Letters to Santa 2022

By Chrissie Mouton news@orangeleader.com

Precinct 2 County Commissioner Theresa Beauchamp is looking forward to her new role in 2023 — retirement.

Beauchamp is retiring after four years on Orange County Commissioners Court, but her career also included 12 years serving on Orange City Council and 40 years in education, as a teacher and administrator.

“We have enjoyed Mrs.

Beauchamp and will miss her being on the court,” says John Gothia, County Judge. “I think she served her citizens well and I think she gets to go and enjoy her retirement now.”

Beauchamp shares a similar sentiment.

“I worked with the best commissioner’s court that I could have ever worked with,” Beauchamp says. “We not only worked together but were friends and respected each other’s opinions. Everybody brought to the table

expertise. I’m going to miss all of them, the people at the courthouse and everybody down there that have become my friends. They do a good job. I’m leaving on a good note.”

Beauchamp is also very proud of what she accomplished while serving.

“We got a health department back from Hardin County. When the pandemic hit, our people were having to drive all the way to Hardin County to get a COVID shot,” Beauchamp says. “So,

we got a health department back here in Orange on Strickland. It’s wonderful people can get all their shots there and everything.”

But that wasn’t Beauchamp’s only accomplishment.

“A lot of ditches dug. People were helped with their drainage. I didn’t just sit in the office. I worked on things that had been neglected for a long time. Got roads built that had been neglected.

See ‘Theresa,’ page A2

By Van Wade Van.wade@orangeleader.com

LITTLE CYPRESS —

Little Cypress-Mauriceville senior Mariah Ammons is a “stickler” for keeping her grades up while navigating through entertaining ways of brightening the lives of everyone around.

She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Interact Club, Bear Believers, helps with Team Force and plays volleyball and soccer.

“I’m just a believer in helping people out, whether

it is through Christ or any means,” said Ammons. “If I can be there to brighten a person’s day, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability. I always try to be a positive

person and help lead the way in every way possible.”

Being a part of the Interact Club is uplifting, from small projects to big projects, she said.

They have

to raise money struggling families in Guatemala.

They

funds

Orange police making presence known following recent shootings

By Mary Meaux news@orangeleader.com

ORANGE — Orange City

Police Chief Lane Martin wants the public to know officers are out and patrolling neighborhoods and businesses.

Martin is also encouraging people to report any suspicious activity as well as making sure to lock their vehicles and hide any valuables.

“Be aware of your surroundings and, when possible, stay in groups instead of walking in by yourself,” Martin said.

Martin didn’t directly address the two shootings that occurred this week in the city, but said they are under investigation.

The recent violence began with a shooting at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 2300 block of Pacific Street. When police arrived they found a 30-year-old man with a gunshot wound. They identified the victim as Rodrick Williams of Orange.

He was taken to a hospital and was last listed in stable condition.

Information about what

See ‘Orange,’ page A2

A Nobel Pastime Hunting Pictures shine at Stark Museum

By Van Wade Van.wade@orangeleader.com

The Stark Museum of Art is hosting “A Nobel Pastime: Hunting Pictures from the Sarah Campbell Blaffer

D evotional

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:11-14

Foundation” through early April.

“This exhibition features a subject that is familiar to Stark Museum attendees –that of hunting, but from a different perspective,” said Sarah Boehme, curator. “We are very grateful to

the

for generously sharing this extraordinary collection and organizing this loan

so that the Stark Museum of Art could present these works of art to our audience.”

The hunt has been a

pervasive theme in western art and literature since the time of ancient Greece.

The sport, often approaching the status of ritual, was generally heavily regulated and restricted to the nobility, with violators subject to strict penalties including, in

some cases, death.

“A Noble Pastime” includes 16th- to 19th-century representations of various aspects of the chase, such as hunting expeditions, game pieces, and portraits of hunters as well as animals.

This exhibition seeks to

‘Mariah,’ page A2 See ‘Museum,’ page A2

illuminate various hunting methods, to underscore the role of the hunt as an exclusive pursuit in early-modern European culture, and to emphasize the use of hunting imagery as a conscious

sold bracelets

have raised

for a Cancer cure for St. Elizabeth Hospital during

football games. One of the best moments this year was making dog blankets for area animal

Courtesy Photo Orange County Commissioner Theresa Beauchamp was honored by fellow commissioners Robert Viator, County Judge John Gothia, Kirk Roccaforte and Johnny Trahan for her tremendous service.

Van Wade/Orange Leader

Bridge City’s Caryss Carpenter is the 2022 Orange Leader Female Athlete of the Year, and Little Cypress-Mauriceville’s Ashton Landry is the Orange Leader Male Athlete of the Year. When

Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation

exhibition

See

shelters.

Of course, Ammons’ strong faith keeps her focused in Bear Believers.

“It’s such an awesome group to be in, and faith has always been so important to me. It guides me in everything that I do,” said Ammons. “We organize pep rallies on campus. We’re not only Bear Believers in our faith, we are Bear Believers when it comes to being LC-M fans. We’ve been able to raise funds for church groups that go on missions to Asia. We like to do things that touch a lot of people’s hearts.”

Ammons is also heavily involved in her church activities through the Youth Praise Band.

She loves to sing.

“Our church does a lot of positive things in the community,” she said. “We go out and feed people and have canned food drives. We love going to nursing homes, visit the people there and work on things like their garden to help lift their spirits up.

Speaking of singing, Ammons has stepped in and has lifted everyone up prior to volleyball home games by singing the national anthem, said LC-M Activities Director Stacey Smith.

“But those are the type of things she does 24/7,” said Smith. “If you need a go-to person for anything, Mariah is one we can certainly depend on. She’s such a positive person, and that has so much to do with her faith. We just all simply love her around here.”

Ammons has had excellent parents help steer the way in James and Erika Ammons.

He dad has taught her how to be kind to people and to sacrifice yourself to help make it a better world.

“He has been in the military for a long time and he knows what sacrifice is all about,” she said. “My Mom is such a busy person, as far as going that extra mile to help people out. God is the center of her life. They are both so influential to my life.”

Ammons is proud to share some of her time with the LC-M Team Force kids, enabling them to thrive in their environment.

“I love engaging with those kids and boosting their spirits, whether it is reading to them or playing in activities with them,” said Ammons. “We organize kick ball games with them, and they have a blast. We took them to Lions Den Park for the carnival and helped them with the rides. The

smiles on their faces are priceless.

“Not to brag much, but I think our school has the best program for those great group of kids. I like to help teach them but in reality, they teach me a lot, too.”

Ammons was thrilled to be inducted into the National Honor Society last year.

It’s always been big for her to keep up the grades. It takes a lot of but is well worth it.

“I love English and I love writing essays,” said Ammons. “I enjoy reading on my down time. I just like writing in general. My mom thinks I’m always writing a novel when I’m home. Now math, let’s not go there. I just want to get past the subject the best I can.”

Ammons completed the volleyball season, and the Lady Bears went 10-2 in district play to earn the second-place playoff seed. Ammons made the All-Orange Leader Volleyball Team as a senior.

“We really started to gel when district started after having so many new faces to start the seasons,” said Ammons. “10-2 in district was pretty good, I just wish we could have defeated our rival Bridge City, but they were awesome.”

Ammons is turning her attention to the soccer field.

She has played for 13 years.

She also plays select ball throughout the year.

“Here at LC-M, we have a strong tradition and we want to continue that this year,” she said. “We lost several really good players to graduation but we have some young ones coming up that are really good. I know I’m going to have to be one of the players that steps up in a leadership role.”

Soccer coach Lauren Martin is elated to have Ammons, calling her a go-getter in everything she does and tries to accomplish.

“She’s a vocal leader and also provides leadership by doing her thing, which is always being positive and inspirational,” said Martin.

“When she enters a room, or a field, or a gym, she immediately brightens the environment around her.”

Ammons would love to continue to play soccer at the college level.

“I want to attend LeTourneau University and become a Child Life Specialist,” she said. “I would like to work around hospitals and just help families and be there for them when anything comes up. I want to be a guiding hand to help them through difficult and happy times.”

