Volume IV, Issue 1 (January 2019)

ongview Voice

“Champions are made from something deep inside: a desire, a dream, a vision.” ―Mahatma Gandhi

THE

Sharing the good news about LISD!

Vol. 4 No. 1 January 2019

A publication of Longview Independent School District

Complimentary Copy

LOBOS WIN STATE

Longview defeats West Brook 35-34 to claim Class 6A State Championship ARLINGTON — It had been 81 years since the Longview Lobos could call themselves state football champions.

That was until the night of Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018.

Longview ended a drought that pre-dated World War II, coming from behind to defeat Beaumont-West Brook, 35-34, before 48,421 fans at AT&T Stadium in the Class 6A Division II championship game.

“Let me tell you, when we get back to Gregg County it’s gonna be a party like they ain’t never seen,” said Longview coach John King. “And I may be leading the charge.”

Jessie Anderson’s 2-yard touchdown run with 4:42 remaining, and Michael Martin’s fumble recovery on the ensuing possession sealed it for Longview (16-0).

“There won’t be any more talk about us not being able to win the big one,” King said. “The Longview Lobos have bragging rights, we’re state champions, 16-0. And if they ain’t good enough for you …”

West Brook (13-3) widened its lead on Jakobi Holland’s 3-yard touchdown with 11:34 remaining in the fourth quarter. But a bad snap on the extra-point attempt kept it a onepossession game at 34-26.

Longview moved the ball to the West Brook 6-yard line on the next series but had to settle for JK Martin’s 28-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 34-29 with 8:17 to play.

The Lobos’ defense then forced West Brook into a three-and-out, and quarterback Haynes King hit Kyas Moore for a 54-yard gain to the Bruins’ 11. Anderson’s scoring run three plays later was the game-winner.

“I knew I had the weight of the city on my back, and I didn’t want to let my team down,” Anderson said. “So I knew I had to find a way to get in the end zone.”

Following La’Ravien Elia’s 25-yard pass to Deonte Simpson that got West Brook to its 47, State|Continued to page 3

THE

Longview Voice

Opinion Judge Alvin Khoury

2 4

Sounds of the Season New Greenhouse

6 8

Lucky Charm Fine Arts Extravaganza

11 14

Page 2

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

January 2019

OPINION

LISD looks back on another successful year

By Dr. James Wilcox

With the start of a New Year, I cannot help but look back on the previous year. There were so many amazing accomplishments by our students, staff, and entire district in 2018, I could fill up this entire newspaper. But in the interest of leaving enough room to celebrate the Lobos’ incredible state championship win last month (see SPORTS on Page 11), I’ll just hit a few of the highlights.

‘HI-5’ for student safety In March we announced the creation of the HI-5 Program, partnership with local law enforcement to create a higher police presence on all of our district campuses.

Spearheaded by Mr. Dennis Williams, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Pupil Services, the HI-5 program involves fostering an atmosphere of “community policing” by increasing positive interactions between law enforcement and the LISD community.

Participating agencies include Longview Police Department, Gregg County Sheriff’s Office, Lakeport Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The district will be inviting both active as well as retired officers to visit campuses and participate in student activities, in addition to incentivizing volunteerism among off-duty law enforcement.

Duke University honors middle schoolers Longview ISD middle school students Jordan Allen, Chloe Alzaga, Luke Archer, Jefferson Dunaway, Delia Fourie, Seth Fulton, Abigail Hilton, Christina Holder, Reagan Hull, Mary Leak, Jair Lopez, Nathaniel McAlister, Harrison Mcauley, Hannah McCrory, Kayden Newhouse, Jax Norman, and Mikeia Robertson all earned state recognition for their scores on college entrance exams in April.

These 17 students are among the top 25 percent of Duke University’s annual 16-state talent search.

Not only that, but Delia Fourie, Reagan Hull, Hannah McCrory, and Kayden Newhouse also received national recognition.

That means is they scored better than 90 percent of college-bound juniors and seniors taking the SAT or ACT tests. It’s really quite remarkable.

Math & Science teams take State Foster Middle School’s Math & Science team finished in the top five of Texas at the TMSCA meet April 21 in San Antonio, with several students earning gold in individual competition.

Ranked 5th overall out of 77 schools in Class 6A (the largest classification in the state of Texas), Foster students took top honors in several events.

We are expanding Montessori With a perfect score in the and International Baccalaureate 8th Grade General Math category, programming that infuses science, Aditya Jagarlamudi was named Cotechnology, engineering, arts, and Champion. mathematics (STEAM) education. Our 6th Grader Aman Saridena goal is to build students’ skills so they earned 1st place in both Number are able to meet the workforce needs of Sense and Calculator events, and local, regional, and global markets. the Foster Calculator Team of Aditya An important priority for this Jagarlamudi, Rachna Eular, Natalie initiative is to reduce minority group Holder, and Aman Saridena brought isolation and increase socioeconomic home the gold as well! integration by promoting systemic PEP named to Texas Honor Roll reform, developing innovative Hudson PEP Elementary has been WILCOX educational practices that promote honored by the Education Results diversity, and providing equitable access Partnership (ERP) as an Honor Roll to high-quality educational programs. school for high academic performance.

STAAR scores show gains The Texas Honor Roll, presented by ERP Latitia Wilson, Longview ISD Director of and the Institute for Productivity in Education, recognizes public K-8 and high schools for Assessment, Research, and Accountability, said the demonstrating consistently higher levels of results are varied across the different grade levels student academic achievement, improvement for the tested subject areas.

