libby White, Mary Hart, Jean Matlock, Betty Williams, Christie Page, and Jay Davis

Sonja Hubbard and Richard Reynolds

Sue and Steve Johnson

Mayor Bob and Jackie Bruggeman

Kathy and Mayor James Bramlett with Justin White

Jordan High and Velvet Cool

Christie Page and Josclyn Wiley

Jes Weiner

Fred Norton

Kelli and Justin White, Suzy and Robert Irwin, and Dianne and Daniel Martin

Brooke Stone, Reed Russell, Brad and Lisa Thompson, Megan Price, David Orr, Kristin and Lane Peeples, Keith Beason, Ross Cowling, and Jeff Lewis

Anthony and Emily Graham

Dot Williford and Lucille Cook

photo by SHANE DARBY

A MATCH MADE ON TIKTOK

From algorithms to “I do”s, Piper and Hunter Hale share their unique love story

by LAUREN SIMMONS

Piper Spaulding never thought her “For You” page on TikTok should be taken so literally. Three years after seeing a viral TikTok video that an Atlanta High School student made to find their band director a girlfriend, Piper Spaulding and Hunter Hale, the band director in question, were happily married.

It all started in 2019 when Tristan Bishop, a senior percussionist at Atlanta High School under Hunter Hale, asked to make a video of his instructor in order to find him a girlfriend. One week after posting the video, it had over 400,000 views; a few weeks later, it had over a million.

“Now don’t get me wrong, I thought it was going to gain some traction, but not 1.3 million views,” Tristan said. “I remember having people direct message me on every platform they could find my name on, asking, ‘Is he still available?’ and ‘Where can I find him?’”

Hunter Hale, the assistant band director and percussion instructor of the Atlanta High School band, said he humored Tristan’s request but didn’t think it would amount to anything. But a few weeks later he got a Facebook friend request from his future wife, Piper Spaulding.

“Usually when I tell this story, everybody is always freaking out because I am not the one to initiate a conversation with a boy,” Piper said. “That has never been me; I have always been so shy and nervous.”

Piper found the video while scrolling through TikTok one day, and she said what caught her attention were the familiar backgrounds in the video. Being an alumna of Texas High School, Piper recognized her alma mater’s practice field and the Atlanta school logo on Hunter’s shirts.

“I was thinking, ‘Oh my god, I know this field,’” Piper said. “I couldn’t believe this guy lived right down the road from me . . . and I was seeing this [video] that had thousands of likes and views.”

Piper sent her friends the video and told them she would send a Hunter friend request and then message him if he accepted it. She said her friends didn’t believe she would message him, so they made bets against her. Her friends lost the bet.

“Hunter accepted it, and I messaged him,” Piper said. “It was the first time I had ever initiated conversation with a boy, much less someone I literally had no idea about.”

Hunter said the video received thousands of comments, and he personally received around 15 different messages on his social media accounts. However, Piper’s was the one that caught his attention the most.

The couple said they messaged each other online for a week before deciding to meet up in person for a date at Redbone Magic Brewing. Hunter said he was glad finally to find someone from the area who showed interest.

“I was relieved,” Hunter said. “I had some hits and misses [getting dates in Texarkana]. It was a bit of a culture shock to move here from the central south Texas area, so I thought I just didn’t fit in, and girls that I had met didn’t like me. So seeing that she was from Texarkana, I was looking forward to it the whole time”

Piper said she wasn’t as relaxed as Hunter was about their first date.

“I was nervous,” Piper said. “I listened to way too many crime podcasts, so I was prepared to drive my mom’s car there so he didn’t know what kind of car I drove, in case he was crazy. I was telling all my friends where I was going, but obviously it was fine.”

Hunter said the moment Piper walked in the door, he knew she was special. He said she was someone he knew he could find a serious relationship with. The couple said their friends and families were elated about the relation-

After a week of messaging online, Piper and Hunter had their first date.

ship. Piper’s mother, Kim Spaulding, said she quickly saw that Hunter was “a keeper.”

“When Piper first told us about meeting Hunter on a TikTok, we couldn’t believe it,” Kim said, “but Hunter fits. His puzzle piece may not look like ours, but it fits perfectly and makes our puzzle better. He’s the piece we didn’t even know we needed.”

Tristan said he jumped out of his seat in excitement when Mr. Hale told him in class about the date with Piper. Hunter said Tristan rightfully takes full responsibility for their relationship and that the Hales owe a lot to Tristan and his friends for making the video.

“I’ve kept up with them throughout the relationship while I have been away at college,” Tristan said. “[I] have been so excited to see them thrive in their relationship.”

The Hales said they gladly invited Tristan and his friends to their wedding and even incorporated some elements from the original TikTok into the ceremony. Piper walked down the aisle to the instrumental version of the song Tristan used for the video, “ROXANNE” by Arizona Zervas. The couple also used the same song for their entrance into their wedding reception. Hunter said he always thinks about his wife whenever he hears that song.

Hunter and Piper Hale were married on December 10th, 2022. Since that day, they have been together alongside their two dogs, Olive and Cleo, and three cats, Chester, Molly, and Dave. The Hales’ future plans are to move from their apartment into a house and for Piper to graduate from UT-Tyler as a family nurse practitioner.

