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infinitieplus

AUGUST 2026

VOL. 16 NO. 8 BUSINESS MAGAZINE

TYLER ISD Names NEW District Leaders

Beyond The Final Score “The Man in The Arena”

Kilgore Chamber

Brews B2B at Ranger Print

VeraBank earns SBA Preferred Lender Status

John King BUILT WITH GRIT

Football is the vehicle; Character is the destination

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Money Matters

Veterans: Don’t pay to apply for VA benefits By BCP STAFF

cammers know that applying for veterans benefits is at the top of the to-do list when you’re getting ready to leave the military. That’s why they pretend to be with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and offer to help you apply for benefits if you pay them — even though it’s free to apply with the VA. So if you’re applying for veterans benefits, get the help you need while avoiding scams. Here’s how. First, know how the scam works: You get an unexpected call, text, email, or message on social media from someone who says they’re reaching out about your veterans benefits. They might claim to work for the VA or say they’re “approved” by the VA. (But, really, they’re not.) They offer to help you do things like apply for benefits you’re “missing,” get you a 100% disability rating, or speed up the claims process — all for a fee. Those are all scams. The VA will never charge you to apply for benefits. Accredited representatives and recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) won’t charge you either, but scammers will. A few things to remember: • Never pay to apply. Whether you apply online or in person at a VA Regional Office, the VA will help you gather and develop evidence to support

your initial claim for VA benefits — for free. • Apply directly to the VA. Only the VA can determine your eligibility and award benefits. Anything else is a scam. Only scammers guarantee you’ll get benefits or offer to help you skip the line. Not even accredited representatives can do that.

• Work with a VA accredited representative. Use the VA’s Accreditation Search tool to make sure that the person helping you is actually approved by the VA. If you spot a VA impersonation scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Then, tell your state attorney general.

Who needs Treasury Management? If you own your own business, the answer is you. At Austin Bank, our Treasury Management services make the process of managing your money faster, easier, and more secure. 65% of businesses are targets of fraud every year, and 51% of victims never recover the funds lost. Minimize your risk and maximize your efficiency with Treasury Management services.

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Editor's Note

Table of Contents The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One…

GREETINGS TOP TALK Hello Readers! ☀️

Welcome to August, where the heat is on, and the back-toschool countdown has officially begun! 🎒 We are kicking off the new month with a jam-packed issue you won't want to put down. Grab a cold drink and flip straight to our cover story featuring Longview High School’s legendary head coach and athletic director, John King. 🏈 This is a man built from pure grit, famous for his belief that high school football is just the vehicle, but character is the ultimate destination. We take you inside the recent 20th Annual East Texas Kick-Off Luncheon hosted by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. Coach King took the podium before a powerhouse crowd of scholar-athletes, coaches, and superintendents, dropping absolute truth bombs about "the last of the hard" and what

it truly means to be the "man in the arena." You can catch all the gridiron inspiration from pages 4 and 18! But wait—there is plenty more to explore. z Class is in Session: Meet the rockstar Tyler ISD leadership team driving the 2026/2027 school year forward. 🍎

z Soul Food: Head over to our inspiration page to discover the one true path to finding ultimate peace in this life and the next. ✨ z Unwind and Dine: Flip the magazine over to tour the breathtaking Kiepersol winery for your next perfect weekend getaway. 🍇

There are so many more stories waiting for you inside, so take your time, relax, and indulge yourself. Thank you for your incredible support! By God’s grace, we look forward to serving you an all-new lineup in September.

Joycelyne Fadojutimi, Ph.D.

Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PhD Chief Public Relations/Mkt. Officer Paula Jimenez Staff Writer Peace Floris Contributing Writers Glenn Miller Mechele Agbayani Mills Dr. Michael Guido Scotts Roberts Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs

OUR MISSION

To enrich the local-global community with the “just in time knowledge,” to assure future successes

OUR VISION

To become an information oracle of functional and constructive reports that serves the needs of businesses and communities. Submission Deadline: The first of every month prior to month of issue. infinitieplus magazine is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes since the publishing of this issue. At the time of publication, to the best of our knowledge, all information was accurate though not guaranteed. The entire contents of infinitieplus magazine is copyrighted 2026. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus magazine reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus magazine or its advertisers. P. O. Box 12473 Longview, Texas 75602-2473 www.infinitieplusmag.com Phone: 903.918.7706

VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 08

12 Elsa Selleck

In Every Issue Cover Story Editor's Page Business and Finance Money Matters Education Community Connections Health and Wellness Women Today Women Wellness Inspiration

Melissa Azzam

Dr. Staci Martin

Spotlight

L-r: Devon Church, Emily Janz and Olivia Coffman attend the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, 20th Annual East Texas Kick-Off Luncheon, recently convened at Tyler’s W.T. Brookshire Conference Center.

