infinitie plus
What to know about insurance and your roof
If bad weather damages your home’s roof, your homeowners insurance can help. It’s important to know how much coverage you have. When buying or renewing your insurance, ask your company or agent these questions:
z Is my roof info correct? Ask your agent if the age and material of your roof are correct on your policy. Tell your insurance company if you replace your roof so they can update the age.
z How much will my policy pay for roof damage? Some policies pay the full cost of a new roof. Others pay less based on the roof’s age and
condition. Many policies reduce coverage based on your roof’s age and materials.
z What’s my deductible? A deductible is what you pay before your company will pay. The deductible for wind and hail damage is often more than for other damage. If it is, you’ll pay more out of pocket to fix your roof.
z Will you cover my roof if it’s in bad shape? Your policy might not pay if your roof is damaged. When you fix or replace your roof, ask your company if they can add roof coverage back to your policy.
z Can I get a discount if I replace my roof? New roofs of-
Money Matters
ten get a better rate than older ones. If you replace your roof, consider materials resistant to wind, hail, or fire. Some companies give discounts for roofs with those materials.
z If part of my roof was damaged, will my policy replace the entire roof? Your company might not pay to replace the entire roof, even if the new shingles don’t match the old ones perfectly.
z When should I file a claim? You can file a claim if a storm, tree, or something else damages your roof. Have a question about insurance? Call the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439 or visit www.tdi.texas.gov.
GREETINGS
TOP TALK
Hello Everyone!
It’s already May, and the showers are still with us. Let’s enjoy these cooler days before the blistering Texas summer heat sets in.
We are always excited to bring you refreshing stories about the people and events shaping our East Texas communities. Our cover story features Les Mendicello, who spent 47 years in the banking industry and loved every minute of it. When he first stepped into leadership in 1979, gas was just 86 cents a gallon, The Deer Hunter had recently claimed Hollywood’s highest honor, and “mobile banking” meant rolling down your car window at a teller station. Be sure to check out his full story in this edition.
Many mothers are often left out of traditional Mother’s Day celebrations as families and traditions continue to evolve. That’s why we’re sharing three meaningful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day beyond the usual approach.
But that’s not all.
The 12th Martin House Child Advocacy Center Boots, Bags & Bingo event was a tremendous success. It was a night full of fun with a powerful purpose, bringing East Texas together to stand up, speak out, and show up for every child. Don’t miss the feature on the models, you are sure to love it.
There’s so much more waiting for you in this edition. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to serving you again in June, by God’s grace.
Joycelyne Fadojutimi, Ph.D.
The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One…
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.
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VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 05
and Finance
Connections
Our cover story features Les
who spent
years in the banking industry and loved every minute of it. The 12th Martin House Child Advocacy Center Boots, Bags & Bingo event was a tremendous success. It was a night full of fun with a powerful purpose, bringing East Texas together to stand up, speak out, and show up for every child. Women Today feature is LaRhonda Hamilton who is redefining what it means to do it all.
Rebecca Thomas and Sam Morris Samantha Mason, Shirley and Mile Clements Gloria and Zeke Longoria
Mendicello,
47
Martin House Staff: Front Row: Ionotzi Swart, Chloe Hick, Jessica Peterson, Diana Maldonado, Valerie Hill and Brynlee Karika. Front row: Roxanne Srevenson, Cadie Pyeatt, Tracy Moore, Christie Glenn, Martie Dykes, Chelsi Bell, Dawn Jefferey
47 YEARS. ONE LAGACY
Built on trust. Driven by community
Story and photos by JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI /
The Spring Hill State Bank lobby was full that late afternoon. Not just with people, but with memories. At the front stood President and Bank Director of Spring Hill State Bank Wallace E. Rhymes III, a man who had clearly rehearsed his words but now let them settle
into something more personal as he looked out over the crowd of friends, colleagues, customers, faces that told the story better than any ledger ever could.
He smiled, then tearily began.
