Volume VII, Issue 6 (May 1, 2022)

“Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.” ― Maggie Kuhn

Vol. VII May 2022

Sharing the good news about Longview Independent School District

CLASS OF 2022 Seniors ready for the next phase of their lives

W

hile our graduation class of 2022 has spent half of their high school careers dealing with the pandemic, the future is looking brighter.

Schools are not only back to operating mostly normal, but our seniors will be enjoying a more traditional graduation ceremony this year. We are so happy they will be able to meet this momentous occasion with the celebration that they deserve.

Grads|Continued to page 17

Graduation is set for Friday, May 20. Gates open at 6, event starts at 7.

District honors Distinguished Alumni Longview Independent School District honored three accomplished former students on May 6 during the annual Distinguished Alumni ceremony and luncheon.

This year’s Distinguished Alumni are Mrs. Kay Ray (Class of 1970), Mr. Rogers Pope, Jr. (Class of 1985), and Mr. Trent Williams (Class of 2006).

Events began with the Longview ISD Foundation commemorative brick presentation at the Lobo Foundation Plaza.

A reception took place afterwards at

the Lobo Coliseum, which was followed by lunch.

Distinguished alumni typically have excelled professionally, in addition to serving the communities in which they live. Honorees are nominated at-large and chosen by a committee of previous honorees, volunteer Distinguished Alumni Committee members, and the district’s Community Relations office.

Alumni|Continued to page 6

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

OPINION

A few words to the Class of 2022

By Matthew Prosser

move forward? since I graduated from I am writing to you high school, I’ve held Nothing about your high with the benefit of numerous jobs, lived in school years was normal. Behindsight and personal several different states, tween all sorts of social and experience, but I also moved to a completely political upheaval amongst the urge you to earnestly different part of the on-again and off-again status question the narratives country, and pursued of the COVID-19 pandemic, you are given. Don’t no less than five difthis past year represented listen to me because ferent college majors. little more than a cautious reit comes to you in the Granted, this meanPROSSER dering adventure has turn to something resembling form of words of some “normal,” (whatever that might random guy rambling led me to a job with mean anymore). on in a newspaper. In fact, let Longview ISD, so I leave it up But despite all the chaos, me ardently urge you to questo you if my path was one you flux, and uncertainty, you all tion the agendas of mass media wish to emulate. came together and got the most of all. It is just a profThe point is: there’s always job done. Finishing your high it-driven business like any oth- a choice. school years with grace, courer, and built upon outrage and Finally, I encourage you to age, and no shortage of wry partiality. The various strings seek balance in your life. Bewit. Congrats! and threads of competing mecoming consumed with rage You are coming of age dia narratives and actual facts will not solve anything, any during a time perpetual of are separate data streams that more than drowning in apdisarray and turmoil. As the now only periodically overlap. athy will. There’s a time for next generation of leaders and Many of you face an inorpassionate ire and a time for influencers for our community, dinate number of possibilities ironic detachment, but pursue you will be irrevocably shaped and career/life paths you can a path of a deeper understandby the events that have irrevo- take, such that you may feel ing of the world and people cably shaken our community. overwhelmed and fearful of around you. The seeds of virtue What lessons will you learn? striving off in any one direcmay be planted by instruction, How will you apply those lestion, for the sake of keeping but they must grow in the soil sons in helping us all grow and your options open. In the years of life, in the field of action, in

the hard rain of circumstance.

The perfected future never arrives. Life is full of seemingly endless trouble, and then life ends. Find peace in the imperfect present. Confidence grows with action, and shrinks with idleness. You don’t need to feel confident to start. You need to start to feel confident.

Seek truth, beauty, and goodness in all that you do.

Do not squander what you have been so undeservedly given but look upon it as an inheritance still to be earned. You’ll never be able to truly “earn” or “deserve” it but you must still try.

You have so many who want you to achieve great things, and so few hindering your steps, thus you have every reason to succeed and little excuse to fail.

— An award-winning journalist and photographer, Matthew Prosser is Communications Director for Longview Independent School District.

Your future is bright, but weather the storms as they arise

By Dustin Taylor First, to all of our seniors I want to say congratulations on what you have accomplished so far.

Second, I want to say that I hope this summer will be one to remember.

As you take the months long pause between high school and work/college, you may have a lot on your plate or you may be planning on an epic lazy summer. Either way, I hope you have a memorable time.

The future is looking brighter thanks to the pandemic looking milder by the day.

While I hope nothing for the best for every one of you, there will undoubtedly be cloudy skies in your future.

The best advice I can offer is this: be flexible. The good times will be great, and the bad times will be upsetting. But if

you do your best to roll Taking this thought with the punches that process a step further, life throws at you, the don’t let your fears better you can make it stop you from trying through. new things. Be it a new Bad grades will likely hobby, checkout a new happen. Bosses will college organization, or reprimand you over a something else. After mistake. But knowing all is said and done, our that it is not the end memories are what our TAYLOR brain constructs our and that things will get better, you can past around. keep pushing on and The more experi“Success is things will get betnot final, failure ences you have, the ter. more your life will is not fatal, it is It is human nafeel fulfilled and the the courage to ture to get caught more enjoyment you continue that up in the bad mocan get out of life. counts.” ments when they Whether the ex— Winston happen. It will be periences prove to be Churchill like a stain, forever fun or not, they will on your consciousstill help shape and ness until it fades away and guide your future experiences. can hardly be seen. But rest Win, lose, love, forget, it all assured, the bad moments will builds your character. pass and the good moments will As Winston Churchill once return. said, “Success is not final, fail-

ure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.”