About the Covers Stripped of the game. A battle beyond the Gridiron. John King stands as a pillar of strength—a legendary coach who stacked a sparkling 240-52 won-lost record like bricks and pulled down fifteen district championships. Sisters of the Vine say, “Jesus is the way.”

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Cover Story

Head Coach and Athletic Director John King

Football is just the vehicle; Character is the destination Story by J O Y C E L Y N E F A D O J U T I M I | Photos by M I C H A E L C A V A Z O S P H O T O G R A P H Y

tripped of the game. A battle beyond the Gridiron

For twenty-six years, John King’s voice has been the thunder on the Longview sidelines. He stands as a pillar of strength—a legendary coach who stacked a sparkling 240-52 won-lost record like bricks and pulled down fifteen district championships.

In fact, his journey began when he arrived at Longview ISD the spring of 2000 as the offensive coordinator. This year marks his 26th year with the district, including 22 deeply impactful years serving as head coach and athletic director.

However, last winter, the vibrant stadium lights suddenly faded into the harsh, sterile white of a hospital room. The man who spent his life teaching young boys how to hit back when life got tough suddenly faced a monster that didn't play by the rules: oral cancer.

The diagnosis was a devastating blow. For the first time in three decades, the game was ripped away from him. Watchful. Distant. He had to endure from afar. Contd. on Page 8

2026

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Independent Living I Assisted Living | Longview, Texas

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Live with the Best

Arabella of Longview stands apart by showcasing the best Longview has to offer in Senior Living. We’ve been awarded the “Best of East Texas” award for Senior Living communities for the last five years for a reason.

We are Nationally Recognized Certified Dementia Practitioners 1155 E Hawkins Pkwy, Longview, TX 75605 | (903) 708-6083. https://www.civitasseniorliving.com/arabella-of-longview

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Cover Story

To make matters worse, the ultimate heartbreak struck during this exact trial. While fighting for his own breath, he lost his father. This brought a crushing wave of grief layered over an already brutal physical battle. Yet, it was precisely this hardship that tested every ounce of the resilience and determination instilled in him by his parents, both dedicated teachers, during his upbringing in Spring Hill, Louisiana. Since he was born to educators and had transformational football coaches with impeccable records; the value of instruction, dedication, and discipline ran directly through his veins.

Even as a youth, growing up in Spring Hill, Louisiana, he was a standout offensive lineman whose unwavering drive to succeed meant letting no obstacles deflect him from his true love of teaching and coaching. Early on, he followed the invaluable example of his own legendary high school head football coach and a community stalwart, Travis Farrar. Later, he stayed close to home to play at the next level for the Demons at Northwestern State University. His time in Natchitoches was defined by sheer versatility and grit, becoming a four-year starter, who bagged:

z All-American Honors in 1990 and famously executing the rare feat of playing all five offensive line positions (left tackle, left guard, center, right guard, and right tackle) in a single game.

Under the subsequent direction of college coaches Sam Goodwin and Norman Joseph, his inherited love of football and teaching was refined and encouraged. Ultimately, this lifelong preparation culminated in his long, fruitful tenure at Longview High School (LHS). Of course, in those dark, quiet hours in the hospital, stripped of his whistle and clipboard, the fear was real. But so was his fierce, unyielding grit. King later admitted, his voice thick with raw emotion:

“Hell, you don’t know if you’re gonna live or die. I wanted to live, and was gonna do whatever it took.”

z Conference Champion z All-State Honors (twice) z Scholar Athlete of the Year z Academic All-District z Top 100 Player z Hall of Fame Inductee, to name just a few of King’s collegiate accomplishments.

Fortunately, he didn't fight alone. The prayers and sundry support from the Longview community lifted him up, thereby carrying him through extensive, grueling cancer surgery straight back to a grateful, emotional return to the sidelines.