Bonnie loves attention and would love you

West Orange celebrates first Christmas decoration competition

By Sierra Kondos news@orangeleader.com

WEST ORANGE — The City of West Orange celebrated its inaugural Christmas decoration contest, naming Pat and Patty Cook the first-place winners.

The contest began Nov. 21 and announced Pat and Patty Cook as the first-place winners Dec. 19. The contest was judged by the mayor, mayor pro-tem, council members and the general-public through Facebook voting. The Cooks won a Christmas Decoration Contest Winner 2022 yard sign.

“The contest started with a conversation between Brent Dearing, councilman and me,” Mayor Pro-Tem Meritta Kennedy said. “I took it from there and made it happen with the approval of the mayor. Our goal for this year was to bring hope, joy, family and community involvement, not so much for the competition. It was for the spirit of Christmas, positive vibes and the many smiles it would make.”

16 participants were judged based on beauty, theme and creativity.

“What stood out according to many of the voters was the new addition of the deer and the fact it kept

Museum

Continued from A1

tool for fashioning one’s self-identity.

The exhibit features 56 works of art including paintings, prints, illustrated rare books, and a decorative arts object.

Artists include Jacques Callot, Willem van Aelst, George Stubbs and many other French, Dutch, British, German, and Flemish artists. Portraits of hunting dogs and a hunter’s horse show the importance of

Christ in Christmas and the many fabulous lights,” Kennedy said. “One child voter stated, ‘it has just everything.’ Rebekah Ragsdale won first runner-up, Donnie and Jennifer Veitch won second runner-up and Jimmy and Lisa Veitch won third runner-up.”

This will be an annual event for West Orange.

“This is the goal for the future,” Kennedy said. “We

animals to the enjoyment of the hunting adventure and to the success of the hunt.

Works in the exhibition feature falconry, the use of trained hawks to hunt prey. Educational additions to the exhibition will include an audio tour and a scavenger hunt.

The exhibit is on display through April 8.

The Stark Museum, 712 Green Avenue in Orange, is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Call 409-886-2787 for more information.

will also add several categories that will allow several winners.”

The Cooks were contacted by Kennedy to enter into the contest.

“We are both retired,” Patty Cook said. “We really don’t have a theme. We just started putting up the lights and have added more and more as the years have gone by. It took my husband a solid week to get all the

lights up. We have had a separate breaker box put in and electrical outlets put in under eaves, out by the light pole and at base of brick columns walking up to entrance of home.”

The Cooks have lived in West Orange for 33 years.

For more information on the West Orange Christmas contest visit The City of West Orange Facebook page.

Continued from A1

led to the shooting and possible suspect information has not been released.

The second shooting happened in the pre-dawn hours Thursday.

Orange Police

Theresa

Continued from A1

That’s what I needed to do and that’s why I did it. “

The county is also no longer in debt.

“It’s the first year Orange County is not in the red in several years,” Beauchamp says. “Now, we are working in the black. It’s a real good feeling working in the black.”

Beauchamp says she really enjoyed being able to meet the residents of her precinct and assist in their needs: “I returned every phone call that I got.”

Beauchamp says during her term she was able to get to know a lot of people in the area from Mauriceville to Pinehurst.

“I made lots of wonderful,

Department officers were dispatched to 3751 Hemlock Lane at 2:27 a.m. Thursday following a disturbance report.

Responding officers located a male with several gunshot wounds.

Where the victim was found or his current health status is not immediately

lifelong friends,” she said. When Beauchamp was asked about her biggest challenge as Precinct 2 commissioner? Time.

“The ditches don’t stop, storms don’t stop — you have to be there all the time for people,” she said. “Time is really valuable, and it was a challenge to be where you’re supposed to be and do what you’re supposed to do.

“It’s not a free ride, let me assure you. But it’s very rewarding. Anybody who wants to get into public service, I would highly recommend it. We need good people working for the city and for the county. “

For now, Beauchamp is focused on recovery after a hip injury, then she’s off to new things.

“I’m going to start getting

known.

Suspect information has not been released.

The victim was taken to the hospital, and the Orange Police Department Detective Division is “actively investigating the circumstances” around the shooting, a department release said.

my house back in order and I want to garden again and get my yard pretty again. I want to spend time with my friends and get back with my fun organizations and be of service there and have fun … it’s time!” Beauchamp says.

“I have three granddaughters in Houston that I never get to see, and now I’m going to see them a whole lot. I’m 76 years old and I know when it’s time to go home.”

Beauchamp’s last commissioners court meeting is Dec. 27.

Beauchamp was recently presented with a plaque in appreciation of her time on the court. Last year Beauchamp decided she would not run again for her Precinct 2 seat.

Commissioners Robert Viator, Kirk Roccaforte,

If you have information about either shooting, call Orange Police at 409-8831026 or Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers at 409-833TIPS (8477).

Visit online at 833TIPS. com or download the P3 TIPS app. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Johnny Trahan and Judge John Gothia also gave her a plaque with her signature on it for all the times they would kid her about how long it took her to read and sign her name on documents. Gothia added, “It was an honor and privilege to work with her.”

Beauchamp followed her mother, Marcelle Adams, who in 1987 was the first female ever elected to serve on the court.

After the county’s business was taken care, all in attendance ate cake at a reception for her.

Chris Sowell will replace Beauchamp in January. He won the Precinct 2 seat back in March.

— Van Wade contributed additional reporting.

Courtesy photo Meet Bonnie. She’s approximately 2 years old, loves attention and would make some lucky human a great companion. She’s been such a good girl...won’t you please give her the Christmas gift she so deserves — a loving furever home? Consider adopting or fostering Bonnie. For more information, call the West Orange Animal Shelter at 409-883-3468.

Photo courtesy Stark Museum

The painting “The Display on the Return to Dulnon Camp, August 1786,” conveys the theme of the Nobel Pastime exhibition. It depicts the hunting adventures of Col. Thomas Thornton. Sawrey Gilpin painted the landscape in this work. Philip Reinagle depicted the people and the animals.

Courtesy photo

Pat and Patty Cook are the first-place winners with their home on Westbury Street in Orange.

Little Cypress fire damages trailer, kills dog

By Mary Meaux mary.meaux@panews.com

LITTLE CYPRESS

— An overnight fire left a mobile home heavily damaged and a pet dead, authorities said.

The call came in at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday for the fire in the 3500 block of Brent Drive.

Orange County ESD No. 3 Fire Chief Matt

Manshack said the singlewide mobile home was in the process of being remodeled.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Manshack said the mobile home was heavily damaged, and the Red Cross was called to assist the family.

A dog inside the home did not make it out in time and died, he said.

Singing for the season

Pattillo Higgins, the Sunday school teacher who found oil

began to teach a Sunday School class for young girls.

Pattillo Higgins had been a “rough and tumble” teenager when he got in a shootout with a deputy sheriff that resulted in the deputy wounding Higgins’ left arm and the deputy suffering a fatal wounding by Higgins.

The jury found Higgins’ shooting of the deputy had been self-defense, so he was spared a prison sentence. However, the wound in his left arm had become infected and the arm had to be amputated below the elbow.

In 1885 when he was 22 years old, he attended a revival in a Baptist church in Beaumont. As a result of attending the revival, his life changed, and he became a dedicated Christian. He

OBITUARIES

In 1886 he formed the Higgins Manufacturing Company to make brick from the clay found around Beaumont. He became interested in using oil and gas to fire the furnaces in his brick company and started to study geology.

He had taken members of his Sunday School class on picnics at the hill south of Beaumont that was called “Sour Mound” due to the sulfurous smell of the gas and water that seeped up out of the ground on the hill. Higgins was convinced that the hill was a salt dome and that there was a possibility that there was oil to be found by drilling on the hill.

He was able to form a partnership with George W. Carroll and George Washington O’Brien to raise funding for drilling. O’Brien had noticed oil seepage on the hill

Ruth never met a butter bowl she could throw away. She loved and supported the military of this great country. Like stereotypical preachers’ daughters, Ruth had a wild streak in her younger years that her later in life friends would hardly recognize.

as far back as 1865. In 1892 the men formed the Gladys City Oil, Gas and Manufacturing Company. Higgins named the company after Gladys Bingham, one of the girls in his Sunday School Class.