He spoke of CEO of Spring Hill State Bank Les Mendicello not as a title, but as a presence, a steady hand
that had guided Spring Hill State Bank through decades of change. He painted a picture of March 1, 1979, when Les first stepped into leadership. Back then, gas was 86 cents a gallon, The Deer Hunter had just claimed Hollywood’s highest honor, and “mobile banking” meant rolling down your car window at a teller station.
A soft ripple of laughter moved through the room. But Rhymes’ voice carried something deeper than nostalgia. For 47 years, he said, Les had been more than a banker. He had been a builder of trust, a quiet architect of community. Not just approving loans, but believing in people, in their ideas, their risks, and their futures.
Around the room, heads nodded. Some smiled. Some blinked back tears.
Because everyone there knew: Les’s legacy wasn’t written in balance sheets.
Les Mendicello speaks at his recent retirement reception, attendees look
It lived in handshakes, in mentorship, in the quiet dignity with which he served on boards and civic causes. He understood something rare and that is: a community bank and its community grow together, or not at all.
And then Rhymes turned, gently, to the woman beside him.
Kathy Mendicello. He thanked her, not as an afterthought, but as a cornerstone. The unseen strength behind long days and longer years. The partner who shared the weight of a life dedicated to others.
There was a pause then, the kind that says more than words.
Though Les would step down from daily leadership, Rhymes reminded them he wasn’t truly leaving. He would remain as chairman, still a guiding presence, just with a little more time, perhaps, for rest and vacations.
And so, with no glasses in hand but plenty of feeling in the air, Rhymes invited everyone to imagine raising one.
To kindness.
To integrity.
To vision.
To nearly half a century of service.
“To Les Mendicello,” he said softly. “Thank you.”
In a quieter corner, away from the applause and the warm glow of tribute, Les sat down with a journalist.
There was no podium now. Just a conversation.
“No,” he said with a small smile when asked if he had founded the bank. “The bank started in 1977. I came along about 18 months later.” His story unfolded not like a résumé, but like a winding road. It began in Colorado. He was only 16 years old, pumping gas. Then college. Then a chance encounter: a part-time job at a small bank. He ran checks between institutions, drove the bank car, learned the rhythms of money and trust before he was even 20.
“I was around good people,” he said simply. And it was clear he meant it.
Contd. on Page 10
Tammy Gibbons and Nathalie Rabicoff
Susie French, Carolyn Norhtcutt, Natalie Rabicoff, Jan Paine, Carolyn McAninch, Kathy Jones, Kathy Mendicello and Lynn Bryson at the retirement reception.
Les Mendicello speaks at his recent retirement reception, attendees look on
President Wally Rhymes speaking about Les Mendicello
Longview Bank and Trust now Texas Bank and Trust.
“It’s been a while,” he admitted, almost amused. “But it went by fast.”
When asked why banking, he didn’t talk about ambition or strategy. He talked about people. About opportunity. About being in the right place, with the right mentors, at the right time.
And when the conversation turned to Kathy and family, his face softened beaming with smile.
They had grown up just blocks apart in Colorado. They were neighbors who never quite crossed paths until a chance meeting after high school changed everything.
Life, it seemed, had a way of bringing the right pieces together.
“Do you miss Colorado?” the journalist asked.
Les leaned back slightly, a familiar smile returning.
“When it gets really warm here,” he said, “I do.”
No two families are the same. What may be normal for one family could be quite unique to another. Because families are so different, days such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, and even days devoted to siblings or cousins present opportunities for families to celebrate diversity while honoring their family members.
And in that moment, after a lifetime of decisions, leadership, and service, he didn’t sound like a retired CEO.
A job offer here. A connection there.
That simple beginning carried him forward to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); to Texas, to years as a bank examiner traveling through East Texas towns assessing a financial institution’s safety, soundness, and compliance with laws and regulations to ensure it manages risk properly and maintains stability.
And somewhere along the way, doors opened.
Eventually, it led him back to Longview. First, with
He sounded like a man who had simply followed a path, one good step at a time, and found himself surrounded by a community that would never forget him.
