Four States Living Magazine September 2022

Four States LivingMAGAZINE

ON THE COVER SEPTEMBER 2022

During the past 16 years, Four States Living Magazine’s “Fabulous 40 and Under” issue has recognized over 640 people who serve as leaders in the community. Whether they are entrepreneurs, physicians, bankers, volunteers, or educators, these movers and shakers, who are 40-years-old or younger, have made a positive impact on Texarkana and its surrounding areas. We thank these men and women for using their creativity, vision, and passion to enrich the lives of others on a daily basis.

See “Fabulous 40 & Under” on page 11.

The way I see it ...

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

Fabulous was my favorite word for a while. I can hear myself overusing it in my head as I type. “The dinner was fabulous!” “That’s a fabulous essay!” “She’s a fabulous teacher.” “Thank you for a fabulous evening.” “Could that prank have been more fabulous?” Stop me now. Or three fabulouses ago!

Sometimes, I overuse a word or an idea or a joke until one of my kids or coworkers tells me that from that point forward, it’s off limits. I mentioned my recent obsession with buying a retired school bus and converting it into a Skoolie (a sort of RV) in a recent editorial; my oldest daughter is so fabulously annoyed with my travel and recreational dreams, that she has officially banned the word Skoolie from our conversations. She probably won’t read this, so I’m more than likely safe.

Another phrase that I have overused until it has been banned from ALL family discussions is “Naked and Afraid.” Unlike the Skoolie obsession and goal, which I will more than likely attain, one of my dreams is to get on the Discovery Network’s show, “Naked and Afraid.” Oh, you can only imagine how embarrassed anyone’s child (at any age) would feel if their parent participated on that show in the buff. It is honestly my favorite show on television. While I have never hunted, fished, camped, or roughed it completely naked, those activities are things I love to do clothed, so as long as they blur out the privacy areas, I think I could do it.

What a fabulous challenge! I even sent an application to the “Naked and Afraid” casting agents. My oldest told me a while back that she would oversee my household and hang out with her sister for a few weeks if I got picked. After that, I got too excited about the possibilities. I told my adult kids about some of my favorite episodes. I explained the different kinds of shelters one can make in the wild, and the ins and outs of weaving fish baskets to catch fish. I did it. I spoke too much about the importance of fire, water, shelter, and finding protein, aaaaand, my daughter threatened to take back her offer of staying with her sister if she heard “Naked and Afraid” again. Whatever (insert eye roll here). It’s my own personal thing that I dream about, and it’s 99.9% not gonna happen. All I can say is that by not choosing me, the show “Naked and Afraid” is missing out on a Texarkana native with a fabulously awful southern accent who would never tap out. So there you have my fun fact; I want to be on “Naked and Afraid.”

Speaking of fun facts, each of the fabulous forty people who were nominated and chosen for this September’s “Fabulous 40 and Under” issue were asked a series of questions and then asked to tell one thing that nobody else would know about them. We labeled them “fun facts,” and I encourage you to read about these accomplished people, and then read their “fun facts.” Yes, one person is called “a mermaid” by her friends, and another dreams of being an FBI agent (she is a banker). Over the years, I have read some doozies. I remember someone rode in the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile; it was his life dream. One guy wrangled snakes. Somebody competed in Miss America. We all have these great little tidbits of information about ourselves that nobody else knows we did or might want to do. Yes, I know “Naked and Afraid” is bonkers, but it’s my bonkers.

When I was teaching college full time, I used to play “Two Truths and a Lie” as an icebreaker with students at the beginning of the semester. Lots of laughter ensued, and students made friends and learned about one another early on. Since I’ve written about myself, my family, and my friends for over 25 years, not much has stayed private, but I would always hope to stump the classes. Some of my favorite truths included the following:

Four St ates Living

INSPIRE THE PESSIMIST

ELEVATE THE OPTIMIST

STIR THE MIND

ENTERTAIN THE SOUL

1) I went by myself to Cuba on a government Visa (this was before the US travel embargo was lifted).

2) I met up with Snoop Dog leaving Starbucks, and he touched my hand and said, “Hey baby. Wanna take a walk on the wild side?” Then, he pulled me toward his big, black, stretch Suburban limo, as if my answer was assumed to be yes.

3) I interviewed Ross Perot twice at his office; the first interview lasted four hours, and then he invited me back to his house, and I went. He wanted to show me his grandmother’s quilts that he had framed around his gymnasium.

4) I went to the Miss America pageant ten days after 9/11 to cover two young women from Texarkana; it was in Atlantic City, so security was crazy. When the two young ladies did not move into the top 5, and I was still up by the stage, someone hollered, “Is anyone here to photograph Miss Oregon?” Nobody was there for her. So a guy yelled at me, “Hey lady! Can you photograph Katie Harman until the winner is announced?” “Of course,” I said. And guess what? Katie Harman won Miss America, and I became the official photographer of the Miss America Pageant 2002.

5) I stayed with a Maori tribe in New Zealand, and they told me I was a healer.

6) I love to mow my yard; it’s in the top 5 of my favorite things to do.

7) I dream of being the first female mayor of Texarkana, Texas.

8) I have hosted three exchange students from countries all around the world for a total of 4 years. 9) I go to sleep when most people are waking up.

That last one for sure is true. At this moment, it’s 6:24 AM, and that’s not fabulous. In over 20 years, my fabulous editor, Suzy Turner, has proofed every word and made sure that all stories, sentences, and words were correct per AP Style. Well, the only time in 20 years and 2 months that Suzy hasn’t edited the magazine is now. Because of a detached retina, Suzy had no choice but to have surgery in Shreveport before she loses her vision completely. I’m sure she’s a little stressed about me doing her job (I’m stressed, too), but it’ll be okay. Only a few people are gonna call Suzy and ask her why I want to be naked on TV. Suzy will just tell them that I’m starting to lose my marbles, and we will giggle about it all later.

I hope you enjoy the fabulous individuals who were chosen for this issue. My fabulous graphic designer, Shane Darby, and our style guru, Victoria Herman, made all of them look even more fabulous through the lens of a fancy camera. My sweetheart and oldest daughter, Ellen Orr, has made our 40 people come to life on the page through her writing.

Thank you to the 40 people who so graciously let us write about them. You people are the doers, the good guys, the reasons I have faith in the future of Texarkana. You care, and you act.

Enjoy this issue. We are lucky to have so many fabulous humans. Read their stories. You won’t regret it. And as always, thanks for reading FSLM

Finally, you have my word: I will never use the word fabulous in print ever again.

Fabulously Yours,

Robin

PUBLISHER

Dr. Robin Rogers

EDITOR

Suzy Turner

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Shane Darby

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Victoria Herman

Shane Darby CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ellen Orr

Do You Have a Story or a Photo?

Want to Advertise?

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

RANDY SAMS’ INVITATIONAL BAG TOSS/CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

On August 6, the Randy Sams’ Invitational Bag Toss/Cornhole Tournament was held at Crossties Event Venue. First place team was Ledwell’s Trey Gist and Kaylee Upton; second place was Ledwell’s Cliff Harvin and Ruger Green; and third place was Fay J Packaging’s Randy and Monica Haltom. All proceeds from the tournament support the Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter by helping provide food, temporary shelter, job training, and more.

Kim Fowler and Austin Cloud

David Mims and Mike Mahone

(front row) Father David Halt, Scott Robertson, Amy Halt, Stacy Hart, Susan and John Stanley; (back row) Jack Pappas, Father Richard and Diana Daly

Adam and Kristie Wickless with Cynthia Martinez and Nikki Crank

Jennifer Lacefield, Randy and Monica Haltom and Larry Oxford

Kayla Jones and Lorie Owen

(front row) Amber Kemp, Hanna Crouch, Brittney Frost, Nicole Cox and Cody Cox; (back row) Becky Thompson, Keely Johnson and William Bracewell

Brian Nicholson, Larry Oxford and Jennifer Lacefield

Jennifer Lacefield, Trey Gist, Kaylee Upton and Larry Oxford

Jennifer Lacefield, Cliff Harvin, Ruger Green and Larry Oxford

Greg Land, Kelly Rose, Lee Davis, Greg Davis, Caroline Thomas, Chase Beebe, Christie Shedlock and Frankie Shedlock

Josh Martin, John Hubbard, Robert Michael Guillory and Shane Stovall

Aaron Thompson, Jesse Bowling, Prestin Williams and Bryan Noel

Cheryl Gildon, Patricia Jarrett, Jennifer Peacock and Summer Nelson

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

KIWANIS CLUB OF TEXARKANA HOSTS AWARDS BANQUET

The Kiwanis Club of Texarkana hosted its annual awards banquet on July 22 at the Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center on Cowhorn Creek Road. Thirty grant awards, seven local scholarships, and numerous other awards were given out.

James Syler, Monty Mullens, Brad McKenzie, Monty Murry, Lauren Layne and Ryan Murry

KayLee Calicott and Whitney Hart

Billy and Jana McAnally

Amy Freedman and Clint Hanna

Dr. Jocelyn Kemp and Dr. Stacey Hendershott

Anthony and Heather James Micki Wright and Rhonda King

Tanya Dunlap and Leigh Davis Jennifer, Tyler, Rebecca, and Mike Unger

Fabulous

WES AYLETT, FNP-C / MALLORY BAILEY / RAMNEESH BAWEJA, MD / WHITNEY BOYKIN / TONI BRALEY / LAUREN BROOKS / MATTHEW D. BURKS, DDS, MD / NATALIE COPELAND / JENNIFER DAVIS, ED.D. / KALEIGH DODSON, LPC / NICOLE FANT, MSN, RN, CNE / BENJAMIN FIELDS, JR. / CLAIRE GORDON, M.ED. / KYNDEL GRIFFITH, MHA, MSN, RN / ALONDRIA HAMILTON / TAYLOR HARVEY / MARIAH L. HORNOK, JD / BRITTNEY HUNTER-BROOKES / MARC ANTHONY JARAMILLO / DEREK JENKINS, M.ED / JENNIFER LACEFIELD / ZACHARY LEGAN, DDS, MD / TIM LEWIS / FERDINAND PAUL MEHRLICH III / PRESTON MOSS / CHINT MURDOCK, CPA / KERI PRICE / MADELEINE RUSSELL / SYDNEY SCHOEN, MS, LPC / KRYSTAL SIMPSON / ANNEMARIE SULLIVAN / TY TAYLOR / KATIE TUBERVILLE / CHERYL K. VERMA, MD / DEE ANN WARD / KYLE WHITE / JENNIFER WHITESIDE / SYDNEY WICKS / JARED WITTEN / ALLISON WRIGHT 40

& Under

WES AYLETT, FNP-C

Age: 38 | Advanced Practice Registered Nurse | King Medical Clinic

Ashdown native Wes Aylett has worked in the medical field for 15 years. He currently serves his hometown as a family nurse practitioner at King Medical Clinic, a position he has held for four years and for which he feels immense gratitude.

“My greatest professional accomplishment is being able to work every day alongside Dr. Rachel King, who is held in such high regards as a physician, and to gain her trust to serve patients at such an esteemed pediatric and internal medicine practice,” Wes said. “It’s so fulfilling to serve patients of all ages within my community and surrounding areas. I enjoy building a rapport with my patients and being able to assist them with their health care needs.”

The road to this career was not an easy one. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Texas A&M University-Texarkana, Wes completed his Post-Master’s Certificate to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. “I worked full-time weekend shifts, took courses, and completed clinicals during the week, with a wife and two young kids at home,” Wes recalled. “My wife was rather new to her job at the time and traveled frequently. It was tough, but through dedication, teamwork, and my parents helping with the kids, we made it.”

WES’ FUN FACT

“Don’t let my physique fool you: I am a Black Belt.”

Now enjoying more stability than ever, Wes gives back to his community by conducting physicals for Ashdown athletes, participating in community service projects with the rest of the King Medical staff, and coaching youth sports. Alongside his wife, Dr. Ashley Aylett (who serves as the Vice Chancellor for Academic Services at UA Cossatot), Wes spends his weekends watching son, Cash, play baseball and daughter, Adalie, perform with the Silvermoon Children’s Theatre. “The majority of my fun centers around my kids,” he said.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“If you put your phone down, you’d probably finish your charts.”

– Janice Douglas, King Medical Clinic office manager

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Don’t get bogged down by life and other people’s problems or hang-ups.”

– Dusty Bailey, Mallory’s husband

MALLORY BAILEY

Age: 38 | Administrator | Red River Oil

A resident of Little River County, Mallory Bailey is serious about serving the region that has always supported her. “Giving back and nurturing the community that has nurtured me throughout my life is one of my most important priorities,” she said. “The opportunity to help or improve the lives of not just those that I love but residents throughout Little River County is truly a passion for me.”

