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SEPTEMBER 2026
“Ozempic Face”: The BRUTAL Reality of GLP-1 agonist Weight loss Drugs
TEXAS BANK & TRUST Names Tyler students To prestigious Board
ROASTED VEGGIES
Make a healthy Filling option
GeorgeannaJones Longest-Serving Female Principal, Tyler ISD
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COVER STORY
COVER STORY
Building Belonging:
GeorgeannaJones,
Longest-Serving Female Principal, Tyler ISD Story by P A U L A J I M E N E Z
S
tep inside Andy Woods Elementary (AWE) in Tyler, Texas, and you’re bound to sense more than just the familiar scent of crayons and the chatter of students, and maybe even a 147-pound Great Dane named Winston Duke waiting for a pat. At the helm of this vibrant campus is Principal Georgeanna Jones, the heart of AWE and Tyler ISD's longest-serving principal, now celebrating her 13th year in the role. Her path to the principal’s office was anything but conventional. After losing her mother at five, Georgeanna was embraced by a network
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of church friends who became her lifeline. While her only sibling, Lisa Thompson, is also an assistant principal, her circle grew to include many “adopted” unofficial family members. She especially credits Andy Wells, a business owner who demonstrated family-style leadership and a hands-on work ethic. “If you’ve ever heard the phrase ‘it takes a village,’ my picture should be in that journal,” she jokes. Those early experiences of involvement and encouragement now shape how she leads her campus. But growing up, education wasn’t always smooth sailing. “I have the discipline rap sheets
to prove it,” she confesses, reflecting on a rocky start to eighth grade that included spending the first ten days in In-School Suspension. She even claims responsibility for the infamous “no backpacks allowed” rule during the last week of school. Looking back, she recognizes that her mischief was really a search for belonging and a place to fit in. What she truly needed was someone to show her that her past didn’t determine her future, and that she had the power to write her own story. Then came a moment that could have broken her spirit: an adult she deeply respected told her she would never
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make it through college and would soon be back home. She remembers that sting, but instead of letting it defeat her, she transformed that negativity into fuel. It became the push she needed, not just to prove her doubters wrong, but to conquer her own insecurities as well. She went on to graduate from the University of North Texas, vowing not to return to Tyler until she held her master’s degree and a great job in hand. Her work journey began at Target, where she rose to Team Leader, and later as a teacher at Richardson ISD. Eventually, she returned home and joined the Tyler ISD team. In a full-circle twist, her interview
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was led by her own middle school principal, Dr. Karen Raney. Now in her 13th year as principal, she has built an educational culture as lively as a Friday pep rally. There’s a palpable sense of joy at AWE. “You can feel the love and excitement the moment you walk in,” she beams. Ms. Georgeanna Jones
Contd. on Page 4
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COVER STORY
COVER STORY
Even during the summer, students swing by on scooters, hoping to catch a glimpse of their teachers. The PTA’s dedication shines through every corner of the campus. Their creativity and commitment bring unforgettable experiences to life, whether it’s the annual Run for the Woods 5K (now a Halloween costume run), the legendary Spring Carnival complete with real fair rides, or last year’s record-breaking book fair sales, the largest in Texas. These events are just a glimpse of their extraordinary energy. Furthermore, she works hard to match that enthusiasm by ensuring every student, teacher, and parent feels part of the Wrangler family. Whether it’s recognizing that student behavior is a form of communication or making sure teachers have the resources they need, her approach to guiding the school is all about support. “Happy staff equals happy kids,” she says, a mantra you can see in action every day, noting the school’s remarkably low turnover rate and that enrollment has grown from around 585 students to more than 800. Even when teachers’ families move, they’re sad to leave the school behind. Her biggest philosophy. “Every child can learn, but they need to feel known, valued, and supported.”