Coach King’s secret sauce: The blueprint of his legacy Nearly eleven months later, Coach King stood before the crowded assembly at Tyler’s W.T. Brookshire Conference Center for SPORTTyler’s 20th Annual East Texas Kick-Off Luncheon. He was the prime character and keynote speaker celebrating the upcoming high school football season. As a result of his impact, he was recently inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in recognition of his sterling 26 years on the sideline—while also serving as the Association’s former president. He stood there as a survivor directing his young charges to victories amassed in bunches. As he looked out at the crowd, his words carried the beautiful weight of a man who looked into the abyss and chose to fight, pausing the room with an undeniable truth: “Character is going to outlast championships. Trophies are going to gather dust. Records are going to be broken, but the values you learn from the game of football will last a lifetime.” Importantly, this belief is Coach King's "secret sauce," which is not limited to football. His Lobo teams have pulled down an unbelievable fifteen district championships, including an incredible 16-0 perfect season in 2018. Meanwhile,

his son, Haynes, masterfully quarterbacked that perfect 2018 championship squad, embodying the exact standard of toughness his father demanded. According to King, this massive success stems directly from a rigid, non-negotiable core curriculum designed to build men:

È Character Development: Instilling the moral foundation to make the right choices when no one is watching. È Relentless Work Ethic: Demanding maximum effort to build unwavering, iron-clad self-confidence. È Team-First Approach: Erasing individual ego to prioritize the common, singular goal of the collective. È Adversity Management: Training young minds to

aggressively overcome obstacles like sudden injuries and severe illness. È Adaptable Coaching: Developing kids "from start to finish" through a collegelike training program that instills core football principles: toughness, technique, alignment, and assignment while actively modifying schemes to leverage the specific strengths of his athletes. Furthermore, King stresses positive community involvement and strong support of young athletes, who are encouraged and impressed by their elders’ positive examples. This keeps his players firmly grounded in the face of modern distractions like social media and aggressive college recruiters who may incite young men to prematurely reach for opportunities. Contd. on Page 10

Head Coach and Athletic Director John King

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Cover Story

To reinforce this, King leverages a powerful network of alumni engagement. Former Lobo footballers frequently return home from the NFL to host instructional camps and speak directly to the team. Crucially, their consistent message to the young athletes is to "never forget where you come from and who you represent," cementing a profound legacy of community pride. In addition, King provides vital Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) guidance to protect his players in

the modern sports landscape. He advises them to focus on creating value for themselves through strong on-field performance, regardless of their initial college destination. Specifically, he warns against making life-altering choices based solely on immediate NIL money, encouraging players to look at the bigger picture by considering critical factors like team fit, coaching staff stability, and overall playing style. Through these same methods, King carefully manages parental expectations. He openly

acknowledges parents' deep desire for their children to excel to national level. However, he firmly reminds them that football is a "means to an end,” a gateway to a free higher education; and that NFL aspirations are far too premature in high school. Nonetheless, King pushes his players to focus on being the best nationwide, rather than just locally, because uncovering true NFL talent requires a rare, elite combination of physical measurables, athleticism, and mental toughness.

Head Coach John King and his young Charges

Developing complete athletes:

A pipeline to the pros

Naturally, nowhere is the power of the Lobos program more evident than in the long line of legends sent to the National Football League, a

standard of excellence perfectly exemplified by historical standouts like Trent Williams. After all, the NFL expects, and keeps an eye open for that exact rare mixture of athletic traits and mental grit. Because of this focus, Longview has built a fierce, undeniable track record of producing elite NFL talent, sending approximately 25 to 26 players to the league over the years. That blazing pipeline first turned heads in 2006. Specifically, the ground was prepared years earlier when King stepped onto the

Longview campus in 2000. He spent four phenomenally successful seasons masterfully pulling the strings as the team's offensive coordinator before stepping up to the head coaching role. During that initial tenure, he engineered an explosive, innovative offensive system built entirely around maximizing the raw talent and breathtaking athletic ability of defensive back Willie Andrews. This custom scheme put Andrews in the spotlight, paving his way to a full athletic scholarship at Baylor University. Contd. on Page 12

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Head Coach and Athletic Director John King

Cover Story

Retrospectively, King looks at the journalist, a knowing grin breaking across his face as he recalls how those early play designs helped mold Andrews into a true Sunday caliber weapon. Ultimately, Andrews shattered the ceiling when he earned his math degree at Baylor and broke through to land with the New Orleans Saints.That single spark proved that King’s players possess both the mental and physical acumen required for the highest level, subsequently igniting a pathway from Longview to Sunday afternoons.