All the steps in our lives are steps towards the future so let us try to make them be meaningful.

I can guarantee you that it won’t be easy all the time, but I am telling you that it will be worth it in the end.

No matter which road you are taking after graduation, I wish you the best. I have faith in you. Not only am I rooting for you, but your friends, your family, and all of Lobo nation is cheering you on.

You will be missed and the Lobo nation is proud of you.

We cannot wait to see everyone of you grow into the awesome adults that you are meant to be.

Your future is bright. Achieve your dreams.

Go Lobos!

— An award-winning journalist and 2007 graduate of LHS, Dustin Taylor is the Managing Editor for The Longview Voice.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

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VOICE SCHOLARSHIP Congratulations to our 2022 recipients Congratulations to Longview High seniors Joshua Sanders and Adriana Corona for being selected as The Longview Voice Scholarship winners for 2022!

Joshua is the son of Mark and Suzanna Sanders of Longview. In addition to also being a member of the National Honor Society, Joshua has spent much of his life helping to give back to the community through LHS AMBUCS, which he is currently president of, as well as creating businesses that have helped employ others. He plans to continue to give back to the community even more after he returns from graduating from Texas A&M University Mays Busi-

ness School.

Adriana is the daughter of Heron Corona and Savannah Rodriguez of Longview. Not only has Adriana seen great success on the Lobo soccer field, but she is also a member of the National Honor Society, and plans on continuing her

soccer career at Texas A&M at Texarkana where she will be majoring in nursing.

Selected for their contributions to the Voice, as well as their impressive level of achievements both inside and outside the classroom, Adriana and Joshua will each receive a

$1,000 scholarship to college.

They mark just two of the hundreds of LHS seniors earning scholarships in the Class of 2022.

“Longview ISD is blessed to have such amazing students who represent our district to such a high standard, whether they are in the classroom, on the field, or out in the community,” said Mr. Dustin Taylor, Communications Specialist and Managing Editor of The Longview Voice. “This marks the seventh year of this program, with the district giving almost $20,000 in scholarships to Lobo graduates so far.”

The Longview Voice is a Voice|Continued to page 16

Adriana Corona is achieving a dream

By Adriana Corona LHS Senior For those who are reading this, I have learned throughout my years in school that the value of education takes an important role CORONA in our lives and we should take advantage of any learning opportunities that can help better our education.

Also I would like to acknowledge and appreciate

all my teachers, counselors, administrators and last but not least my parents. Without you, I don’t know if I could

have made it this far. Thank you so much for being a part of my journey and helping me succeed through High school.

I’m so grateful and blessed that I have the support and advice from my parents.

Neither of my parents had an opportunity to attend college, and faced many struggles in their personal and professional life because of this.

They made a commitment early in my life to do everything within their power to instill in me a love of learning and an understanding of the importance of hard work and dedication. Because of their love and sacrifice over the years, I have been able to devote the time and energy necessary to academic Adriana|Continued to page 19

Joshua Sanders will never forget LHS memories

By Joshua Sanders LHS Senior Longview High School has provided me not only with an education that will lend to a diploma in May, but with memories I will SANDERS never forget.

Looking back over the last four years, several things come to mind.

First of those being the friendships and connections I have

made, and bonds that I intend to keep into the future. These relationships began as I en-

tered the LISD school system via Hudson Pep. When I was a freshman, I

became a member of the football program as a videographer. I was at every practice and every game. My job was to fly a drone and film the football team. This allowed the coaches and players to better themselves by correcting mistakes they would see each practice on the footage I collected. When you’re part of a team, all the parts comprise the whole.

To be a freshman and be part of a team that had the potential to go to state was exciting. I worked lots of hours Joshua|Continued to page 19

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

2022 LOBO GRADS

Senior parents, did we miss your student? Please send us their photo and name to ask@LISD.org and we will publish it during our coming summer issues!

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

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CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS!

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

Luke Davis is excited for his future Senior Luke Davis will miss Longview once he graduates from Longview High School, but he is excited for the next chapter of his life.

Born in Arkansas, Luke lived outside of the U.S. for DAVIS a few years before his family moved to Longview. Once in Lobo country, he attended Johnston McQueen and enjoyed the experience all the way through.

Luke, who has Autism, has made plenty of great memories along his way to graduation. He has enjoyed

swimming with the Lobo swim team throughout high school, spending Friday mornings with his friend Layla at Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and so much more. Now, all these years later, Luke will be returning to his home state thanks to receiving his acceptance letter from the University of Arkansas’ EMPOWER program.

“I’m excited to be a Razorback and to make new friends there,” Luke said.

“I’m not worried at all. I’m just going to miss my family.”

EMPOWER is a four-year, non-degree college experience for students with cognitive disabilities that incorporates functional academics, indepenLuke|Continued to page 8

ALUMNI |Continued from page 1

KAY HELVENSTON RAY

A 1970 graduate of Longview High School, Kay continued her education at the University of Texas at Austin where she earned a RAY Bachelor of Science. She then went on to obtain a Master of Science degree at Stephen F. Austin State University. Over the years, she has gone on to earn additional college hours and training that has allowed her to help so many graduating Lobos to pursue their college dreams.