Branch out to many caregivers
Certainly, a person becomes a mother if she has given birth to a child. But motherhood is a much broader concept. Many women are mothers to children with whom they have little to no biological connection. Some may be relatives that filled the void left by a mother who passed away or was unable to care
3 ways non-traditional families can celebrate Mother’s Day
for children. Anyone who has stepped into the role of caretaker can and should be celebrated on Mother’s Day.
Recognizing stepmothers
The notion of the Evil stepmother in fairy tales is inaccurate. Many children have very close relationships with their stepmothers and even retaining relationships should the stepmother divorce out of the family. Modern families even include strong connections between stepmothers and biological mothers, with each doing their part to make sure children are getting the love and support they need.
Absent but not forgotten
Some mothers are not present in children’s lives for various reasons. These can include death, incarceration, illness, military deployment, or enrollment in a rehabilitation
program. Mother’s Day can be a time of mixed emotions for individuals whose moms are not present, and families can work together to find ways to celebrate. This may be visiting the cemetery to pay respects or sending a letter to express one’s feelings. Individuals also can recognize those people who act as surrogate mothers, including special friends or coworkers who always listen and offer advice.
Mother’s Day can be recognized with flexibility and creativity within non-traditional families.
Les Mendicello and Bernie Wolford
TISD celebrates educators, alumni, community champs
It was a night to remember as Tyler ISD celebrated the very best of its schools and community at the 2026 Educators of the Year Gala. With the support of Cooperative Teachers Credit Union (CTCU) and dedicated sponsors, the evening honored outstanding educators while also introducing new recognitions for Distinguished Alumni and Community Partners of the Year.
The celebration began with the announcement of Rookie of the Year, awarded to Jovita De La Cruz of Austin Elementary, sponsored by The Mortgage House. Principal of the Year honors, sponsored by Ruby's Mexican Restaurant, went to Ms. Georgeanna Jones of Andy Woods Elementary, recognizing her exceptional leadership and commitment to student success.
In an exciting addition to this year’s gala, Tyler ISD recognized its Distinguished Alumnus, Bill Coates — a legendary sportscaster whose voice has defined East Texas athletics for decades. The district also honored the Tyler Hispanic Business Alliance and the Hispanic Professionals Association of Tyler as Community Partners of the Year for their ongoing investment in student success in Tyler ISD.
Jesus Flores - HPAT Community Partner of the Year 2026
Georgeanna Jones - Principal of the Year 2026
Georgeanna Jones-Principal of the Year 2026
Emily Little - Elementary Educator of the Year Award
Emily Little-Elementary Educator of the Year 2026
The spotlight then turned to 30 Campus Teachers of the Year, each representing excellence across the district. The evening culminated with the announcement of the District Teachers of the Year:
z Emily Little , Caldwell Arts Academy – E lementary
z Meghan Orlowski , Hubbard Middle School –Secondary
Both will advance to represent Tyler ISD at the regional level.
Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford praised the honorees, emphasizing their lasting impact. “Our educators, alumni, and community partners are what make your hometown school district, Tyler ISD, exceptional,” he said. “Their dedication shapes the future of our students and our community.”
Community Connections
Running for dignity, growing impact
Simple Bare Necessities (SBN), a nonprofit providing hygiene products to underserved youth, recently hosted its 5th Annual Race for Dignity 5K Fun Run.
has raised more than $150,000 to support its programs. “In the past year alone, we’ve seen incredible growth,” Germanwala said. “We’re now serving approximately 1,900 students through our backpack program and anticipate completing 7,600 hygiene
Founded in 2020 as a high school initiative, SBN has distributed over 15,000 hygiene kits to students in Longview ISD, helping them feel “confident, cared for, and ready to learn.” Now expanding beyond East Texas, co-founder Arya Germanwala, a senior at Vanderbilt University, has helped grow the mission into Tennessee, including Metro Nashville Public Schools and a developing partnership with the Tennessee Justice Center.