The first well was drilled in 1893, followed by two more wells, also unsuccessful. By 1896 industry experts and many Beaumont residents believed that Higgins was a fool, there was nothing to be found on the hill.

Higgins advertised in magazines, newspapers and industry journals for geologists and engineers to come to Beaumont and develop the tract. The only one that answered his ad was Anthony Lucas. Lucas had been working in salt mines and sulfur mines at salt domes in Louisiana and agreed with Higgins that there could be oil under the dome at Beaumont.

people asking about her education, she graduated from the school of hard knocks. The Pinckneyville, Illinois, one room school lost her entertaining personality in the 9th grade.

Lucas negotiated a contract on June 20, 1899, to begin drilling on the hill called Spindletop. After several tries, he was not able to get past quicksand and go deeper than 575 feet.

Running out of money, Lucas went to two men in Pennsylvania he knew, James Guffey and John Galey. He got some funding from them to keep drilling. Guffey and Galey brought in Andrew Mellon for more funds. One of the conditions Mellon set for his participation was that Higgins was to be eliminated from the partnership.

The drilling equipment being used was not heavy enough to get past the sand and quicksand in the hole. Lucas brought in the Hammill brothers who had been using a heavy rotary drilling rig in Corsicana. When the men passed the 1,000 foot depth on January 10, 1901, the well began to rumble

Love struck Ruth, who lost her contract when she chose to get married, in violation of recording contract. She wanted a family and the music industry lost an incredible singer.

and shake. The pipe began to blow up out of the hole followed by some gas and then an amount of oil estimated to be at 100,000 barrels per day for the nine days it took to contain the flow.

The oil was said to “gush out” of the hole, the well then became referred to as a “gusher.” After that day wells that blew out of the ground were called “gushers.”

Higgins was cut out of the deal he had made with Lucas, but still had leases he drilled on in the Spindletop field. He had a 33-acre tract that became as prolific as the original well. In his lifetime he made and lost several fortunes. He never seemed to find as much satisfaction in making money from fields he discovered as he did from finding the field.

In his lifetime he was credited with finding some of the largest fields in Texas, including Goose Creek and

Humble. His ability to find a field was legendary. From being once considered a fool, he became one of the most respected men in the oil fields.

Higgins remained a bachelor until age 45. He was a very generous, caring man. His mother lived with him, and he cared for her until her death in 1907. He also adopted and cared for young girls. He adopted Annie Johns in 1905 when she was 15 and made her his sole heir, he married her three years later, in spite of the scandal it caused. They had three children.

Higgins died in San Antonio in 1955. After his death it was said that he was so good at finding oil fields he could spot one from at night from a moving train.

“And now you know.”

— Written by Mike Louviere

Ruth E. Stone

Ruth E. Stone, 84, was born August 3rd, 1938, in Pinckneyville Illinois, and passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones December 12th, 2022, at her home in Bridge City, Texas. Ruth was born the daughter of a well-known Pentecostal preacher in southern Illinois, at the tail end of the great depression. Her older brother, Freddie, served in the United States Army during World War II. These events greatly affected her the rest of her life. Grandma

DEATH :

Simply saying Grandma Ruth was a homemaker would be downplaying her many adventures. R.E. Stone lived life to its fullest. She was mom, grandma, great-grandma wife, and best friend to more people than we can name in this memorial. The original “Modern Woman,” R.E. was a working mother with small children when women did not do that. She was an entertainer before it was socially acceptable for ladies. She was a business owner before banks would loan money to women without their husbands’ permission. It just made her more determined to do everything people told her she could not do. Often, Ruth would tell

Ruth was married 5 times, to 4 men; she said it took that many tries to get it right. This earned her a great deal of grief from her father, Rev. Rice, and 1960’s society at large, but as an independent and strong-headed woman, she was not putting up with anything less than what she felt she deserved. She did not “settle.”

Capitol Records gave her a recording contract, and she was smart enough to copyright her original songs and music personally. Working under her stage name, Jamie Richards, she wrote, recorded, and performed her own music. Ruth was an opening act for The Porter Wagner Variety Hour, alongside the talented ladies Dolly Parton, Jeannie Shepard, and Loretta Lynn.

She had hustle. Ruth worked the clubs in southern Illinois and southwestern Arkansas, singing alongside the Mid-Western Playboys. She was the lead singer in the “Jamie Richard’s 5,” all girl rock and roll band. She was a go-go dancer, singer, and guitar player, who fended off overly friendly Hillbillies. One of the clubs she frequently played was the Cotton Club in Marked Tree, AR.

She was also a waitress, owner of 2 Elaine Power’s figure salons, licensed cosmetologist, top producing sales woman, owner and manager of Everything Gift Shop, owner and manager of Quality TV repair, and many other self-owned businesses.

On July 7, 1967, she married the love of her life

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James “J.R” Stone. Together they built a very happy life together. JR even managed to get her to slow down long enough start putting down roots in southeast Texas. Knowing she “got it right,” Ruth and James were together until her death, nearly 56 years later.

Ruth was involved in many churches during her long life, the last being Outlaw Bible church, where she was the church mother.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, J.R. Stone; children, Ronda Sue Eibert and husband, Dale, Theresia Renee Keaton and husband, Gary; grandchildren, April, William, Tiffany, Kalairn and wife Mik, and Trey; many foster children and adopted children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her children, Charles Clement Long, IV, Douglas Ray Stone, and Richard Lee Stone; parents, Rev.

Hebert Rice, Clara Katherine Schmalriede Rice and stepmother Lola Theresia Adams Rice; siblings, Freddie Rice, Herbert “Little Herbie” Rice, Ina Chapman and stepbrother Loran Adams, Sr.

The family would like to send heartfelt thanks to: Heart to Heart Hospice, The Outlaw Bible Church, Meals on Wheels. Caregivers: Mary, CNA; Natasha, RN; Melody, RN; Victor, RN; Chaplain Michael, Social Worker Lela, and many other wonderful people who helped us during this time.

Arrangements for a memorial service will held in May 2023, to allow out of state friends and family to participate.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Alzheimer’s Association or The American Heart Association, in Ruth’s Memory.

Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. 4th Street, DeQuincy, Louisiana.

Elva Lois Hughes, 85, of Orange, passed away on December 20, 2022, Claybar Funeral Home, Orange.

Thomas Vernon Williams, Jr, 56, of Orange, passed away on December 21, 2022, Claybar Funeral Home, Orange.

Alton Ray Campbell, 82, of Orange, passed away on December 20, 2022, Claybar Funeral Home, Orange.

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Courtesy photo

The WOS Middle School choir performed at Kinsel Toyota last week. While in attendance they also received donations from Kinsel and Gulf Credit Union. “It was a great performance and opportunity for students to spread some Christmas cheer,” the school district said.

1008 Green Ave., Orange, Texas (409) 883-3571

Sheriff’s Office welcomes newest recruits

STEPHEN HEMELT Opinion

Local grad prepares for nursing, Texas Rangers dance team

Baylie Bradley faced a tough decision following her 2019 graduation from Vidor High School.

She grew up knowing she wanted to get into nursing, but dance remained in her heart, making it tough to decide which one to pursue following high school.

So first she attended East Texas Baptist University in Marshall before transferring to the University of Texas at Tyler late in the summer of 2020 for the nursing program.

“It had more opportunities,” she said. “There was a masters program. Eventually, I want to be a nurse practitioner. Tyler was a bigger city, and I just fell in love with it.”

The now 21-year-old calls the experience amazing because of her love of the school. She is set to graduate in April, happily sharing when we spoke this week, “I’m going to be a proud alumni.”

The process has proven to Baylie she can do anything she puts her mind to through God.

“I have had some setbacks but I am about to graduate, so it’s a big accomplishment for myself,” she said. “I proved to myself that I could do it through God’s help and through my family. God is the center of my life. I would not be here today without Him. He has got me through the hard times. He has got me through the good times.”