“We’ve improved in some areas, stayed the over time, and reduction in achievement gaps among ethnic minority and socioeconomically same in some areas, and gone down in some areas,” she said. “We’re always glad to see improvements, disadvantaged students.

Our teachers and administrators work but will continue to work toward improving scores tirelessly to keep the focus on high expectations across the board.”

It goes without saying that we are not where we and student academic achievement and to continuously improve our practices. This hard would like to be. At the same time, we’re continuing work and dedication is paying off for all of our to see progress in various areas. So we’re optimistic about where we can go from here. students, no matter their background.

Trustees OK pay raise for teachers High School, Middle School student excel at Board members unanimously approved salary TSA Nationals increases for district staff in July.

LISD students finished near the top of various Recommended to the board by LISD Human different categories during the Technology Student Association’s national competition June Resources director Loretta Thompson Martin, the measure includes normal step increases for 22-26 in Atlanta, Ga. The teams consisted of 27 students from teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses, with a Longview High and Foster Middle School who 3 percent from the midpoint raise for other staff.

We continue to work toward recruiting topcompeted in various skill and verbal competitions quality personnel, while at the same time working as well as elected offices.

15 of 16 LHS National qualifiers advanced to to retain the excellent staff we already have.

District sets new voluntary desegregation plan the finals, but it wasn’t just the powerhouse high After the lifting of a 1970 federal desegregation school team that brought home Nationals gold, earlier this year, LISD developed a plan over the but Foster Middle School team members.

10 of Foster’s 11 competitors advanced to the summer to ensure equitable access to education opportunities.

National finals.

While Longview ISD is no longer under the New academic offerings for diverse students During their regular meeting April 16th, direct federal oversight, the district will continue the LISD Board of Trustees approved measures to ensure all of Longview’s students have fair to develop new in-campus elementary magnet and equitable access to our best educational schools, as well as transform an elementary opportunities.

Longview ISD is committed to providing an school, a middle school, and a high school from equal opportunity for all students to learn through traditional programs to magnet programs.

Thanks to support from the U.S. Department the curriculum offered, regardless of a student’s of Education’s Magnet Schools Assistance race, color, creed, disability, religion, sex, gender, Program (MSAP), the district is developing ancestry, age, national origin, or socio-economic schools that create critical, independent thinkers background, or any other legally protected who will succeed academically and become characteristic.

No person shall be excluded from participation productive members of society.

in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination by the district on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, age, disability, or relationship or association with an individual with a disability.

Board awards more than $900k to teachers In November the Board of Trustees awarded $900,000 in incentive pay for high achieving teachers.

The board unanimously approved Longview Incentive for Teachers (LIFT) pay for performance during the 2017-18 school year, almost three times the $350,000 paid out to staffers in 2014-15, the first year of the program.

Funded 100 percent through local funds from the fund balance, the extra pay went out in December’s pay period... just in time for holiday shopping.

District to partner for innovative charter program In December LISD submitted an application for Senate Bill 1882 to partner with an openenrollment charter school or other eligible entity to operate a district campus.

The Texas Legislature signed Senate Bill 1882 into effect during 2017 which incentivizes districts to work collaboratively with new and existing partners to promote innovation and dramatically improve student outcomes.

An 1882 partnerships offer districts the opportunity to expand the diversity of school options, bring in targeted expertise for innovation and turnaround support, and empower school leaders and partners with greater autonomy. Most importantly: effective partnerships give more students access to great schools.

There’s still MUCH more to come!

Whew! That might seem like a lot, but it’s actually just a sampling of the many great things happening at Longview ISD. Most of which you might not hear about in various local media outlets, but every single one of those stories were covered this past year in The Longview Voice.

Longview ISD continues to be the best school district east of Interstate 45, and it’s all because of our people: our students, our staff, our parents, and our many community partners.

Thank you all for a wonderful 2018, and my prayers are with you for an even better 2019!

It’s a great time to be a Lobo!

— Dr. James Wilcox is Superintendent of Schools for Longview ISD. During his tenure enrollment and test scores have continued an upward trend, and LISD has continued to expand its academic and extracurricular offerings.

Lobos’ win is a win for our whole community

By Mayor Andy Mack

Dear Lobos, New Year, New Beginnings! I hope that you guys enjoyed your Christmas break and are ready for a great new year.

So much will happen this year that we can’t predict, but will become a faint memory by the time it’s over with. Just like who even remembers who won the Super Bowl last year? The World Series? Or Best Picture for the Oscars? See, these things don’t make near the impact in our lives that we thought they did at the time they were happening. But don’t get me wrong, if the Cowboys won the Super Bowl, I would remember it for a long, long, long time. But it is not likely this year.

But another thing that I definitely can and will remember for a long time is that Longview played for the State Championship in Texas 6A Division II football. And what makes me the most proud about this accomplishment is how the entire City has rallied behind this group of young men. It is so encouraging as I’ve gone to playoff game after playoff game to see the other schools in Longview supporting the Lobos this year. And I know in my heart if Spring Hill, Pine Tree or Hallsville were playing, the Lobo Nation would come out to support them playing for a State Championship. That is what makes East

Texas so strong and Longview such a wonderful place to live.

And even though the emphasis is on the football team and those young men who have sacrificed so much, there are so many things that take place that play supporting roles. I am so proud and so honored and humbled when the Longview High School ROTC marches out onto that field carrying our flags as The Big Green Marching Machine belts out our National Anthem. How patriotic it makes everyone in those stands feel.