“This mission started in our hometown, but we’ve always believed the need and the opportunity to serve extends far beyond East Texas,” said Germanwala.
“Being able to grow this into new communities while I’m in college has been incredibly meaningful, and we’re just getting started.”
The Race for Dignity, SBN’s signature fundraiser,
bags this year. Every step taken at the race directly supports a student in need.”
With many students living at or below 130% of the federal poverty line, the need remains urgent. “Our
goal is simple but powerful,” Germanwala added. “Every student deserves to feel clean, confident, and cared for. That’s what dignity looks like and that’s what this race helps provide.”
Meghan Orlowski - Secondary Teacher of the Year Award
Tyler Hispanic Business Alliance - Community Partner of the Year 2026
Meghan Orlowski-Secondary Educator of the Year 2026
Running for dignity Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
IP STAFF REPORT
Community Connections Community Connections
Where Fun Meets a Fierce Purpose
An unforgettable night rallying East Texas to stand up, speak out, and show up for every child.
Story
TJOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI / www.infinitieplusmag.com
he room filled with boots, bright bags, and something deeper than a fundraiser, resolute purpose.
Rebecca Thomas had helped guide this night. She had walked alongside the Martin House. And tonight, at the 12th Boots, Bags, and Bingo, she stood not just as a chair, but as a witness to what love in action can build.
It started months ago with calls, meetings, laughter, last-minute fixes. A group of women came together and stayed, not just forming a committee, but a community. What they created wasn’t just an event. It was something stitched together with friendship and resolve.
Around them stood others who quietly carry the mission forward. A board offering steady leadership. A staff stepping daily into the hardest moments of a child’s life, meeting fear
with compassion, and pain with presence. Over 900 children in a year, each one seen, protected, reminded they are not alone.
Even comfort came on four legs, Randy, the therapy dog, proving that sometimes heroes don’t wear capes.
Gratitude filled the space. For those who showed up. For those who gave. For those who believe. Then the night found its rhythm. Familiar voices took the stage.
and photos by
Martin House Child Advocacy Center’s recent annual fun fund raiser
TB&T TEAM: Barbara Berry, Jana Cates, Caryn Pepper, Lori Osborne, Regina Mixon, Leslie Paull, Janet Hedrick and Janet Sledge. Scott Morrison
Tim Barnett
Chris Butto Glenn McFarland Reid McCain Terry Roach
Terry Roach
Brendan Roth
Community Connections
New ones returned. The legacy of service was honored. And as the spotlight turned, law enforcement officers walked the blue carpet, modeling generosity in motion, turning style into support, laughter into impact. Cards were marked. Numbers were called. The crowd leaned in, hopeful and lighthearted.
And through it all, the purpose never left the room.
Because this wasn’t just bingo. It was a promise to stand together with Martin House Child Advocacy Center and for East Texas children. Not just for this event alone but to keep showing up, again and again, until every child feels safe, seen, and heard.
HE LOVES ME
By GUIDO MINISTRIES
One day Charlie Brown and Lucy were strolling along when she stopped and picked a daisy and began to pluck the petals one by one, saying, “He loves me, he loves me not. He loves me, he loves me not.” Plucking the last petal she said, “He loves me! Charlie Brown, you love me!”
“Well,” he said, “I could have told you that.”
Sadly, she asked, “But why didn’t you?”
How often do we, like Charlie Brown, hold back words of love, assuming
others already know? 1 John 4:8 reminds us that “God is love,” and as His children, we are called to reflect that love through our words and actions.
John teaches that love is not just an action but the very nature of God. When we allow God’s love to dwell in us, it naturally overflows into our relationships. Our failure to show love can dim the light of Christ in us. By speaking words of kindness, gratitude, and affection, we become vessels of God’s love, shining His presence into a world that desperately needs it.
Take a moment today to
tell someone you love them. As you share God’s love with others, you not only strengthen your relationships but also draw others closer to the One who is the source of all love.