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Over the years, his athletes worked hard and well, putting everything on the line to transition from the high school and college gridirons to the ultimate stage: the National Football League, NFL. ♦ Willie Andrews (Baylor, Math Degree — New Orleans Saints) ♦ Malcolm Kelly ♦ Robert Henson ♦ JaMycal Hasty ♦ Travyn Howard ♦ Broderick Washington Jr. ♦ Chris Ivory ♦ Trent Williams (NFL Hall of Fame candidate)

In the end, these men left their marks across legendary franchises, including the Washington Redskins/ Commanders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Ravens. The Lobos Head Coach and Athletic Director John King explicitly reflects on his tenure with fierce gratitude, calling his:

“...the best job in the state of Texas.” Contd. on Page 14

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Cover Story

Business and Finance

Unsurprisingly, bigger national opportunities have repeatedly been offered to King throughout his celebrated career. Despite these lucrative opportunities, he consistently chose to stay right here with the Longview Lobos because of the unbreakable community support that has always anchored his life and the Lobo teams.

Currently, while he has largely turned away from prior hobbies like golf and fishing, he still indulges his deep love for Cajun food and taking good care of his cows. More importantly, he now has precious time to follow his family's adventures. Alongside his son Haynes' continuing football path, he pours his heart into supporting

his loved ones, including his wife, Jodie, and offering total guidance to his daughter, Steelie, a splendid and highly decorated gymnast. Ultimately, King has defeated opponents on the field. He has conquered the cancer in his body. Above all, he remains the beating, triumphant heart of East Texas football.

Character is going to outlast championships. Trophies are going to gather dust. Records are going to be broken, but the values you learn from the game of football will last a lifetime.” - Head Coach and Athletic Director John King, Longview High School.

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VeraBank earns SBA preferred lender status

eraBank announced that it has received delegated authority by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to approve, process, and service SBA-guaranteed loans. This designation, known as the SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP), recognizes a select group of lenders with proven expertise and a strong track record in SBA lending. The PLP recognition reflects the experience and dependability VeraBank brings to small business lending, and it reinforces the bank's long-standing commitment to supporting the people and businesses that strengthen its local communities.

With this status, VeraBank streamlines lending decisions by reducing processing time to provide business owners with a more efficient path to move from application to funding quicker. While the process is accelerated, VeraBank remains committed to a thorough credit evaluation and sound lending practices. VeraBank continues to evaluate each borrower's creditworthiness in line with SBA Loan Program Requirements and maintains thorough documentation for every file. The bank's analysis also remains subject to SBA review. This balance of efficiency and accountability is designed to protect both borrowers and the program.

"Small businesses are an essential part of the communities we serve, and timely access to financing plays a vital role in their growth and success," said Brad Tidwell, VeraBank CEO. "This authority enables us to move faster while still upholding the standards our customers rely on and the SBA requires. We're proud to be a trusted partner in helping local businesses move forward in reaching their goals," added Glenn Lauter, VeraBank EVP and SBA Department Manager. Business owners interested in SBA-guaranteed financing can connect with VeraBank's lending team at verabank.com.

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Business and Finance

Chamber brews B2B leads at Ranger Print Story and photos by JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI / www.infinitieplusmag.com

ocal enterprise leaders gathered early morning to cultivate business-tobusiness relationships at the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce’s monthly "Morning Brew" networking event. Kilgore College hosted the breakfast session at its commercial printing press facility, Ranger Print. Kilgore College President Staci Martin opened the event by welcoming the attending business community and

highlighting the strategic value of collaborative educational and corporate environments. Following the reception, Olivia Moore, Director of Auxiliary Enterprises, delivered an executive overview of Ranger Print's operational capabilities, detailing the specialized commercial printing and graphic services available to local businesses. The forum served as a strategic platform for small-to-medium enterprise (SME) representation. KC President welcomes businesses

Melissa Azzam

Gene Keenon, Elsa Selleck and Paul Tritt

Executives and owners from various sectors delivered introductory pitches, exchanged corporate data, and distributed business cards to expand their local supply chains and client bases. Designed as an Olivia Moore gives a discourse on Ranger Print services

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early-morning business conduit, the Chamber’s Morning Brew initiative provides local stakeholders with a dedicated window to generate B2B leads and secure market connections before normal business hours.