Hunter and Piper said they may do a follow-up video in the future, but for now, they are just enjoying their IRL (in real life) love story—no editing, filters, or backing tracks required.

Piper and Hunter were married in December 2022.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF TEXARKANA AND FRIENDS FOR A CAUSE HELD SINGO-FOR-A-CAUSE AT REDBONE MAGIC BREWING ON TUESDAY, JULY 11TH

Taehlor and Miles Lafferty with Calen Isbell

Dionne Holmes with Paula and Michael Foster Brad and Tamara Morgan with son Walker

Suki and Warren O’Neal with Brittney Haynes

Cortney and Andy De Leo

Kendal Griggs, Victoria Herman, and Brianna Baird

Terri Peek and Brittney Frost

Briley Hearn, Sherelle Flenory, Katelyn Jordan, and Meghan Akin

Roy and Danie Smallwood

Keith and Candy Richardson, Bob Moss, and Tiffany Quinn

Mona Rampy, Crystal Tefteller, Sharon Barron, and Debbie Johnson Nancy Robbins, Yulin Brewer, Charlotte Hueter, and Cindy Simmons Will and Katie Thomas

Michelle Vess, Emily Markle, Alissa Flanagan, and Rachelle Cope Skye and Gary Do

Cassidy Crawford, Makenzy Makaramba, Kim Bowles, Morgan Garrett, and Jade Harris

TEACH & TRANSFORM

Retired educators Anita and Mike Brisco created a legacy of innovation

by ELLEN ORR

In our culture, people are regularly pigeonholed as specific types of learners: left- or right-brained, techy or old-school, into the arts or into the sciences. For over 40 years, extraordinary retired educators Anita and Mike Brisco taught Arkansas students that real life is not so easily categorized. At the vivid intersection of art and science, the Briscos fostered transformation—of raw materials, of students, and of the entire district’s arts and science programs.

Anita and Mike met while studying at Texarkana College. They married on Friday, August 21st, 1970, and then enrolled in teachers’ college at Henderson State University the following Monday. Two years later, they each entered the classroom—Anita as an elementary teacher, Mike as a middle school art teacher. They spent one year working in Foreman, Arkansas, before jobs opened up within the Texarkana Arkansas School District.

Mike worked for 27 years as the art and photography teacher at North Heights Junior High before he pseudo-retired.

“When he retired, I still had a year to go [before being eligible for retirement myself],” Anita explained.

“So,” Mike continued, “I went up there and volunteered every day and was her private aide for the whole year. We had a ball with those kids. She was teaching science [at Kilpatrick Elementary] at the time. We went through two entire science books and did every hands-on type thing you could possibly think of.”

After their year of co-teaching, Mike joked with the Kilpatrick principal that the only way they would continue working would be if they could work together in the hands-on science and computer lab.

“And before I could say I was kidding, they’d hired us,” he said.

The Briscos taught side-by-side, technically as paraprofessionals, for another 14 years.

“With two teachers in one classroom who [came to accrue] a total of 80-something years of experience—there were no problems,” Mike said. “We kept the kids busy the entire time. Our biggest problem was getting them out of the room for the next group.”

Over the 42 years the Briscos spent teaching, they facilitated countless projects for their students—kites, rockets, all sorts of experiments. In 2003, to commemorate the centennial of the Wright brothers’ first flight, Mike and Anita’s students built a quarter-scale model of the Wright Flyer. Mike recalled a project in which his students assembled a life-sized dinosaur model, which was as tall as the school building itself. The art students painted Mike’s art room every year—a color wheel on the front wall, op art on the ceiling tiles, et cetera. They got their hands dirty, literally: “When they made pottery, they dug the clay from the creek,” Anita recalled. Mike and Anita built an outdoor classroom at Kilpatrick, using funds from the PTA and Arkansas Game and Fish.

Though many long-time educators are resistant to incorporating new technology in their classrooms, the Briscos worked on the cutting edge of computer science. With colleague Bill Dempsey—to whom Anita and Mike both give immense credit—they dove head-first into using computers in the classroom; in fact, in 1989, Mike was named the Arkansas IBM Teacher of the Year for the innovative ways he used Amiga computers in his art classes.

When Mike and his students began making and using pinhole cameras, Anita knew her elementary students would benefit from such a practical science lesson—so Mike’s students built a portable dark room, and they toured area schools with the cameras and dark room, letting the young students take their very own pinhole photos.

Pictured above: To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first flight, Mike and Anita helped their students built a quarter-scale model of the Wright Flyer.

At some point in the late ‘80s, North Heights acquired a video camera, and Bill Dempsey had an idea: “He said, ‘If you can get ahold of an old VCR, three color filters, and a clear filter, we can figure out how to do digital photography.’ So I said okay and got all that stuff together,” Mike recalled. Together, they created digital photographs, before anyone else in the region. Not only that, but they were teaching students how to do it.

Once Mike’s art students got the hang of the somewhat-tricky process, they used digital photography as a tool for their art: they would photograph their work and then mock up various additions and alterations on the computer.

The school’s acquisition of the video camera was huge for the students, but it was arguably even more influential on the Briscos. As they were figuring out how it worked, one of their first videography subjects was a butterfly, and then another, and then another.

“We didn’t know anything about butterflies, so then we started buying a bunch of books about butterflies, to learn about what we were videoing,” explained Anita. The more they learned, the more they wanted to learn. One might say the couple became butterfly obsessed.