How proud am I when I look on that field and I see that band marching at half time and covering the field with Lobos. Watching the Majorettes perform with such precision is a testament to the efforts they put in all year long. And I wouldn’t be truthful if I didn’t say my heart beamed with joy as I watched my niece Madeline, as the Captain of the Viewettes, lead them through their routine at halftime. And yes, then there is Alex, my other niece who is a senior cheerleader this year. I love to see how that squad rallies around her and includes her as one of the group, because I know these are things in her life that she will always remember.

So regardless of whether we have won or lost

that game on that Saturday in December before Christmas, Longview won as a community. And as a school. And as a region.

I remember vividly the last time Longview played in a Championship game back in 2009. And I was equally as proud. My children were in high school during those years and those were exciting times. Isn’t it amazing how something like an athletic event can bring communities and people together? And form lasting friendships.

I have been amazed at the people I have seen at the games. Especially the ones at AT&T Stadium. Even people who do not live in Longview anymore are still showing up and supporting the team because of that strong Lobo pride.

And may you remember all of the people who came out to support you and fill the stands game after game. We all know the success of Lobo Nation didn’t just start at Longview High School, but many years before. When you were in Pee Wee football or took your first dance class. Or tried your first instrument around middle school.

We have been cheering you on all along the way, as well as the coaches, dance instructors, teachers and band directors. Don’t forget to thank them for cheering right alongside us.

And as you grow up – and leave High School – the next generation of young people will need cheering on too. And you will be there to fill the stands and shout encouragement because you remember how it felt.

These are the dreams memories are made of.

So enough about that game. What will you remember about 2018? And more importantly what will you do in 2019? I hope you will find a way to make a mark. To make a lasting impression.

Because you only get one chance to make a first impression. Needless to say, I am proud of Lobo Nation. I am proud to have graduated from Longview High School. I am proud that my children graduated from Longview High School.

I am proud to support Longview High School. #onelongview #oncealoboalwaysalobo By the way, THE LOBOS WON! Congratulations to our 6A Division II State Champions! We are so incredibly proud of you!

Study hard, have some fun and say your prayers Longview,

Andy

— Dr. Andy Mack is a 1978 graduate of Longview High School. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon for more than 25 years, he is currently owner-operator of East Texas Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Longview.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

State |Continued from page 1 Longview linebacker Ja’Vontae Writt forced a Robert McGrue fumble, and Martin was there for the Lobos’ recovery.

“We had to get on the sideline and communicate and let each other know what we needed to do,” Writt said. “He was running with the ball loose, and the first thing that came into my mind was to punch the ball out.”

Haynes King, who was voted the game’s Offensive Most Valuable Player, completed 16 of 27 attempts for 423 yards and two touchdowns. He also led Longview in rushing with 65 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.

“Their quarterback was making some big throws,” said West Brook coach Eric Peevey of Haynes King. “I thought they missed a few the first half, and that kinda kept us in it. In the second half he made some big, big throws deep downfield. The young man is special.”

Kamden Perry caught eight passes, including a touchdown, for 218 yards, which set a Class 6A state championship game record.

Longview racked up 569 yards for the game.

“We felt like we could move the ball offensively,” Coach King said. “We shot ourselves in the foot and put our defense in a bind at times. When we got everything fixed, we started playing a lot better.”

West Brook was led by Elia, who passed for 144 yards and two touchdowns, and added a team-high 136 yards and a touchdown on 13 rushing attempts.

“We were getting out of gaps and over-pursuing some things, and you’ve got to with the speed they have,” Coach King said. “We would over-pursue and (Elia would) cut it back. But he’s electric and we knew we’d have our hands full, and you don’t stop him, you’ve just got to try and slow him down.”

Longview senior safety Jephaniah Lister was the game’s Defensive MVP after racking up 12 tackles.

“We stuck to the game plan,” Lister said of the defense’s improvement in the second half. “The game plan was the scramble rule. If the quarterback takes off running, we have to stick to our receivers no matter what until we hear that whistle. We had to make sure we stayed on the receivers until the quarterback was down.”

Longview drove 58 yards in six plays, and took a 6-0 lead on an Anderson 3-yard touchdown with 5:27 remaining in the first quarter.

West Brook responded on the ensuing series, traveling 73 yards in eight plays, and scoring on Elia’s 35-yard touchdown pass to Simpson giving the Bruins a 7-6 lead.

Haynes King connected with Perry for a 77-yard touchdown moments later, which put Longview in front 13-7 late in the first.

But West Brook answered with back-to-back lengthy scoring drives, ending with a 22-yard touchdown run by Elia and a Holland 35-yard scoring run that pushed the Bruins’ lead to 21-13 midway through the second quarter.

Longview responded on Haynes King’s 40-yard touchdown pass to Kaden Kearbey, before West Brook zipped 75 yards in 29 seconds, and went up 28-20 on a 25-yard pass from Elia to Simpson.

Haynes King’s 25-yard touchdown run cut Longview’s deficit to 28-26 with 3:43 to play in the third quarter.

“The reason those tears flow: I’ve seen these kids since they were little in kindergarten,” Coach King said. “I know their parents, and I know the hard work they put in, traveling all over the country, whether it was little league football or basketball, or going to camps trying to get recruited.”

“Yes, it’s special because you’ve got your son here. But all these kids are special.”

Longview 35, West Brook 34 Class 6A State Championship AT&T Stadium, Arlington West Brook Longview

7 13

21 7

0 6

6 9

– –

34 35

First Quarter LOBOS—Jessie Anderson 3 run (pass failed), 5:27.

WB—Deonte Simpson 35 pass from La’Ravien Elia (Kevin Linares kick), 1:55.