Baylie says she accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at 8 years old.

“I have just continued to grow in my faith with Him,” she says. “Both of my parents are pretty religious.”

With school nearing an end, Baylie is focused on the next step in her career, which will include applying to work in the emergency room departments of facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

She is not exactly sure what city she wants to work in, but the Metroplex is a must considering another team she recently joined.

Earlier this month, following a grueling audition process, she was selected as a member of the Texas Rangers 2023 Six Shooters Pro Dance Team.

The all-female interactive squad performs at Texas Rangers home games through dance routines, fan interaction, prize giveaways and executing premium ballpark experiences.

Six Shooters members perform the tasks live in the stands and on ballpark concourses, and are often shown on the stadium video boards.

Team practice begins Jan. 4, and the first performance is Jan. 28 at Texas Rangers Fan Fest.

“I chose nursing because I loved that more, but my heart was still on dance,” Baylie said. “This was a good way to combine both. I have been a longtime fan of the Texas Rangers and saw they have a dance team, so it was like both of my worlds collided.”

Following two virtual auditions, she was invited to an in-person tryout that lasted six hours and included lots of dancing and interviews.

“It was intense,” she said. Thankfully, she received the good news through email that night.

Her roommates were the first to hear because they were right there, but Baylie’s first call was to her mom and dad.

“I feel like it is something no one I know has ever done before,” she said. “It exceeded my expectations for myself. I have been dancing since the age of 3, so I know my little 3-year-old self would be so proud of what I am doing now.”

Baylie’s background in dance covers hip hop, jazz, ballet and lyrical, but her favorite is tap.

She also teaches tap and ballet.

Next year is sure to bring new and exciting opportunities through the Major League Baseball season and fulltime work in nursing. It’s a path carved out through hard work, and Baylie wouldn’t have it any other way.

She offers a little advice for others in Orange County thinking about getting into nursing.

“It’s going to be hard, for sure, but stick with it,” she says. “In the end, you are helping other people. If it is your true calling, then you can do it. No matter how long it takes, how hard it is, you will get there and it will be worth it in the end.”

Stephen Hemelt is the publisher at Orange Newsmedia, which produces the Orange Leader and orangeleader.com. He can be reached at stephen.hemelt@orangeleader.com.

JODY HOLTON Opinion

Many of us, our household included, have been on a daily regimen of supplements in the effort to fortify our immune systems.

Ideally, we are eating plenty of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, along with lean meats and fish. This should be providing all the nutrients we need to fuel our bodies.

However, as people grow older, they tend not to eat as much of the proper foods, or trying to lose a few pounds, they will not be taking in a balanced variety of foods, finally, some folks are simply picky eaters.

So, we turn to supplements to fill the gap. Any nutritionist or dietitian will tell you that eating the right foods is far better for you.

Don’t misunderstand; there are some very specific supplements out there that doctors will recommend for very specific cases. But, if you are consuming handfuls of this and that in the quest for good health, you are probably over doing it.

Over half of the American population buys into the idea that dietary supplements are healthy, spending upward of $28 billion a year, according to some estimates.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office shared this week that there was a “bring your children to work day” and “a good time was had by all.”

OCSO concluded a social media post with: “These guys were absolutely a blast. Merry Christmas everyone.”

Proceed with caution concerning supplements

But while many of them can benefit the person taking them, a growing body of research is beginning to show that some of them might do the opposite, increasing risk of some cancers.

Getting too much calcium, for example, can result in the growth of kidney stones, kidney failure, and hypercalcemia — too much calcium in the blood. Too much vitamin C also inhibits the body’s ability to absorb copper. And too much of vitamins A, D, and K, can become toxic within the body, according to the American Cancer Society.

Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements aren’t required to be tested for safety by the Food and Drug Administration. Instead, the supplements’ manufacturers are trusted to ensure safety and communicate important information on labels.

I am strongly advising you, consult with your medical professional before starting any supplements. At the very least, side effects include digestive tract upsets and it gets much worse depending on your sensitivity and the levels that build up in your body.

If you are on prescription medications, be sure and check to see if the

MASTER GARDENER

supplements you want to take are compatible with them, in some cases they are not and can cause serious health problems.

Consumers often make the assumption that because they are readily available, supplements must be safe. By themselves, that may be true, but when combined with drugs, supplements can cause serious adverse reactions.

St. John’s wort, vitamin E, ginseng and Ginko biloba all have been touted for their ability to boost certain health aspects. Unfortunately, they also interact with various widely prescribed drugs and cause life-threatening reactions.

These days, most packaged food advertises “Vitamins Added,” “Minerals Added,” “Fortified” and “Nutritionally Enhanced.” These are all great marketing ploys; the idea is that the products find their way into your pantry.

Usually, the reason these products are fortified is because so many nutrients are removed during the processing and must be added back to have any food value. And then there are the teas that trim and detox.

Be very careful. The way these products detox and trim you will have you

staying very close to the restroom.

First and foremost, read the labels.Yes, grocery shopping is going to take a little longer, but read those labels and find out what is going into your body.

Stay away from as much processed foods as possible, fresh or frozen vegetables will give you the best nutrition, canned, considerably less. Dried beans are an excellent source of protein, macronutrients, vitamins and minerals.

A serving size of meat, the size of a deck of cards, will provide you with all the nutrients you need when served with two vegetables. You don’t need as much food as you think you do, but you do need good quality food. A little effort will save you a lot of money and you really will be feeling a lot healthier.

There are no over-thecounter magic pills or potions. Not for weight loss. Not for energy. Not to see better. Not to stop the ringing in your ears. Not to think clearly. If you are having health concerns, see your health care professional.

Jody Holton writes about health for Orange Newsmedia. She can be reached at jholton3@gt.rr.com.

Celebrate holidays with plants; try poinsettias

dropping below 20 degrees F.

On Christmas eve, our daytime high temperature is anticipated to be one degree above freezing! Goodbye mosquitoes-well at least for a few days.

Christmas is near at hand, and in case you haven’t noticed this week, winter is no longer “tippy toeing” into Southeast Texas. She’s showering us with her frigid, icy kisses and just in time for many of you (fellow gardeners) have been hoping for more winter-like temperatures.

I hope you’re all happy, your wishes are coming true (I’m muttering derogatory yet inaudible comments about cold weather under my breath)!

If you haven’t already done so, prepare for the colder weather by protecting temperature sensitive plants (move them to an enclosed area or cover them where possible-don’t use plastic), people (dress in layers to stay warm and remain hydrated while exposed to the elements), pets (provide them warm, dry enclosures including adequate food and water or better yet, bring them inside) and pipes (make certain exterior pipes are well-insulated).

According to local meteorologists, a couple days before Christmas, night temperatures will plummet,

And just in case you’ve missed my personal comments regarding cold temperatures in past articles (I don’t enjoy cold weather), you can keep them as this gardener is heading farther South for Christmas this Year, it’s considerably warmer in South Texas, more than 20 degrees warmer-thank you!

No other holiday plant is more beautiful than Poinsettia. But do you know the history behind the “Flower” that symbolizes Christmas for many of us?

The Christmas Eve Flower or “Flor de Noche Buena”, which is how Poinsettias are known in Mexico & Central America, their native habitat, are woody, tropical shrubs growing to 10 feet. Aztec Indians used the bracts (which are colorful modified leaves) surrounding the small yellow flower centers, as dye, while also using the plants milky, latex sap as medicine, to reduce fever.

During the 17th century Franciscan friars included them in their Christmas celebrations, hence the poinsettias association with Christmas.

The star-shaped patterns of the leaves symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, while the red color represents Jesus’ blood sacrifice.

The plants’ popularity in the United States is attributed to one man, Joel Poinsett, who was the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, a botanist and physician. The plants winter “flower” intrigued him, so in the 1830’s, he carried it with him to his home in South Carolina, for cultivation.

There is no reason to toss away your poinsettias after the Christmas holiday as they are easy to care for year-round.