She currently serves as the board president of the Little River Chamber of Commerce. She is also a board member of the Ashdown and Foreman Community Foundations. Last year, she played a key role in obtaining the necessary funds for an inclusive playground and a splash pad to be built at the Ashdown City Park. The splash pad is operational, while the inclusive playground is still under construction. In Foreman, Mallory and others have organized the inaugural Rocky Comfort Pecan Festival, a community event to be held on October 29.

Her active participation on these boards has become a non-negotiable part of Mallory’s life.

MALLORY’S FUN FACT

“I’ve lived in seven different states and nine towns.”

“From grant-writing, fundraisers, research for community projects, and volunteering my time and efforts, what I’ve learned is that I receive far more in return [from community service],” she said. “It fulfills me personally, professionally, spiritually, and emotionally.”

As a full-time administrative employee of Red River Oil, Mallory oversees daily business operations. “When my dad opened Red River Oil in 2010, there was one location, two gas pumps, and two employees,” she said. “Today, we have three locations, located in Texarkana, Ashdown, and Foreman, a fleet of trucks, and 19 employees.” Experiencing this growth over the past seven years of her employment, Mallory considers her contributions to her father’s company as her greatest professional source of pride.

Personally, however, Mallory is most proud of her family of seven: along with her husband, Dustin, she has five children, ranging in age from toddler to tween: Cale (12), Madalynn (11), Chloe (11), Finn (4) and Layla (2). “Raising a family of seven is not for the faint at heart,” she said. “I’m learning how to balance working full-time, maintaining my civic responsibilities, shuffling five kids with full schedules of their own, while my husband works full-time as an RN in the emergency room and goes to school at UAMS.” Though it is no walk in the park, Mallory would not trade her life, which she describes as “wild, chaotic, and beautiful” for anything.

RAMNEESH BAWEJA, MD

Age: 37 | Psychiatrist | Insight Behavioral Health PLLC

Dr. Ramneesh Baweja describes psychiatry as his calling. “More of an observer and a listener all my life, I have always been very intrigued by the human mind,” he said. In his private practice, Insight Behavioral Health, he treats patients with a variety of mental health afflictions, such as mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, schizophrenia, personality disorders, addictions, and traumatic stress. He takes pride in working independently. “In the era of multi-specialty clinics and hospitals, building a private solo practice has been challenging and rewarding at the same time,” he said. He believes that, in this context, he is best able to serve his patients with freedom and flexibility.

Ramneesh’s wife, Priyal Patel, is also a physician. The two met in a particularly challenging season of life for Ramneesh: not only was he completing his medical residency, but he was also grieving the unanticipated loss of his mother. “[The loss of my mother] was the biggest obstacle I’ve had to face, but finding Priyal and building our own family helped me cope with it,” he reflected. Ramneesh and Priyal, who works in family medicine

FUN FACT

“I’m very much an introvert, but I mask it pretty well.”

at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, have 3-year-old twin daughters, Kiara and Myra.

Professionally, Ramneesh works to improve the mental health of his patients—work that is, while fulfilling, incredibly heavy. In his personal life, he actively prioritizes his own well-being, not only for his own sake but also for the sake of his family. “My mom used to say, ‘The greatest gift you can give to your children is your own emotional well-being,’” he recalled. “It is so much more relevant now that I am a father myself.”

Ramneesh looks forward to watching his daughters grow up and inhabit a community with greater access to mental health care. He describes our current mental health care landscape as “underserved” and is humbled to play a part in meeting the existing need. He intends to continue growing his practice and foresees various psychiatric innovations on the horizon, particularly related to treatment-resistant trauma disorders and substance abuse treatment.

RAMNEESH’S

WHITNEY BOYKIN

Age: 34 | Treasury Management Specialist | Farmers Bank & Trust

To her customers, Whitney Boykin is a go-to person for all things business banking. “I am responsible for supporting and assisting in the daily operations and sales efforts of treasury management customers, products, and services,” she explained. “I love what I do on a daily basis.” Though analytical and problem-solving skills are of the utmost importance in her role, it is Whitney’s service-mindedness and people skills that have set her apart in the seven years she has worked at Farmers Bank & Trust.

“I have received several awards recognizing me for going over and beyond the call of duty,” she said. “Working in a service role, I get the most gratification when I am able to resolve issues for people in relation to their business finances. I understand the importance of their business running as smoothly as possible, and I am here to help in any way I can.”

Outside of work, Whitney has recently become involved in volunteering with the United Way of Texarkana. “[Being on the Impact Committee this year] opened my eyes to just how many nonprofit organizations we have in our community that lean on United Way,” she said. “This year, we were able to grant each and every organization who applied and also a couple of new organizations. Being able to come together and make such a huge impact for our community was truly amazing.” She intends to remain involved with the United Way in the future.

Whitney has a large family. Along with husband Jeremy, she has four children: Brady, 9; Grayson, 4; Ryleigh, 1; and Ava, who was born and died on the same day in 2017.

“The loss of my second child, my first daughter, has been my biggest life obstacle,” Whitney said. “Working in a service position with customers, friends, and colleagues seeing me pregnant for six-plus months, then having to come back to the job, wear a forced smile, and answer questions that I wasn’t ready to answer was tough.” However, along with the love from friends and family, Whitney reflected, “coming back to work and getting those questions from people who really cared is what helped me in my grieving process.”

Expect to find Whitney at Farmers for years to come. “Building new relationships, problem solving, overcoming challenges, and just being that ‘go to’ person and someone my customers can lean on anytime is truly a joy,” she said. “I hope to continue growing into greater leadership roles within Farmers Bank & Trust.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Life is all about managing expectations; put service above self.” – Jeremy Boykin, Whitney’s husband

WHITNEY’S FUN FACT

“I love hip-hop music, and I like to blare it in my car when I’m by myself.”

TONI BRALEY

Age: 39 | Assistant Vice President of Mortgage Lending | Commercial National Bank

Toni Braley helps her customers turn houses into homes. In her role as AVP of Mortgage Lending, she plays an integral part in the home-buying and home-building process for Commercial National Bank clients.

“There is nothing like the feeling you get when you know you have made someone’s dream of owning a home come true,” she said. “I love seeing the smiles on their faces at their closing and helping them through the whole loan process.”

Toni has been with CNB for over 20 years. She started her career as a teller and worked her way upward through loan processing, loan operations, and consumer lending, before landing in mortgage lending, a facet of banking she finds particularly fulfilling. “It is so rewarding to work with all my customers during their home-buying or -building process” she said. “We become like family, and I am so happy for them when the process is complete.” She hopes to continue growing in her expertise and to one day become Senior Vice Ppresident of Mortgage Lending.

Toni said that the greatest obstacle she has faced has been managing a healthy work-life balance. She hopes that, in working full-time at a job she loves, she is setting a good example for her children, Jaxon and Abbi. She volunteers at their school and extracurricular activities, taking a particular interest in Maud sports; she serves on multiple athletic boards and strives to ensure they are funded and sustainable. She is also a recent graduate of Leadership Texarkana.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Work hard for what you want to achieve.”

– Bill Pierce, Toni’s father

TONI’S FUN FACT

“I cry when I watch Hallmark movies, especially the Christmas ones.”

LAUREN BROOKS

Age: 28 | Branch Manager | State Bank

At 23, Lauren Brooks was hired as a part-time teller at State Bank, a position she intended to hold only until she finished her bachelor’s degree. “I had the intention of eventually going to nursing school, but I quickly realized I enjoyed banking and the way I was able to build relationships with my customers and coworkers,” she explained, “so I changed my degree plan.”

As she completed her degree in business, Lauren transitioned to working full-time at the bank, embracing every opportunity for professional mentorship. “I have trained under some fantastic mentors and worked very hard to learn all I could about banking and managing a branch,” she said. “The leadership team at State Bank noticed the effort I was putting in and rewarded me with multiple promotions, eventually resulting in my current role as branch manager.”

Lauren loves her job because of the people. “I’m fortunate to work with a great group of people and love being able to help them develop their careers,” she said. “I also love getting to know my customers and forming relationships with each one.”

Beyond her career at the bank, Lauren connects with members of the community through her role on the board of the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals. Her fellow board members appreciate her for her encouragement and sunny personality.

This cheerful disposition is reflected in Lauren’s daughter, Addelyn, who is 8 and active in various extracurricular activities, including competitive cheerleading. This year has been especially challenging for Lauren and Addelyn, as Addelyn’s father died in February. A positive attitude was not enough to carry them through such grief, so Lauren relied on her support network.

“I was very thankful for the compassion and kindness of our family and friends, and my coworkers, who allowed us to lean on them so that I was able to adequately support my daughter,” she said. The devastating experience has been a reminder for Lauren of how courageous she is. “Trying to navigate an 8-year-old through a tragedy like that can show you how much strength you have.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Always tell the truth so you don’t have to remember what you lied about.” – Joel Brooks, Lauren’s father

LAUREN’S FUN FACT

“I am deathly afraid of clowns, even those cheesy old school Ronald McDonald-looking clowns. I will cry like a little baby.”

MATTHEW D. BURKS, DDS, MD

Age: 36 | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Northeast Texas

Some people enjoy working with their hands, and some people are more cerebral types. Dr. Matthew Burks is one of the very few individuals who fall into both categories, and this is what drew him to surgery. Oral and maxillofacial surgery further compelled him “because of the additional challenges and complexities of the procedures,” he explained.

Oral surgeons have extensive academic and clinical training related to the mouth, teeth, and facial region. They extract difficult and impacted teeth, place dental implants, perform corrective jaw repositioning surgery, repair traumatic injuries, manage complicated infections, treat cysts and tumors, and manage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. They also train intensively in anesthesia and are able to provide deep IV sedation to patients during these procedures.

Though Matthew remains busy practicing, he is grateful that the current season of his life allows him more work-life balance than was accessible to him during his medical training. “Working 80 hours a week during residency was not easy, but managing the work-life balance was even tougher,” he admitted. “My wife (Dr. Valeria Burks, who is a dentist at Dr. Andrew Curry’s office) was very understanding and helpful, and we got through it. I saw several marriages end among my co-residents, but my wife and I remained committed to each other.”

MATTHEW’S FUN FACT

“I am an SSI-certified Master SCUBA Diver with over 175 dives and over six days’ time underwater.”

Matthew finished his training five years ago, and he and Valeria have since had two children: Catherine (4) and Thomas (3). As a family, they attend First Baptist Church Texarkana, where Matthew and Valeria volunteer in the nursery. They are also Texarkana Symphony Orchestra sustaining members and Texarkana Repertory Company supporting members.

In his free time, Matthew enjoys hiking, reading, and researching genealogy. In fact, he is the vice-president and registrar of the Southwest Trail Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. In the next decade of his life, he sees himself “pretty much doing all the same things but even better because of accumulated experience,” he said.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.”

– Dent Burks, Matthew’s father

NATALIE COPELAND

Age: 27 | Operations Officer | Bodcaw Bank

Natalie Copeland exemplifies strength.

In 2020, her father suffered a massive stroke, which paralyzed the right side of his body and robbed him of his ability to communicate verbally. Natalie describes her dad as her “number-one guy,” whom she had only known as “the life of every party.” Only a few years into adulthood, Natalie became the primary caretaker of her father. “I was beyond lost trying to manage all of my dad’s affairs, from doctors to insurance to finances to rehabilitation facilities to coordinating a long-term plan for his progress and care,” she said. “We were in the middle of a pandemic, so there was a new hurdle to jump every day with healthcare facilities and visitations. He was extremely depressed, and his unhappiness broke my heart. I struggled to balance working full-time with attending all of his therapy sessions. I was completely overwhelmed and hanging by a thread.”

At 25, Natalie was thrust into a chapter more challenging than some people will ever experience—but this was not Natalie’s first major life trial. As a teenager, she was in a four-wheeler accident, sustaining major injuries and requiring major facial reconstructive surgery. This trauma, occurring right at her transition to post-secondary education, did not impede Natalie from achieving her goals. She went on to attend and graduate from the University of Arkansas, a feat she cites as her greatest personal accomplishment.

After graduation, Natalie returned to Texarkana, where her banking career began unexpectedly. “I like to joke that I stumbled into the banking world by accident,” she said. “I have a liberal arts degree and never dreamed I’d work at a bank, but now I can’t picture myself doing anything other than working at Bodcaw Bank.” Natalie’s role is multifaceted, allowing her the opportunity to work in various aspects of banking; her “soft skills,” like problem-solving and effective communication, make her a versatile and invaluable asset to the bank and her clients.

“I enjoy getting to connect with others,” she said. “The coolest part about banking is helping people bring their dreams to life, such as building a house or starting a business. It is such a rewarding experience to be a part of.”