Kay’s career started in 1974 as a 9th grade English teacher for LISD. For the next 29 years, she taught countless students during her dedicated service. In 1994 she went from teaching to being the Gifted and Talented Coordinator and District Testing Coordinator. She would do this until she retired from LISD. In 1995 Kay become the Executive Director of the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. which she still performs today. In 2008, she became the College Advisor and Scholarship Coordinator at LHS which saw her launching the LHSD College and Career Center.

Since becoming the College Advisor and Scholarship Coordinator, Kay has conducted parent and student seminars called Lobo University, advised junior and senior students and their parents about the college admission process created informational handouts for students and parents mapping the road to college from grades 8-12, and so much more. Because of Kay’s diligent work, the Lobo community

has had a brighter future.

The daughter of Leonard Helveston and Lois Helvenston, Kay was nominated by Emily Myers who described her as “the Lobos’ ‘Energizer Bunny’ with more energy and ideas on how to raise money to maximize the quality of education to students in LISD than any marketing analyst!”

“There is absolutely no one who has done more for the Longview Independent School District than Kay Ray!,” she said.

“Not only has Kay spent her career making LISD great, but she also is a native of Longview who attended all twelve grades in the Longview Public Schools and is a 1970 graduate of LHS!” Kay is married to John Ray, with a son, Chris Ray, 41.

ROGERS POPE, JR.

A 1985 graduate of Longview High School, Rogers Pope, Jr. continued his education at Baylor University where he received POPE a Bachelor of Business in Administration. Afterward, he attended Baylor University Law School and earned his Juris Doctor degree. He went on to the American Bankers Association National Trust School,

Northwestern University, then American Bankers Association National Graduate Trust School at Northwestern University. He followed this up by attending the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU, then American Bankers Association National Commercial Lending School at SMU. He is active in many professional and industry associations.

Since returning to Longview in 1994, Rogers has been extensively involved in the community while serving on various boards and committees.

Since 1983, Rogers has been at The Independent Bankers Bank where he became the chairman in 2021. He has also been at the Conference of State Bank Supervisors since 2020, the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Foundation since 2010, the Independent Community Bankers of America since 2008, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, and much more. Today he is Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Texas Bank and Trust.

Since graduating from LHS, Rogers has been recognized by the community for his great work. In 2007, the Longview Chamber of Commerce honored him as Citizen of the Year. Five years later, the East Texas Area Council Boy Scouts of America awarded him and his father the Distinguished Citizen Good Turn

Award. He has received numerous other awards, all of which have made the Lobo Nation proud.

The son of Rogers Pope, Sr., and Joyce Pope, Rogers was nominated by Jennifer Harris who said she is “blessed to call him my friend.”

“A proud Lobo, Rog achieved many accomplishments while at Longview High School. Rog loves his family, and he loves this community.”

Rogers is married to Kellie Pope, and has several children.

John Rogers Pope III, 29, Sarah Pope, 26, William Pope, 23, Sydnie Stover, 19, and Casey Stover, 14.

TRENT WILLIAMS

Born and raised a Longview Lobo, this Class of 2006 graduate was a unanimous first-team All-District, AllEast Texas, and second-team All-State selec- WILLIAMS tion as a senior, leading the 2005 football team to a 10-0 undefeated regular season Class 12-5A District Championship. The multisport athlete also earned Track & Field honors as a shot putter. Considered only a three-star athlete by recruitAlumni|Continued to page 19

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

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Sue Wilson will be greatly missed With the school year fast approaching its end, many heartfelt goodbyes are in order as Hudson PEP principal Sue Wilson is retirWILSON ing.

Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said Sue Wilson’s retirement is one that, “while it is certainly well-deserved,” he “has dreaded it for some time now.”

“You don’t replace a Sue Wilson. You just don’t. She has been an absolute cornerstone of elementary education in the Gregg County area for so long, her positive influence and leadership looms over countless teachers and education professionals throughout our state and region,” he said. “Of course, the board and district leader-ship has every confidence in

the skills and talents of her successor, Mrs. Christi Coleman, and we know that she knows what huge shoes she has to fill at Hudson PEP Elementary.”

Mrs. Wilson’s retirement comes at the end of a triumphant 34-year career. Through her journey in education, she spent 14 years at New Diana ISD as a principal, then an assistant superintendent. In 2002, Mrs. Wilson came to

Longview ISD as principal of Mozelle Johnston Elementary School.

Two years after joining the Lobo Nation Mrs. Wilson would go on to Hudson PEP Elementary School where she would spend the rest of career guiding our students to success.

During her time there, Hudson PEP has constantly been rated exceedingly above average on the state accountability sys-

tem with its students earning tremendous accolades for their scholastic performance.

“She understands what a true effective leader is. She teaches our students by example and she leads her faculty and staff beside us and most importantly, with us,” said Alison Campbell, Hudson PEP 4th grade language arts teacher.

“She has been my mentor for over thirty years and I am also blessed to call her one of my closest friends even when we are on a trip and she jumps on my bed early in the morning because she is obnoxiously happy when she wakes up.”

Mrs. Wilson views every student, parent and faculty member as being a part of a family.

It is no doubt that this, combined with her determination to improve education that her campus was rated last year as being one of the 5 best elementary schools in Texas by U.S. Wilson|Continued to page 17

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH FRIENDS

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

Judson students bounce back with reading Due to the global pandemic, the education of all children around the world has taken a hit.

Locally, at Judson STEAM Academy, a new program is aimed at helping students from 6th to 8th grade bounce back from the setback to their reading progress. The first year of the program is drawing to a close, but the district is proud of the progress that every student has made and glad that the Judson campus created such a helpful program to our students.