Prayer: We pray, Lord, that we will demonstrate Your love through our lives and that others will see Jesus in us and through us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8
Dakota Chester, Megan Deal, Sarah Geiman, Beverly Campbell
Craig Harrington David Burrows
TC Livingston
Sponsor Name
How screen time affects adults How women can safeguard their mental health
The effects of screen time are a point of frequent conversation. However, such discussions often focus on the impact of screen time on the health and well-being of children. But children are not the only age group who has to consider how much time they spend with their devices. Many professionals spend hours on end in front of computers, and those same people may spend a lot of their free time watching shows and/or scrolling social media and news stories online.
There are quite a number of negative effects of too much screen time, even for adults. However, the point in time when device usage is considered detrimental to adults health is not clearly defined. Some health experts say that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day leads to a significant improvement in well-being. If that isn’t enough to convince adults to put down their devices, perhaps an examination of the various harmful side effects of screens might do the job.
Depression: A 2017 study published in the journal Preventative Medicine Reports found a significant association between television watching and computer use with moder-
ate or severe levels of depression. Several studies also have found a positive association between screen time and depression in adolescents.
Eye strain: Looking at screens can impact eye health. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the 20-20-20 rule for adults who work on a computer. This rule says that individuals look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of the day.
Neck and back pain: Time spent sitting at a desk or on a phone and looking down adversely affects the body. This places strain on the neck, shoulders and back. In fact, many health care providers refer to the condition as tech neck. Pain can occur and the risk for severe musculoskeletal issues can increase when these positions are held for too long, according to Reid Health.
Cognitive changes: A 2020 study in Science Direct found that adults who have been diagnosed with smartphone addiction had problems with the part of their brains responsible for transmitting messages. Such adults also exhibited reduced cognitive performance. In addition, Stanford Lifestyle Medicine reports adults who watched
television for five hours or more per day had an increased risk of developing brain-related diseases like dementia, stroke or Parkinson’s.
Reduced physical activity:
People who spend too much time on screens may be less likely to engage in physical activity, such as going on walks, working in the garden, playing sports, or engaging in active hobby projects.
A sedentary lifestyle is linked to various health implications, such as increased risk for obesity and the health problems that come with being overweight.
Impact sleep: The JAMA Network reports that among a cross-sectional analysis of 122,058 participants in the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-3, screen use was associated with decreased sleep duration and worse self-reported sleep quality. Electronic screen use before bed can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to poorer sleep.
Screen time is not just a concern for children. Adults should moderate screen usage to safeguard themselves from an assortment of negative, device-related outcomes.
Women face numerous challenges as they move forward in their personal and professional lives. In order to overcome such obstacles, women may feel the need to continually put on brave faces and act strong in assorted situations.
Over time, feeling the need to always appear ready to tackle the world can slowly chip away at women’s wellbeing, particularly their mental wellness. In order to right the ship, it may be necessary for women to identify behaviors that can improve and protect their mental health. The following lifestyle strategies can help.
È Get ample rest Give yourself permission to rest when you need it, and do not feel guilty for not being productive. In fact, think of the time you devote to yourself as productive since it is benefitting your health.
È Consider meditation Meditation can help soothe the mind and body. There are different meditation modalities. Some people like to sit listening to soothing music. You may want to join a yoga class where you can learn to breathe deeply. Alternative
meditation disciplines may be more in-depth or involve spirituality. Experiment with what works for you.
È Exercise regularly
The health organization
Women’s Care says exercising regularly can help maintain mental health. Exercise often is mentioned as a cure-all for many different conditions and may produce the same moodboosting benefits of prescription medications used to treat mental health conditions.
È Make friends
Socialization can help you feel less isolated and alone.
Participating in activities with others and gaining new connections is a healthy way to boost the brain and improve mental health.
È Participate in activities you enjoy Make time for activities that fuel hobbies or interests rather than just those required for work or maintaining the household.
È Eat healthy foods
Food can affect mood in various ways. Certain foods may contribute to inflammation throughout the body, which can increase risk for certain conditions. Choose foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids to boost mental health. Others, like those rich in vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene, can be crucial for the proper function of the brain and nervous system, says the Family Institute.