NATALIE’S FUN FACT

“As part of a post-traumatic facial reconstruction process due to an accident in high school, I ended up at one point having a certain type of coral from the South Pacific Ocean substituted for bone above my cheek. My close friends joke that I’m a mermaid!”

Natalie also finds gratification in community service. She is on multiple committees within the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals, as well as serving on the United Way of Greater Texarkana’s Community Impact Committee and being a member of Texarkana Elks Lodge #399. She also volunteers at the Texarkana Animal League every Wednesday night, caring for dogs sheltered there.

Two years after the stroke, Natalie and her father have found a new normal. “It has not been an easy transition, and each day has been different,” she said. “It took a great deal of faith, patience, perseverance, many tears, long nights of worry and no sleep, countless hours of therapy, tremendous support and assistance of our family and friends, and lots of Motown music. Things will never be the same, but his happiness has been restored, and I’m very thankful to have overcome those difficult days.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE: “Inspect what you expect.”

– Chris Lannom, Natalie’s boss and mentor

JENNIFER DAVIS, Ed.D.

Age: 35 | Director of International Studies | Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Dr. Jennifer Davis has served postsecondary students in Texarkana for the past 10 years. As the director of International Studies at Texas A&M-Texarkana, her mission is lofty: “We aim to expand the global mindsets of our campus community and beyond,” she explained. This mission is served by recruiting and nurturing international students, empowering domestic students to study abroad, facilitating partnerships with international institutions, and fostering interculturalism on campus.

“Assisting international and domestic students in their global educational journeys is so rewarding,” Jennifer said. “We have students from over 20 countries on campus currently, and it is so fun to recruit them and welcome them to the Eagle family every semester. Additionally, allowing our domestic students the opportunity to go abroad for class credit is always exciting. Our students can go all over the world to study in countries like Japan, Mexico, Spain, and so many more. I did not study abroad when I was in college because I honestly thought it was too expensive and difficult, even though I would have loved to. That is one of the

JENNIFER’S FUN FACT

“I was voted biggest daredevil in high school.”

reasons I love advocating for study abroad at TAMUT. I let students know about all the resources available to them to make their study abroad dream a reality.”

Outside of her professional role, Jennifer has a rich personal life. She is involved in the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals, CHRISTUS St. Michael Friends of the Foundation, and Friends of the Park. Jennifer noted that she is a strong advocate for not only educational expansion but also local economic development, and she is an active contributor to these causes. “Community involvement is a key component of what makes Texarkana great,” she reflected. Jennifer and her husband, Scott, welcomed daughter Mariana last year. “I hope she likes to travel as much as her dad and I do!” Jennifer said. “She’s only 8 months old, but I’m currently in the process of getting her first passport. I can’t wait to help facilitate the development of my daughter’s global mindset.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Can’t stop, won’t stop.” – Sean Combs

KALEIGH DODSON, LPC

Kaleigh Dodson just took a big leap.

Though many in the community may know her as a licensed therapist, forensic interviewer, and administrator at the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), Kaleigh has just begun a new career—as an IT analyst at local technological services company DataCast.

Kaleigh worked at the CAC for seven years. “At the CAC, I was able to give children a voice and be with them in the darkest moments of their lives,” she said. Of course, her work was incredibly intense. “As a therapist working with primarily sexual abuse victims, I gave away pieces of myself daily as I took on [my child clients’] pain and suffering,” she said. “I loved this job, but it took an emotional and mental toll.”

In addition to offering trauma-focused therapy, conducting forensic interviews, and testifying in court, Kaleigh also worked as the director of Program Operators, a position that allowed her “to support each of our services by creating the most efficient systems,” she explained. “That way staff can do what matters and not worry about the rest.” This role aligns with the technological skills that are the bedrock of her current occupation.

KALEIGH’S FUN FACT

“I eat around all my food, edges first then the center. I want to savor the final center piece for last with the most flavor! Not many people know this about me but those that do think it’s totally bizarre!”

Kaleigh cites this career change as one of the greatest obstacles she has faced. “I loved my job at the CAC, but the spirit was pulling me in a different direction,” she said. “I prayed a lot for guidance and reached out to people for support. I needed a change and more time with my kids, so I did it. While IT will be just as fast-paced and busy, the emotional piece is not there in the same way. When I leave work, my work can stay there, unlike at the CAC.”

In this season of life, Kaleigh looks forward to spending more time with her family: her husband, Cory, and their children: Cass (6), Finn (4) and Ruby (2). She also hopes that she will have more emotional bandwidth for community service than she has in the past. For now, she finds fulfillment coaching soccer and T-ball for her children’s teams.

Big career changes can evoke fear and anxiety, but Kaleigh, who is professionally trained to sit with such emotions, feels something different. “I feel an overwhelming peace about it,” she said. Age:

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Peace of mind, clarity of thought, and the words come easily as you speak; hold on to the quiet confidence inside you.”

– Missy Davison, Kaleigh’s former boss

NICOLE FANT, MSN, RN, CNE

Age: 37 | Instructor of Nursing | Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Nicole Fant was inspired to pursue nursing because of her mother (a licensed vocational nurse) and grandmother (a medical laboratory technician). “Growing up, I saw how selfless and caring each had to be to care for their patients,” she said.

Nicole has been a registered nurse for 15 years. Twelve of those years were spent at CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital-Atlanta. “I led collaboratively with hospital interdepartments to obtain trauma, stroke, and chest pain accreditations for the hospital in Atlanta and chest pain accreditation for CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System in Texarkana. This accreditation is a statement to the community that we are prepared, educated, and able to

provide you with guideline-driven, quality-focused care for patients coming to the hospital with a heart attack,” she explained. “It is also a commitment to educating the public on early heart attack care, signs and symptoms, and treatment. Program accreditation, positive patient outcomes and experiences, and research are all passions of mine.”

In addition to her work with CHRISTUS, Nicole has spent the past four years teaching undergraduate and graduate students at TAMUT. “I hope to instill in my nursing students [the notion that nursing is about the] art and science of healing,” she said. “It is also important to me that my students understand the importance of community involvement, advocacy for all, and quality and equitable health resources.” To that end, she volunteers with COVID vaccine clinics, health fairs, and various educational councils and boards.

Nicole is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in nursing science from Texas Woman’s University, and she hopes one day to become a tenured faculty member at TAMUT. She and her husband, Kevin, have three daughters: Kynlee, who is 13; Hadlee, who is 9; and Averie, who passed away when she was only 9 days old. Surviving the loss of her newborn, as well as the recent loss of her father, Robert Beauchamp, has required Nicole to shift out of her role as a healer and into the role of a patient in need of compassion and care. “I have turned to Jesus, my family, my close friends, and work families,” she said.

Outside of work and school, Nicole loves spending time with her family on their Cass County farm, where they raise cattle and produce timber.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Our hope is not in this world; it is in Jesus.”

– Robert Beauchamp, Nicole’s father

NICOLE’S FUN FACT

“I was very active in FFA in high school. If I wasn’t a nurse, I would most certainly be an Ag teacher. I credit my Ag teacher, Mr. Steve Belyeu, for instilling the leadership qualities I have through my participation in FFA events.”

BENJAMIN FIELDS, JR.

Age: 39 | Owner | Gettin’ It Done Guys, 906 Hookah Lounge, and Bleu Lounge

BENJAMIN’S FUN FACT

“I like working on old cars.”

Benjamin Fields, Jr. always wanted to be his own boss, but making the leap from employee to employer was terrifying. “For years,” he said, “I prayed to God for clear vision, direction, and sustainability,” until one day, when the time was finally right to make a change. “I stepped out on my faith and put in the work, and God has not failed me,” he said.

Benjamin is the owner of Gettin’ It Done Guys, a moving and junk removal company; as well as of two hookah lounges, the 906 Lounge and the Bleu Lounge. He is passionate about entrepreneurship because of the opportunities it affords him to care for his community. “At the core of any work that I do is my family,” he said. “They are my why. I always have my kids (son, Malique and daughter, Zion) in mind, and no matter what I have achieved so far or set out to do in the future, there is nothing in this life that will ever be as great and as rewarding as being their father.”

Beyond the scope of his nuclear family, Benjamin’s compassion extends to the larger community. “My mother instilled in me the importance of supporting the community. I watched and now help her with fundraisers and charity events that benefit domestic violence prevention and support of the local youth in our community,” he explained. Additionally, he is a member of the Rotary Club. “I really enjoy the discussion, planning, and action we take to meet community needs,” he said.

Charity is not the only way Benjamin gives back; in fact, one of his central goals as an entrepreneur is to lift others as he rises — “to assist, learn from, and support others who share my goals” is paramount to his business sense.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Always keep your priorities in order.”

–

Ben Fields, Sr., Benjamin’s father

CLAIRE GORDON, M.Ed.

Age:

35

| Teacher | St. James Day School

First grade teacher Claire Gordon has spent her adult years actively fulfilling her life’s purpose through hardship and grief.

In 2006, Claire was earning a bachelor’s degree in history, when her brother, Jacob, died unexpectedly. Less than three years later, she suffered the unforeseen passing of her father. “Grief has many stages, and I was in the thick of it with my brother’s death when my father died,” Claire recalled. She cites grief as the largest obstacle she has faced and continues to face, though grief, she said, “isn’t something you can overcome, really.”

Continuing her education while mourning was unspeakably hard, but Claire’s goals kept her moving forward. She knew that she was meant to be a teacher. “Instead of giving up or taking an easier path, I continued on, slowly,” she said. While working at a day care and taking classes at night, Claire finished her bachelor’s degree in 2011 with a high GPA and the History Student of the Year Award. She went on to earn her teaching certificate and a master’s in curriculum and instruction. “It took me longer than the typical time frame to complete my degrees, but now I have the job of my dreams,” she said. “My dad always told me, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ I have that.”

In 2013, Claire began teaching at St. James Day School. “Teaching is my passion,” she enthused. “I am constantly striving to find more effective teaching strategies and ways to connect with my students. Igniting a love of learning in them is one of my yearly goals. I am always trying to learn more and be a better teacher.”

CLAIRE’S FUN FACT

“I went to my first concert when I was 6. It was Alan Jackson with Faith Hill as the opener.”

Beyond academics, Claire’s students benefit from performing community service as an integral part of their education. Pre-pandemic, Claire took her students to read to local residents of assisted living facilities. Over the past two years, Claire and her students have held Toys for Tots drives.

Today, Claire embraces the bittersweetness of life with humility and grace. “Grief is something you always carry with you; at every stage of life I grieve not having the two men I loved more than anything in my life,” she explained. “Because of my faith, I see them daily in my children, through things I read, by sharing stories about them, and in music I hear.” She lives with her husband, Cole, who is a mental health professional, and their kids, James (6) and Ivy (3).

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Fair is not equal; equal is not fair in a classroom setting.”

–

Traci Anderson

KYNDEL GRIFFITH, MHA, MSN, RN

Age: 31 | Chief Nursing Officer | Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital

Kyndel Griffith is a natural caretaker and manager—and she has plenty of opportunity to hone her skills every day, both on and off the clock. As the chief nursing officer at Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital, she not only continues to provide bedside care but also oversees daily operations, manages personnel, and ensures that facilities are regulation compliant. At home, she co-parents her four children, all of whom are under the age of 9.

Kyndel’s career in nursing began 10 years ago at age 21, as a bedside nurse in an ER. “I chose nursing as a career because I find joy in taking care of others,” she said. “I’ve always particularly loved emergency nursing because it offers a variety of challenges with each day or shift.” After three years, she pursued hospital management opportunities. In 2020, she was hired in her current position.

Kyndel’s career advancements were made possible not only by her tenacity but also her higher education. She earned master’s degrees in both nursing and healthcare administration.

“Completing my last two degrees was pretty challenging, considering I worked full-time and had small children,” she recalled. “I have many memories of typing papers with one hand while holding and caring for a baby with the other. While working on my degrees, I constantly reminded myself that my goal was within reach, and I would be thankful in the end.”

KYNDEL’S FUN FACT

“I was a drum major in high school.”

At the end of her workday, Kyndel returns home to her husband, Leon, and their four children: Kye Sillivan (8), Tripp Griffith (7), Kynlee Sillivan (6), and Ruby Griffith (4). Caring for such a large blended family is undoubtedly a challenge, but as in her nursing career, the rewards of motherhood propel Kyndel through the hard times. “My kids are my absolute pride and joy,” she said. “Basically anything we do is a party.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Always finish what you start.” – Sheryl Priest, Kyndel’s mother

ALONDRIA HAMILTON, MBA

Age: 35 | Talent Acquisition Partner | Domtar

Alondria Hamilton’s former manager Gregory Hubby once gave her a piece of advice that has stuck with her through the years: “He told me, ‘Don’t view the situation as a problem, but as an opportunity,’” she recalled. In many ways, Alondria’s life choices have reflected this idea. In 2017, when she returned to college as a nontraditional student, Alondria’s goals outsized her availability. As a full-time employee, newlywed, and mother, adding a full college course load to her schedule was daunting–and for many would be an unresolvable problem. But Alondria saw the events on her calendar as opportunities. “I often took my textbooks and computer to my son’s football and basketball practices to study,” she recalled. “I took classes at Texas A&M-Texarkana, Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas, and Texarkana College at the same time, transferring credits as needed. I also pulled all-nighters frequently to ensure my coursework was done.” After earning her BBA from TAMUT, she pursued and obtained an MBA from Louisiana State University-Shreveport.