They got involved with Monarch Watch, an organization that studies monarch migration; to this day, Anita and Mike capture, tag, and release monarchs every year. They worked with the Arkansas Game and Fish to create educational signage at butterfly hot spots, as well as an educational video about monarch-tagging.

This love of butterflies of course manifested in the classroom as well. The Briscos’ students at Kilpatrick studied monarchs all year. Beginning in the fall, the kids cultivated a monarch sanctuary at the school, gathered eggs and larva to study, and observed the tiny specimens under microscopes. “The students one year photographed an egg every day until it hatched and then took pictures of the larva until it was too big for the microscope,” Anita and Mike wrote for the Journey North (a butterfly migration organization affiliated with the University of Wisconsin) website. “We then moved to a video camera, set up on a tripod, and recorded the caterpillar until it made its chrysalis. We watched closely until the chrysalis was dark and then recorded on time lapse until it emerged, stretched its wings, and was ready to fly away.”

Anita and Mike volunteer with Monarch Watch, tagging butterflies in the fall and spring.

The Briscos’ students even participated in NASA’s 2009 butterfly project, in which monarchs were grown at the International Space Station. Over 170,000 students across the U.S. contributed to the experiment by raising their own monarchs on Earth, with approximately the same environmental controls as NASA, except for the issue of gravity.

Though they officially retired from teaching in 2015 (although they volunteered at various area schools until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic), Mike and Anita retained their passion for butterflies. At the time of this interview, the Briscos’ flower beds were full of plants intended to attract pollinators. In their kitchen was a microscope, trained on caterpillar eggs they had just found at a nearby park.

Mike not only photographs, studies, and tracks butterflies; he also creates art in their likeness. Most prolifically, he creates prints from hand-carved wood cuts.

“In college, you pay a whole bunch of money to buy special carving boards, but I just go down to the lumber company and buy wood,” he explained. “It’s really hard to carve in, but it doesn’t matter; I’ve got plenty of time. I usually work from one of my photographs, draw it, and then you carve out everything that you don’t want to have ink on it. Then you ink it up, and you put a piece of paper on top of it. Most people use a press, but we don’t have a press, so I take a drinking glass and rub on it just as hard as I can for about 15 minutes. It wears you out. And then you lift it up and you have the black and white print.”

Mike then adds pigment with colored pencils, photographs his work, and frames it in a black-matted pine frame, which he and his son, Chris, co-create for the series. The Brisco household contains stacks of butterfly prints, preserved and displayed in their identical, unfinished-pine frames. Mike estimated that he has crafted around 30 or so unique images in this fashion.

Chris and his wife, Nicole, carry their forebears’ legacy. Chris teaches career and technical education (CTE) courses at Arkansas High and is the coach of the robotics team. Across town, Nicole teaches art at Pleasant Grove.

Mike is currently working on another butterfly piece.

Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, retaining its DNA but gaining color and flight, Mike and Anita’s students developed curiosity, courage, and confidence, under the careful, passionate guidance of their teachers. Undoubtedly, generations of Texarkanans soar higher thanks to the Briscos’ decades of devotion.

The Briscos have stacks of framed prints, and the collection is ever-growing.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXAS A&M-TEXARKANA HELD ITS ANNUAL YOUNG WRITERS’ WORKSHOP JULY 17TH THROUGH JULY 21ST.

Ella Copeland

Audrey Mayo, Phoebe Lytle, and Caroline Hayes

Dylan Ray, Wesley Freeman, and Remy Hayes

Reed Burks, Gabe Hinton, and Rhett Hayes

Isla Lillis, Ethan Lillis, and Derek Roy

Madelyn Copeland and Lily Mayo Delilah Parks and Liliana Dean

Sawyer Jones and Meghan Harris

EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

It must be sought for with ardour and attended with diligence.

— Abigail Adams

“Learning ” is not attained by chance.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

THE

INAUGURAL ZACHSMATH SENIOR CELEBRATION & TOP SCHOLAR AWARD CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE HILTON GARDEN INN AND CONVENTION CENTER TEXARKANA

Max Gaylor, Sarah Cook, Ian Gayler, Zoe Gayler, Gabriella Cowan, Eli Gayler, Staten Crossland, Andrew Wommack, Lisa Zach, Zach Pirkey, Travis Aultman, Wyatt Cowan, Abbie York, and Madelyn Bixler

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

HARDY MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH HELD ITS ANNUAL 4TH OFJULY CELEBRATION

Christi Heyduck and Shannan Whitt Christie and John-Fletcher Raney

Anna Blair and Davin Skidmore

Luci Edwards and Allie Edwards

Jessica Morris and Richard Fant

Veronica and Delia Banks with Devon White

Mary Lou Stotts with Sue and Bobby Jones

Heather and Neal Kiser

Dennis and Lisa Mauk

Paul Miller, Chad Bishop, and Richard Heyduck

Carmen Hoffmeyer and Todd Gallagher

Lana Norwood with Cheri and Michael Corley

Sheldon and Makita Williams with Yolanda and Xavier Johnson

Skip Bell and Daniel Pluckett

Greg and Jane Bradshaw

KADEN McFADDEN

by REESE LANGDON

The number one is symbolic of many things: winning, beginnings, individualism, wholeness. However, for upcoming senior Kaden McFadden, under Pleasant Grove High School’s Friday-night lights, “1” represents honor and legacy. Kaden proudly wears his late father’s old number on his back as he plays as a safety and rover. He plays for his team, coaching staff, family in the stands, and father and grandfather looking down on him from above.