È Learn about hormones. Fluctuating hormone levels during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause may put you at risk for various mental health conditions. Speak with a doctor about what you can do to keep hormones more stable or to treat conditions as they pertain to these hormones.
Maximizing mental health may come down to certain practices that prioritize mental well-being.
Glenda Hughes closes deal on 29-year career
Story and photos by JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI
After nearly three decades in real estate, Glenda Hughes is stepping into retirement with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for both her career and the community she has served.
Hughes, who is married and has one daughter, credits her upbringing for shaping the person she became. Raised by parents who valued faith and friendship, she says those early influences played an important role in her life. “We were always in church
and surrounded by friends,” she said, reflecting on the foundation that guided her personal and professional journey.
Her path into real estate began long before her career officially started. Hughes attended Kilgore College, choosing it for its proximity, but her interest in the industry dates back to the 1970s. “I always wanted to work in real estate,” she said.
That early ambition turned into a 29-year career defined by persistence and dedication. Hughes describes her professional climb in simple
terms: hard work. Over the years, she built a reputation for providing reliable, professional guidance to clients navigating one of life’s biggest decisions, buying or selling property.
“Real estate offers a professional service to people who need advice and direction,” she said. “Every client is different, and every day is different. There really is no typical day in this business.”
It’s that variety and the relationships she built that Hughes says she will miss the most. “The clients,” she said, without hesitation.
Outside of her work, Hughes has remained
active in the community. She attends church regularly and previously served on the board of directors for the Longview Museum of Fine Arts (LMFA), contributing her time and experience beyond her profession.
For those considering a similar career, Hughes offers straightforward advice: be prepared to work hard and embrace an unpredictable schedule.
“You have to be able to work without a set start time and be willing to put in the effort,” she said.
As she looks back on her career, Hughes says she has no regrets. Instead,
she views her years in real estate as a success, one built on commitment, relationships, and consistency.
Now, as she enters retirement, her plans are refreshingly simple.
“Do whatever I want,” she said with a smile.
In her free time, Hughes enjoys browsing antique stores, reading, gardening, and indulging in her favorite food: seafood.
After 29 years of helping others find their place to call home, Hughes is now ready to enjoy her own next chapter.
Layla Wragg, Rachel Bogenschutz, Jana Cates, Glenda Hughes, Melanie Northcutt, and Lauryn Betts.
Dionne Minchew and Melanie Northcutt
Melanie Northcutt and Kat Smith
Glenda and Jim Hughes
OFFICE WORK CAN LEAD TO CANCER
Though office work might not be the first profession individuals think of in relation to elevating one's cancer risk, sitting at a desk for most of the day can increase a person's risk for cancer. According to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, sitting for most of the day without engaging
in physical activity puts individuals at increased risk for cancer. How much extra risk does that entail? Though no two individuals are the same, studies have equated sitting for eight hours a day without any physical activity to the risk posed by obesity and smoking. The DFCI notes that sitting over long periods of time has been known to cause increased
blood pressure, high cholesterol and excess body fat around the waist, each of which have been identified as factors that increase a person's risk for cancer
“I was seeking a chance to see the world, expand my perspective, and gain independence,” she said.
While serving, she worked as a Sergeant of Corrections Officers, a Child Maltreatment Investigator, and a Criminal Justice Instructor. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Administration of Justice and Security, and a master’s degree in Psychology.
Reflecting on her years in uniform, she shares that what she misses most is the camaraderie and sense of unity. She describes the unique power of being surrounded by people who understood the mission and supported one another like family. “The bonds built through service are unlike any other; that sense of belonging, teamwork, and connection is difficult to replace,” she said.
Transitioning from the armed forces, she continued to break barriers. She is currently a Criminal Justice Professor at Tyler Junior College, entering her 10th
year. She has earned the key to the City of Tyler twice, serves on multiple boards, is a Leadership Tyler Core Graduate Class of ‘36, and earned numerous accolades. She is also a motivational speaker, founder of World Changing Women Leadership, and founder of East Texas Veterans Banquet, an annual event held on November 2nd. But her greatest joy is her daughter, Bryia, an elementary art teacher in the Dallas, Texas area.