Alondria’s pursuit of higher education allowed her to rise in the ranks at Domtar, where she has worked in some capacity since 2013. Her history with the company is much longer, however; her father, Clyde, has been a pulp mill employee for 42 years. Alondria follows in her father’s footsteps, albeit in a different role–as a talent acquisition partner. “Our employees are our greatest asset. Finding and hiring the right candidate can positively affect the company’s culture and allow us to remain competitive within the market,” she explained. “I absolutely love my job and the company I work for.”

Alondria gives back to her community through Domtar, both as an EarthChoice Ambassador and a Diversity and Inclusion Committee member. EarthChoice Ambassadors promote ecological sustainability through education and volunteerism with organizations like Harvest Texarkana. As a member of the D&I committee, Alondria works passionately to improve the paper-products industry through racial and gender diversification. In March, she was interviewed by the American Forest and Paper Association about her efforts. Outside of Domtar, Alondria volunteers her time as a member of the Tri-State Society for Human Resource Management, the Texarkana chapter of the NAACP, and Heritage Church.

Alondria lives in Texarkana with her spouse, Courtnee, and son, Jayden.

ALONDRIA’S FUN FACT

“I am a gamer (my entire family is). I can spend hours playing the Sims, literally. It’s one of my favorite pastimes. I will also sit and watch my husband and son play various games. It is great family time.”

TAYLOR HARVEY

Age: 38 | Volunteer | Opportunities, Inc.

2022 marks Taylor Harvey’s tenth year as a volunteer at Opportunities, Inc, a long-standing local nonprofit dedicated to providing services for disabled members of the community. Taylor currently serves as president of The Angel Guild, a group of volunteers who fundraise for and promote community awareness of Opportunities’ services. In her role, she organizes events, oversees fundraising campaigns, recruits individual and corporate sponsors, and applies to various foundations for funding.

Taylor’s volunteerism is inspired by her father, Charles DeBardeleben. “Growing up, my dad always wanted us to give back and be involved in local organizations to help the community,” she said. “He would always say, ‘It’s not what you get; it’s what you give.’ So, in this incredible journey of life, I try and do as much as I can to help.”

Opportunities in particular has grown in her heart over her years serving the community. “It is the most fulfilling and satisfying organization for me to be a part of,” she said. “Opportunities has incredible people who believe in the promise and potential of children and adults with disabilities. We strive to build a community where each person belongs, where each person is accepted, welcomed, and given the chance to participate in the community.”

In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her family: she and husband Steven are raising their four children, Ava Harvey, Brown Harvey, Ava Aumiller, and Wyatt Aumiller. “We just got married this summer. My husband and his two amazing children joining our family has been the best! I love where we are now and would not trade it for anything in the world!” she said. As a family, they love to travel, especially to the beach, to live musical performances, and to Ole Miss football games.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Persistence is key. Never give up!”

– Marcie DeBardeleben, Taylor’s mother

TAYLOR’S FUN FACT

“I am a descendant of one of the 102 people who came over on the Mayflower in 1620.”

MARIAH L. HORNOK, JD

Age: 37 | Attorney | Haltom & Doan

Mariah Hornok has her hands full. She is an attorney at Haltom & Doan, working primarily on appeals. At home, she is raising four children, two of whom are educated virtually from home, and two of whom are not yet school-aged. On Wednesday nights and weekends, she and her husband (fellow attorney Jonathan Hornok) are serving in the children’s ministry at their church, Fellowship Bible. Free moments are spent chasing exercise endorphins with her swim team or Crossfit community.

Though it looks excessive on paper, Mariah insists that she isn’t running on fumes. “I am blessed to have found a satisfying balance of career and family,” she said. She credits this in part to wisdom emphasized by her friend and mentor, Aileen Ostendorff. “She often reminds me of the wisdom of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3,” she said, referring to the well-known adage, “For everything there is a season.”

That is not to say that maintaining balance has been easy for Mariah. Professionally, she has worked hard to build a full career while moving often for her husband’s job. She has practiced law in four states—Utah, Arizona, Texas, and Arkansas. While each of these moves served a purpose, the Hornoks are grateful to be in Texarkana currently, where their kids are growing up surrounded by family and church community.

Church community is particularly crucial for the Hornok kids, who are receiving a classical education from home. “I am very involved in the education of my two oldest daughters [10-year-old Alexandra and 7-year-old Miriam],” Mariah said. “They attend an online charter school—GreatHearts Online Texas (GHO), which provides an excellent classical education from the comfort of our home. Educating children at home provides a rich quality of life for our whole family.” Alexandra and Miriam are also active in the Area Texarkana Aquatic Club (ATAC), following in their mother’s strokes, who was a collegiate swimmer at John Brown University.

On any given day, you might spot Mariah and Jonathan chauffeuring Alexandra and Miriam, along with younger siblings John (4) and Helen (1), around town in the family minivan. Raising “four truly enjoyable human beings,” Mariah said, is both her greatest pride and greatest challenge. “They are little mirrors of my own imperfections,” she continued, “and they look to me to reflect the love of Jesus.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

MARIAH’S FUN FACT

“Three of my four children have the same birthday –and no, it was not intentional!”

“If you don’t ask, you already know the answer.”

– Scott Rose, Mariah’s father

BRITTNEY HUNTER-BROOKES

Age: 34 | Family and Community Engagement Specialist | Texarkana Independent School District

Brittney Hunter-Brookes is learning to embrace her own timeline. “I make comparisons to where I am in life versus some of my colleagues who are around the same age,” she admitted. “Social media will make you feel like you are a million miles behind.” Despite this insecurity, she is a powerhouse: full-time employee, mother to 5-year-old Talon, and active community servant.

Brittney earned her bachelor’s degree as a nontraditional student in 2016. “After high school, I attended Stephen F. Austin State University,” she said. “After three years, I decided to return to Texarkana and take a break from college, promising my mother that I would one day return to obtain my degree. Several years passed, and I was hired at Texarkana ISD as an administrative assistant for Mrs. Jo Ann Rice. Mrs. Rice was the push I needed to finish school. Mrs. Rice also wasn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer.” She now holds a BBA from Texas A&M-Texarkana.

Brittney’s degree serves her well, especially in her role as co-owner of 7/11 Creations and Co. Brittney and her twin sister, Whittney Hunter, launched their wooden accessories and gifts shop in 2020, in honor of their late mother, who died that year from breast cancer.

Though a full-time position, smallbusiness ownership, and motherhood keep her calendar quite full, Brittney still finds time to give back. “I care about helping people and positively impacting the Texarkana community,” Brittney said. To that end, she serves as the first vice president for the Northeast Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, an ambassador for the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals, a member of TRAHC’s Women for the Arts, a member of the Greater Texarkana NAACP, and a member of Women for A&M-Texarkana.

Mentor Jo Ann Rice has encouraged Brittney with the words, “Go bravely into your destiny.” With this in mind, Brittney intends to continue growing in her career, community involvement, and motherhood. When she looks to her future, she sees herself “becoming even more confident, with more knowledge and experience,” she reflected. “I want to grow as a leader and continue to make an impact in the Texarkana community.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Hard work works.”

– Richard Hunter, Brittney’s father

BRITTNEY’S FUN FACT

“I am terrified of tornadoes. Soon, I plan to build a forever home for my son and me, and most people worry about large bathrooms or a chef’s kitchen. My number one necessity is a storm shelter!”

MARC ANTHONY JARAMILLO

Age: 23 | Master Barber | Eye Envy Him

According to the American Barber Association, a master barber is any barber who has been practicing their craft for at least seven years or has otherwise been given the title by their state. At age 23, Marc Jaramillo has earned this title through tireless practice since he was a teenager.

“When I was around 12-years-old, I picked up my first pair of clippers with the intent to clean myself up for a school event the next day. Let’s just say I’ve had better haircuts,” he laughed. Despite his messy first try, the experience sparked something in him. He began asking family members if he could practice on them, testing his hand whenever the opportunity arose. In high school, however, Marc got serious about his business. To earn money for his family, he began selling cuts to his soccer teammates at Texas High.

Word spread fast. Before the end of his freshman year, the whole school was literally buzzing. Marc quit his other job–helping his uncle with landscaping–and with his family’s help, he built a room outside of his family’s home–his first barbershop. There he saw student athletes from all over within a one-hour radius of Texarkana. Photos on social media from happy clients drove his growth. “It spread around so quickly that, before I knew it, I was the go-to kid for haircuts,” he said. “The clientele I built kept me busy every day after school until around 11 p.m. or midnight.”

MARC’S FUN FACT

“I love to cook. As a kid, all I wanted to be was a chef.”

During summers and weekends, Marc worked as a busboy at one restaurant and as kitchen help at another, on top of cutting hair. When he calculated his earnings and discovered he made more as an entrepreneur than at his two other jobs combined, he quit them. His backyard barbershop became a full-time position, which he maintained while completing high school.

Though originally it was work ethic and a desire to support his family that drove him, one day, Marc had an important realization. “I had been too busy thinking about [barbering] as a hustle that allowed me to help my family instead of acknowledging the fact that I had fallen in love with the art of barbering a long time ago,” he reflected.

Marc’s barbershop, Eye Envy Him, is a long way from where he began, but his goals are still grounded in his commitment to family. “Ten years from now, I hope not only to have retired my parents, but also to be able to show my family the world,” he said. “I want them to see that there is more to life than just hard work. I’m working hard right now so that I can continue to enjoy precious moments with them later in life.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Dreams without goals are just dreams. And they ultimately fuel disappointment. On the road to achieving your dreams, you must apply discipline, but more importantly consistency because without commitment, you’ll never start, but without consistency, you will never finish.”

– Denzel Washington

DEREK JENKINS, M.Ed.

Age: 29 | Assistant Principal | Texarkana Independent School District

Educator Derek Jenkins knows that public education is about much more than content delivery. In his new role as assistant principal at Texas Middle School, he is responsible for monitoring campus behavior, mentoring students, and fostering rich parental and community involvement. Though he now believes that “God has placed [him]” in this role, Derek did not always foresee himself as an educator.

Derek worked in a church setting for over seven years before beginning his work as a TMS technology teacher in 2018. As a teacher, he led the initiative to launch the Tiger Pantry, an on-campus food pantry that students can access and utilize confidentially as needed. He cites “finding practical ways to reach the community” as a top priority and his greatest source of professional pride.

Derek understands firsthand the important part educators play in the lives of students and their families, well beyond the final bell of the school day. “I grew up in a single parent household the majority of my life; my dad passed away when I was 4-years-old,” he explained. “I felt like I missed out on some things, so I had to intentionally surround myself with great male role models, and they have significantly impacted my life.” Whether consciously or subconsciously, Derek has emulated the men he admired when he was young, becoming a source of security and inspiration for his own students.

Having completed his master’s in education earlier this year, Derek’s career in public education is only just beginning. He hopes one day to oversee his own campus.

Outside of work, Derek serves the community through his church, Church on the Rock. He has also coordinated blood drives and led fundraising efforts for various local and national nonprofit organizations.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“You will make time for 100% of the things you want to do in life.”

– Travis Jackson, Derek’s friend

DEREK’S FUN FACT

“I can play the drums.”

JENNIFER LACEFIELD

Age: 39 | Executive Director | Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter

Jennifer Lacefield moved to Texarkana in 2010 for her job with the Southwest Arkansas Counseling and Mental Health Center. As Wraparound Services Director, she helped provide holistic mental health care to local children and youth in need. It was fulfilling work; she might have stayed there forever, except that the State of Arkansas abruptly eliminated funding for the much-needed program in 2018.

“I had to regroup and find a new job,” she said. “Awaiting a new normal and not knowing what is ahead or which upcoming path is the right one to take was scary.” She knew she wanted to continue in social services work, she says, which aligns with her personality and provides her “a considerable sense of purpose.” Though feeling unmoored, Jennifer anchored herself in civic engagement and her preexisting network of friends and colleagues. The like-minded people she knew in Texarkana acted as “a bridge into new occupational possibilities,” she reflected. “I am grateful for those along the way who have taught me, helped me, and wanted to see me succeed.”