During the Christmas Holiday keep your Poinsettia in a bright, indirectly lit location inside and water the plant when the potting mix begins to feel dry to the touch while keeping them away from hot or cold drafts.

You’ll want to begin fertilizing after their color begins to fade and always protect from temperatures 50 degrees F or below.

After Christmas through the beginning of fall, place Poinsettias in a sunny location (indoors) keeping the soil barely moist. Trim plants to a height around 8” once leaves begin to fall in Spring while continuing to water and fertilize.

Once new growth appears, repot, and relocate outside, into an area which receives morning sun, and fertilize

weekly. Pinch a quarter of the tips of the Poinsettia back to encourage branching and bring plant indoors when night temperatures begin to fall below 50 degrees F.

From the beginning of October to mid-December you must restrict the amount of light the plant receives, which forces it into bloom.

To do this, place the plant in a dark place or cover from 4 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily. You must make certain the plants receive NO light during the daily dark periods! Only provide the plant 6 to 8 hours sunlight daily.

Once the leaf bracts begin setting color, discontinue long nights (dark period) and no longer apply fertilizer. Place the majestic Poinsettia as a grand focal point inside your home and enjoy!

Until next time, so long for now gardeners. Let’s go out and grow ourselves a greener, more sustainable world, one plant at a time! Merry Christmas to each of you!

John Green is a Certified Texas Master Gardener. If you have gardening questions or need more information, contact the Orange County Master Gardeners Helpline at 409-882-7010 or visit txmg.org/orange, Orange County Texas Master Gardeners Association on Facebook or email extension@ co.orange.tx.us.

HEALTHY LIVING

Courtesy photo

What can we give to The King

The chorus goes: What can we give to the King

Give to the One Who has everything, What can we give, what gift can we bring What can we give to our King, what can we bring...” (Verse 1) Give Him a heart that’s opened up wide Give Him a life that has nothing to hide Give Him a love, so

tender and true, and He’ll give it all back to you, He’ll give it all back to you (Chorus) (Verse 2)

Give Him all praise, you people on earth Give Him all honor this day of His birth Give Him the glory in all that you do, and He’ll give it all back to you, He’ll give it all back to you

— Mike Deasy - lyrics and music, Mossyrock Music (copyright)

This is such a wonderful piece of music sung by church groups and children all over this country for a lot of years. The lyrics say it all for what to give Jesus at this time of year and always.

If you don’t know Him or haven’t asked Him into your heart, please do.

Watch Him fill you up and set the Holy Spirit to work in your life, amen.

Make sure you have a faith-filled Bible (New King James, NIV, ESV.) or write to me and I will send you one, and find an active, faith-filled church.

A church family for you and yours is supportive, encouraging and a place to serve and help others in need. Have a blessed

Christmas. Come visit my Golden Triangle Church on the Rock, 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. online Sunday. Visit Mike and I on Facebook and YouTube at Mikedeasyssolidrockcafe.

Kathie Deasy writes about religion for Orange Newsmedia. She can be reached at kathiedeasy@ hotmail.com.

Cowboy Church of Orange County

QUALITY

Auto, Home, Commercial, SR-22, Recreational Vehicle and Surety Bonds Traci Campbell, Agent Terri Corrigan, Agent 440 N Main Street Vidor, TX 77662 (409)783-9909

KATHIE DEASY Opinion

Sunday Worship 9 and 10:30 a.m. Wednesday 6:30 p.m. adult Bible Study led by Pastor Harland Strother

SportS

Ledet, Jr. taking talents to Red Raider Nation

By Van Wade Orange Leader

Former West Orange-Stark and University of Louisiana-Monroe defensive lineman Quincy Ledet Jr. entered the transfer portal and is now officially a Texas Tech Red Raider.

During the middle of last week, Texas Tech defensive lineman Philip Blidi announced he was going to enter the transfer portal. Blidi played 217 snaps this season, and there was an immediate need for a plugand-play defensive tackle at Texas Tech.

The Red Raider staff looked no further then Ledet, Jr.

Ledet Jr. is a guy the staff had known about for a while and had some connections to. Rising super senior Myles Cole came over from ULM prior to last season, and Ledet Jr. also played his high school football at WO-S, which coincidentally happens to be the same high school that Texas Tech Director of Player Personnel James Blanchard played at during his playing days.

That helped lure Ledet Jr. but it was also about the coaching staff in Red Raider Country, which includes Blanchard but also defensive line coach Zarnell Fitch and head coach Joey McGuire.

“I love the guys on the

staff, I love the guys on the team, I really feel like Lubbock has something real good cooking down there,” said Ledet, Jr. “(Coach Blanchard) we really have a relationship probably more in the past I would say. We’re from the same home town but we’ve both been in this college process so we really haven’t been talking much. He’s busy, I’m busy, but we have a good relationship. Him and my uncle, they’re real good friends. They grew up together so our relationship is real good.”

Ledet, Jr. can’t wait to hit the ground running with Fitch and McGuire.

“Coach Fitch and Coach McGuire),they are some

really, really good guys,” expressed Ledet, Jr. “They made it feel like home. It was a click right away, especially with coach Fitch. We have something in common, we both played basketball so he said he can beat me on the court and we had a little debate about that. Coach McGuire, he was real fired up which fired me up honestly. I’m really just excited to get to work.”

Ledet Jr. was considering several opportunities from other Big 12, SEC and Big Ten programs, but he couldn’t pass up the opportunity at Texas Tech.

“I really just felt like this is the program that fits me best, fits my game. I wanna

Readying to ‘Cougar up”

rush the passer. I wanna be versatile and put on tape that I’m a versatile player, so I feel like the Big 12 and Texas Tech is the best look for me.”

In his career at Louisiana-Monroe, Ledet Jr. has

played 1,113 defensive snaps and put up 75 tackles, 6 tackles-for-loss and 4 sacks. Per PFF his best season came in 2022, where he totaled 16 pressures, 11 hurries and 15 stops with a season grade of 68.6.

Lady Bobcats set to host Tennison Tournament

By Van Wade Orange Leader

Mustangs’ Jamal Shaw inks with Houston

By Van Wade Orange Leader

WEST ORANGE – After shining as a two-way player on defense and offense for the West Orange-Stark Mustangs the last three seasons, Jamal Shaw is taking his talents to the University of Houston to play for the Cougars.

Shaw signed with Houston in front of family and friends at the Thompson Strength and Conditioning Center Wednesday. Shaw will be a defensive back for the Cougars.

“I saw a University of Houston game as a freshman and I fell in love with the program then,” said Shaw. “I’m so looking forward to being a Cougar. One of the best things about it is that I’m not too far away from my family and friends, just an hour and a half or so. It’ll be great for everybody to come see us play.”

is so proud of

“The kid definitely deserves it, going to Houston has been a dream of his for awhile and to see it come to a reality, that’s so awesome,” said Hickman.

“He was a tremendous twoway player for us. The talent is so there, especially when you watch film of him. He’s going to be an asset for the Cougars.”

Mustang assistant coach DePauldrick Garrett likes the tools Shaw has.

“He has everything he needs to succeed, from his work ethic to his grades,” said Garrett. “He’s just what you want from a student-athlete.”

Garrett coached Shaw at running back the last few years.

“Jamal, he wanted to tote the rock more and he got some opportunities, it may not have

been as many as he wanted, but he finally realized how much he could help us on both sides of the ball,” explained Garrett. “We watched him grow from about 5-9 as a freshman to now 6-3 as a senior. His body-type is perfect for a Division I defensive back. He has the range to move all over the field. Houston is getting a good one.”

Shaw will be enrolled in Houston in January. He captured all of his credits he needed last semester to graduate as a Mustang.

“The kid was doubling up on classes and still working hard for the Mustangs too, that exemplifies what type of kid he is,” said Hickman. “I’m excited for him, he gets to get in there and get settled early and learn what the campus life is all about.”

Shaw was eager to get on the college path.

“It was tough, I doubled up my Social Studies classes and my English classes last semester,” said Shaw. “I’ve always done pretty well with my grades, but that was tough. I powered through it, plus it gave me a good start as far as college classes go, because I know I will be studying a lot when I get to Houston.”