“Losing my dad and grandpa within a year was probably the hardest thing I’ve had to overcome,” Kaden reflected. “My dad and I were close throughout my childhood, but when he got locked up, I couldn’t really keep in touch with him. He was murdered during football season two years ago.”

Kaden started playing football when he was three, and his father set Liberty Eylau football records when he was in high school, so the two always had football connecting them. When his father’s life was unexpectedly taken, Kaden was in a cloud of confusion, he recalled.

“When my mom gave me the news, I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t know what to do. I was just sitting in the dark at my kitchen table,” Kaden said. “The next day, I went to school trying to hold it all in, but then my coach pulled me out of school, and I just started bawling.”

Then, not even a year later, Kaden was once again struck with the familiar pain of loss.

“[My grandpa] was old and getting sick a lot, so we all knew it was going to happen,” Kaden said. “I visited him a few times while he was in the assisted living facility, but the day before he died, I didn’t go. I didn’t want to see him that bad, but as soon as I got the news he was gone, I regretted not seeing him instantly. Getting over that feeling of regret was very hard.”

Through obstacle after obstacle, Kaden persevered, and because of that perseverance, he received 23 offers from universities

all over the country. It is no surprise that Pleasant Grove’s own stood out to so many universities, for Kaden is decorated with many achievements.

“I was voted newcomer of the year for my district, and I was an all-state player my sophomore year. I was nominated by THSCA [Texas High School Coaches Association] to be a part of the Super Elite Team my junior year,” Kaden proudly said. Beyond his athletic achievements, he also maintains a 3.9 GPA.

With impressive offers from all over the nation, Kaden had a daunting task ahead of him—choosing one school of the 23 that wanted him. After much consideration, he chose Duke University because of the “coaching staff, players, degree, and facilities,” he said.

Before visiting the campus and team in Durham, North Carolina, Kaden had doubts that he would feel at home at the school, but these proved to be unwarranted.

“When I went down there, a concern I had was how I would fit in with the players,” Kaden admitted. “I honestly thought they were going to be kind of geeky because it’s Duke, a very prestigious school, but I fit in with them just like I do at Pleasant Grove.”

Kaden made his decision to attend Duke with the future and his loved ones in mind.

“I am very confident in my decision,” he said. “I know I won’t always be able to play football, and going to Duke will allow me to have a very great job afterwards. My goal in life is to be able to provide for my family, whether that’s through the sport I love or a great job. After Duke, hopefully I make it to the [NFL]. If not, I just want a job that gives me enough money so that I can give my children and wife their wants and needs. I also want to be able to buy my mom a house and my older sister a car.”

Kaden recognizes the love and support his mother has always gifted him. This is why, as he anticipates the many big changes

Reese Langdon is a senior at Texas High School. She is an editor in chief for the Tiger Times Newspaper and has been awarded many ILPC and TAJE writing awards. Reese is a dancer at Judith McCarty and a Texas HighStepper, where she also serves as their social president. She will be attending the University of Alabama and majoring in Political Science in the upcoming fall. Four States Living Magazine, thank you for having me as a columnist. I hope everyone enjoys my last story just as much as I have enjoyed writing it and all the other ones before this one.

coming his way, he is not letting go of the woman most important to him, no matter the distance between them.

“My biggest supporter is definitely my mom,” Kaden stated. “She has made so many sacrifices for me throughout my life: buying me football and baseball equipment, paying for hotel fees when we were traveling, and just being the best mom she can be. She’s also a single parent with four kids, and I know taking care of all of us hasn’t been the easiest thing in the world. At one point, she had to work two jobs to be able to provide for me and my siblings, but she always seemed to manage.”

It takes a village to raise a child, and thankfully, Kaden’s mother was not in it alone.

“[My mom] also kept me around male role models that I could look up to. One in particular is David Potter. He and his family took me in like I was one of their own. I will always be grateful for them,” Kaden said.

Soon, the time will come when Kaden McFadden will retire his black and gold jersey with the significant number one printed on the back.

“I can’t really tell how it’s going to feel [leaving Texarkana] right now, but when I do leave, I think it will be hard just because I’m going to a new place with new people that I don’t know. I will also be excited to start the new chapter in my life and meet new people,” Kaden said. “Committing to Duke means that I have accomplished a childhood dream of mine.”

photo by SHANE DARBY

“Committing to Duke means that I have accomplished a childhood dream of mine. ”

A DRIVING FORCE

Robbins Toyota awarded a new vehicle to LE graduate Kalen Redmond for perfect attendance

by LINDSEY M c MILLAN

Kalen Redmond is getting an exciting head start as he finishes high school and prepares for college. He is the lucky winner of a brand new 2023 Toyota Corolla, compliments of Robbins Toyota. The car was part of an inaugural giveaway sponsored by the dealership and its owner, Susan Robbins. Any Texarkana high school senior with perfect attendance was eligible to be entered into the drawing, which was held on May 26th. Susan and the dealership’s general manager, Charles Pankey, drew the winning name at a dinner at Monjunis, also courtesy of Robbins Toyota. The fourteen eligible students were honored at the dinner, alongside two guests each and school administrators.