In 2019, Jennifer was appointed the executive director of the Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter. Though her title conveys authority, Jennifer is a servant leader and sees her role as one of empowering and uplifting her colleagues. “I enjoy being a source of support to the staff at Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter,” she said. “They are some of the unsung heroes in our community, providing valuable services and effectuating change in the lives of those most vulnerable.”

A community servant both on- and off-the-clock, Jennifer gives back in a voluntary capacity as well. “I am a member of the Wilbur Smith Rotary Club, Altrusa Club, Greater Texarkana Young Professionals, and the Texarkana Area Community Foundation Board,” she said. “I enjoy participating in various fundraisers, volunteer projects, and providing community grants through my involvement with these clubs and professional groups.”

For fun, Jennifer loves traveling and taking care of her house, “despite what I was forewarned about the hassles of home ownership,” she said. Being a homeowner is Jennifer’s greatest personal accomplishment. “After having rented a one bedroom apartment for 11 years, it is nice to have more space and privacy for my pets and me,” she said.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

– Winston Churchill

JENNIFER’S FUN FACT

“I have a rock collection I’ve been building for years.”

ZACHARY LEGAN, DDS, MD

Age: 36 | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Northeast Texas

Dr. Zachary Legan chose a career as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon because of the variety. “I really enjoy the range and diversity of surgery that we do,” he said. “I offer wisdom tooth extraction, dental implant, surgical management of head and neck pathology, and facial cosmetic surgery, including blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow lift, and facelift.” Oral surgeons receive extensive training in anesthesia, allowing patients the safest, most comfortable environment.

A Tennessee native, Zachary attended Vanderbilt University as an undergraduate, the University of Tennessee for dentistry, and Louisiana State University for medicine. After completing his residency in Shreveport, he relocated to Texarkana, a town reminiscent of his hometown of Franklin, Tennessee.

Through the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Northeast Texas office, Zachary contributes to A Mission of Mercy, a faithbased organization that provides free health care, dental care, and prescription medication to people in need. “Fortunately, our dental community was able to host this organization here in Texarkana two months ago,” Zachary said. “We were able to provide care to hundreds of local residents.”

In his free time, Zachary enjoys restoring and riding motorcycles. He is married to Dr. Jessie Liang, who practices urology at Collom & Carney Clinic.

ZACHARY’S FUN FACT

“I grew up on a working farm with cows, horses, goats, ducks, and chickens.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“It ain’t all waiting on you ... that’s vanity.” – Cormac McCarthy, excerpt from his book, No Country for Old Men

TIM LEWIS

Age: 36 | Outdoor Living Specialist | Freeman Landscape

When Tim Lewis joined his wife’s family’s business, he felt a little in over his head.

“When I started in the landscaping industry, I knew very little about it,” he confessed. “There really is a lot to know in this industry.” Thankfully, his in-laws were excellent teachers, and he was ready to learn. “I have an amazing family, and they continually taught and encouraged me throughout the early years,” Tim continued. “I was really like a sponge, soaking up everything I could that would further my knowledge of the industry. Fast-forward to today: I really enjoy sharing what I have learned with my crew. I’m always teaching and probably lecturing a little too much,” he laughed.

In his position, Tim designs and builds outdoor living areas–things like patios, pergolas, pavilions, outdoor kitchens, and outdoor fireplaces, to name a few. Though Tim has worked in other industries in the past, he finds unparalleled fulfillment working at Freeman. “Nothing to me beats being able to take a bunch of random materials and turn them into something functional that people can enjoy for years,” he said. This fulfillment is amplified by the fact that Freeman sources a majority of their materials from local businesses. “I am grateful we have the opportunity to continually pour back into Texarkana.”

Being a part of a family business has its challenges, but ultimately Tim loves working alongside his wife, Megan (née Freeman), who is the business manager, as well as various other family members. “One challenge that comes to mind is that we all bear the weight of the business equally,” Tim reflected. “We all have our separate divisions that operate independently of one another, but we know the importance of maintaining integrity on our individual projects in order to ensure that the greater business succeeds. I would say the benefits far outweigh any challenges. It really is an ‘everyone to the top together’ environment.”

When he’s not building outdoor living spaces for other people, Tim can be found creating the best life possible for his wife and their daughters, Callie and Nora, as well as Baby Lewis, who is predicted to be born in February. “Right now, we are building a farm,” Tim explained. “Building barns and fences, and tending to the animals with my family has been our entertainment lately.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Just get it done.” – Megan Lewis, Tim’s wife

TIM’S FUN FACT

“I’m actually mildly color blind, which is why I stick to building things.”

FERDINAND PAUL MEHRLICH III

Age:

36 | Executive Director | Texarkana Regional Airport

As a trained Navy pilot, Paul Mehrlich has literally seen the world from a bird’s eye view, but he might not realize how much this physical vantage reflects his character and life.

When an injury during officer training school incited an honorable discharge from the Navy, Paul was unsure what career lay ahead of him. In 2011, struggling with finding employment and affordable housing in the same area, he and his wife, Cynthia, resorted to living in their car while working full-time. “We were really struggling,” he said. “I had to leave my job with no idea what was going to happen next. My wife standing by me and believing in me during this rough time

PAUL’S FUN FACT

“In high school, I was the Cadet Commander, with the rank of Cadet Colonel, of my AFJROTC unit, and was awarded the Reserve Officers Association Award for exceptional potential for military leadership and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Award for recognized demonstrated leadership ability.”

is what allowed me to overcome it.” After six months of homelessness, Paul landed a job in the San Diego airport, where the couple could afford an apartment. Once settled into his job, Paul told his airport director, Rod Propst, that he aspired to be an airport manager. Someone with a narrower perspective might not pursue upward mobility at all, content with stability after such trying times–but Rod saw that Paul, with his talent and tenacity, needed to set his sights even higher. “Rod took me aside and told me I wasn’t aiming high enough and that I should pursue becoming a director,” he recalled. “It is because of him that I am in the position I am today.”

Paul has come a long way since his time in San Diego, literally and figuratively. Today, he is the executive director of the Texarkana Regional Airport. Under his leadership, a 40,000-square-foot terminal is currently being built—the first since 1960. “The opportunity to create something like this from the ground up is extremely rare,” Paul explained before noting that the terminal is not the pinnacle of his vision for the airport. “Once we finish that, we will be looking to lengthen and strengthen our main runway in order to attract cargo operations.”

A member of the Wilbur Smith Rotary Club and the Texarkana Metropolitan Planning Organization, Paul has planted roots in Texarkana and loves raising his children, Ferdinand IV and Katarina, here. Some in his position might see a smaller community as limiting, but the Mehrlich kids are learning that, with an aerial perspective and jet-powered persistence, not even the sky is a limit.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“There is nothing that I do as a director that you’re not capable of doing; aim higher.”

– Rod Propst, Director of Aviation, City of San Diego

PRESTON MOSS

Age: 32 | Store Manager | Starbucks Coffee Company

In his job as manager at Starbucks, Preston Moss helps Texarkanians start their days with energy and a smile. After-hours, he and his brother, Cody, comprise The Moss Brothers Band, providing entertainment and joy to audiences throughout the Ark-La-Tex.

“People are my passion,” he said. “I have the pleasure of working with such an ambitious and caring group of people centered around a common goal of bringing kindness and coffee into a world that so desperately needs it.”

Leading this ambitious and caring team through the height of the pandemic was a challenge that, as Preston described it, was “almost insurmountable. It took a lot out of me,” he said. “However, we persevered and kept the store open when we could, keeping all of our partners employed in the process. We had to dig deep within ourselves to find the perseverance to put our nose to the grindstone and keep the ball rolling.”

Even on the most stressful days, Preston loves his work. “I work in an environment that’s so rewarding in every imaginable way,” he expressed. “A job that’s engaging and challenging that you look forward to every day is hard to find.” In reality, Preston didn’t just find his job; he crafts and nurtures it every day. “Creating the culture with my peers that allows that [positive] mindset to flourish is a grand achievement for me.”

Giving back to the community is an integral part of Preston’s life. Through Starbucks, he facilitates coffee donation to local schools every week. He and his staff have

PRESTON’S FUN FACT

“I love to play Dungeons and Dragons with my family and am an accomplished jazz trumpet player.”

volunteered at events such as Haircuts for the Homeless and Church Under the Bridge. As a musician, he has hosted and participated in various fundraising events. One such event, Crank for Frank, raised money in 2016 and 2017 for local producer Frank Pryor’s ongoing brain cancer treatment.

Being a part of the local music scene has enriched Preston’s life immeasurably. “I’ve met so many talented friends and have had the honor of getting on stage with many local acts to play some great tunes for the fine people of Texarkana,” he said.

Preston and his wife, Samantha, are raising five children: Kambren Zaliski, Gavin Moss, Brycen Zaliski, Alexander Moss, and Finley Moss.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Save your strength for things that you can change, forgive the ones you can’t, and let it go.”

– Zac Brown, Preston’s friend

CHINT MURDOCK, CPA

Age: 29 | Senior Analyst | Red River Credit Union

For analytic CPA Chint Murdock, working for Red River Credit Union is the perfect gig. “Working in the financial services industry has allowed me to continue my number-crunching ways while also embracing my passion of community involvement,” he reflected. “It’s a perfect mix.”

An honors graduate of the Southwest Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Management School, Chint believes deeply in the credit union movement. One might even say that passion is in his blood. “My grandmother worked and volunteered at RRCU for 65 years, and now I get to carry on her legacy,” he said. “While I am not directly in a member-facing role at the credit union, every project, decision, or analysis I assist with impacts our membership. Being able to be a part of a team dedicated to the financial well-being of the communities we serve is so rewarding.”

Chint’s commitment to community betterment does not end when he leaves the credit union; he is heavily involved in service work, primarily through the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals (GTYP) as a three-year board member. Through GTYP, he has led donation drives for local animal welfare, volunteered with Texarkana Resources and Stuff the Bus, participated in a Habitat for Humanity build, and assisted with the Alzheimer’s Alliance Wine Festival. He currently serves on the scholarship and Destination Downtown committees. Also through GTYP, Chint helped establish the Get on Board program, which facilitates local nonprofit board appointments for young professionals. “Being on a talented team of young professionals dedicated to help grow Downtown Texarkana and the Greater Texarkana Area is incredible,” he said.

Chint is also on the Community Engagement Committee of the United Way of Greater Texarkana. He has no plans to slow down his volunteerism. “Over the next decade, I hope to continue my involvement in the community with various organizations and nonprofits and continue to advance in the financial services industry,” he said. Relocating back to Texarkana after a few years away gave Chint a deep appreciation for

CHINT’S FUN FACT

“I have a fear of mascots – the fake, life-sized ones ... Mickey Mouse, Barney, it doesn’t matter. Sorry, Homer [RRCU Lion], you’re out, too.”

the opportunity “to help grow the future of the community where [he] grew up,” he explained. “[By moving back to Texarkana] I have been able to further my professional goals while at the same time achieving my personal goals.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Keep going, stay true to yourself, and remember who helped you along the way.”

– Marvin Buchanan, Chint’s grandfather

KERI PRICE

Age: 39 | VP/Regional Sales Manager | Guaranty Bank & Trust

Forty hours a week, Keri Price works at Guaranty Bank & Trust, helping her clients purchase their dream homes. “I have worked at Guaranty for a total of about 12 years, starting as a loan assistant and then being transferred to the mortgage department in 2011,” she said. “The first-time home buyers are my favorites, but I also love to help growing families buy a new home.”

Keri herself has experienced the joys and challenges of an ever-expanding family. Her 24/7 gig is as a parent—a title bestowed upon her by birth, marriage, fostering, and adoption.

At 25, Keri gave birth to the first child to call her mom. At 27, she married her husband, David, whose three children became, as Keri puts it, “the most wonderful bonus kids I could ask for.” At 35, after a series of unsuccessful fertility treatments and one tragic miscarriage, Keri and David met Angela Coston, founder and executive director of For the Sake of One, a local nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care. “God spoke clearly and directly through [Angela] to David and to me, and in that moment, we knew what we were meant to do,” Keri said. Though reunification, not adoption, is the goal of foster care, two of the children placed in the Prices’ home were unable to return to their biological families. Through adoption, Keri and David’s family grew twice: first in 2020, with the adoption of son Journey, and then in 2021, with the adoption of daughter, Sophie.

KERI’S FUN FACT

“I have had the privilege of being a foster parent to several babies. I now have the honor of sharing my last name and home forever with two of those babies.”

“Being a mom is my greatest blessing,” Keri reflected. “I am not perfect at it by any means, but I love being a mom and raising my kiddos the best I can.” She continues to give back to families in the foster care system as a For the Sake of One board member. “I believe in their mission with all of my heart,” she said. “The need for all of their services is so great in our community. I am honored to serve on this board.”