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Community Connections

BEYOND THE FINAL SCORE Trophies gather dust, but the human soul remembers the battle Story by J O Y C E L Y N E F A D O J U T I M I | Photos by M I C H A E L C A V A Z O S P H O T O G R A P H Y

Emcee Bryan Houston of CMC Neptune and Neptune Game Time

T John King, Head Coach and Athletic Director, Longview High School

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HE MAN IN THE ARENA: A GATHERING OF EAST TEXAS GIANTS The room fell pin-drop silent as the community anchored itself for the upcoming season. Hosted by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, the 20th Annual East Texas Kick-Off Luncheon recently convened at Tyler’s W.T. Brookshire Conference Center. Working tirelessly behind the scenes to orchestrate the event was Cindy Smoak, Executive Director of SPORTTyler, who

continuously recruits and promotes sporting events to keep the region thriving. Before a powerhouse crowd of East Texas area scholarathletes, head football coaches, and school superintendents, emcee Bryan Houston of CMC Neptune and Neptune Game Time took the podium to introduce the keynote speaker. Houston unveiled a breathtaking panoramic view of a legendary career: John King, Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Longview High School.

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Cindy Smoak, executive director of SPORTYyler

Houston detailed King's journey from a championship three-sport athlete to an elite offensive lineman at Northwestern State University, where he became a four-year letterman, a male scholarathlete, and an inductee into the M Club Hall of Fame. Since arriving at Longview High School in 2000 and taking the helm as head coach in 2004, King has forged a towering legacy:

z A staggering 240-52 won-lost record across 22 seasons. z 17 district championships and 57 playoff victories. z Longview’s first state championship in 81 years during a perfect 16-0 run in 2018. z Two state finals appearances (2008, 2009) and four state semifinals (2010, 2017, 2022, 2024).

His peerless leadership earned him the presidency of the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) and a recent induction into their prestigious Hall of Honor. Furthermore, as a charter member and treasurer of the East Texas Coaches Association (ETCA) since 2014, he was inducted into their Hall of Honor in 2019. Yet, Houston noted that King's greatest victory occurred off the gridiron. Supported fiercely by his wife, Jodie, King recently waged a grueling, triumphant battle against oral cancer. Houston praised King's unbreakable strength, noting that his relentless determination carries directly into his children: his son, Haynes, a former Lobo championship quarterback and ACC Offensive Player of the Year who now plays for the NFL's Carolina Panthers, and his daughter, Steelie, an AllAmerican gymnast and twotime national champion.

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Contd. on Page 20

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Community Connections

THE REWARD OF THE CLASSROOM: FROM SPRINGHILL TO SUNDAY AFTERNOONS

THE LAST OF THE HARD: THE SACRED SANCTUM OF THE HUDDLE

When Coach King took the stage, he didn't boast of rings or records. Instead, he reminisced with deep gratitude about what the game had given him. Growing up in Springhill, Louisiana, where local legends like John David Crow set an impossibly high standard— football became his vehicle out. It secured a college scholarship, allowing him to fulfill a sacred promise to his mother that he would get his education despite their financial hardships. The game gave him his life's calling, allowing him to support his family and live out his dream of coaching, which included the unforgettable joy of coaching his own son. It opened doors to a global network of relationships, even allowing him to travel across the Atlantic to watch Haynes play in Ireland. King's core philosophy remains unshakeable: maintain absolute integrity, surround yourself with good people, and do things the right way. The right outcomes will always follow. In East Texas, King explained, football is not a weekend distraction; it is a lifestyle, a livelihood, and a community cornerstone. Unlike massive metropolitan areas where teams can get lost in the noise, East Texas towns completely rally around their youth.

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To Coach King, football serves as the ultimate classroom for an increasingly soft world. He calls his players "the last of the hard"—men forged in a sport that demands discipline, accountability, and perseverance while the rest of society hunts for easy excuses. According to King, the data proves the classroom works. He noted that the accountability learned on the turf directly correlates with increased academic achievement and school attendance, alongside sharp decreases in discipline issues and dropout rates.