The high schools participating were Texas High School, Arkansas High School, Liberty Eylau High School, Pleasant Grove High School, and Trinity Christian School. Susan and her staff visited the campuses early on and promoted the drawing.

Kalen, whose name was drawn, is a Liberty Eylau graduate who is headed to Texarkana College in the fall. The dealership also drew two additional names and gave away a Macbook Pro, an iPad Pro, and two $500 Visa gift cards. The second and third winners were Texas High School seniors: Madison Barth and Hershel Green

Susan and her staff were very excited about the giveaway. While many merit-based scholarships are issued to high school seniors, Susan and her team wanted to reward students’ dedication to school attendance.

A cum laude graduate and artist, Kalen was accepted to The Art Institute of Dallas to study graphic design for film and television. He intends to complete his core classes at TC before transferring. Kalen was very excited to have a brand new car and was acclaimed by Liberty Eylau Principal, Dr. Roshea Phillips, for being a conscientious and

deserving student. Terece Gooden, Kalen’s mom, was very excited about her son’s winning and said he was always insistent on going to school, even on days he was under the weather. “We had no idea this would be the reward for that,” she said. “A job well done. Kudos to him.” Terece also shared that Kalen wasn’t allowed to work while he was in school so that he could remain focused on his work—a rule which surely helped him achieve perfect attendance, a feat which so few area students accomplished.

Susan hopes that many more students will be eligible next year and plans to promote the giveaway at the beginning of the school year, at the senior kick-off rallies and events.

Susan has been at the helm of Robbins Toyota since 2016. Her father, Eddie Robbins, opened the dealership in 1966 and was a hands-on, active owner until his passing. When her father became ill in 2014, Susan got more involved with the dealership, learning all she needed in order to take over as its new leader. Growing up, she spent many hours watching her father at work, witnessing his strong work ethic and love for the dealership. She is proud to carry on the Robbins legacy of being a local business and a good community partner.

“We like to give back to the community in a lot of different ways, but we wanted to do something that was a little bit different,” she said. “We hope it will open up some doors that individuals may not have otherwise.”

photos by LAUREN SIMMONS

Susan Robbins, Kalen Redmond, and Charles Pankey

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

THE TEXARKANA CHILDREN’S CHARITIES OPEN BENEFITING RUNNIN’ WJ RANCH WAS HELD JULY 10TH THROUGH JULY 15TH.

Charlie Flynn, Andrew Beckler, Michael Wolf, and Allen Clement

(front) Ou Olankitkunchai, Pearl Rojanapeansatith, Pilar Echeverria, (back) Chakansim Khamborn, Fiona Khaing, Emily Mahar , Kaeli Jones, and Anahi Servin

Billy Power, Ty Dunlap, Fay J Durrant, and Alan Harrel

FaEllen Yates and Taylor Huang Peter and Elizabeth Wang with Izzy Leung and Tuan-Yu Chiang Seth Lackey, Jere Pelletier, Marty Sanchez, and Andrew Ni Toni Hakula and Graycen Huff

Magan and Clayton Wisdom with Brad and Erin Davis, Lynlee Harvey and Anthony Pinkham

Donnie and Kathy Powers with Billy Power, Kristy Smith, and Perry Steitler

MINISTRY IN MOTION

Jeff Schreve celebrates 20 years at First Baptist Church

by LAUREN SIMMONS

Pastor Jeff Schreve of the First Baptist Church of Texarkana dedicated his life to God when he was 17 years old, but it was only 20 years ago that he embarked on his journey at the Moores Lane megachurch. Today, his ministry continues to flourish.

Schreve, the head pastor of the FBC of Texarkana since 2003, has played a key role in fostering growth in the church as well as starting a media outreach ministry, From His Heart Ministries. He said since its start in 2005, From His Heart Ministries has grown to reach people all over the nation and internationally as well.

Schreve joined the FBC congregation in February of 2003, inspired to turn the church around. He said the church’s reputation as being for “country club only” was changed to a mindset of openness and grace.

“The church is designed to be a hospital for hurting people,” Schreve said. “We help people get well. We tell them the truth. Just like at a hospital, if you have a surgery, it’s going to hurt, but it’s going to make you better. So we speak the truth in love even though the truth hurts sometimes.”

Schreve said the past 20 years in service to the church have impacted the congregation, his media ministries, and his personal outlook on life. Most notably, his media outreach has grown considerably in recent years. As of 2020, the Trinity Broadcasting Network, which is the largest religious television network worldwide, aired From His Heart Ministries to over 175 nations on 30 networks in 17 languages, according to their website.

Additionally, Schreve partnered with Pray.com, the world’s leading app for daily prayer, as well as the American Family Radio Network to speak to millions of listeners about life’s most challenging issues. Schreve adamantly speaks his truth and said he has been greatly rewarded by the challenge of coming up with new content and topics. While many believed radio platforms had died with age, Schreve said From His Heart Ministries has flourished on-air.

“We want to be adapting to the platforms we need to [in order to] reach people,” Schreve said. “God has been good to us. The Ministry has grown from $35,000 at the beginning to almost $2.5 million.”