Keri and David’s six children range in age from 2 to 29. They have four grandchildren.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Pray about it.” – Pam Riddle, Keri’s mother

MADELEINE RUSSELL, M.Ed.

Age: 27 | Coordinator of Communication and Engagement | Texarkana College

Texarkana native Madeleine Russell loved living in College Station during and after her undergraduate experience, but something was missing. “As time passed, more and more friends moved away, and it became harder to live in a town with no support system,” she said. “I was very unhappy at my job, and each day, I felt like I wasn’t fulfilling my purpose.” In 2019, she let go of the happy future in Aggieland she had imagined for herself and returned to her hometown to build a happier life than she had thought possible.

Though her education and work experience up to that point had been in media and communication, Madeleine seamlessly pivoted to the world of community colleges. “The importance of education was instilled in me at a very young age,” she explained. “Both of my parents were educators, and I saw firsthand the difference education can make in someone’s life.” She accepted a position at Texarkana College as a business development specialist.

“A defining moment that inspired me to work in higher education was a November night in 2012 when Texarkana College’s tax base election passed,” Madeleine recalled. “That night, I witnessed what can happen when a community rallies behind higher education for all. Even though I was only 17 years old, I clearly remember story after story being told of how TC changed so many people’s lives. It took one advisor, one instructor, or one staff member believing in them, and they were able to accomplish their dreams. I witness this daily at Texarkana College. I am blessed to play a small part in helping people in our community create a better life for themselves and their families.”

Since her return to Texarkana, Madeline has completed a master’s degree in higher education administration and now serves TC as the Coordinator of Communication and Development. After hours, she serves as the marketing and fundraising chair on the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties board.

MADELEINE’S FUN FACT

“During spring break of 2015, my three best friends and I road tripped from College Station, Texas, to Los Angeles, California. We received VIP tickets to the Ellen DeGeneres Show from a friend of a friend, and one of my best friends was called down to play a game with Halle Berry and Ellen and ended up winning $2,500! We all received a $500 gift card to Target. Easily one of the best days of my life!”

She is a youth leader and member of the Staff Parish Relations Committee at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church. She also serves as a member of the goTXK Core Team, Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council (TRAHC), Greater Texarkana Young Professionals (GTYP), and the Texarkana Independent School District Long Range Planning Committee. She is looking forward to being a member of the Leadership Texarkana Class of 2023.

“Moving back home is the best decision I have ever made in my life,” she said. “I love my job and this community. I wish I could go back in time and tell myself just how happy I’d be someday.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Work hard at everything you do – always be the first one there and the last one to leave.”

– James Henry Russell, Madeleine’s father

SYDNEY SCHOEN, MS, LPC

Age: 26 | Therapist | Olive Tree Counseling, LLP

Therapist Sydney Schoen has experienced her own mental health challenges, though without her grandfather’s influence, she likely never would have pursued a career in counseling.

“I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at 9-years-old and with OCD during my undergraduate years,” she said. “I grappled with an incredible amount of shame about this. Watching my grandfather, an objectively strong ‘man’s man,’ fight the same fight with similar difficulty relieved me of the fear that my struggles were self-induced.” Empowered by the validation her grandfather provided her, and enraged by the barriers he faced when seeking that same validation himself, Sydney pursued a career in mental health from age 18.

At age 20, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&MTexarkana—which required long hours and lots of work. After one semester away at college, Sydney moved home as a transfer student, which she admitted felt at the time “like defeat.” She challenged herself to finish her degree in two years instead of four. “Make no mistake: I was absolutely trying to prove something, and it was obvious,” she said. Still, “to be able to physically hold a diploma after so much sacrifice was immensely satisfying,” she admitted. “Seeing the proof on my wall still makes me smile.”

Sydney earned her master’s degree from TAMUT as well. Her time pursuing her graduate degree was incredibly fulfilling, although a few months were plagued with severe health issues. “2019 was the most difficult year for my health— both mentally and physically,” she said. “I was attending many doctors’ appointments about my irregular physical health and was simultaneously in the throes of severe depression, which reached its apex during the summer of 2019.” She considered inpatient treatment but was fortunately able to survive the storm as an outpatient, with the support of “a trusted therapist, doctors, medications, painfully vulnerable conversations, and familial support,” she said.

SYDNEY’S FUN FACT

“I have a first-degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. I earned it pre-middle school, so I can’t recommend my fighting services. However, when asked nicely, I can still perform an admittedly impressive flying side kick.”

In 2020, Sydney became the first full-time employee of Olive Tree Counseling. “Even though they had no job listings posted, I was resolute and determined: the only private practice I considered was Olive Tree,” she said, noting her immense respect for founders Billy Eldridge and Randy Thomason. “I consider it one of the highest honors that they trusted me to help advance their vision.”

At Olive Tree, she facilitates individual, couple, and family counseling. “I want to play an active role in helping sufferers and their families receive equitable, collaborative care, unmarred by shame,” she said.

Sydney also works at TAMUT as an adjunct professor in the psychology department. Additionally, she serves as a board member for HandsOn Texarkana and a sponsor of the Equality Texarkana youth group.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence; it is self-preservation.”

– Audre Lorde, one of Sydney’s favorite writers

KRYSTAL SIMPSON

Age: 31 | Teacher | Red Lick Independent School District

Krystal Simpson knows the value of good teachers—and the devastating harm caused by bad ones.

“Before third grade, I was labeled the ‘bad kid’ and even experienced physical and verbal abuse from my first grade teacher,” she said. It wasn’t until the third grade that Krystal learned that teachers can provide respite and care to the children they serve.

“I began third grade at Werner Park Elementary School having a tarnished view of teachers, but my teachers somehow saw beyond the label and warnings,” she explained. “They worked with my caretakers, who were my great-aunt and -uncle at the time, and provided the much needed village of support that I needed to succeed during my time there. They helped me realize I was capable of more than causing a disturbance in class. They focused on things I did well, such as reading, and introduced me to novels like ‘Bud,’ ‘Not Buddy,’ ‘The Chronicles of Narnia,’ and ‘Harry Potter.’

KRYSTAL’S FUN FACT

“I played the violin in the middle school orchestra at Caddo Middle Magnet.”

“By the end of third grade, I became an Honor Roll student, and by fifth grade, I was named Student of the Year for having the highest math and reading state test scores in our school. None of that would have been possible without teachers who prioritized positive student-teacher relationships,” Krystal explained.

Krystal has never–could never–forget the impact of those educators. At 25, she herself became an elementary teacher, in order not only to teach but

also “make a positive impact in children’s lives,” she said. In 2021, in her position as third grade reading teacher, she was named Teacher of the Year at New Boston Elementary School. Nominated by fellow teachers and students themselves, Krystal cites this as her greatest professional achievement.

Her life path has not been straightforward. When she became a fulltime educator at 25, her first (and, at the time, only) child was 10-years-old.

As Krystal pursued her own education and career, Kaleia was her mother’s “greatest influence and motivation,” she reflected. “With support from family and loved ones, I was determined to create and pursue paths that would give me the ability to provide a better life for [my daughter].”

Krystal has done and continues to do just that. Along with her husband, Reyer (Reynold) Dijkgraaf, Krystal is raising daughters Kaleia Simpson and Mariana Prudhomme with stability and love. Outside of her own nuclear family, Krystal serves area children not only through her job as teacher and role as parent but also through volunteerism. She has previously spoken with foster parents, sharing her story as a former foster child. Once her children are grown, she hopes to become even more involved with the local foster community and CASA.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Hope for the best. Expect the worst.”

– Edgar Lee Simpson, Krystal’s great-uncle

ANNEMARIE SULLIVAN

Age: 25 | Regenerative Farmer | Sullifarm and Kitchen

To honor her ideals of ethical livestock farming, Annemarie Sullivan has to get her hands dirty–literally. Day-in and day-out, she is raising free-range pigs, cows and chickens, which are eventually humanely harvested and sold locally. She is committed to regenerative farming, a term which denotes agricultural processes that aim to benefit the planet—to improve the soil and pastures, increase biodiversity, and otherwise treat the land in ways that promote sustainability.

At 18, Annemarie knew she wanted to work with food, and it didn’t take her long to land on farming as a viable option for her. “I found there were enough people telling us how to eat, and not enough people growing and providing really good, nutritious food,” she said. “I saw a disconnect between society and our food sources not only within my community but on a larger scale as well. Learning about nutrition, the food system, and modern agriculture inspired me to farm. Not only does the food we grow and sell at Sullifarm and Kitchen promote good health, but it also brings joy, fosters community, benefits the ecosystem, and supports the diversification of production, improving the local food economy.”

Sullifarm is located in Hooks, Texas, on land that has been in Annemarie’s family for over 100 years. She lives in a house on the property, which her grandfather built in the 1960s. She renovated and restored it herself in 2020.

Regenerative livestock farming is not the only way Annemarie has given back to the Texarkana community. In 2019, she was hired as the Cultural Food Program Coordinator by the City of Texarkana, Texas. “[In that role,] I grew and helped manage the local Farmers Market for multiple seasons, built community gardens, started a local food pickup program during COVID-19, and promoted diversity and education,” she explained. More recently, she founded a support group called TXK Women-Owned, which gathers entrepreneurs and business owners every month for assistance, encouragement, and community-building.

ANNEMARIE’S FUN FACT

“If I ever decide to move away from my farm, I would want to live in France.”

Just as she is dedicated to leaving the planet better than she found it, Annemarie embodies a commitment to collective care and community betterment. “I make a strong effort to support the locally owned businesses in our area, spending money with them, sharing their products, showing up for their events, and helping when they need support—because this community has done the same for me,” she said.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“The hardest part of having them [animals] is losing them, but it’s just the way it goes.”

– James Davis, Annemarie’s grandfather

TY TAYLOR

Age: 36 | Coach and P.E. Teacher | Pleasant Grove ISD

TY’S FUN FACT

When I was a kid, we raised pigs, lambs, and goats for 4-H and FFA. When I was 9, I won a belt buckle for ‘pig showmanship’ at our county fair.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Go make a dent in the world!”

– Mona Taylor, Ty’s grandmother

When asked why he pursued a career in youth sports, Coach Ty Taylor’s answer is succinct: “I love coaching because I love kids,” he said. “They make coming to work so much fun. Being able to connect with the kids from our district through athletics gives me an unbelievable platform to have a lasting impact on the lives of the students I coach.” His passion, married with his skill, has led to a successful career in middle school and high school physical education. He is currently the co-defensive coordinator of the Pleasant Grove Hawks football team and head track coach for the district.

Though the daily interactions with his players and students are the most fulfilling aspect of his career, Ty takes great pride in helping propel his teams toward their goals. He cites the Hawks’ 2019 Football State Championship as one of the greatest accomplishments of his career, along with being nominated for Teacher of the Year in 2019 at Kerrville ISD.

Off-campus, Ty stays busy with his family of five. He and his wife, Chelsea, are raising three children: Gracie (8), Hutch (6), and Tripp (2). Ty coaches Hutch’s PGYA T-ball team and soccer team. He excitedly envisions coaching both of his sons at PGMS and PGHS one day. He also teaches Sunday School at First Baptist Church Texarkana. Alongside his players and fellow coaches, under the leadership of Athletic Director Josh Gibson, Ty regularly serves the community through organizations such as Haven Homes and the Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter. Additionally, Ty is the creator and producer of the Keep Your Pads Down Podcast, a show about coaching football. He has interviewed countless athletic professionals over the course of 144 episodes.

KATIE TUBERVILLE

Age: 31 | Caterer | Good Mood Food Catering

Katie Tuberville founded Good Mood Food in 2019, when she was 28 years old. Since then, she has grown her charcuterie-focused catering company into a thriving small business, crafting “grazing tables” for parties, meetings, fundraisers, weddings, casual weekend gatherings, and more. Whether classic cheese-andmeat combinations are calling your name, you’re in the market for plant-based goodies, or you’d like a dessert spread that would satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth, Katie’s got you covered.

Though food service is an industry Katie enjoys, when she looks to the horizon, she sees a career change in her future. Last year, after 12 years of attending college on-and-off, she earned her degree: Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis on Human Resources. She considers graduating from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock one of her greatest accomplishments, and she is looking to begin a career in HR soon.

KATIE’S FUN FACT

“I am the biggest ‘Real Housewives’ fan and once met Kyle Richards at Craig’s in LA.”

For the time being, though, Katie has her hands full. She is currently pursuing an MBA at Louisiana State University-Shreveport. She and her husband, Nick, have one child; Tyson is a first grade student at Morriss Elementary School, where Katie occasionally volunteers. “I love watching him grow every day and become his own little person,” she reflected.