Bounce Back Reading Club, which launched in the fall

of 2021 is a safe place that allows students who need to improve their reading levels while doing so in a more relaxed atmosphere.

“At the beginning of the school year, we had a large number of students that were struggling in grade-level reading and content areas because they were two, three, four, or more years behind in reading,” said Patricia Duck, the Bounce Back Reading Club teacher.

Thanks to a generous donation from a member of the community, the new program Bounce|Continued to page 19

Senior parents, did we miss your student? Please send us their photo and name to ask@LISD.org and we will publish it during our coming summer issues!

GOOD LUCK, SENIORS! LUKE |Continued from page 6 dent living, employment, social/ leisure skills, and health/wellness skills in a public university setting with the goal of producing self-sufficient young adults.

After graduating from the EMPOWER program, Luke wants to be a college history professor’s assistant or perhaps a museum guide as he is a huge fan of history, especially U.S. He loves to share his knowledge any way he can. Many of the teachers at the high school have been so kind as to let Luke share important historical events with them every day. In fact, they have come to expect it.

If given the opportunity, Luke would also love a job in the film

industry as he is a movie buff and loves to learn anything about his favorite films.

His mother, Millie McWilliams, is proud of Luke and knows that he will do great at Arkansas.

“We’ve been really fortunate to have such great teachers (at LISD) and it has been such a great experience,” she said. “I would probably be really nervous about him going off to a big school if he hadn’t been at Longview High School. I think he’s going to do great.”

For his fellow seniors and underclassman, Luke has some words of wisdom: “Work hard, stay safe.”

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

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District is saving thousands on electricity Thanks to the help from Ideal Impact Inc., Longview ISD has implemented a variety of steps to help improve energy costs throughout the campuses.

From June 2021 to February 2022, the district has saved $158,470.24 in electricity costs and $16,938.27 in gas from the high school and ESC. These two campuses alone have saved the district a total of $175,408.51 in under 12 months. For the entire district, $208,667 has been saved in the 10-month period.

“The district is saving money through proper HVAC scheduling.

The steps that led to the savings was the installation of new thermostats and other controls (for exhaust fans, lighting, etc.) and then the ability to schedule them through our scheduling software

based on calendaring,” said Michael Johnson, project manager at Ideal Impact.

By scheduling, Mr. Johnson means that when a location is not in use, the software will turn things off to cut back on electricity use. By doing this, an average of $20,886 a month has been saved per campus.

Ideal Impact have guaranteed a savings goal of $1,990,450 for the district and shall remain partners until the goal is met.

“Our goal is to save $500,000 annually on our utility bill. Ultimately, these are funds we are able to keep within the district and utilize for the needs of our students and staff members,” said Assistant Superintendent of Business, Dr. Wayne Guidry. “Reducing KWh hours will also increase the lifespan of our AC units.”

Senior parents, did we miss your student? Please send us their photo and name to ask@LISD.org and we will publish it during our coming summer issues!

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH FRIENDS

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

IT’S BEEN FUN! REMEMBER IT!

Senior parents, did we miss your student? Please send us their photo and name to ask@LISD.org and we will publish it during our coming summer issues!

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

CHOOSE

R LONGVIEW

SCHOOL

APPLY NOW

ChooseLISD.org

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

Senior parents, did we miss your student? Please send us their photo and name to ask@LISD.org and we will publish it during our coming summer issues!

DREAM BIG! AIM BIG!

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

FOUNDATION

Page 15

Bramlette takes to the great outdoors

By Kay Ray Foundation Director Fifth graders at Bramlette STEAM Academy traveled to Van, Texas, on February 21-22 for an overnight academic field trip through funding from the Longview ISD Foundation’s John W. Harrison, Jr. Academic Field Trip. Fifth grade teachers Anibal Colon, Rosemary Taylor, and Tashebra Walker, and Principal Nikita Mumphrey, received $7,000 from the Foundation for their grant titled “Sky Ranch: An Educational Camping Experience.”

On a mission to enhance their classroom science instruction, students boarded buses at 7:30 AM for a quick trip to Sky Ranch. Upon arrival, they settled into their cabins and then gathered as a group to begin their learning experiences.

After organizing themselves into three groups, students followed their guides through three learning zones over the two-day camping experience.

In one of the zones, the students enjoyed outdoor play on

trampolines and in gaga pits.

Students also played volleyball, dodge ball, and basketball.

In another zone, students experienced zip lining, flying to and from four treetop towers.

Zip lining was certainly a new experience for almost all the students.

Students Fatima Najera, Myanjel Cooper, and Camdyn Fortman explained the science instruction students received from their guides.

Armed with his journal for notetaking, Camdyn enjoyed being out in the woods as he learned about animals, their

eating habits, and their natural habitats. He said, “I learned about biotic and abiotic factors that make up the ecosystem.

Biotic are living things, such as plants, animals, and bacteria.

Abiotic are non-living, such as water, soil, and the atmosphere.” He also learned about the rock cycle and how rain and ice cause rocks to split.

All three students said they learned how friction caused from water, wind, and ice causes rocks to break down. They also learned about the types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. They also

learned about petrification, the process that exposure to minerals over a long time causes organic matter to turn into a stony substance.