Schreve said that while the COVID-19 pandemic affected churches across the country, From His Heart Ministries only grew while families tuned in at home.

Schreve said that his experience as head pastor has helped him feel more comfortable in his skin and as the person God made him to be. He said that while many pastors get caught up in the number of seats filled each Sunday, he is challenged by God to focus on faithfulness instead.

“We want to be a place that preaches the word, that lifts up the name of Jesus, that is faithful, and that loves the people,” Schreve said.

Schreve said he integrates the phrase “shine and share” into his sermons and radio talks. He said that phrase represents Christian life in a nutshell. Schreve uses this “critical” phrase, inspired from Matthew 5:16, to challenge his church members to apply the principle (of “shining” a light for God and “sharing” it with others) to every aspect of their lives, not just in the church building.

Regarding his future plans for From His Heart Ministries, Shreve aims to continue to reach more people and impact the world for Christ. He said there is a great need for people to realize their sin so they can repent and live in freedom. Similarly, his plans for the First Baptist Church reflect that mission as well.

“We want to just continue to be a lighthouse of love and truth in our community and beyond, and to expand our reach outside the walls of the church,” Schreve said. “We welcome anybody and everybody, and we will love you enough to tell you the truth.”

Schreve said the church’s mission is to hold grace and truth to the fullest extent, just as Christ did. He emphasized that the people of Texarkana can find love, peace, truth, and hope for their lives, as well as true friends, at First Baptist Church.

“We are a church made of imperfect people, but we desire to walk in the light,” Schreve said. “We focus in on the grace of God, because without the grace of God, we are all sunk.”

You can listen to Pastor Schreve live on the American Family Radio Network from 8:05 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, as well as find recordings of his talks at From His Heart Ministries, Pray.com, and the American Family Radio websites. You can also find his books on the From His Heart Ministries website, which include dealing with difficult emotions and life circumstances, as well as encouraging daily devotionals.

photos by LAUREN SIMMONS

Jeff’s wife, Debbie, serves as the Director of Women’s Ministry

PLAY BALL!

by KATIE STONE

For Zach Fowler, teacher and coach at Liberty Eylau, sports are much more than playing games. Sports are the springboard for life lessons of camaraderie, teamwork, and strategy. Being an excellent baseball player and having strong role models, Zach has taken a game that he grew up loving and made it into a successful career.

Zach always played sports as a kid; growing up as a coach’s son, being involved in whatever sport was in-season was the norm in the Fowler household. Being on a field was what inspired him; even as a kid, Zach knew his future would involve coaching.

“I wanted to be a player first, but I always knew that, when the day came that I was not going to be able to play anymore, I would stay involved in the game through coaching,” he said.

Zach, a left-handed pitcher, played college baseball for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, until he was drafted in 2011 by the Baltimore Orioles in the 34th round. He played baseball professionally un-

Father and son coaching duo Rick and Zach Fowler lead LE baseball to new heights

photo by KATE SILVA, K8 PHOTOGRAPHY

photo by KATIE STONE

Whether playing or coaching, Zach Fowler and his dad, Rick, have been a powerful pair for Liberty Eylau baseball.

The Fowler family has been a huge support system for Zach throughout the years—especially his wife, April, and their two children, Brooks and Blaire. “They are always there for me and give me the support that it seems like I need at the right time. I would not be able to enjoy this job without them,” he said.

til 2014, before following in his father’s footsteps as a coach for his alma mater, starting at LE Middle School.

Rick Fowler, Zach’s dad, is also a well-respected and highly accomplished LE baseball coach. The two Coach Fowlers have experienced some incredible successes in high school baseball, separately and together.

In 2006, with Rick as head coach and Zach as pitcher, the Leopards won their first-ever state championship. That same year, Rick was awarded the 3A Coach of the Year Award, and Zach was named MVP. Zach is grateful for his father’s influence on him as a person, player, and coach.

“He was my high school coach, and I grew up watching his teams. I would say he is the biggest influence of anyone in my life on my coaching style and being in the education field,” Zach said.

Fast forward to 2023, and Zach Fowler has become the head baseball coach for Liberty Eylau. This past year, the Leopards have experienced their winningest season ever, with 33 wins. The 2023 team also went to the final state tournament, this time with Zach as the team’s head coach and Rick as an assistant coach. While the Leopards did not win the state championship this year, Zach said that his players, their families, and the entire community did a great job until the end.

“The head coach gets a lot of the credit when you win, but it truly has been a full community effort to get this program where it is now,” he said.

A huge proponent of building and fostering community, Zach walks the walk. He hosts monthly cookouts for his teams ande leads them in community activities.

“Trust is one of the most important factors in team sports, and I believe that you have to find ways outside of practice and training to build that loyalty and trust with each other,” he said.

Over the summer, Zach was honored with the 2023 High School Regional Coach of the Year award by the American Baseball Coaches Association. This award is representative of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Mississippi.

“I am very honored to receive this,” he said. “I feel gracious towards the players and other coaching staff.”

Looking ahead to next season, Zach is optimistic. “I believe we have a chance to have another successful baseball season, as long as we stay focused and put in the work to improve in the places we were weak this season,” he said.

Zach is not only the LE baseball coach; he also coaches football and teaches world history.