Cross-section of attendees

Businesses decorate their storefronts, and residents build their entire weekly schedules around Friday night lights. When a boy puts on that jersey, he isn't just playing a game; he is representing his hometown, his classmates, and his church. This deep-rooted system thrives because of a passionate local network of administrators, coaches, booster clubs, parent organizations, and alums who preserve legendary rivalries like Longview vs. Marshall or Tyler High vs. Tyler Legacy. Generations of children grow up dreaming of becoming local stars in a talent hotbed that has famously produced NFL Hall of Famers like Earl Campbell.

Scholar athletes recognized on stage

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Head Coach John King speaking

Football teaches a young man how to embrace suffering for personal growth, how to look adversity in the eye, and exactly how to get back up after being brutally knocked down, lessons King applied directly to survive his own cancer battle. Invoking Theodore Roosevelt's iconic "The Man in the Arena" speech, King stressed that life belongs to the one active participant who dares greatly, not the timid critics throwing stones from the sidelines. To illustrate the true soul of the game, King shared a powerful concept popularized by coach Bill Curry: the magic of the huddle. The huddle functions as the ultimate metaphor for an idealized culture. It forces diverse individuals Black, Brown, White, liberal, conservative, wealthy, and broke to bind themselves together. Inside that huddle, external differences completely evaporate. Ego dies, and players dissolve into a singular unit with

one shared, unselfish purpose. It creates a lifelong brotherhood that encapsulates the absolute best of America's untapped potential. Turning his eyes directly to the young athletes in attendance, King delivered a final, stirring charge. Trophies will inevitably gather dust. Records will absolutely be broken. Championships will fade into history. But the character, grit, and structural values burned into your soul by the game of football will last for eternity. Stand tall, execute your assignments, and never forget that you are the last of the hard. As the final words left his lips, the entire conference center erupted. Stripped of all rivalries and differences, every scholar-athlete, superintendent, and coach in attendance rose to their feet in unison, honoring the legendary leader with a roaring, prolonged standing ovation that echoed long after he stepped away from the microphone.

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Inspiration

ONLY ONE WAY By GUIDO MINISTRIES

ow’s the new manager treating you?” Mia asked her

friend over coffee. “He’s alright,” Lauren replied, “but he’s super strict about how things get done. He insists there’s only one right way to file reports and run the system.” In today’s world, we’d probably call that rigid or close-minded. We’ve been taught that tolerance is the highest virtue. However, some truths actually are absolute. Take Peter for example. Speaking before a group of rulers he said, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” He was right! Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus declared, simply and sufficiently, that there is only one way to be saved and to be sure of going to heaven – trusting in Him for salvation. There is no other way or no other name. Jesus still stands as the single, sufficient answer. He doesn’t ask you to clean up your life first or figure everything out. He simply invites you to trust Him completely.

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That narrow path removes the pressure of trying to find your own way and replaces it with the peace of knowing you’ve found the real one. Prayer: Father, we thank You that we can come to you for Your Word

and trust in You, and only You, as our Savior and Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. Scripture For Today: Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:1-6

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Business and Finance Education

Tyler ISD announces new

district leadership appointments

yler, TX – Tyler ISD has announced several district leadership appointments for the 2026-2027 school year. The appointments reflect the district's continued commitment to developing leaders from within while attracting experienced educators and professionals who will help advance student success across the district. "We're excited about these new leadership assignments for the 2026-2027 school year," said Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford. "Whether through our strong leadership succession strategy or by attracting proven, high-quality educators to our hometown school system, Tyler ISD continues to bring outstanding leaders of integrity and excellence who are committed to serving our students, families, teachers, and staff."

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District Leadership

Justin Simmons, Director of Support – ESE and ESE-Aligned Schools: Simmons most recently served as principal of Boulter Middle School and previously led Hogg Middle School. In his new role, he will support campuses implementing Tyler ISD's Evergreen Systems of Excellence mo by helping remove operational barriers, coordinating district support, and ensuring school leaders have the resources they need to focus on teaching and learning.

Brady Beddingfield,

Rachel Sherman,

Chief Operations Officer: Beddingfield has served Tyler ISD since 2017, most recently as Deputy Director of Facility Services after eight years as Construction Project Manager. He has overseen many of the district's largest bond projects, including the transformation of Tyler High School and construction of Hubbard Middle School.