LOBOS—Kamden Perry 77 pass from Haynes King (JK Martin kick), 1:02.

Second Quarter WB—Elia 22 run (Linares kick), 11:38.

WB—Jakobi Holland 35 run (Linares kick), 6:59.

LOBOS—Kaden Kearbey 40 pass from King (Martin kick), 1:55.

WB—Simpson 25 pass from Elia (Linares kick), 1:25.

Third Quarter LOBOS—King 25 run (run failed), 3:43.

Fourth Quarter WB—Holland 3 run (pass failed), 11:34.

LOBOS—FG Martin 28, 8:17.

LOBOS—Anderson 2 run (pass failed), 4:42.

First Downs Total Yards Rushes-Yards Passing Yards Comp.-Att.-Int. Punts-Avg. Fumbles-Lost Penalties-Yards

TEAM STATISTICS WB LOBOS 24 23 493 569 46-349 32-146 144 423 10-21-0 16-27-0 4-34.5 2-44.0 1-1 1-1 5-41 8-62

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—West Brook: La’Ravien Elia 13-136, Jakobi Holland 13-122, Robert McGrue 17-69, Deonte Simpson 2-16, Joey Pierre 1-6. Longview: Haynes King 12-65, Keilyn Williams 6-41, Jessie Anderson 10-35, Kaden Meredith 1-18.

PASSING—West Brook: Elia 10-21-0—144. Longview: King 16-27-0—423.

RECEIVING—West Brook: Simpson 6-106, Jordan Babino 1-16, Thad Johnson 1-13, Dylan Duhon 1-9, McGrue 1-0. Longview: Kamden Perry 8-218, Kaden Kearbey 3-87, Anderson 3-55, Kyas Moore 1-54, JD Williams 1-9.

January 2019

Page 3

Page 4

In loving memory...

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

January 2019

Judge Alvin Khoury (1936-2018) Judge Alvin Khoury, well-known East Texas civic leader, attorney and state district judge, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 in Longview, following a short illness.

Alvin Khoury was born October 15, 1936 at Gregg Memorial Hospital in Longview, the second child of the late Virginia and Dr. Sam G. Khoury. A fourth-generation Texan, Alvin’s ancestors were Lebanese Christians who settled in Northeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana beginning in the 1890’s.

Alvin was raised in Longview and attended Longview public schools. After earning his diploma from Longview High School in 1954, he attended Kilgore Junior College and Southern Methodist University in Dallas, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from SMU in 1957 and his law degree from SMU School of Law in 1959. In law school, he interned for the prestigious Dallas law firm of Wynne & Wynne, where he assisted in several large and complex civil cases, including a major case involving the Hawkins, Texas natural gas field.

Following his graduation from law school, Alvin was offered a job with Wynne & Wynne, but instead he chose to return home to Longview to pursue his dreams, a decision he never regretted. He was licensed to practice law in Texas in September 1959, at age 22, and later was licensed to practice law before the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, the U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Alvin began his legal career at the Whitehead law firm in Longview, where he practiced civil and criminal law from 1959 to 1965. From 1965 to 1972, he was a solo practitioner and later a partner in the Longview firm of Jones & Khoury.

Alvin joined the staff of Gregg County District Attorney Ralph Prince in January 1972, beginning what would be 37 years of public service to the citizens of Gregg County. Earning a reputation as a firm, but fair prosecutor, during his nine years in the District Attorney’s office he served as Chief Felony Prosecutor and later as First Assistant District Attorney, and he prosecuted some of the biggest cases of the day, including numerous felony cases and three high-profile capital murders.

Aided by a broad range of support from the legal profession, law enforcement and the community, in November 1980 Alvin was elected District Judge of the 124th District Court, which is composed of Gregg County. He was re-elected in 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004. His string of seven contested countywide election wins without a loss is a Gregg County record. And he is the only person in Gregg County history to win every voting box in a contested countywide Primary Election and General Election in the same year (1984).

He was a graduate of Texas College of the Judiciary, The National Judicial College and Texas College of Advanced Judicial Studies.

During his 28 years on the bench, he conducted more than 1,000 jury trials, presided over complex civil cases and twelve capital murder cases, and served as a visiting judge in some of Texas’ largest counties. His statutory duties included supervising five Gregg County departments and more than 140 employees. From 1995 to 2007, he served as Local Administrative Judge and Chairman of the Gregg County Board of Judges.

Throughout his tenure, Alvin made efficient court management a top priority, reducing delays and saving taxpayer dollars. The 124th District Court was one of the first courts in Texas to adopt a computerized docket control system, helping cases move faster. And he was instrumental in the drafting and passage of legislation in Austin authorizing the creation of Gregg County Court at Law No. 2, which further streamlined case management and improved access to justice through quicker disposition of cases. Consequently, the consolidation of tax cases in County Court at Law No. 2 helped fast-track collections in those cases, increasing revenue for all local taxing jurisdictions.

Additionally, he supported construction of the Marvin A. Smith Regional Juvenile Center, he helped increase funding for community service programs, and he cast the deciding vote creating the office of Gregg County Purchasing Agent.

Alvin also was active in various criminal justice issues before the Texas Legislature, providing testimony and other input on proposed legislation. After observing deficiencies in the guidelines for empaneling grand juries, he contacted Austin lawmakers to make them aware of the issue and helped write a bill authorizing expansion of the grand jury pool. The bill, which passed both houses of the legislature and was signed into law by the Governor, helped ensure there were enough potential grand jurors to form a grand jury, saving local governments the financial and administrative burden of re-summoning potential grand jurors.