Camdyn also enjoyed the animal zone where he saw and touched a chinchilla, sugar gliders, a corn snake, and the fastest species of tortoise. While some students were reluctant to pet some of the animals, Myanjel Cooper said she petted everything. Camdyn pointed out that the chinchilla has so many layers of fur that rain does not penetrate them. He also saw a blue tongue skink (lizard) that lives in Australia. Myanjel added that the skink has a blue tongue that serves as a defense mechanism. The tongue is not poisonous, but it scares predators. She also enjoyed seeing a hissing cockroach and a scorpion and learned how the scorpion glows in the dark in the desert. Fatima Najera admitted she really was not an outdoor person, but she did enjoy all the zones and really learned about Sky|Continued to page 17

Foster students explore aquatic life in Dallas

By Kay Ray Foundation Director On Friday, January 28, eighth grade students in Brandon Williamson’s Principles of Agriculture class traveled to Dallas and Fort Worth to extend their classroom learning by visiting the Dallas World Aquarium in downtown Dallas and the famous Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

The Longview ISD Foundation, Inc., a non-profit education foundation that provides funding for Longview ISD educators through its three grant programs, awarded Mr. Williamson a $4781.75 John W. Harrison, Jr. Academic Field Trip Grant for his grant titled “Animals in Action.”

Students boarded buses at 7:30 AM to travel to the Dallas World Aquarium to improve their knowledge of aquatic species with special emphasis on the current status of marine species, their ecosystem, and any conservation efforts that are in effect. After entering the aviary entrance, stu-

dents formed groups with their aquarium guides and parent chaperones to tour the aquarium. Mr. Driggers, student teacher from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, also accompanied the students. Not only did the students see exotic fish and learn about the different breeds, but they also viewed exotic birds and animals who live in trees.

Eighth grader Madalyn Cain said she saw many fish and birds she had never seen before and learned about the different species. Jake Lundy was especially impressed by the man-

atees, an endangered species, and he also enjoyed seeing the bats in their habitat. The anaconda was also a big hit with the students. Benjamin Weindorff enjoyed seeing penguins and learned that penguins live in Africa, especially since he had thought they only lived in the Arctic. Dekevin Smith, an eighth grader who wants to become a veterinarian, said the sloth an albino alligator were his favorites.

After learning for two hours at the aquarium, the students enjoyed pizza at Campisi’s, an iconic Dallas Italian restaurant

opened in 1946.

Then the students traveled to the Fort Worth Stock Show, the most authentic western lifestyle experience since 1896, to attend the famous Texas Pro Rodeo. The students saw bull riding, women’s breakaway steer roping, women’s barrel racing, steer wrestling, bucking bronco riding, carriage races, calf roping, and team roping.

Students witnessed several bull riders bucked from the bulls, including one whom the students said was hurt. Most of the students in the class had never attended a rodeo and were impressed with the skills of the rodeo contestants. Students saw Hereford, Brahma, and Santa Gertrudis cattle, but all learned that the cattle used in the rodeo are crossbreeds.

Having studied the breeds of cattle in class, students were able to use their knowledge at the rodeo to classify the breeds.

Students pointed out the difference between bulls and steers, noting that the bulls, having Dallas|Continued to page 17

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

OBITUARIES Longview ISD offers our most sincere condolences to our extended Lobo family Joe Neal Randolph Joe Neal Randolph went to his heavenly home on April 25, at age 81. He was born in Stephenville, Texas on August 5, 1940, to Neal Malcolm and Anne Keith Randolph. He graduated from A&M Consolidated High School in 1958.

He received his BBA degree in RANDOLPH 1962 from Texas A&M University and was recognized as a cum laude graduate and Distinguished Military Graduate. During 1962-1964, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, stationed primarily in Paris, France, and was attached to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

In 1965, he earned his MBA degree from Texas A&M. He was a proud Aggie and served as past president of the Deep East Texas A&M Club.

Joe joined Texas Eastman Company in 1965, initially employed as a Systems Analyst. Most of his experiences, however, were in the Human Resources area of Wage and Salary Administration, College Recruitment, Personnel and Training. He held several supervisory positions over a 25-year period. He was a proud and loyal employee of the company and worked with a large contingent of highly capable employees. His favorite role involved college recruiting for more than a dozen years at over 30 major universities and was immensely gratified at having a hand in hiring many graduated who excelled in their careers with Eastman. He retired from the company as Training Director on December 1, 1999.

Joe met Susan Bowling of Kilgore at Eastman in early 1966, and they were married April 22, 1967. They had just celebrated their 55th anniversary.

Volunteerism was a way of life for Joe. In 1988, he was co-founder of the GLOBE (Greater Longview Organization of Business and Education) Scholars, its purpose being to improve academic achievement for all students.

He spent many years spreading the program (renamed Texas Scholars in 1992) throughout the state. It became a major influence in the phasing out of “below grade level” high school courses in the development of the State Commissioner’s new 24-credit “Recommended High School Curriculum” passed by the State Board of Education

in 1993. Thanks heavily to the influence of President George W. Bush, Texas Scholars was replicated in 16 additional states beginning in 2003, with Joe as its Implementation Director.

Joe was an active member and chairman of the Texas Business and Education Coalition, an Austin-based initiative of business executives and education leaders committed to improved the Texas Publish School System. He was also a member of a task forced the convinced the State Legislature in 1991 to build a branch campus of Texas State Technical College in Marshall. Joe was involved in many speaking engagements concerning education reform initiatives before a myriad of state, regional, community, and professional organizations. His honors included 1994 co-winner of the State Board of Education’s first “Hero for the Children” award, plus the 1997 “Entrepreneur of the Year” finalist award sponsored by several prominent national corporations. He was a member of the Longview ISD Board of Trustees that was named 1992 Outstanding School Board in Texas. Joe received an honorary lifetime PTA membership. He mentored students with special needs at Forest Park Middle School.