“I want to be able to impact as many students’ lives as possible, not just athletes,” he said. “Anyone that comes into contact with me during their time at LEISD, I want to be a positive impact for them. You never know the full potential of someone, and they usually don’t know it either until someone tells them how special they can be.”

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TRAHC HELD ITS 35TH ANNUAL ADULT JURIED EXHIBIT IN THE REGIONAL ARTS CENTER ON JULY 7TH.

Jamye DeHaan, Sylvia Ingram, and Melissa Keil

Denice Herrara and Darlene Taylor

Kay Thomas and Jeannie Knod Edwards

Dani Hamblett and Samantha Stokes

Kimberlyn Moore and Alex Burns

Kayla Griffin and Amanda Langley

Keldrick Dunn and Christopher Wicker

Rachel Woods, Ronda Campbell, and Amy Warren

Emily Orr and Kelly Burkhalter

EXQUISITE INTERIORS

LOW COUNTRY LUXURY

In November of 2022, Tessa and Rodney Ray purchased a fabulous home on the water that Tessa says makes her feel like she’s on vacation every day. Situated in the Tall Oaks neighborhood of Texarkana, Arkansas, the Rays’ Low Country, South Carolina-style home has elevated porches that surround the home, which is bordered on two sides by water. Dozens of windows bring natural light into every room of the home. Tessa and Rodney have updated their home with new appliances and quartz countertops in the kitchen, matched-wood flooring throughout the house, and pure white walls throughout. Minor architectural changes were made in order to create the home of their dreams.

The Rays’ artwork throughout the home represents their love of different styles. One room is dedicated to Rodney’s love of music and the Rays’ affinity for all things Rolling Stones. In other areas, one may notice modern art, whimsical assemblages, traditional paintings, and Asian influences. Tessa undoubtedly has a talent for eclectic design. Every space has been intentionally decorated, with nothing out of place.

Every interior room is gorgeous and inviting. During cooler seasons, the family enjoys spending time outside on the expansive porches overlooking the lake.

Luxury lake living is every homeowner’s dream, and the Rays have found their happily ever after in this custom-designed beauty.

HISTORY HAPPENS...

by VELVET HALL COOL

History happens to fade if we do not strive to keep it in the forefront of our collective memory. When I first became involved with the local history organizations in our community, I was surprised by the number of people I interacted with who had very little or no knowledge of the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and pianist, the Father of American Ragtime, Scott Joplin, who has strong ties to Texarkana.

Joplin was born in 1868, most likely near Texarkana or Linden. His exact birthdate and birth location are unknown because of the lack of documentation for the births of African Americans during this time period. Joplin does appear in the 1870 census as a two-year-old child living in Linden.

Joplin is believed to have found an early interest in music when tagging along with his mother, who worked as a housekeeper in our region. He became exposed to classical teachers willing to provide him lessons and spur along both his talent and his interest.

As a young person, Joplin earned money working for the railroad, playing in a quartet, playing piano, and giving guitar and mandolin lessons. In his teens, he left Texarkana to perform his music in Chicago and other cities. His departure and lack of fame during his lifetime contributed to the fading of his history in our town; most of the locations that one might like to see today, like his family home, were lost along the way.

But one structure that remains once played an important role not only in Joplin’s life but also in the fabric of our community. As children begin to scamper back to school this month, the relevance of Joplin’s first school, the Orr School, serves to remind us of how long Texarkana has valued education within our community.

Scott Joplin

Built around 1880 through the passion and influence of the Thomas Orr family, the Orr School is widely believed to be the first free public school within our community. As schools in the South were segregated well into the 1970s, this statement may seem wrong, given the fact that Scott Joplin was Black. However, interestingly enough, the very first public (not tuition-based) school in Texarkana served African American students.

Constructed as a two-story building at (what is today) 831 Laurel in Texarkana, Arkansas, the school building suffered a fire in the 1920s and was renovated as a one-story building. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places (both federal and state), and around 1968, it was purchased from the City by the City Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. It continued to be used for many years for various activities, including as a local daycare, until operations ceased and the building began to suffer disrepair. Today, this disrepair threatens the building’s continued existence.

As a city now celebrating our 150th anniversary, we can also take pride in knowing that it was only about seven years (after the sale of the first city lots in 1873) for our city to establish its first public school. Acknowledging this is an added way to celebrate the diversity and momentum that our community has had since its inception. We have faltered, as all do, at various points in our growth, but many in our community have worked long and hard to make progress and provide quality education for all of our city’s children, irrespective of race or economic status.

As one of the last remaining local sites associated with our town’s music history, cultural history, and educational history, let us all hope that the Orr School will never be allowed to fade from existence or our history.

personal level for our readers. She enjoys collecting artists of all types into her village of friends. She once felt like an outsider among her musical and painting friends until she realized words strung together on paper can create beautiful art as well.

ASK THE EXPERTS

D esiree D e D e J efferson Director of Marketing, MRC Cornerstone Retirement Community

Aging in Place – Is Home Health the right decision?

Aging can bring challenges and make everyday tasks very difficult. When a major move doesn’t make sense, Home Health services could be the solution. Trained staff assist you at home with daily assistance in the areas needed most, from companion services to household chores to deeper healthcare needs. While some of these services have an out of pocket expense, some services may have coverage through your medical insurance or long-term care policies. Home Health care services could be the answer to assisting individuals and their caregivers with the needs that can accompany aging.