In June 2006, Alvin was honored with a Presidential Commendation by the State Bar of Texas, in recognition of his leadership in improving justice in Texas and being one of the first judges in the state to meet the bar’s standards of special competence. After opting to not seek re-election in 2008, he served as Senior District Judge of the 124th District Court from 20092015, where he presided over cases in Northeast Texas and the Dallas metroplex.

Recognizing his important and lasting contribution to the legal profession, in 2009 both the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives each passed resolutions honoring Alvin, noting “...his integrity and commitment to justice will long inspire all those who have been privileged to work with him...” Also in 2009, he was honored as a Fifty-Year Lawyer by the State Bar of Texas. From 20152017, he returned to private law practice on a limited basis.

Long active in numerous civic organizations, Alvin served as President of the Longview Jaycees, President of the Longview Lobo Football Booster Club and Chairman of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce. He was a board member of the Harvest Festival & Livestock Show, the Longview Chamber of Commerce, the Great Texas Balloon Race, and the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce. And he was a longtime financial supporter of dozens of local and regional charitable, cultural and educational organizations.

Alvin was a 2007 Longview Independent School District Distinguished Alumni, and in 2006 he received the President’s Aw a r d from the White Oak Chamber of Commerce.

He grew up fishing at Lake Cherokee, and some of his greatest memories as a father were of fishing there with his own sons. Some other favorite hobbies were the horse races and judging chili and gumbo cook-offs.

A diehard Longview Lobos football fan, Alvin was only a year old and too young to remember being at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas with his father and brother and witnessing the Lobos win their only state championship, in 1937. He spent the next 81 years hoping to see another one, watching his Lobos win State this year from Heaven.

Alvin was a lifelong Catholic and a parishioner at Saint Anthony Catholic Church and later at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he served for decades as an usher. He was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus member, Faithful Navigator and Past Grand Knight.

Alvin is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Dorothy, and their sons, Samuel M. Khoury and Andy Khoury, all of Longview. Additional survivors include his sister, Betty Khoury Falco of Longview; his aunt and her husband, Theresa and Jerry Boudreaux of Lake Charles, LA; his sister-in-law and her husband, Polly and Harold Gregg of Midlothian, VA; brother- in-law and his wife, Mike and Evelyn Nasser of Winchester, VA; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loyal and beloved rescue cats, Mama Kitty, Clyde and Cousin. Alvin was a lover of all animals and adopted many homeles s pe t s through the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Khoury, all of Longview.

F u n e r a l arrangements were under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview, 1617 Judson Rd. Pallbearers were Mike Coston, Clement Dunn, Ken Hartley, John King, Les Kroeger, Glenn Phillips, Mickey Smith, and Mike Vallery. Honorary pallbearers were Gaylon Butler, Glen Cobb, Sam Lawson, Jim Martin, Tommy Merritt, Frank Odom, and James Plumlee.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Page 5

January 2019

District submits application for East Texas Advanced Academies Longview ISD has submitted an application for Senate Bill 1882 which would allow it to partner with an open-enrollment charter school or other eligible entity to operate a district campus.

The schools that will operate under the East Texas Advanced Academies (ETAA) will be East Texas Montessori Prep Academy, Johnston-McQueen Elementary, J.L. Everhart Elementary, Bramlette Elementary, Ware East Texas Montessori Academy, Forest Park Middle School, and Early Graduation High School.

The Texas Legislature signed Senate Bill 1882 into effect during 2017 which incentivizes districts to work collaboratively with new and existing partners to promote innovation and dramatically improve student outcomes.

Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said these partnerships offer districts the opportunity to expand the diversity of school options, bring in targeted expertise for innovation and turnaround support, and empower school leaders and partners with greater autonomy.

Most impor tantly: ef fec tive partnerships give more students

access to great schools.

“This is our chance to give students on these campuses something innovative and something to strive for beyond the classroom,” he said.

Longview ISD will maintain the operating budget for these campuses, but SB1882 will allow additional funding for innovation and training for educators. “Innovative campuses are more expensive to run,” Dr. Wilcox said. “it requires the normal operating budget plus the additional SB 1882 funding benefiting to achieve the desired outcomes of an innovative campus.”

For more information about the program please visit the TEA website: TxPartnerships.org Early in the process, a board was formed of three local leaders who support public education. Two of the ETAA board members are former LISD school board members: Judson Murray, Sam Satterwhite. The third ETAA board member is a proud local voice of public education, Alan Amos.

Dr. Cynthia Wise has been appointed CEO of East Texas Advanced Academies will be working with Longview ISD administration on

ETAA campuses and have operating autonomy on all seven of the East Texas Advanced Academies campus locations. Her current contract with LISD will end on June 30, 2019 and then her new contract with ETAA will begin on July 1, 2019.

Dr. Wise’s history with Ned E. Williams Elementary is proof she can handle the task at hand.

This campus has earned countless honors, between six and seven STAAR accountability ratings for multiple years, and has been ranked as one of the highest performing socio-economically disadvantaged populated student body and highest performing predominately African American student body in the state of Texas.

“The district will follow the SB 1882 guidelines and give East Texas Advance Academies the support it needs to complete their vision and goals,” she said.

Dr. Wise will still responsible for the performance of Forest Park Middle school because it falls under the ETAA umbrella. But with this slight change in directive, she has been working closely with her FPMS campus administrative support personnel to put a plan in place to support Dr. Wise that will assist FPMS when Wise has to be off campus for other ETAA responsibilities.

East Texas Advanced Academy campuses will still be responsible for all state testing standards. Each campus will receive accountability testing and ratings.