Chief Innovation Officer: Sherman most recently served as Executive Director of School Leadership, supporting Tyler ISD campuses. She previously served as principal of Three Lakes Middle School and Owens Elementary School and held administrative positions in Jacksonville ISD and Center ISD. Student Services and Academic Support

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Jarrod Bitter, Executive Director of College and Career: Bitter returns to Tyler ISD after serving as Superintendent of Carthage ISD. He previously held several leadership positions in Tyler ISD, including Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Innovation and Executive Director of School Improvement.

Jessica Bentley, Director of Guidance and Counseling – Bentley joins Tyler ISD from Bullard ISD, where she served as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She brings experience in counseling, instructional leadership, and student support from several East Texas school districts.

Operations Kayce Fillip, Director of Transportation: Fillip has served Tyler ISD since 2009, beginning as a custodian and advancing through several leadership roles. Most recently, she served as District Supervisor of Custodial Services, bringing nearly two decades of operational leadership experience to her new position.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Why it pays to take time off from work

aid time off is a perk offered by most employers that enables workers to enjoy time away from work while still getting paid. Although the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics says approximately 90 percent of private industry receives paid time off, a Glassdoor study found only 23 percent of Americans

take all of their available vacation time. And of those who took vacation, 54 percent reported working while away. The pressures of deadlines, demanding workplaces and the need to get ahead can lead to a lot of unused vacation time. This can be a mistake, as there are many benefits to taking time away from work.

Recharge your batteries.

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Taking time off from work enables you to avoid mental and physical burnout. Psychology Today says you may gain new perspectives on workplace stressors and put plans in place to mitigate stress while on vacation.

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Increase productivity. Even though it sounds counterintuitive, working less can lead to getting more done. Companies that encourage time off often see higher engagement, increased innovation and lower burnout rates.

Increase selfawareness of your value. Apart from avoiding burnout and being more productive, an important reason to take time off is because you’ve earned it. It is one way to set boundaries with an employer. If you don’t take your vacation time, an employer may expect more and more from you.

Strengthen relationships. When you’re always in a work-inspired go, go, go mindset, it is easy to lose sight of what really matters. Taking time off enables you to connect with loved ones and engage in activities that bring you joy.

Taking advantage of paid time off from work can improve your mental and physical health and even benefit your career.

Fuel creativity. Downtime activates creative thinking, which can spark innovation and more. Studies from Stanford and the University of California have shown people are 60 percent more creative after walking or taking short breaks compared to those who are at their desks all the time. Vacations can expand mental horizons.

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“We never felt competition; we were raised with an understanding that God gives us each our own gifts and talents.” – Marnelle Durrett

past or future guests celebrate their engagement, anniversary, or a simple night out, they

Barrel room Marnelle and Velmay Confidence Above all, faith remains the cornerstone of everything the sisters do. Every struggle has brought them closer to Jesus. “He is the way; we’ve found comfort in Him time and again,” they say. Each day, they wake up with the purpose of serving their Lord, striving to give Him glory in all they do. As the business grew, so did its reputation. What makes the winery unique is that they grow, produce, age, and bottle their wine right on the property. Both describe it as a true, authentic taste of East Texas. Whether

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Marnelle Kiepersol Winemaker

are honored to host the most cherished moments in their lives. With 15 guest rooms and spaces for corporate retreats, it serves not only as a weekend getaway but also as a vital resource for the community. Furthermore, giving back has always been central to their mission. Their philanthropic focus includes support for the

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mentally and developmentally challenged, veterans and wounded warriors, and food and wine education. Each of these causes holds particular significance for them. Their father’s sister, who lives with an intellectual development

Back to Front. Marnelle Durrett and Velmay Powers on staircase in front of Kiepersol

disorder, serves as a daily reminder of the importance of strong family support systems, something they recognize is not available to everyone. They love her dearly and feel blessed at having the opportunity to care for her. Supporting veterans and wounded warriors is also a deep honor for them; they acknowledge there is no greater sacrifice than giving one’s life or being injured permanently while serving in the military to protect our freedom. And their passion for education in food and wine is matched by their desire to help others savor God’s gifts. When it comes to favorites, Marnelle is quick to praise Barrel No. 33. She describes it as a warm, weighted velvet blanket for your soul. On a hot summer day, her go-to dishes are the bass or ribeye, along with their classic shrimp cocktail. Outside of business, Sundays are reserved for worship and family, a sacred time of rest and renewal. Additionally, the sisters make sure to vacation out of state at least once a year. They also cherish traditions like lighting the vineyard on Black Friday to usher in the Advent season, one of Marnelle’s favorites. Importantly, they credit their diverse, vibrant team for much of its success and express deep gratitude for every member’s contributions. Looking to the future, they