903-417-0326 | 4100 Moores Lane

Texarkana, TX | mrccornerstone.org

B rett B rzeski Investment Advisor, Mustard Seed Wealth Management

I am 26 years old and have been putting money into a 401K at work. I keep hearing talk about a down-turn in the economy and I am concerned for my portfolio. Should I move everything to cash until things look better? The problem with market timing is you have to be right twice. Not only do you have to know when to get out, but also when to get back in. The latter may be the most difficult of the two. Once this becomes your investment approach, you will have to be right multiple times as you can expect to see more than one down-turn in the economy over your work career. Create a steady, disciplined plan for investing and stick to that plan while rejecting the temptation to make investment decisions based on fear.

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Texarkana, TX | msfwm.com

Velvet Hall Cool is the immediate past president of the Texarkana Museums System and former President of the Miller & Bowie County Literacy Council. She enjoys attempting to bring history to life and to a

Irma Zuniga

Hunter Clark

Darlene Taylor

Echo Robbins

Kameron West

Bea Bertrand

Andrew Brown

Lauren Rollins

Colton Barker

Chastiti and Brandon Barnett with Blaire Barnett and Tracy Cameron

Melissa Massey

Christopher Bachers

Ann Nicholas

April Magee

AUGUST 2023

AUGUST 1

TRAHC’s Summer Camp: Puppetmania with Kay Thomas

Go crazy with puppets! Led by Kay Thomas, TRAHC’s national teaching artist, art campers will learn to build and bring to life “kite” puppets, mouth puppets, and gourd puppets. Students grades 1–4 are invited to participate in this event from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council, Inc. Contact Chris at chrisw@trahc.org for more information, or call 903-792-8681.

AUGUST 5–6

Four States Fair: Team Roping Extravaganza

NJ Productions presents Team Roping at the Four States Fairgrounds. More information is available on the NJ Productions Facebook page as well as the Four States Fair website: www. fourstatesfair.com.

AUGUST 7

Managing Childhood Trauma and Helping Children Make Healthy Choices

Join Watersprings Ranch from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. while professionals speak to parents about helping children to make healthy choices and how to deal with childhood trauma. A continental breakfast and lunch are provided for participants.

AUGUST 10–12

Hope Watermelon Festival 2023

The city of Hope, Arkansas, has three Guinness World Records for the world’s largest watermelons. The annual Hope Watermelon Festival is held in August to showcase the most famous product of the local agriculture industry. The three-day festival at Fair Park features the Politically Correct Watermelon Eating Contest and a seed spitting contest; about 300 arts, crafts, and food vendors; a children’s fun zone; a giant watermelon auction; and a baggo tournament. There is live music and plenty of ice-cold watermelon by the slice. The festival attracts about 15,000 attendees every year.

AUGUST 11

Downtown Live!

Watch artistry in action on Broad Street on the second Friday of each month, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Plus, enjoy food, drinks, and desserts by your favorite downtown restaurants.

AUGUST 12

David Briggs Memorial Car Show

The Third Annual David Briggs Memorial Car Show will be held in Hooks, Texas. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit the Hooks Children’s Ministry that has existed for 46 years, providing Christmas presents and daily needs to needy families in Hooks. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hooks High School football field house parking lot. The entry fee is $20, which includes lunch.

AUGUST 13

New Boston Pioneer Days Festival Concert with Marlon Sharp and Cowboys at the Cross

The New Boston Pioneer Days Festival will host a Christian country music concert featuring Marlon Sharp and Cowboys at the Cross. Admission is free, and the event includes food vendors and carnival rides as well. The concert will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the T&P Trailhead Park.

AUGUST 26–27

Red River Little Britches Rodeo

The Four States Fair and Entertainment Center is hosting the Red River Little Britches Rodeo. The National Little Britches Rodeo Association, which was founded in 1952, is a youth rodeo organization for kids ages 5 to 18. More information is available at the Four States Fair website and the National Little Britches Rodeo Association website: www.nlbra.com.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

THE TEXARKANA DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY HELD ITS i CAN SWIM CAMP AT TEXARKANA COUNTRY CLUB JULY 9TH THROUGH JULY 14TH.

Anna Scroggins, Noah Britt, and Rachael Schaefer

Lisa Ruby, Brittany Rogers, Riley Krantz, and Julijanna Harrison

Lynlee Kuykendall and Ivy Gerro

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

HEALTHCARE EXPRESS HOSTED THEIR BACK TO SCHOOL BASH AT THE SPORTSPLEX ON SATURDAY, JULY 15TH, BENEFITING THE UNITED WAY OF GREATER TEXARKANA’S STUFF THE BUS CAMPAIGN.

Cale Attaway, Molly Riley, Haleigh Alexander, and Jakie Arellano

Anthony Le, Carol Lamb, and Amber Muldrew Anahi Valles, Maria Arguello, and Chasity Russell

Danny Stinson, Doug Barnette, Alan Schimming, and Tom Burns

Ray Sada and Kristina Evans

Michelle Waller, Dr. David Caltrider, Dr. Paul Meredith, Dr. Spencer Reynolds, and Kim Crockett

Lauren Layne and Jennifer Lewis

Jaime Montalvo , Carolyn Young, Andrea Montalvo, Alyssa Montalvo, Marsiela Montalvo, and Jacob Montalvo