“Our goal will NOT be to meet minimums on these campuses, we are striving to improve and excel with our state accountability numbers,” said Dr. Wise. “We want to create a successful school to work pipeline. We are proud to help create a stronger workforce for Longview.

Get Your Badges On! Way to go Dragonettes!

Congrats to Collen Scott! (Ned E. Williams PPCD Teacher) who won the Instructional Technology Chromebooks for November Drawing.

Congratulations to the Foster Middle Dragonettes for their success at their Rockwall High School competition.

They earned the following awards: • 1st Medium Ensemble • Sweepstakes and Judges Awards Over All • Judges Award in Military • Judges Award in Contemporary • Runner Up in Pom • Runner Up High Point Winner Circles

Sales • Parts • Service We are proud to support the Longview Independent School District and their continued growth in the community!

Family Owned for 102 Years

200 Spur 63, Longview, TX • (903) 758-6211 pegueshurstford.com

Page 6

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

January 2019

Sounds of the season...

Some of our youngest Lobos came out and delighted administrative staff with a wonderful performance of classic holiday carols at the LISD admin building.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Meadows Foundation awards $100k grant to Academy program

The East Te xa s Ad v a nc e d Manufacturing Academy (ETxAMA) has recei ved a $10 0, 0 0 0 grant from The Meadows Foundation, a private philanthropic

institution based in Dallas.

Longview ISD board members unanimously approved the donation during Monday night’s regular meeting. The district is the fiscal agent for the Academy, managing its donations and grant funds, facilities, equipment and day-to-day operations.

Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said the grant will be used for operational costs and equipment for the East Texas Advanced Manufacturing Academy.

The Academy trains Longview-area high school students in Precision Machining, Instrumentation, and Electrical Technology. Machining courses are taught through Texas State Technical College and instrumentation and electrical classes are administered through Kilgore College.

Located at 519 W. South Street, ETxAMA also serves as a training venue for local industry as well as an adult education center for workforce skills.

More than 35 students from Longview area high schools are currently enrolled at the academy.

Let's Talk! is right at your fingertips!

Scan the QR code to download Let's Talk! for Apple or Android.

January 2019

Page 7

A very special Santa Christmas is a magical time in a child’s life. What is one of your first memories of Christmas? Was it making your list and telling Santa what you wanted? What if that memory was not available because you could not communicate to Santa?

Last year, 15 students at Johnston-McQueen Elementary had never communicated to Santa what they wanted for Christmas because they are hearing impaired and most Santa(s) do not know sign language.

This was before Sgt. Tony Stone volunteered to come to the school in his Santa suit.

This day marked a new tradition for Johnston-McQueen Elementary LISD. “Signing Santa” will be an event held every year so our Deaf Ed students will know the joy of communicating with Santa.

“As a teacher of the Deaf, I try to provide my students with as many authentic experiences as I can and was determined to make this magical childhood memory accessible to them,” said Whitney Reardon, JMQ Regional School for the Deaf teacher. “I searched and found Sgt. Tony Stone, who had learned to sign as a child of Deaf parents. This is the second year that Sgt. Stone has graciously suited up and was our Signing Santa. He and his wife are such wonderful people and are really making it special for our students.”

We would like to thank the following sponsors for the toy donations for our 16 students: Melissa Rose Azzam (All State Insurance – Kilgore) and Jacqueline Henley (Everything That Blings).

Page 8

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

New greenhouse opens at Ware

Ware East Texas Mont es sor i Ac ademy students will have a new opportunity for growing now that a new greenhouse was built on their campus.

Through a partnership in the Longview Chamber of Commerce’s Career Ready Plus Campus Certification initiative, Longview Regional Medical Center provided the greenhouse for Ware Elementary students.

Ware is one of seven campuses in Longview to receive a grant from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services for their Learn, Grow, Eat, & Go! (LGEG) curriculum for elementary students. Learn, Grow, Eat & GO! is the new research-based, evidence-based curriculum project of the International Junior Master Gardener® Program.

The International Junior Master Gardener® Program’s website says the curriculum focuses on “Growing good kids through an interdisciplinary program combining academic achievement, gardening, nutrient-dense food experiences, physical activity, and school and family engagement.”

Longview Regional Medical Center envisions how the project will benefit the students and community long-term and wants to provide the campus with the greenhouse to allow

the students to grow fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year no matter the weather conditions. The 20’ x 8’ greenhouse is outfitted with automatic vent openers, a solar-energy powered fan, stainless steel shelving, and pebbled flooring to allow for drainage. The Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting with Longview Regional Medical Center in front of the new greenhouse at Ware East Texas Montessori Academy on Tuesday, December 18 to help celebrate.

“Longview Regional Medical Center is proud to support this initiative for our community’s youth. The importance of making healthy lifestyle choices can be accomplished through increasing the awareness, with a hands-on approach, of how nutrition plays an integral part in a child’s everyday life,” said Casey Robertson, CEO of Longview Regional Medical Center.

The 2018-2019 Career Ready Plus Certified Campus Presenting Sponsor is Joyce Crane.

January 2019

Heartis Art Show

Longview ISD has partnered with Heartis Longview Senior Living to host monthly ArtWalks. Each month a different campus with provide 20-25 pieces of art for display. The campus has been assigned an overall theme for their artists to create 2D or 3D artworks. The theme for this show was “what the holidays mean to me.”

The residents and community will vote on their top three favorites.

Johnston-McQueen Elementary LISD was the f i r s t Longview I S D campus to host their A r t Wa l k at Heartis on Monday, December 17.