Shaw will also have the pleasure of playing with former Mustang center and current Houston offensive lineman Demetrius Hunter, Jr., who will be heading into his sophomore season.

“It’ll be great to have Demetrius there, showing me the ropes, the campus and what to expect,” said Shaw. “We are both Orange boys, so we can ride back and forth together when we need too. We’re both ready for the upcoming season and we’re looking to represent the 409 well.”

ORANGEFIELD – The Orangefield Lady Bobcats will welcome in five teams to participate in the always fabulous Tennison Tournament next Tuesday and Wednesday at Bobcat Gym.

Teams that will participate will include the host Lady Bobcats along with Vidor, Port Arthur Memorial, Warren, Cleveland and Evadale.

“It’s always a great tournament and we look forward to hosting everyone,” said first-year Lady Bobcat coach Eric Girola. “It’s such a great tradition every year. Everyone is going to get four games in and it keeps everyone fresh with nothing but district play left starting in January.”

Games Tuesday, Dec. 27 will include Orangefield vs. Vidor (9 a.m.), PA Memorial vs. Warren (10:30 a.m.), Cleveland vs. Evadale (noon), Vidor vs. PA Memorial (1:30 p.m.), Orangefield vs. Evadale (3 p.m.) and Warren vs. Cleveland (4:30 p.m.).

Games slated for Wednesday Dec. 28 includes Warren vs. Evadale (9 a.m.), PA Memorial vs. Orangefield (10:30 a.m.), Cleveland vs. Vidor (noon), Evadale vs. PA Memorial (1:30 p.m.), Vidor vs. Warren (3 p.m.) and Orangefield vs. Cleveland (4:30 p.m.)

Plenty of Indians, Bulldogs on All-District 9-5A Team

By Van Wade Orange Leader

It was a season to remember for District 9-5A Division II, especially in Region III as the Port Neches-Groves Indians and Fort Bend Marshall Buffaloes both advanced to the 5A Division II Region III Finals and played each other.

Of course, the Indians downed the Buffaloes 29-21 in that battle after absorbing a 35-14 loss back in district play.

PN-G first-year coach Jeff Joseph went on to lead the Indians (13-3) to the Class 5A Division II State Championship

Game were they fell to defending state champion Dallas Oak Cliff 34-24.

The Buffaloes (12-2) picked up most of the superlative honors on the All-District 9-5A Division II Football Team due to winning the district title.

However, the Indians were well-represented.

Wide receivers Chance Prosperie and Shea Adams were both First Team picks along with fullback/tight end Brock Hebert, center Bryce Loftin and offensive linemen Jansen Ware and Jackson Christian.

Indian linebacker Mason

Droddy was also First Team along with Cole Crippen, who made it as a punter, and Andres Sandoval at kicker.

Crippen made Second Team at quarterback along with offensive lineman Mario Miguel, defensive lineman Isaac Baker, cornerback Dylan Lawless and safety Torryan Hinton and Adams made it as a utility player.

The Nederland Bulldogs were represented on the First Team by offensive lineman Jack Bieber and defensive lineman Joseph Dugat.

Bulldogs that made the Second Team

includes running back Hubert Thomas, linebacker Landen Caywood and punter Carter Piletere.

* * * Here is the All-District 9-5A Division II Football Team as selected by the 9-5A head coaches:

DISTRICT MVP: Jordan Davis, Fort Bend Marshall

OFFENSIVE MVP: Vernon Harrison, Dayton

DEFENSIVE MVP: Jordan Sample, Fort Bend Marshall NEWCOMERS OF

WO-S Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Hiawatha Hickman

Shaw.

Mark Pachuca/Orange Leader

PN-G receiver Shea Adams turns the corner for a nice gain against Liberty Hill. Adams made First Team at receiver on the All-District 9-5A Division I Football Team.

Van Wade/Orange Leader Orangefield’s Harleigh Rawls and her Lady Bobcat teammates will host the Tennison Tournament Tuesday and Wednesday. Van Wade/Orange Leader

West Orange-Stark’s Jamal Shaw signed with The University of Houston in front of family and friends Wednesday.

Courtesy Photo WO-S graduate and former Mustang standout Quincy Ledet, Jr. will hone his talents at Texas Tech in the Big 12 after a nice running playing at Louisiana-Monroe.

Cardinals snag two nice victories

By Van Wade Orange Leader

BRIDGE CITY – The Bridge City Cardinals snagged a pair of nice victories during the week.

The Cardinals (11-9) went on the road and captured a 51-50 nail-biting win over the Buna Cougars.

Cardinal Fernando Rodriguez hit a game-winning three-point shot at the buzzer to propel the Cardinals to victory.

Walker Britten had 14

points, two rebounds and two steals. Bryce Linder had 13 points, three rebounds and two assists while Aaden Bush had nine points and six rebounds.

The Cardinals also snagged a decisive 57-36 victory over the Beaumont Kelly Bulldogs.

Linder led the way with 11 points and six rebounds.

Lincoln Breaux contributed 10 points and six boards.

Walker Britten dropped in nine points and dished off five assists while Bush

added six points and four boards. Rodriguez and Aiden Gutierrez combined for eight points, nine assists and five steals.

LC-M boys

LAKE CHARLES – The Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears fell to Lake Charles Barbe 53-48 at McNeese State University.

The Bears (15-5) battled the No. 14-ranked Class 5A school in Louisiana before falling just short.

Ben Elliott led the Bear attack with 25 points while Da’Marion Morris added 10.

Jabbari Barry led Barbe with a game-high 30 points.

The Bears will host the LC-M/IP Classic Dec. 30-31.

Orangefield girls

ORANGEFIELD – The Orangefield Lady Bobcats fell to the Beaumont West Brook Lady Bruins 75-27 in non-district action.

Harleigh Rawls led the Lady Bobcats with 10 points, two steals and two rebounds. Greenlea Oldham chimed in with nine points and 10 rebounds.

PN-G native, Texas standout Roschon Johnson to play in Senior Bowl

Special to the Leader news@orangeleader.com

Texas senior running back Roschon Johnson has accepted an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, the event’s official Twitter account announced.

The Port Neches-Groves native and former four-star quarterback from the Class of 2019 is one of the leaders on the Texas Longhorns football team. Johnson has 2,079 career rushing yards on 372 carries with 24 total touchdowns (21 rushing, two receiving) during his time on the Forty Acres.

The fourth-year running back converted from quarterback his freshman year and has played in 35 career games with four starts. Johnson was named to the 2022 preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, named a fourth-team AllBig 12 Preseason selection by Athlon Sports in 2021, and a two-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team selection (2020-21).

Johnson was highly decorated out of high school. He was one of five finalists for the 2019 Watkins Award, presented each year to the nation’s top African American male high school scholar-athlete, in addition to an all-state and three-time all-district player.

Johnson finished as Port Neches-Groves’ all-time leading passer with 7,710 yards and second all-time leading rusher with 4,900 yards, notching 85 total touchdowns. He was selected to the 2019 Under Armour All-American Game. He was chosen MVP and unanimous first team in District 12-5A II in 2018.

The Longhorns running back has been as instrumental as anyone around the team, just ask those around him.

He just means so much to this program, his leadership,” noted Longhorns junior All-American running back Bijan Robinson. “Just him as a person and how

he handles himself. That’s what it means to be a great football player but a great person.”

“I’ve enjoyed every bit of it,” said Johnson. “The challenges. Every aspect of it. Just from my story and how my career played out through my time being here up until now has been a lot of ups and a lot of downs, but I’m grateful for it all.”

The Texas football team often talks about how important their player leadership is, but when they have to point to a specific leader, it’s always Johnson. That’s no different with the head coach.

“When you talk about what is a Texas Longhorn football player, in my mind I think of Roschon Johnson because he is a selfless player,” said Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian. “He is not the star or starting running back at the University of Texas, but yet that doesn’t ever get in the way of his work ethic.”