Joe was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, serving on several committees and project teams, and as a 6th grade boys’ Sunday School teacher. He also did volunteer work with various local charitable organizations during his retirement years.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law Florece Kirksey Bowling, and brother-in-law Ray Bowling. He is survived by his beloved wife Susan, his son Jason Randolph and his wife Julie of College Station, his son Greg Randolph and his wife Whitney of Southlake, and his daughter Lacey Brajenovich and her husband Robert Brajenovich of Katy, brother Larry Randolph and his wife Mary of Lake Conroe, sister-in-law Jodi Bowling of Plano, a niece, nephews, and cousins. He was Papa Joe to his six grandchildren Alec and Jeffrey Randolph, Cade and Cole Randolph, and Peyton and Camden Brajenovich.

A celebration of Joe’s life was held Friday, April 29, at First Baptist Church, Longview, with a visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Benevolence Fund of First Baptist Church, or to your favorite charity.

VOICE |Continued from page 3 district-wide newspaper that covers student, staff, and local community news. The paper is produced by the LISD Community Relations department in partnership with Texarkana-based American Classifieds (formerly the Thrifty Nickel), as well as campus staff and volunteers.

“We encourage all our students to contribute articles and photography to The Longview Voice,” said Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox.

“That’s why it’s called ‘the Voice,’ because it is a voice for our entire Longview ISD community. We want our students

to feel a sense of ownership toward this newspaper.”

Each year the Community Relations department selects a Longview High School senior student who contributes work to The Longview Voice for a scholarship to the school of their choice.

Past Winners include Estrella Gonzales, Keyarro Hollins, Uwa Ihionkhan, Yosef Ibitayo (Class of 2016); Gaylon Wiley (Class of 2017); German Zelaya, Jose Velazquez, Michael Vera (Class of 2018), Alyssa Shobert, Brady Miller, and Payton Schaap (Class of 2019), Jesse Gonzalez and

Emily Mendenhall (Class of 2020), Audrey Smith (Class of 2021), and now Adriana Corona and Joshua Sanders in the Class of 2022.

Are you a student who is interested in being considered for next year’s scholarship? All you have to do is submit an article for publication in any edition of The Longview Voice newspaper and fill out a scholarship application.

For more information please contact the Community Relations department via email at ask@lisd.org or call (903) 381-2200.

Bill Stringer

William Benjamin (Bill) Stringer, 71, of Longview passed away on Saturday, April 23, at William P. Clements Jr. University STRINGER Hospital in Dallas with his loving family by his side.

Bill was born in Longview on December 13, 1950. After graduating from Longview High School in 1969, he attended the University of Houston on a track & field scholarship before transferring to Baylor University. He and his wife Carolyn were married on June 3, 1972. They went on to establish Parties Plus in Longview, which has served the community since 1984 and is still run by the family today.

Bill was well known for his tremendous contributions to youth soccer in East Texas. After coaching numerous youth teams and officiating games for many years, he served as President of the Greater Longview Soccer Association. He went on to become the founder and head coach of Azzurri Soccer Club, one of the most successful clubs in the history of East Texas whose impact was felt across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Colorado. Many of the players he coached went on to play at the collegiate level. He loved all his players and was so proud to see the men they grew up to be. The lasting influence on their lives is truly immeasurable.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 49 years, Carolyn Langston Stringer, and his three sons Ray Stringer, Brandon Stringer and Jeremy Stringer of Longview, sister-inlaw Barbara Langston Mason of Austin and nephew Michael Mason Jr. of Austin, brother-inlaw William Brooks Langston III of Wills Point and niece Skyla Langston of Dallas, as well as numerous cousins and several great nieces and nephews.

Bill’s father M. Ray Stringer, mother Marjorie Green Stringer, brother Dale Stringer, father-inlaw Dr. William B. Langston, Jr. and mother-in-law Betty Etheredge Langston all precede him in passing.

Visitation was held at Rader Funeral Home in Longview on Friday, April 29. A private family burial took place at Rosewood Park at a separate time.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

Page 17

PUBLIC NOTICES LISD Board meeting set for May 9 Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center, but often set special-called meetings at

various locations around the district. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, May 9.

For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees go to LISD.org.

LISD accepting requests for proposals for Contracted Educational Services Longview Independent School District (LISD) is soliciting additional, subsequent sealed competitive proposals for CONTRACTED EDUCATIONAL SERVICES. Proposals will be received at the following address on an ongoing basis until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022, for consideration.

Submission should include an original signed copy with all necessary backup requested.

Submission Location Longview Independent School District ATTN: Loretta Thompson Martin, Director of Grants & Federal Programs

1301 East Young Street Longview, Texas 75602 Telephone, electronic or fax proposals are not considered legal documents; therefore, original signed documentation must be submitted for consideration.

LISD seeking architectural firm for various projects The Longview Independent School District is seeking to retain an architectural firm with the qualifications and staff resources necessary to perform planning, designing, bidding and construction oversight phases of various projects deemed to be in the best interest of the District. In addition the District is looking for a firm with the capability to provide value added services including, but not limited to structural engineering, security consultation, technology consultation, interior design, etc. Therefore, it is the intent

of the Board to obtain information in the request for qualifications that addresses these options.