Over the years, she has discovered that it’s perfectly acceptable to decline invitations or step back from board commitments. She’s come to realize that prioritizing time for herself and her family is what matters most. The legacy she hopes to leave behind is to be remembered as someone who used her voice and life experiences to help open doors for those around her. “For me, success isn’t just about what I’ve achieved for myself; it’s how I can use my journey to inspire and empower others.”
“Walk boldly, trust yourself, and never be afraid to create your own path.”
LaRhonda Hamilton
Her advice to young women seeking to follow in her footsteps is to believe in their own potential, even before the world recognizes it. Do not shrink to fit into spaces where you are meant to sprout, and do not let self-doubt limit your ambitions. Above all, she urges them to stay disciplined, remain open to learning, and continually invest in themselves through education and personal development.
enjoys reading inspirational books, attending church, and relishing one of her favorite dishes, seafood. And, if given the opportunity to dine with any woman, she would choose Maya Angelou.
When asked what serving in the military means to her, she says, “It represents sacrifice, honor, and protecting our freedom. It also means a transformation that becomes who you are eternally.”
During her free time, she
But there is more to Army veteran LaRhonda Hamilton. As she continues to blossom, much like the roses of her adopted city, she is driven to serve beyond her activeduty career. She is committed to building a supportive space where women, past or present in the military, can find connection, healing, and resources. Her goal is to ensure they are seen, heard, and supported.
LaRhonda's family: Virginia and Quince Baker and LaRhonda's daughter, Bryia Lewis
LaRhonda Hamilton Quiet heroine: Redefining what
it means to do it all
As May celebrates National Military Appreciation Month, we are honored to highlight the journey of East Texas native and United States Army veteran, LaRhonda Hamilton. With immense pride, LaRhonda reflects on her twenty years, four months, and eight days of military service and remains dedicated to uplifting the veteran community whenever
Notably, her family has a military tradition. Her biological father was enlisted in the Air Force but tragically lost his life during his time serving when she was two years old. However, life took a meaningful turn when her mother, Virginia Baker, married her stepfather, Quince Baker, whom she considers her dad. Mr. Baker, a decorated Vietnam War hero, brought strength and stability to the family, showing how new beginnings can follow even the most difficult times. Her parents’ marriage remains resilient, as they celebrated their 55th anniversary this past MAY.
Additionally, she admires her mother’s determination in navigating being a single parent. Throughout the week, she stayed with her grandparents while her mother worked. She describes this arrangement as a blessing, receiving love from all sides, which played a significant role in shaping the woman she has become. She gives them all credit for instilling a foundation
“The bonds built through service are unlike any other.”
LaRhonda Hamilton
LaRhonda Hamilton
of guidance that still influences how she moves through life today.
Growing up, her experiences as an only child shaped much of her story. She often spent hours creating paper dolls from catalog cutouts, letting her imagination soar and developing a remarkable sense of creativity and self-entertainment.
However, her childhood was not without its challenges. She was naturally shy and reserved, not because she was sheltered, but simply because that was her personality. Despite her family's encouragement to get out and explore, she
struggled internally with her confidence. This introverted nature made her a target for bullying, especially among neighborhood children, which left her feeling isolated and self-conscious.
As she entered adulthood, she came to understand that her quiet nature was simply a chapter in her personal growth. Over time, she transformed her former insecurities into confidence and drive.
Subsequently, her upbringing led her to the military. Although she initially joined to further her education, she soon realized that her enlistment would offer far more than academic opportunities.
Contd. on Page 4
Larhonda Hamilton
Glenda Hughes
closes deal on 29-year career
How SCREEN TIME Affects Adults
Office Work Can Lead To CANCER
How
can safeguard their Mental Health
Quiet heroine: Redefining what it means to do it all
LaRhonda Hamilton