Another of Katie’s top priorities is her health. Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease which causes chronic pain and inflammation. There is no cure, nor is there a known cause. This often evokes confusion and helplessness in afflicted patients. “Not having control of my health has been scary, and I had a few rough months trying to figure out what was wrong,” Katie said. Though she is at the beginning of her journey with chronic illness, she is currently feeling strong and more empowered. “Thankfully, with medicine and lifestyle changes, I have a better control of it.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Dreams remain dreams until you take action.” – Roy T. Bennett

CHERYL K. VERMA, MD

Age: 39 | Family Practice Physician | Collom & Carney Clinic

Dr. Cheryl Verma is a humble healer. Practicing medicine in Texarkana for the past 12 years has allowed her to care for patients of all ages and walks of life, and from them she has learned and been inspired.

“I hear stories about struggle and hardship daily that would make many of us give up or lose faith,” she explained. “Some of my patients have end-stage cancer, some are on dialysis, and some struggle with simple things we often take for granted, such as having clean water and food. What has amazed me the most since becoming a doctor is the grace and resilience some of my sickest patients show at times when they have every reason to be angry or frustrated. It has changed my perspective on life.”

Cheryl was raised in a family of doctors. “Growing up, I watched my father and mother run a successful medical practice,” she said. “My sisters and I were accustomed to my dad telling stories about patients at the dinner table, and we always wanted to know more. He let us be his ‘assistants’ when we were on summer break. Little did he know that his three daughters would all follow his path to become doctors.”

A refrain she heard often from her dad was, “If you find your true calling, it will never feel like work.” Cheryl was called to family medicine. “I chose family medicine because I am able to see patients of all ages with all types of medical conditions, from a simple cold to a person suffering from depression or heart disease,” she explained. “I enjoy being the doctor who ‘puts it all together’ for a patient, as most primary care providers do.”

CHERYL’S FUN FACT

“I always order my pizza with extra sauce.”

Cheryl understands her role as larger than diagnostics and pharmacological treatment of physical ailments. At the peak of the pandemic, she helped with COVID-19 testing and provided prevention education throughout the community. She is newly involved with Meals on Wheels, having seen firsthand the tragedy of hunger. And, in her practice, she is particularly passionate about working with teens and young adults struggling with their mental health. “I have been aware from a young age that good health is a blessing, and being able to help those less fortunate is a privilege,” she said.

Having begun her career here as an attending physician at the UAMS Family Medicine Residency Program, Cheryl achieved the rank of associate professor in 2020. In 2021, she joined Collom & Carney to open her own practice, and this year, she was given the opportunity to become a partner. “I am humbled to be surrounded by doctors and mentors who have encouraged me and continue to provide me with the support to achieve my professional goals,” she said.

Cheryl enjoys being an “aunty” to her 1-year-old nephew and 7-year-old niece, who she says is her “mini-me.” “I am my niece’s biggest fan,” she said. “I am fortunate to see her often and have watched her grow into the coolest kid I know. She is beautiful, smart, funny, and kind. Hearing her say she wants to be ‘just like [her] aunty’ is priceless.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Follow your heart.” – Neelam Verma, Cheryl’s mother

DEE ANN WARD

Age: 30 | Ashdown Junior High School Counselor | Ashdown Public Schools

Educator Dee Ann Ward is starting a new chapter this year—as a counselor at Ashdown Junior High School, a place she knows and loves well.

For the past eight years, Dee Ann has served as a teacher at AJHS, teaching English for six years before earning her master’s degree in Library and Media Sciences in 2019 and transitioning to the role of STEM coach—a position that previously did not exist on her campus.

“I knew that I wanted to bring some of the new and exciting things that I had learned about project-based and hands-on learning to my school. The problem was that we currently did not have the physical space or certified position dedicated to what it was that I wanted to accomplish,” she explained. “However, if you know

me, you know that when I want something, I will stop at nothing to get it.” Dee Ann wrote a curriculum and created a budget for a STEM lab. She presented her plan to the superintendent, and with the support of the board, her dream became a reality. Her work building this program over the past two years has allowed her to work with a larger number of students and colleagues, collaborating across campus to ensure students are learning the way they learn best—through projects, enrichment activities, and small-group instruction.

DEE ANN’S FUN FACT

“I was one of, if not the last ever, baby born at the hospital in Ashdown, Arkansas. By 1992, the hospital had stopped delivering babies and sent all maternity patients to Texarkana, but when my mother went into labor, the paramedics told her there was no way they would make it, and I was coming fast. I still haven’t slowed down yet!”

Last year, Dee Ann was named the AJHS Teacher of the Year. An alumna of Ashdown, she loves working with tweens and teens in the community that raised her. “I absolutely love working with junior high age students,” she said. “They are an unpredictable and exciting group to say the least. In my time in education, I have been able to build truly meaningful relationships with my students and their families. I come to work every day excited to see their smiling faces and ready to walk with them through the days when the smiles don’t come as easily.”

In her new position as school counselor, Dee Ann gives back to her community by “encouraging and empowering [her students] to be the best versions of themselves,” she said. Off-campus, she volunteers her time as a photographer for various local events and fundraisers. She also runs her own photography business, Dee Ward Photography.

When she’s not working, Dee Ann is spending time with her husband, Will, and their children, Leila and Cleveland. She is also currently pursuing her National Board Certification, the most prestigious credential a K-12 teacher can hold.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“No matter what, you get your education.”

– Flo Johnson, Dee Ann’s great-grandmother

KYLE WHITE

Age: 27 | General Manager and Partner | Pete Mankins Nissan

As general manager of Pete Mankins Nissan, Kyle White has the best business mentor a person in his position could ask for—and it just happens to be his grandfather, Pete Mankins himself, namesake of the oldest Nissan store in Texas.

“From a young age, I have wanted to work in the car business, following my father (the late Keith White) and grandfather, who both ran and owned dealerships,” Kyle said. Following graduation from Texas Tech University, he moved back to his hometown to work in sales at the dealership. After a year on the sales floor, he progressed to finance manager and then used car manager, before being promoted to general manager and invited to purchase a percentage of the store himself.

Walking a path trod well by his father and grandfather has its privileges, but it also comes with challenges. “I had to work extra hard to show that I wasn’t the stereotypical owner’s kid who was handed the job and could come and go as they pleased,” he said. “I work hard to build personal relationships with fellow team members and work bell-to-bell every day to prove I am here to help everyone succeed.”

Life in the car business means long hours, but Kyle, fortunately, loves his work. “I am a car nerd and enjoy trading and being around cars for a living,” he said. “It is amazing being able to share my passion for cars with customers and put dreams in driveways.”

When he’s not at the dealership, Kyle is spending time with his family: fiancée, Eden Young; mom, Allison Gay; his siblings, Hayden, Grant, and Joy; grandmother Mike Mankins; and, of course, grandfather, Pete Mankins, whose advice informs his work every day.

“When I took over as GM, [Pete] told me that I will be making a lot of decisions a day, and that if I make more good ones than bad ones, I will be okay,” Kyle shared.

KYLE’S FUN FACT

“In high school, I won first place in UIL for photography and video editing. I still use those skills to make promotional videos for the dealership’s social media.”

“Enjoy the butterflies. Enjoy being naive. Enjoy the nerves, the pressure. If you want to stand on top from day one then there is nothing else to look forward to. Enjoy the process of making a name for yourself.”

– Daniel Ricciardo

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

JENNIFER WHITESIDE

Age: 39 | Vice President/Branch Administrator | Farmers Bank & Trust

In her role at Farmers Bank & Trust, Jennifer Whiteside oversees 11 bank locations in 5 distinct markets. She is tasked with helping each location grow and thrive—a responsibility that requires serious leadership skills.

“When I became a branch manager, I had no idea how to lead people,” she admitted. “I’m still learning how to be a great leader and teammate. I look to my management and the core values of the bank for guidance.” Additionally, she attended the Dale Carnegie Leadership Training program in order to strengthen her managerial skills.

Jennifer has worked at Farmers for 13 years, and she loves helping her fellow bank employees blossom. “I’ve gotten to watch a teller turn into a branch manager,” she said. “That is so rewarding.”

JENNIFER’S FUN FACT

“My dream job is to be an FBI agent.”

Recently married to husband, Dustin Rankin, Jennifer has two sons: Everett Rankin and Thatcher Whiteside. An alumna of Pleasant Grove Independent School District, Texarkana College, and Texas A&M University-Texarkana, Jennifer is a hometown girl and loves raising her family here. Recently, she has dipped her toe into real estate, spending her free hours flipping houses and owning rental properties. She is also a graduate of the Citizen’s Police Academy, a seven-week, 21-hour program designed to teach citizens about local policing and crime prevention.

Jennifer expects her life to be fairly stable for the foreseeable future. She intends to continue growing in her leadership skills at Farmers, expanding her roster of real estate projects, and cheering on her children in their many hobbies.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Sometimes ‘His no’ makes room for a greater yes.” – Megan Kumpe, Jennifer’s friend

SYDNEY WICKS

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When Sydney Wicks was a child dreaming about her future, she couldn’t clearly see her career—but she did see her house. “I always knew I wanted to own my own home. I could not wait to have what I thought was the biggest accomplishment in life,” she said. “Now I understand that my family is my greatest accomplishment, but having our own home to raise our kids in is so rewarding to me, and I love being a part of other families experiencing that same feeling.”

As a REALTOR® with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Infinity, Sydney works tirelessly for her clients. Her work ethic was developed over her years as a restaurant manager; working in the fast-paced food service industry allowed her to develop the endurance, customer service skills, and go-getter attitude that she currently uses to benefit her real estate clients and meet her own professional goals. “I am a very new agent, and I have already accomplished goals I thought it would take me years to hit,” she said. “I have won a sales contest and am on track to win more. What my clients say about me through the process is part of what makes this time in my life my greatest professional accomplishment.”

Outside of work, Sydney is a mother to two daughters: Addison is 3, and Reese is 9 months. She and her husband, Michael, most love spending time together as a family at home—either piled on the sofa for a movie night or riding around their property in their UTV.

Sydney is a member of the Junior League of Texarkana. Last year, her class of members raised the funds to start a diaper pantry for local families in need. Currently, she serves on the Mistletoe Market committee, a placement that is very meaningful to her. “This event is what funds most of the projects of the Junior League to continue to give back to our community through charity and volunteerism,” she explained.

SYDNEY’S FUN FACT

“I stock my freezer and pantry as if the world is about to end. The few who know this think it is pretty funny, but when I wake up craving something, I can cook it right then, so I think it’s pretty smart!”

Looking ahead, Sydney hopes to continue flourishing in the Texarkana community—cheering on her kids in whatever they pursue, maintaining a commitment to community service, and becoming more and more “wellknown in town for real estate and my dedication to my clients,” she said.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“Try to never be the smartest person in the room, and if you are, invite smarter people or find a different room.”

– Michael Dell

JARED WITTEN

State Farm agent Jared Witten has been working toward his current position his entire adult life. At 17, he joined State Farm, filing papers, taking photos, and generally doing grunt work. “I was taught early on that you have to work hard for the things you want,” he said. Over the intervening 15 years, he has worked himself up as an employee for agent Greg Cockerell, and then for the corporate office, before finally owning a State Farm Agency with his name on the sign.

Jared’s passion for the insurance business is evident. “I am fortunate to be in a business that truly helps those in a time of need,” he said. “We are there for people when their 16-year-old new driver is getting ready to be on the roads by themselves, when a relative or other loved one unexpectedly passes away, when your home is struck by lightning. We create loving relationships with our customers that last a lifetime.”

Jared describes being an insurance agent as his “life’s ambition,” but his career is not the most important thing in his world. He and his wife, Meredith, have two children, Lane and Maddux. Jared feels that his ultimate purpose is to be the best father he can be; this paternal devotion is heightened by the fact that Jared unfortunately lost his own father, Jody Witten, when he was only 8-years-old. “Losing my father, my hero, unexpectedly created a sense of purpose for my life: to become the father that I never had the advantage of having,” he reflected.

Jared’s family endured their grief through perseverance and community support. “I have a heart for my hometown, Texarkana,” he said. Besides engaging with the community through business, Jared also makes an effort to shop local and contribute financially to various area nonprofits. He has coached soccer with the Texarkana Soccer Association for the past five years, and looking ahead, he only sees his community service efforts expanding. “In the years to come, my family and I look forward to being even more ingrained in the community that we love.”

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

JARED’S FUN FACT

“Not many people can say they grew up wanting to become an insurance agent. I truly have a passion for helping others in their times of need. Maybe one day, one or both of my children will carry on the legacy.”

“Be yourself. Yourself has gotten you this far. Continue to be yourself.”