Firms are requested to submit their qualifications outlining their background and experience in campus planning and building design.

Selected firms may be invited to participate in interviews. Once the most qualified firm is determined, the District will attempt to negotiate a fee.

If a fee cannot be agreed upon, negotiations will begin with the next most qualified firm. Once an

agreement is reached, the selected firm’s name will be submitted for the final approval by the Longview ISD Board of Trustees.

Submit one original and four (4) copies of the RFQ to the following: Longview ISD Administration Office 1301 E Young Street Longview Tx 75602 Please mark on the outside of the envelope “RFQ #20-01.”

SKY |Continued from page 15 the rock cycle and the skulls of different animals.

Myanjel said students learned how they can help preserve the environment by refusing to litter and limiting their use of plastic and recyling it. Camdyn learned how plastic ultimately travels to the oceans and endangers the marine life.

Camdyn especially enjoyed the zone where students made rockets from paper and duct

tape and launched them. Some rockets exploded immediately while others traveled medium and long ranges as judged by the guides. Camdyn’s rocket lofted and traveled a few feet; Myanjel’s exploded immediately; Fatima’s traveled far. Students learned about the physics behind launching a rocket, especially air pressure as measured by pounds per square inch.

All three students agreed

that they really enjoyed the Monday night’s camp dinner of pot roast, mashed potatoes, carrots, rolls, cake, apple pie, and peach cobbler. On Tuesday morning, they feasted on bacon, eggs, yogurt, and fruit before starting their day of learning.

After lunch on Tuesday, the fifth graders headed home, full of science knowledge.

Mr. Colon said that he was proud of the students’ behavior at the camp. In fact, he said

that one of the ranch’s cafeteria employees said the Bramlette fifth graders were one of the best classes he had seen this year.

The Longview ISD Foundation is proud to have raised the funds required for this field trip and appreciates those in the Longview community who support the Foundation so that learning experiences like a trip to Sky Ranch become a reality for students.

funding for the trip but also for Mr. Williamson for taking the time and such care to request the grant funding to make this learning experience possible for his students.”

Several of Mr. Williamson’s students are raising animals as part of the FFA program. Madalyn Cain raised and showed a goat at the Fort Worth Stock Show in early February. At the show, she learned what she should be doing to raise a champion goat, one she said must have a well-developed rump, a muscular chest, and a flat back because these goats

are market animals and are judged for their meatiness.

Many of the students said they had eaten goat meat, including one who said he had enjoyed goat meat tacos. Madalyn said a goat costs between $400 and $500; the purchase is the student’s responsibility. However, Longview ISD houses the animals and provides food and basic veterinary care.

The Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. also awarded Mr. Williamson with a $2,500 grant so he can purchase a goat treadmill for all FFA students to use as they exercise their goats and

develop the characteristics of a champion. Mr. Williamson said that the goats will workout on the treadmill every other day, working up to a maximum of nine minutes, to achieve the desired results. Currently, the students are using an improvised treadmill meant for use by people, but when Mr. Williamson receives his funding on March 9, he can order the treadmill, and students can begin using a real goat treadmill.

Since 2019, the Longview ISD Foundation has funded nine academic field trips grants for a total of $41,997.88.

DALLAS |Continued from page 15 not been castrated, were fierce because of their testosterone.

While at the rodeo, students also enhanced their knowledge of the ethical treatment of animals.

The students returned to Longview at 9:00 PM after a day filled with learning and a stop on the trip home at Bucee’s.

Travis Lundy, parent chaperone, enjoyed his opportunity to travel with the students and assist the teachers. Mr. Lundy praised the Foundation for providing the funding for the trip.

“I am thankful not only for the GRADS |Continued from page 1

WILSON |Continued from page 7

Whatever our graduates do this fall, be it college, work, or something else, we wish them the best! We hope that they enjoy the graduation experience and are looking ahead to their future.

Congratulations to our 2022 Lobo graduates! We know you will make the Lobo Nation proud!

News & World Report.

Former LISD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Andrea Mayo (also a longtime col-league of Sue Wilson) echoed Dr. Wilcox in celebrating the “generosity of spirit and affection

that permeates everything she does in her life and professional career.”

“To know Sue Wilson is to love her, as there is no limit to what she will do for the students and staff in her care,” she said. “In

everything she does, she is guided by sincere affection and consummate professionalism. I am thankful to have been her friend and colleague, and to see the amazing things she has done in her career.”

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

SPOTTED ON SOCI AL

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

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ALUMNI |Continued from page 6 ing “experts,” Trent accepted a scholarship from the University of Oklahoma over offers from Texas A&M, LSU, and others.

Defying the expectations, Trent earned a starting position in his freshman season at OU and began a long and distinguished career for the Sooners, anchoring the offensive line at multiple positions.

In 2008, the line gave up on 11 sacks all season, enabling Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford to win the Heisman Trophy. Trent was named All-American by The Sporting News magazine, the first of many collegiate awards he would receive during his career, including first-team AllBig XII twice, being a finalist for the 2009 Outland Trophy (best lineman), and being a unanimous All-American his senior year.