“The families did an AMAZING job and exceeded all my expectations,” said Dr. Jennifer Bailey, JMQ Principal. “You can tell how hard each family worked on this and how much fun they had together.”

JMQ went above and beyond for this show and submitted 33 works of art for the first LISD ArtWalk.

Graduation for Ware family program

Raising Highly Capable Kids hosted their fall graduation on Tuesday, December 4 at Ware East Texas Montessori Academy. This parenting program is hosted by Longview Chamber of Commerce and works with community leaders to help facilitate each week’s lesson.

Raising Highly Capable Kids is a 13-week course created to help build stronger families by giving parents the confidence, tools, and skills they need to raise healthy, caring, and responsible children.

Congratulations to the graduates; Brooke Barrios, Raven Coston, Luzelva Florez, Cassy Jaiteh, Arely Pecina, Oscar Trejo, and Dephne Tribble.

We would like to thank the facilitators; Amy Aquirre, Miranda Chism, Dorrie DeLand (Lead Volunteer), Alexa DeLeon, Stephanie Howard, Sheila King, Allison KlewerHickman, Elaine Kohl, Roberto Monsivais, Troy Murrain, Madison Poole, and Lady Trejo.

Raising Highly Capable Kids would also like to thank the program champions; American Electric Power - AEP Foundation, Chick-fil-A 4th Street, and Network Communications. We would also like to thank community partner Buckner CFS East Texas for helping with childcare during the sessions.

They had 15 volunteers help with children throughout the fall class.

The spring session of Raising Highly Capable Kids will be February 5-May 7 (skipping Spring Break) and registration is open.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

January 2019

Page 9

Everhart Xmas Concert

Business leaders honor Ware students

Strings preformed a lovely “Jingle Bells.”

Prerecorder Choir belted out the ever popular “Hot Cross Buns.”

Recorder Choir performed “Jingle

Ware 4th graders had the opportunity to take a limo ride to the The Summit Club on Monday, December 10.

Five limos carried 57 students who made the A or A/B Honor Roll the first six weeks of school with their teachers and Mrs. Patricia Duck to enjoy a three course meal.

“I think we found a new tradition,” said Linda Martin of Network Communications.

“This shows students if you set a goal, great things can be achieved. We want to reward them for all the hard work they are putting into the classroom.” Martin said there will be another chance for students to take a limo to the Summit Club for dinner this year.

Ware would like to thank the Longview Chamber of Commerce for arranging this

JL Everhart hosted their Fine Arts Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 13 for family, teachers, and friends.

The award-winning Honor Choir kicked off the evening with “Deck the Halls” and followed that piece up with “Shoulda Been a North Pole Elf” and “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing.”

The JLE Twirlers preformed next to a snazzy “Deck the Halls” and had the whole audience clapping.

Bells” a nd wrapped up w ith “Jolly Ole St. Nick” and the night concluded with a beautif ul solo of “What A Wonderful World” by soloist Elijah Johnson.

amazing event and everything they do for their campus. Ware would also like to thank their partners for this dinner; Network Communications and Joyce Crane.

Montessori hosts ‘Christmas Around The World’

Montessori students were able to watch a video, learn a dance or song (that represents the region), and work on a craft before getting their passport stamped in that region.

Students were able to “travel” to Asia, Australia, South America, Africa, and Europe.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Page 10

January 2019

Sharing Makes Life

EXTRAORDINARY! Because we’re in this together, ECU gives MEMBERS the EXTRA they deserve.

Announcing $13 Million in Extraordinary Dividends to be paid out in January 2019.

$118MILLION Members have earned

in EXTRAORDINARY DIVIDENDS since 1998!

Not a Member? Get Your Share!

Move your accounts to ECU and earn your share of the EXTRAORDINARY DIVIDEND! ECU members are rewarded based on the amount earned on deposits and paid on loans throughout the year.

Discover how it feels to have

Open your account in 15 minutes!

800.999.2328 www.ecu.org Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency.

LongviewVoiceExtraDivFull.indd 1

12/18/18 4:24 PM

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

January 2019

Page 11

SPORTS

Lobo lucky charm?

In the week leading up to Saturday’s Class 6A Division II state championship game, Longview’s longtime coach John King was paid a visit from an old friend.

Robert Bero, who was the head coach of the Lobos from 1988-1999, had a memento to pass along to King, hoping perhaps it’d be more of a good luck charm for King than it was for him.

A leather football lapel with a “37” on it that had been worn by a Longview fan, possibly a cheerleader, to the 1937 championship game was given to Bero before the 1997 state title game. It was one of many reminders that the Lobos’ last state championship came in 1937 — 81 years ago.

King was too nervous to put the keepsake in his pocket before Saturday’s game, so he pinned it to his bag and left it in his locker at AT&T Stadium. He was happily displaying it after Longview pulled off a comeback one-point victory to end the drought for one of Texas’ most talent-rich programs.

“Guys like Robert Bero and others who have been part of this program since Longview High School integrated, this is important for all of those guys,” an emotional King said. “They know what this program means to the town of Longview and how special it is.”

Eighty-one years. More than eight decades of growing frustration from a passionate fan base that came out in full force Saturday night was all relieved when King’s junior quarterback son, Haynes, took one final knee to set off a raucous celebration.

The Lobos had been close, losing in the final in 2008 and 2009 and then dropping the 2010 state semifinal to Denton Guyer, thanks to a miraculous last-second blocked punt.

“We’ve got a tremendous fan base and they’re everywhere,” John King said. “They love these Lobos. Everywhere you go in the city it’s what they want to talk about is the Lobos. We’ve been close, and I know that frustration has grown through the years because we haven’t been able to get it done.