– Greg Cockerell, Jared’s friend, mentor, and father-figure

ALLISON WRIGHT

As an ambassador for the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, Allison Wright expresses the love she has for her hometown. “As an ambassador, I help promote new businesses throughout the Greater Texarkana area,” she said, a goal she pursues through helping with Chamber events (such as ribbon cutting ceremonies), welcoming new members to the Chamber, and generally supporting the local economy. “I believe in this community, and I believe that investing into it is what you will get out of it,” she reflected.

Allison and her family have invested time and time again in Texarkana. Most recently, the Wright family opened two of the hottest new spots in the Entertainment District. “At the height of the pandemic, I helped my family open two businesses downtown: The Hideout and El Frio Express,” she said. She still helps out with both establishments, but her primary occupation is that of licensed REALTOR® for Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Infinity.

“Finding families their forever home is such a rewarding experience,” she said. “It is extremely gratifying when people put their trust in me and we find the house of their dreams.”

Allison pursued real estate after earning a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&MTexarkana. Her love of and familiarity with Texarkana and the surrounding areas motivated her to become a real estate agent. “My intimate knowledge of this region and my experience of having lived here all my life give me the desire to make my home your home,” she said. Age: 25 |

ALLISON’S FUN FACT

“I’m obsessed with Christmas! I even play Christmas music when I’m cleaning the house year-round.”

A member of the upcoming Leadership Texarkana cohort, Allison intends to continue working in and serving the Texarkana community into the future. Within the next 10 years, she hopes to become a broker, start a family, and deepen her commitment to community service.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“When we are finished with this gift called life, the thing that will matter most will be those we have loved, those we have served, and those we have helped to be better.”

– Tim Reynolds, MD

exquisiteinteriors

TIMELESS. SIMPLE. IMMACULATE.

by SUZY TURNER photos by HOLLAND RAINWATER

Reminiscent of most traditional homes, this Hooks, Texas, beauty blends contemporary components with historic elements. The interior design of this 5 bedroom, 2½ bath two-story home incorporates a practical layout that is simple, yet welcoming. The exterior exudes warmth and serenity while featuring clean roof lines and windows that are symmetrically-aligned. Since traditional homes are designed to mostly accommodate families, Ashlie and Bubba Rainwater have taken their three children into consideration while furnishing their 3,600 square foot home. “All of the bedrooms are pretty neutral

... linens, whites, shades of gray,” Ashlie remarks. As an interior decorator, she knows that bedrooms are supposed to represent their owners. “I love using neutral design elements because I can move décor and furniture from room to room easily, just for a change. Our kids are now 19, 19, and 21, so they don’t mind. I try to decorate the rooms in keeping with the kids’ distinct personalities, but still use the same color scheme. I won’t ever be a collector of anything. I go with what feels right to me. Size, scale, and texture are very important to me ... and no clutter!”

Granite countertops, stainless appliances, and a commercial style GE range offer functionality and ease for the family. A large table island serves as an informal dining area for guests as well as additional prep space for the cook. A pot filler located on the backsplash over the range offers convenience in the kitchen design. Ornate brass and crystal chandeliers hang over the island, illuminating the space. A wooden dining table with benches finishes out the seating space, placed strategically in front of the ornate black doublesided fireplace. An oil painting by Rebecca Drummond hangs over a doorway leading into the kitchen space. Even though she admits that she isn’t sentimental about furniture, Ashlie says that the paintings that artist friends have given her before the family moved from Atlanta, Georgia, are very special to her. The open plan kitchen also features a coffee nook with additional storage cabinets. Underneath, there is even a place for the Rainwaters’ dog, Lincoln, to get cozy in his bed.

Large floor-to-ceiling windows offer plenty of natural light in the contemporary living area. Throw pillows add personality to the cozy leather sofa. Cow print armchairs

combine a bit of color and texture to the otherwise neutral space. Ashlie’s favorite thing about her home is the open floor plan and 18-foot ceilings. “I have seen that there is a trend back to closed off rooms,” she explains. “You will not find me following that trend, probably ever. I love open spaces. I love being able to see everyone from everywhere downstairs … and even the catwalk upstairs.”

The contemporary master bedroom serves as Ashlie and Bubba’s sanctuary. Numerous windows pour natural light into the cozy area. The upholstered gray headboard brings in a sophisticated look, while the recessed ceiling draws the eye upward, emphasizing the height of the space. A bench at the foot of the bed matches the headboard and provides extra seating. The adjoining master bath offers twin vanities, plenty of storage cabinets, floor tile, and a relaxing soaking tub.

Perhaps the most useful addition to the home is the in-law suite which includes a large bedroom and full bath. Situated in the outbuilding, this apartment also has its own four-car garage. Ashlie admits that if one of the “kids” ever decides to moves back home, they can make the apartment

their own home away from home and will be able to say they only “sort of” live with their mom and dad; they will be on the Rainwaters’ property, but not exactly living in the same house.

Although Ashlie isn’t really a collector of heirlooms or antiques, she does know how to transform furniture into what she needs it to be. Whether refinishing, building, recovering it, or buying new, she will search high and low until she has the perfect accessories and furnishings.

Located on almost five pristine acres, this beautiful home exudes an estatelike presence. Roomy bedrooms, a special play area, an immaculate study, and oversized porches add to this home’s appeal. Stunning views of the lake are accessible from many vantage points throughout the home. With almost 5½ years of living in this inviting home, Ashlie and Bubba have poured their heart and soul into creating a friendly, yet intimate and warm, space for themselves, their children, and all guests who walk through its doors.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEMPLE MEMORIAL

PEDIATRIC CENTER DRAWDOWN AND CASINO NIGHT

On August 4, Temple Memorial Pediatric Center hosted its Drawdown and Casino Night at Crossties. The evening consisted of games, food catered by Pop’s Place, drinks, auctions, and a chance to win $5,000. The event was dedicated to the late Pete Kaburick. Always the life of the party, Pete was a former Temple board member who enjoyed attending the Drawdown and provided entertainment during the event. Temple’s Kid of the Year, Chance Saulsbury, was introduced, along with his family.

Madison and Colin Forbes

Sarah and Justin Adams

Gina Parish, Ariel Edwards and Sandy Varner

Tonya Satterfield and Kelli Mayo

Blaire Barlow, Dr. David Vammen and Brooke Marshall

Carol Pearcy, Jen Hawley, Leann Hardage and Sarah Adams

Gina Parish and Kevin Cline

Kelsi, Chance, Chad and Kayson Saulsbury

Treasa Jordan

EVENTS | CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 2022

SEPTEMBER 12

Opportunities, Inc. will host its 33rd annual Invitational Golf Tournament at Texarkana Country Club. All money raised will be used to provide specialized services for children and adults with disabilities, as well as the elderly. Dan Boever, the World Long Drive Champion, will be the special guest during the pre-party on Sunday night. Contact 903-7912284 for more information.

SEPTEMBER 14

Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, with special guests Jenny and Dave Marrs, will host The BIG (Believe in Girls) Brunch from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock. A fun activity – the Playhouse Project – will take place where five local designers put their own special touches on a small playhouse. For more information about the event, please email: funddevelopment@girlscoutsdiamonds. org or visit: www.girlscoutdiamonds.org/gsevents

SEPTEMBER 17

The Kennel Club of Texarkana, Inc. will host a Responsible Dog Owners Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the pavilion at Spring Lake Park. All dogs that are vaccinated and on leashes are welcome, and the event is free to the public. Activities include advanced dog demonstrations, children’s events, meet the breeds, food vendors, and fun education

about being a responsible dog owner. For more information, contact Jimmeye Moore at 903-276-9408.

SEPTEMBER 17

The Texarkana Area Chapter #278 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. will stage the 34th annual POW/MIA Vigil at the Korea/Vietnam Memorial located at 7th Street and Stateline Avenue in Downtown Texarkana. Opening ceremonies will begin at 8 a.m. A “Ride to Remember” will take place beginning at the Arkansas Welcome Center at Red River at 2:40 p.m. and will end at the Korea/Vietnam Memorial. For more information, call: 870-773-8279 or 903-556-1613 or email: USMCgreg@aol.com

SEPTEMBER 17

Angel Fund Foundation, Inc. will host Putt for a Purpose at 6 p.m. at the Texarkana Country Club. Drawdown tickets are $100 and include entry for one into the Putt for a Purpose event, chance to win $5,000, fun putt, fish fry, entertainment, and silent auction. Musical entertainment will be provided by Danny Maxey & The Dancehall Troubadours. Event tickets only are $50 each. All proceeds benefit Angel Fund Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing financial assistance to cancer patients in our area. For more information or to apply for financial assistance, go to www.angelfundfoundation.org .

SEPTEMBER 22

Texarkana Resources will host its Drawdown Dinner, “Under the Harvest Moon,” at 6 p.m. at Ramage Farms in Hooks, Texas. Activities include a silent auction and prizes. Tickets are $100 per couple. Email: bconnaughton@texarkanaresources.org for tickets.

SEPTEMBER 24

De Kalb, Texas, will present Saturday in the Park and Chili Cook-Off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at De Kalb City Park. Chili will be served at 4 p.m. Visit the De Kalb Oktoberfest Facebook page for more info or www.dekalbtexasoktoberfest.org

SEPTEMBER 24

The ninth annual To Reach Every Youth Golf Tournament will begin at 8 a.m. at Texarkana Golf Ranch. To Reach Every Youth is a nonprofit organization providing support for young adults with sarcoma cancer and sarcoma research. For more information, call Vicki Westmoreland at 903-293-4771.

SEPTEMBER 30

The Greater Texarkana Young Professionals will host Destination Downtown beginning at 5:45 p.m. Businesses in the expanded Entertainment District will be included in this fun event. Call Brittney Haynes at 903-490-0024 for more information.

Experts Ask the

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

When should I be worried about my forgetfulness?

We all forget things from time to time. It’s not uncommon to misplace your keys once or twice or have trouble coming up with an important date. Things like this should be rare and shouldn’t warrant a trip to the doctor. However, misplacing things often or regularly losing track of the date or time of year is something to discuss with your doctor without delay. Additionally, you may notice that you are struggling to keep up with monthly bills and find that big decisions have become more and more challenging. It may also be helpful to get feedback from loved ones who interact with you regularly and can share helpful perspectives on things that may seem out of the ordinary.

903-417-0326 | 4100 Moores Lane | Texarkana, TX | mrccornerstone.org

photo by

the f riends’ list

Each month, Four States Living will choose two people who have “liked” our Facebook page to be featured in The Friends’ List. Chosen randomly, these two “friends” will answer questions we provide so our readers can get to know them better. The bonus question (the last question) will be related to the theme of each month’s issue.

Celeste McNiel Age: 39

Occupation: Director of Student Life at Texas A&M University-Texarkana

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

Actually, I don’t think I would tell a soul if I won the lottery. I would make some significant contributions to organizations that are important to me, pay off any debts, set up some funds to make sure that my loved ones are taken care of but, in a lot of ways, I hope my life wouldn’t be too different than it is now—except the financial freedom of course.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

I am an avid reader, but if I only have 30 minutes of free time—that’s the perfect amount of time to catch an episode of “Ted Lasso.” It always seems to pick me up.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be?

My wish would be that we could eliminate the fear and self-doubt that often holds people back. Can you imagine how amazing our world would be if everyone was able to operate as their full, authentic selves?

At what business could you max out a credit card?

This is a tough one but, sadly, I think it would be Amazon. You can find anything there!

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “Welp, That was Fun.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

I am watching “Schitt’s Creek” (for like the 1000th time) and “Stranger Things.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I’ve always wanted to go to Greece or Ireland.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick?

FaceTime (I don’t live near my family so I have to stay connected to them!). Waze or another navigation app (I have so much anxiety about driving anywhere without a map). Spotify — I thrive on music.

What’s your favorite sport to watch, and which team do you root for?

Basketball for sure. My whole family loves to cheer on the A&M-Texarkana Eagles. If you haven’t been to a game, you should totally check it out. The games are so fun, and we have some amazing student athletes!

Kevin Avery Age: 34

Occupation: Commercial Lender at Farmers Bank & Trust

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

First thing I would do is hire an attorney, but the first thing I would buy… I’d buy a bank.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

Watch YouTube, listen to a book on Audible, or read the Wall Street Journal

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be?

To be a scratch golfer.

At what business could you max out a credit card? PGA Superstore.

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “The Banker.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix? “Peaky Blinders.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would travel to Monaco to watch the Formula 1 race.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? YouTube. Wall Street Journal . Reddit.

What’s your favorite sport to watch, and which team do you root for?

Formula 1, and I haven’t picked a team, but I have a few drivers I like to pull for: George Russell, Lando Norris, and Sergio Pérez.

“ FABULOUS 40 AND UNDER ISSUE ”

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE MAKES A PERSON “FABULOUS”?

I think that a “fabulous” person empowers and energizes others with their presence. It’s definitely the ability to make other people feel good.

What makes a person fabulous is having integrity and treating others well.