Continued from A7

THE YEAR: Darius Herbert, Santa Fe; Kaden Clay, Texas City

SPECIAL TEAMS

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Miguel Diaz, Fort Bend Marshall

COACH OF THE YEAR: James Williams, Fort Bend Marshall

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

Quarterback: Carson Horton, Dayton

Running backs: Jy’Adrian Wortham, Fort Bend Marshall; Caleb Bell, Texas City

Fullback/tight end: Brock Hebert, PN-G

Wide receivers: Ja’Koby Banks, Fort Bend Marshall; Chance Prosperie, PN-G; Shea Adams, PN-G; C.J. Hubert, Dayton Centers: Bryce Loftin, PN-G; Robert Lopez, Fort Bend Marshall

Offensive line: Jansen Ware, PN-G; Jackson Christian, PN-G; Jack Bieber, Nederland; Anthony Chatman, Fort Bend Marshall; Jarron Wallace, Fort Bend Marshall

Lady

Continued from A7

All of the Orange County teams will also be involved in tournament play next week.

The West Orange-Stark Lady Mustangs will travel to Buna Tuesday in a

DEFENSE Defensive line: Joseph Dugat, Nederland; Zachary Chapman, Fort Bend Marshall; Logan Granville, Fort Bend Marshall; Szyron Scott, Texas City

Linebackers: Mason Droddy, PN-G; Ryan Simpson, Fort Bend Marshall; Camyrn Greif, Texas City; Tulio Nunez-Ramirez, Fort Bend Willowridge

Cornerbacks: Ky Guillory, Fort Bend Marshall; Kyeler Thompson, Santa Fe

Safeties: William Mitchell, Fort Bend Marshall; Holden Campbell, Dayton

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickers: Andres Sandoval, PN-G; Brayan Montes, Dayton

Punter: Cole Crippen, PN-G

Utility: Kyeler Thompson, Santa Fe *

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

Quarterback: Cole Crippen, PN-G

Running backs: Jonathan Haynes, Fort Bend Marshall; Hubert Thomas, Nederland; Jckson Stroud, Santa Fe

Fullback/tight end: Elijah Sims, Fort Bend Marshall

non-district affair.

The Orangefield boys will be competing in the Franklin Tournament Tuesday through Thursday.

The Little Cypress-Mauriceville Lady Bears will head to Winnie to participate in the East Chambers Tournament Tuesday through Thursday.

Wide receivers: Travis Willis, Fort Bend Willowridge; Marquis Hayes, Fort Bend Willowridge; Clyde Bruton, Texas City; Anthony Momon-Lattimore, Fort Bend Willowridge Center: Alex Romero, Dayton

Offensive line: Mario Miguel, PN-G; Barrington Clement, Fort Bend Marshall; Jacob Mercer, Dayton; Christian Prada, Texas City

DEFENSE

Defensive line: Trent Thomas, Fort Bend Marshall; Isaac Baker, PN-G; Franklin Alfaro, ASanta Fe; Eric Rosales, Dayton

Linebackers: Landen Caywood, Nederland; Jackson Stroud, Santa Fe; Andrew Soliz, Dayton; Jaxon Day, Dayton

Cornerback: Dylan Lawless, PN-G; Paul Lucas, Fort Bend Marshall; Marquis Thompson, Texas City

Safeties: Torryan Hinton, PN-G; Joshua Lair, Fort Bend Marshall

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker: Rogelio Gonzales, Fort Bend Willowridge

Punter: Carter Piletere, Nederland

Utility: Shea Adams, PN-G

The Bridge City girls will play in the Buna Tournament Thursday through Saturday.

The LC-M boys will be hosting their LC-M/International Paper Tournament Thursday and Friday at Hargrove Gymnasium with the Bridge City boys also in the tournament.

Photo courtesy University of Texas Athletics Texas standout and Port Neches native Roschon Johnson will play in the upcoming Senior Bowl showcasing college talent.

Van Wade/Orange Leader Bridge City point guard Walker Britten and the Cardinals saw a couple nice wins during the first part of Christmas Break.

Letters to santa & OUR SALUTE FOR SHOP LOCAL

Dear Santa,

How did you get your job being Santa? I have been naughty and nice. I want to get to see my MeeMee, Miss Heather, and my Uncle Bruce for Christmas! Yours truly, Burkleigh

Dear Santa,

How are you and your wife? I have been good. If I had to pick, I want an oculus for Christmas the most. Sincerely,

Andrew

Dear Santa,

For Christmas, I would like a toy monster truck, toy car, legos, and a stuffed lion.

Merry Christmas, Derck Grey Dear Santa,

How is Mrs. Clause? I want a oculus, lego, Mario, a table, and a sonic play set.

Thank you, Malachi

Dear Santa, I’ve been good this year. I would like a new barbie doll house for Christmas. I would also like a 4-wheeler and tablet.

Merry Christmas, Elyssa Shafer

Dear Santa,

How are you and the elves? I think I have been good. For Christmas, I want PawPaw to get better, for Logan to get what he wants, and for Amy to get what she wants.

Love, Hayden

Dear Santa,

How are you and the elves? I have been a good boy this year. I wish I could see my uncle one more time. I would like a trip to New Mexico and a dirt bike.

From,

Caleb

Dear Santa,

Have you been doing good at the North Pole? I’ve been good all year! I have some things on my mind that I’d want for Christmas! Can I….meet you, maybe? Can I have a work space? Well, I hope you get this letter. Bye now!

Love, Layla

Dear Santa,

I’d like 10,000 Vbucks so I can get skins for fortnite. $20 dollars so I can by my favorite Christmas skins and a bunch of shower stuff.

Thank you, Dawson

Dear Santa,

I want a VR set so I can play. I want a real life baby. Turtle so I can teach him how to do a trick. A phone for my mom and dad because they both broke their phones. Thank you so much Santa your the best. Best Santa ever and your the only Santa love you.

Thank you, Scarlett

Dear Santa,

Hello Santa how are you doing? I want an Xbox and sins ryder dude. I want a huge stuff animal of him and I want a picture of Ryder as a puppy please.

Thank you, Drake

Dear Santa,

I love when it’s Christmas time and the holidays are so fun and my brother Bishop loves the holiday. So I a getting him a train for Christmas and one more thing. I want an American girl doll, a microphone stand, and baby mouse books. Spread the holiday cheer.

Thank you, Margeaux

Supplement to The Orange Leader

Dear Santa,

I have been good this year. I want a 3d pen because my friend has one and she said it is fun to play with. Is Chippy and Sara being good at the Northpole. I’m doing good how about you?

Thank you, Avery

Dear Santa,

How is Mrs. Clause? I have been good. I want a big nerf gun and imaginex toys. I want a nerf gun because I have fun shooting them. I want imaginex toys because I have fun playing with them. It is really fun.

Thank you, Jude

Dear Santa,

How are the elfs and Mrs. Clause? So let me get to big part. I have been good. What I want for Christmas is a Sonic the Hedgehog Egg Mobile and a nintendo, and a big foot monster truck.

Thank you, Cayden

Dear Santa,

I want a stuff animal of my dog because he passed on April, 17, 2002. He was the best dog ever and he was homeless for five years. He lived five more years.

Thank you, Kayson

Dear Santa,

Can I have a mini fridge? Because my fridge is to far and a pet wolf because wolfs are my favorite animal.

Thank you, Blakely

Dear Santa,

Are you doing ok? I want a horse. So I can train them and ride them. I want veterinarian toy kit because that is what I want to be.

Thank you, Deanna

Dear Santa,

How are you doing? I have been very nice this year! This is what I want for Christmas, Pokemon cards and v-bucks too and I want to go to Reed’s house. I want my parents to get a necklace.

-Mayce

Dear Santa,

How are you? I have been nice. I want a toy gun and a scooter. For my sister, a brand new scooter. For my brother, a four wheeler. For my mom, a new mirror. For my dad a new gun.

-Kaleb

Dear Santa,

How are you Santa? I am good. I am sometimes mean to my family members. I think I am a little naughty and nice. But I think I am on the nice list, but if I am not I will try to be nicer. Santa, I want a hoverboard and my brother wants fidgets, my sister wants Barbie dolls.