No story about Andy Woods would be complete without the lovable Mr. Winston mentioned earlier. That’s her only “child” and a true campus celebrity. Winston started tagging along to school as a wiggly pup, and now he’s just as much a part of the daily routine as morning announcements. He’s the unofficial campus mascot, always ready to celebrate student success, boost teacher morale, or hand out popsicles on his birthday. Kids light up when they see him at the front doors, and teachers pop in for a quick “pet break” during their conference periods. Of course, leading a school isn’t all sunshine and festivities. She acknowledges
the challenges, from students carrying heavy burdens to the demands on teachers’ time. Yet, she strives to be present and approachable, often leaving her office door open and shunning unnecessary meetings. She’s quick to celebrate staff with shout-outs, awards, and, yes, jean days and Woohoo Wagons, but she knows the real magic is in providing genuine support and resources. Reflecting on her journey, she recognizes how much others have poured into her at every stage. That steady encouragement inspired her to become a teacher, hoping
Campus pet, Winston Duke
Georgeanna Jones's family celebrating her earning Principle of the Year 2026
5K Run for the Woods Color Fundraiser
to give back and invest in kids the way others invested in her. She credits her middle school teachers, Julie Haley and Dorinda Fry, with shaping her story from those formative years into adulthood. She also holds special gratitude for assistant principal Connie Moore, who later served as principal before she took the helm. She says it’s the highest compliment when staff and parents notice similarities in their leadership styles, and she’s proud to share that they remain close even today. Now, she finds joy in watching her own students grow from nervous third graders into confident fifth graders, even though letting them go never gets easier. Meanwhile, stepping into her office is always an adventure; you never know what you’ll find. It’s decorated with student art and, thanks to her playful staff, hidden Jesus and turtle figurines. To top it all off, she received the surprise honor of being named Principal of the Year 2026 during an annual district event. She didn’t know until her name was announced, which made the genuine emotion on her face even more memorable on stage. Contd. on Page 6
Ms. Georgeanna Jones
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COVER STORY
COVER STORY Growing up without her mother, Darlene Jones, left a lasting impact. She often wonders what her mom would say about all the antics and adventures she’s had over the years, knowing Darlene was known for her sense of humor. She treasures that connection but admits it was difficult watching her friends grow up with their mothers, something she always longed for herself. Thankfully, elementary school is never short on comic relief. Sometimes, children keep you humble, whether you ask for it or not. One time, she asked a Pre-K student if she could take a picture of them to send to their mother.
“Every child can learn, but they need to feel known, valued, and supported.” - Georgeanna Jones High-fiving student in the hallway
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SEPTEMBER 2026
They looked at her and said very seriously, “My mom knows what I look like,” and kept walking. Another Pre-K student looked at her badge and told her she needed a new picture because they did not like the way she looked. She told them she would try to fix it. The following day, they came in, immediately looked at her badge, and shook their head in disgust when they realized she still hadn't gotten a new picture. Beyond her role as principal, she is known for her love of truecrime books and documentaries, her time with friends who have become family, and her status as a self-proclaimed pool-andlake bum. Humor is her coping mechanism. She can turn most situations into a joke, even
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Earning 2026 Principal of the Year with Ruby Abarca and Dr. Marty Crawford tough ones. She and Winston are regulars at 1836 Texas Kitchen, and her favorite subject is math. If she could have any superpower, she’d change the weather to guarantee perfect recess, and if she could add any class to the curriculum, it would be leadership skills. Additionally, she shares this advice with aspiring principals: Build relationships with your students. Never forget why you started. Give yourself permission
to make mistakes and learn from them. She believes true leadership isn’t about titles, but about creating a space where others can thrive. From the cheerful morning greetings to the final bell, Georgeanna Jones strives to sign every email with “you are loved”—a fitting message from a principal who has made AWE the kind of school you simply have to experience to truly understand.
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“Ozempic Face”:
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The medical reality of GLP-1 weight loss drugs WT STAFF REPORT
T
he massive rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists—like Ozempic (semaglutide)—marks a major shift in obesity management. Originally targeted to treat type 2 diabetes, these drugs are now widely used for weight loss. According to recent data, roughly 12% of adults in the United States have used a GLP-1 medication. However, these "miracle drugs" are not without side effects. Medical experts at UCLA Health note that they trick the brain and stomach into making a person feel full faster, which frequently causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Safe Timelines and Solutions To minimize sagging skin and facial volume loss, medical experts emphasize losing weight at a controlled pace.