Entering the NFL Draft in 2010, Trent was widely considered one of the top prospects coming out of college, an

expectation that proved true when he was selected in the first round by the Washington Redskins. Time and time again, Trent battled back from adversity to emerge as the best offensive lineman in professional football, being named to the NFL Pro Bowl nine times in addition to numerous other honors and accolades. Currently, he plays for the San Francisco 49ers where in 2020 he was statistically rated as the best lineman in the game.

But far more than his professional accomplishments, Trent has demonstrated a tremendous love and loyalty to his community and his alma mater. Exemplifying the credo of “Once A Lobo, Always A Lobo,” Trent has underwritten and sponsored numerous programs and initiatives to benefit students and staff of Longview ISD, as well as his hometown.

Various projects include buying the organ and piano at Parkview Baptist Church, to

running numerous Silverback events in Longview. With the Silverback program, he has offered a free football camp almost yearly at LHS since 2013, giving away bikes and shoes to LISD students. Since starting the football camp, he has worked with hundreds of local students.

Trent has also provided funding for the Lobo football locker room and has worked with Christus Good Shepherd in Longview to provide heart screenings for 7th to 12 graders which he started in 2015.

In 2017, his Lobo jersey number was retired. Most recently, he has decided to help dual-credit students at LHS by providing tuition assistance for their college classes. Aside from his amazing work for the Longview community, Trent also is a real estate investor, co-owner of O Athletik in Houston, and is an ambassador for Sarcoma Foundation.

Coach John King praised his

former student-athlete, saying that “with Trent Williams, what you see is what you get.”

“For all the great things that Trent has done for the community that they know about, there are just as many things that he has done anonymously to help so many,” he said. “But that’s Trent. He doesn’t do it for the praise or the publicity, he does it out of love for the people of Longview and Lobo Nation.”

The son of Freddie Williams and Veronica Williams, Trent was nominated by his mother who described him as loving “his community and Longview ISD.” “He is the prime example of ‘once a Lobo, always a Lobo.’

Being a Lobo is about bleeding green and showing love for your fellow Lobos and that is something Trent does every day.”

Trent has three children, Micah, 13, Makayla, 8, and Marley, 2.

which requires a lot of traveling on the weekend and high school soccer for the Lady Lobos for now four years, which games are played during the week.

My family has made many sacrifices to allow me to focus on education throughout my years of attending school. I now have the opportunity to become

the first person in my family to attend college; though I’m in need of financial assistance, I have now realized what has been a long-term goal for me and a dream for my parents.

Its my senior year at Longview High School and I will forever remember, “Once a Lobo, always a Lobo.”

We stand together as a pack and never fear what we face and always ready to overcome any obstacles that may be in the way from reaching our goals.

As it’s said, ‘she who leaves a trail of sparkles is never forgotten.’

ADRIANA |Continued from page 3 accomplishment even though money has always been tight.

My senior year at Longview High School, I have a weighted 4.2 grade-point average and expected to graduate with my associates. In addition to focusing on my own studies, I also play club soccer for FC Dallas and have been a part of it for 8 years, JOSHUA |Continued from page 3 that year. The reward was being able to see my family and friends at all the games as we collectively cheered for our LOBOS. We went on to win the 6A division II State Championship that year (2018) with a 16-0 perfect record. I was able to be in the Dallas Cowboy club house with the governor and other famous people in attendance. The entire city of Longview filled the interstate coming and going and packed out the stadium. It was an unbelievable experience to bring a 6A State championship home.

Later, I was awarded a state championship ring with my name on it along with the players. It is something that I will always remember and treasure. I have also enjoyed giving back to the community and encouraging others to do the same. As president of the LHS AMBUCS, we have built wheelchair ramps for disabled members of our community.

This is a club I have enjoyed

— Adriana Corona is a 2022 LHS Senior.

BOUNCE |Continued from page 8 being a member of for the last four years. My final year at LHS is coming to an end which brings me joy for new beginnings yet shocks me at how fast the time flew by.

Senior year has been full of exciting and memorable times, but the most recent would be the nomination of being the LHS PROM king. That was an honor and fun being nominated as such. This fall I plan to attend Texas A&M and was accepted into Mays Business School. I plan to seek an MBA in finance. Upon graduation, I plan to return to East Texas and create a business here that will aid in economic growth.

— Joshua Sanders is a 2022 LHS Senior.

had a lot of help getting off the ground, as well as having amazing incentives to help keep the children motivated in their reading progress.

“A community member purchased the Fountas & Pinnell Intervention Kit at a cost of $20,000,” Ms. Duck said. “They have also sponsored a trip to a Dallas Mavericks game for students that reached their reading goal!”

Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention System is a supplementary intervention system that they say is proven to improve literacy achievement of struggling readers in grades K through 5+ with engaging leveled books and fast-paced systematically designed lessons.

The club is an elective class at Judson for students that are struggling with reading and is only available through a recommendation from a teacher. For its first year, the club has 70 stu-

dents, spread out among six classes, each lasting 48 minutes.

“There are kids that are stepping up as leaders that have never had the opportunity to be leaders in their class. You just see a whole different way, and the way they carry themselves, they’re getting comfortable,” Ms. Duck told the Tyler Morning Telegraph. “They’re like ‘Hey, what’s this word?’ where they would’ve tried hiding that struggle before.”

Students choose from a library full of books on many topics. This allows the students to read books that will keep their interest.

“They have worked extremely hard. They have set goals for each 6-weeks and most have met and exceeded those goals. They are very proud of their accomplishments,” Ms. Patricia said.

“Parents have been very supportive of the club, especially when they see the difference it is making.”

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 2022

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