have clear hopes for Kiepersol. As AI evolves, they know that AI can’t physically gather and eat. Their prayers are for them to continue providing a space where people can slow down with their loved ones and enjoy the fruits of their family’s labor before returning to their hustle and bustle. For those considering entrepreneurship, especially women and family teams, the sisters offer heartfelt advice. Don’t be afraid; start small, avoid debt, and just begin, even if it means starting from the trunk of your car. There will never be a perfect time, so just go for it. Although they are Daddy’s girls, if given the chance to have dinner with one woman, both would choose their mom. And when not at work, they dedicate time to Bridges Community Ministries, a youth program founded by Velmay. Today, they are both married to supportive husbands and raising two children each, the next generation already becoming part of the estate’s history. “There’s no real work-life balance,” they admit. “It’s just life. Our kids help out when they can, and our husbands are our rocks.” For the Sisters of the Vine, every challenge overcome and every connection made is proof that what truly matters isn’t just what they’ve built, but how they’ve built it together.

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SISTERS OF THE VINE: SOWN IN GRACE

n the tranquil glow of an East Texas sunset, owners of Kiepersol, “The Sisters of the Vine,” Marnelle Durrett and Velmay Power often find themselves overlooking the land that has shaped their lives. Witnessing the warmth of family and friends bonding and the ever-growing web of community connections at their establishment makes every long day and ounce of hard work worthwhile. Their journey to this celebrated estate, however, began a world away in South Africa, where both sisters were born. After the untimely loss of their mother, their father, Pierre de Wet, brought his young daughters, aged five and three, to America, seeking a new beginning, where they would ultimately call Tyler, Texas, their home. During their first four years in the United States, the family experienced extreme poverty. Marnelle recalls, as a young girl, often praying with her father, her tiny hands clasped in his.

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One of her most treasured memories is from Christmas 1986. She reminisces about the sheer joy she felt when she received used gifts through a program called Toys for Tots. She described it as feeling like she was on top of the world. In light of every challenge, their faith in Jesus only deepened, and they always felt the presence of guardian angels. “Jesus is the way. He has brought us so much comfort in our lifetimes, too many times to

count,” says Marnelle. Nevertheless, there was always hope on the horizon. Their father’s vision and unshakeable faith became the fertile ground from which a remarkable family business would flourish. He taught his daughters the values of discipline, service to others, and working as though for the Lord. Fiercely supportive, he was not only their guiding force but also, as they grew into adulthood, their best friend.

“Jesus is the way. He has brought us so much comfort in our lifetimes, too many times to count.” – Marnelle Durrett

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Sister of the Vine with Father. Marnelle Durrett, Pierre de Wet, and Velmay Power. The dream of creating a multigenerational family farm began to take root when Pierre de Wet purchased the original seventy-three acres in 1994. Just four years later, right after his daughters graduated from high school, they planted the seeds of what would grow into a multi-award-winning vineyard and winery. Marnelle and Velmay have nurtured Kiepersol side by side ever since, tending to their shared vision as the Sisters of the Vine. Together, they planted the first

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vines, crafted the wine, opened the restaurant, and quite literally grew up on the very land they cultivated. The name ‘Kiepersol’ itself carries a beautiful meaning: “keep us all.” True to its name, it has kept the family entwined, supporting not only them but also their ever-growing team. When their father passed away in 2016, his legacy continued to bear fruit not only in the land but also in the spirit with which his daughters continue to live and lead.

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From the very beginning, working together came naturally. “We never felt competition,” says Marnelle. “We were raised with an understanding that God gives us each our own gifts and talents.” Velmay is incredibly organized, keeping operations running smoothly, while Marnelle, a social butterfly, excels at guest relations and team management. Creating the perfect leadership team. Contd. on Page 4

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WHY IT PAYS TO TAKE

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Sown in Grace

The Vine Sisters of East Texas: Marnelle Durrett and Velma Power

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