-Lane

Dear Santa,

I have been wondering if I have been good this year. I think I have been nice this year. For Christmas I want an iPad and a new bed.

-Brooklyn

Dear Santa, Why don’t I get an elf? I want a buddy, roblox, a Barbie camper, a kids house, milk and cookies. I have been so good, Santa. I want bags of candy for my family and friends too. I want tiny shop toys and sunglasses and girl shoes. I want to give my step brother sunglasses and I want a bear and a kitty headband, 500 puppies, 200 kitties, and squashmallows.

-Kinsley

Dear Santa,

How are you? I’ve been naughty and nice. What I want for Christmas is something that only you can do. I want to meet Kaley from PurpleStars 02 and go to Learning Express so I hope I can go see her. I want some glue on nails and teen girl clothes. Thank you.

-Ambri

Dear Santa,

How are you? I have been nice this year. I want a pomeranian for Christmas. My mom would love her house to be clean. My brothers want a PS5 and my big brothers want some art supplies. Thank you.

-Dereka

Dear Santa,

How are you and Mrs. Claus doing in the North Pole? I was good this year. I wish this Christmas my brother will play with me.

Sincerely, Zayleigh

Dear Santa, How are you doing, Santa? I have been very good this year. I want a mermaid that is a doll. I want a pair of new shoes. I want a beanbag.

Love, Abigail

Dear Santa,

How are you doing with the reindeer? I have been nice this year. What I want for Christmas is a mini camera and a big bean bag and new shoes.

Gratefully yours, Aranza

Dear Santa,

How are you doing? I have been nice this year. Can you get my mom and Blakelee some earrings? Can you get me a Chromebook and a trick scooter?

Your friend, Braxtn

Dear Santa,

How are you doing? I have been nice this year. I hope my 3 siblings have a great Christmas this year. Can I get slime, a bracelet maker, and a journal. I don’t know what my sisters and my brother want for Christmas. Thank you!

From, Kryslee

Dear Santa, Hey Santa can you get me a new shirt and pants. And a new playstation controller mine is kinda broken can you also get me a new pair of shoes I need them for basketball and a nice socks and vbucks?

From, Madden

Dear Santa,

I want to now how old you are. I been nice. I want a puppy and my friend Jenny she want a pupy.

From, Adalyn

Dear Santa,

I been little notty but my sister sometimes hurt me. Sometimes I cry. But its ok. I want a spashmallow just one. And one of different kind of aphmallmellows. And for my bests friends are Jenny, Everly for one of each aphmallmellows. Thank you!

From, Lam

Dear Santa,

Win Santa is my elf coming? I would like a bike, dirt bike, and a gameboy. I love you.

From, Lane

Dear Santa,

Is my elf good at the north pole or bad? I want pupy and I am been nice this year I want a go cart, desk, for my homework A, big cat, nike shoes, and a cair.

From, Brooklyn

Dear Santa, How is my elf doing? I’ve been nice this Christmas. I want a pet simulator X toys, a four wheeler, Oculus Quest pro, and an Iphone 14. I want to get my dad tools. Thank you for all of the presents.

From, Jase

Dear Santa, How does reindeer fly? I’ve been really good this year. I want an RC speed boat and car. I want some warm clothes. I want a dog and a phone. I want my family to have their favorite candy. I want my friends to get what they want. I also want a four wheeler.

From, Pete

Dear Santa, Win Santa is my elf coming? I would like a bike, dirt bike, and a gameboy. I love you.

From, Lane

Dear Santa,

I want my dog to have some dog closes and for me I want a dog, dirtbike, unspeakable, a new elf, nintendo, cat, and to meet Santa!

From, Kye

Dear Santa,

I want 2 dogs, 2 cats, and a toy gun. I am nice.

From, Jason

Dear Santa, Have I been good or bad? I want Pokemon cards.

From, Jaxon

Dear Santa,

I been very nise. I am not bad tis year. I do not want alot this year all I want is a surprise.

From, Payton

Dear Santa,

When is my elf going to come at my dads? I have snowflake, my brother had Elf! I have ben nice sometime I do bad stuff, but we all make mestakes. For Christmas I would like air pods and a tablet apple and apple pencil for my tablet, and what ever my mom did not get me you shood know. For Christmas I am making m and m cookies for you and maybe some pictures. I have no idea what my brother wants and I want an eletrik skooter. The end.

From, Addison

Dear Santa,

Hi Santa, how are you? I’m good. I’ve been a little bad but good. I want another game for my nintendo swich. I want my mom to have things she wants. Same with my dad. But that is all.

From, Everly

Dear Santa,

I want a drone, bebe gun, and nerf guns. I also want pokemon cards, and a ferrari.

From, Trace.

Dear Santa, I want a hover board and new clothes. Thats it.

From, Landon

Dear Santa,

How are you doing Santa. I have been good for Christmas. I want baceball cards and football cards.

From, Colt

Dear Santa,

Are you really magic? This is my list . I really want a guitar because I can play songs. I really want a cotton candy because I can eat it. I really want an ice cream maker so I can cool off in the summer. I also want a lot of clay so I can play with it. I want an iphone that can call people and I can watch youtube on it and I want a turtle.

Thank you, Easton

Dear Santa,

How do you get around the world in one night? So these are the things I want for Christmas. I want a baby doll because I don’t have one. Art supplies and paint brushes because mine are old.

Thank you, Camdean

Dear Santa,

How are you? I want a HHD H6 motorcycle that turns into a drone and an Xbox 360 because I can download sonic gen and sonic unleashed.

Thank you, Garin Dear Santa,

Do you have a portal? I have been nice this year and I want a huver board because they’re cool.

Thank you, Evan

Dear Santa,

How has your year been? Mine has been ok I guess. So this is what I want. I want an Astors jersey because I love Astros. I also want a desk with two chairs because I share my room with my sister and I need a place to do my homework.

Thank you, Emma

Dear Santa,

I’d like 10,000 Vbucks so I can get skins for fortnite. $20 dollars so I can by my favorite Christmas skins and a bunch of shower stuff.

Thank you, Dawson

Dear Santa,

I want my family to be safe. We got in a wreck Sept. 4, 2022 and my brother hit his head. I want an Iphone because my first phone would not work.

Thank you, Samuel

Dear Santa,

Can I have a mini fridge? Because my fridge is to far and a pet wolf because wolfs are my favorite animal.

Thank you, Blakely

Dear Santa,

Hello Santa how are you doing? I want an Xbox and sins ryder dude. I want a huge stuff animal of him and I want a picture of Ryder as a puppy please.

Thank you, Drake

Dear Santa,

Are you doing ok? I want a horse. So I can train them and ride them. I want veterinarian toy kit because that is what I want to be.

Thank you, Deanna

Dear Santa,

I love when it’s Christmas time and the holidays are so fun and my brother Bishop loves the holiday. So I a getting him a train for Christmas and one more thing. I want an American girl doll, a microphone stand, and baby mouse books. Spread the holiday cheer.

Thank you, Margeaux

Dear Santa,

I have been good this year. I want a 3d pen because my friend has one and she said it is fun to play with. Is Chippy and Sara being good at the Northpole. I’m doing good how about you?

Thank you, Avery

Dear Santa,

How is Mrs. Clause? I have been good. I want a big nerf gun and imaginex toys. I want a nerf gun because I have fun shooting them. I want imaginex toys because I have fun playing with them. It is really fun.

Thank you, Jude

Dear Santa,

I want a stuff animal of my dog because he passed on April, 17, 2002. He was the best dog ever and he was homeless for five years. He lived five more years.

Thank you, Kayson

Dear Santa,

Are you doing ok? I want a horse. So I can train them and ride them. I want veterinarian toy kit because that is what I want to be.

Thank you, Deanna

Dear Santa,

How are you? I’ve been good. I was wondering if I could get a puppy and a bubble gun. I want the puppy because I can’t sleep without something. I want the bubble gun because I don’t have many outside toys.

Thank you, Skylar

Dear Santa,

How are you doing Santa. I have been good for Christmas. I want baceball cards and football cards.

From, Colt