♦ The Safe Timeline: Clinical guidelines
from institutions like the CDC state that a safe, sustainable rate of weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds per week (or 4 to 8 pounds per month).
♦ Dosage Management: When using GLP-1
medications, doctors can adjust the dosage downward to slow the pace of weight reduction. This gradual timeline gives the skin time to adapt, protects lean muscle mass, and prevents a gaunt facial appearance.
♦
The Cause of "Ozempic Face" Beyond digestive issues, a highly publicized phenomenon known as "Ozempic face" has emerged. Characterized by gauntness, sunken cheeks, hollow temples, and loose skin, doctors clarify that this is not a direct side effect of the medication itself. Instead, it is a natural biological consequence of rapid weight loss. This same
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aging effect happens whether a person drops weight quickly through GLP-1 drugs, bariatric surgery, or extreme lifestyle changes. When weight falls too quickly, the body pulls fat from the face first, and the skin loses elasticity because it does not have enough time to adjust and shrink.
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Aesthetic Restoration: For those who have already experienced rapid facial volume depletion, many turn to injectable dermal fillers to plump the skin and recreate a more youthful structure. Ultimately, while GLP-1 medications deliver highly effective metabolic results, maintaining a gradual, safe timeline is crucial to protecting both physical health and facial elasticity.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
GRUBS UP
THE MEANING OF
Roasted vegetables make a healthy, filling option
W
hen the weather is still warm, the desire for healthy, lighter fare rises alongside the mercury. That leads many people to turn to vegetables, which can satisfy hunger pangs but typically don't create feelings of sluggishness. Vegetables can be cooked in myriad ways, and some can even be eaten raw. If raw vegetables don’t sound appealing, roasting is a great way to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor. This recipe for Roasted Vegetables With Pignoli Nuts from Lines Angles is sure to please.
Makes 4 Servings
2 2 8
red bell peppers, seeds removed and sliced lengthwise green peppers, seeds removed and sliced horizontally large stalks celery, quartered lengthwise, then horizontally cloves garlic, peeled, whole
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WT STAFF REPORT
W
Roasted Vegetables with Pignoli Nuts 2
WELLNESS
2
shallots, peeled, whole 2 portobello mushroom caps, cut into quarters 7 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1/4 cup pignoli nuts
Preheat oven to 450 F. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and toss until well coated. Transfer to a sheet tray and spread vegetables into a single layer. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Transfer roasted vegetables to a serving dish, sprinkle pignoli nuts over the top, and serve.
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ellness is an oftheard buzzword among those looking to live a healthy lifestyle, but it's also something of a mystery. The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to holistic health. Some experts break wellness down into four categories: spiritual, social, psychological, and physical. Similarly, the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program says wellness is promoted through self-care, including four key strategies: rest, relaxation, replenishment, and release. Although the terms wellness, health, and well-being are often interchanged, each is distinct.
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Health:
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign says health often is defined as the absence of illness and disease, so various physical, social, and mental conditions fall under the health umbrella.
Well-being:
Although definitions of well-being vary, the term generally refers to living a fulfilling life in which a person feels content. The World Health Organization says well-being is "a positive state experienced by individuals and societies."
Wellness:
The whole-health organization Take Care® says wellness refers to pursuing activities, choices, and lifestyles that create health. Wellness is a plan or individual pursuit to achieve health and, in turn, a greater sense of well-being.
A better understanding of the niche components of overall health and wellness can help people enjoy physical and mental benefits and live more fulfilling lives. The following are some ways to pursue wellness: *Self-care *Routine medical exams and immunizations *Healthy diet and exercise habits *Being aware of one's feelings *Cultivating an optimistic outlook *Learning ways
to avoid or manage stress *Being open to new ideas and perspectives *Engaging in social activities, volunteerism, and contributing to the community *Finding meaning or purpose The concepts of wellness, well-being, and health seem interchangeable, but some distinctions set them apart. A combination of all three ultimately adds up to a healthier individual
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