“Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.” — W.E.B. DuBois
ongview Voice
THE
Sharing the good news about LISD!
Vol. 2 No. 4 June 2017
A publication of Longview Independent School District
Complimentary Copy
The sky ’s the limit! Class of 2017 takes the next step
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n a clear and breezy evening at Lobo Stadium, the Class of 2017 donned cap and gown to celebrate their graduation from Longview High School... and begin the first day of the rest of their lives.
Senior Class President Michael Goolsby greeted the crowd, sharing an impassioned and light-hearted exhortation to his peers. “Thirteen years ago we began our educational journey, through the years we have learned a lot about ourselves, our ambition, and what we can achieve in life,” he said. “I am honored to represent one of the most talented classes in Longview High School history.” Class of 2017 co-valedictorian Christopher Guck recalled fond memories of how far the class had come since their elementary days, and reminded them of the importance of understanding from where one comes to better understand where one needs to go. Continued on page 3, see “Graduation”
Eight early graduates receive diplomas
LISD honors 2017 Distinguished Alumni
Longview Independent School District honored It may not have had the usual “pomp and circumstance” of the end of three former students May 12 during the annual year graduation ceremony, but the diplomas presented to eight Longview Distinguished Alumni ceremony and luncheon, each Early Graduation High School students are just as special. expressing gratitude and humility at being selected. During the Longview ISD trustees meeting Monday, May 8, graduates “I learned so much during my time in Longview, were recognized by Principal Kristi Means. Means told students that but probably the most important thing was the “today you will receive your wings.” importance of having a strong community, taking care “Don’t be afraid of the takeoff,” she said. “You might have a little of each other,” said 1955 graduate Gene Raymond turbulence, but you are well on your way.” Birdwell. • Mackenzie Anderson plans to attend Kilgore College. She is 1959 graduate Declan Hoffmann agreed, sharing undecided on a major. his experience of moving to Longview as a high school • LeAnndria Davis aspires to become a physical therapy assistant. She sophomore, and being warmly embraced by the students and staff. will study at Kilgore College. “This honor shows what a special place Longview is,” he said. • Casey Boyd Franklin plans to attend University Technical Institute “What an honor it truly is!” added 1963 graduate Dr. Diane Porter Patrick. “To not in Florida. He will major in engineering and welding just be a part of a long tradition of excellence at Longview High, but to be considered • Jamesia Giddings is a Globe Scholar graduating on the recommended ‘distinguished.’ It’s really humbling.” plan. She aspires to become a registered nurse Continued on page 9, see “Distinguished” • Andrew McBride plans to attend Kilgore College. He plans to pursue a career in engineering. • Jordan Milam is a Globe Scholar graduating on the recommended plan. He plans to attend UT Tyler to major in engineering. • Kenzie Renfro plans to major in nursing at Kilgore College • Morgan Sustaire will attend Kilgore College. She plans to become The Longview Rotary Club honored a registered nurse. Hudson PEP Elementary teacher The Long view Early Laura Vermillion and Longview High Graduation High School senior Rutvi Patel during their regular (formerly known as LEAD meeting April 18 at First Baptist Academy) serves progressive Church. students who wish to Vermillion and Patel were graduate early. Providing recognized as the April 2017 Teacher dual-credit courses for students seeking higher of the Month and Student of the education, it also features Month for excellence both inside and career and technology outside the classroom. options, online/distance “Both of these individuals represent the best and learning, and ACT/SAT Continued on page 3, see “Rotary” preparation. Coming Events 3 New Principals 6 Sports 13 THE Opinion 4 Multisport Stars 11 National Honor Society 18
PEP teacher, LHS student honored by Rotary
Longview Voice