But I can tell you what, there won’t be any more talk about us not being able to win the big one because the Lobos have bragging rights. We’re state champs. Sixteen-and-oh. And if that ain’t good enough for you…”

He left the rest to imagination to a chorus of laughter.

The Kings weren’t the only emotional father and son on the field

celebrat ing.

Af ter the f inal whistle sounded, s e n i o r linebacker Ja’Vontae Writt’s father found his way on the field.

Wr it t ’s f a t her was a linebacker and tight end for the 1997 Longview team that fell in the state final to Katy.

On Saturday, years of frustration, mixed with hope for his kid, got the best of both of them.

“We both were in tears,” Ja’Vontae said. “It was a long hug. He raised me into the person I am now, and I’m thankful for that. They didn’t win it, but because of him, we here now and we won. We won for him. I won for him.

We got it.”

Then, King got emotional when talking about why Saturday’s game meant so much to not only him and his coaches and players, but to an entire city.

He also touched on what makes the Longview job his dream destination, something he never imagined as a young coach first setting roots in the East Texas town.

“Let me tell you what my daddy told me my first year coaching: He told me, ‘Son, you need to find some place to call home,’” King said, choking back tears. “And I thought, ‘Nah, I want to be a head coach, I’m gonna bounce around and do this and that.’ I hadn’t been in Longview but about a month and I knew that’s where I wanted to call home.

Kamden Perry sets state record in State Championship game He already had a place in Longview history, now Kamden Perry has a place in Texas history.

Perry was again quarterback Haynes King’s favorite target in the Lobos’ 35-34 victory against Beaumont West Brook in the 6A D-II state championship game at

AT&T Stadium. He made several key plays, including a 77-yard touchdown in the first quarter in which he had to dive at the final second the break the plane.

Perry f inished with eight catches for 218 yards and a touchdown, breaking the UIL 6A state championship record for most receiving Lobo Football History Book yards in a game.

The record Jeremy Cotham’s dream of was previously publishing a complete history of Longview High School Lobo held by Waco Football is a reality. In 2009 Y A the Lobos helped him battle D I Midway’s C.J. R F leukemia and eventually helped L inspire him to create this book.

W Williams, who O Jeremy lost his battle with NIGHT H cancer in 2015, but his HOOL finished with 198 SC GH HI EW legacy remains alive with this Y OF LONGVI THE HISTOR yards in 2017. publication.

Take a journey through “I was doing the Longview (Texas) High School football program an interview with – all the way back to the someone today beginning in 1909. and they told This one-of-a-kind

Going, Going, Almost Gone!

F R I D AY OWL N IG H T H

33 781532 3019

90000>

th am

By Je re m y Co

3

23-0193-

BN 978-1-53

ham

By Jeremy Cot

180-page, hard-cover yearbook-style collector’s item features each season (all 107 of them), including the scores of each game, season summaries, information on coaches, players, photographs, rosters and more!

Cost $40 Top-Quality Yearbook-Style Book Published by Herff Jones ®

Perfect Book for All Lobos – Past & Present – And for Every Lobo Fan! LIMITED NUMBER OF BOOKS REMAIN BUY YOUR COPY BEFORE THEY SELL OUT email: Cotham75605@yahoo.com • Call David Cotham: 903-736-4637 NOTE: Books will be sold at the LISD Athletic Office during season ticket renewals.

Books also on sale at Louis Morgan Drug No. 4 during regular business hours.

me that I had over 200 receiving yards and I was like, ‘I didn’t even know that,’” Perry said. “I was just focused on trying to get my team into the game. I had a great season, but I couldn’t do it without these guys. I give it to my offensive line. They hold up so Haynes can get the ball and give it to me.”

In addition to the state record, Perry set several Lobo records throughout the season, cementing his place among Longview legends such as Malcolm Kelly and Dorian Leonard. He finished with 1,862 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns, both single-season records. He

also broke the career record in for receiving touchdowns with 23.

He holds the Lobo single-game record in both receiving yards (185) and receptions (12).

In spite of all this, Perry has remained one of the most underrecruited prospects in the state. He has offers from FCS schools Abilene Christian, Alcorn State, Incarnate Word and Northwestern State. No FBS programs have offered him.

Longview coach John King said the attitude of the players on this year’s team, including Perry, played a big part in the Lobos’ first state championship since 1937.

Page 12

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

January 2019

Anderson, McConnell, Lobos defend Romines and Williams lead Early tourney title with win Signing Day over Hallsville The Fall 2018 signing class Dec. 20 included two Lobos from football and one from lacrosse.

Jessie Anderson (Football): Abilene Christian Marcus Williams (Football): Texas Christian University Paxton McConnell (Lacrosse): Colorado State University “ T h e s e athletes were not only successful on the field, but in the classroom,” said At hlet ic Director, John

King. “It’s also a testament to your support team; your parents or grandparents. Those who love you, who supported you, who drove you to practice, came to games, pushed you when you thought you couldn’t go anymore. They got you in that seat.”

LOBO

Basketball

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

January 2019

Page 13

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Page 14

January 2019

Foster fundraiser Fine Arts Extravaganza earns over $1000 at Judson

Congratulations to the #FosterMS and Lady Dragon Athletics for raising and donating $1,392 to the Red Cross of Longview.

They raised the money during a Staff vs. Student basketball volleyball games before Thanksgiving.

Foster

Foster Middle students ‘take flight’ Melissa Swallow’s Pre-Engineering/Project Lead The Way Classes created Hot Air Balloons for their Flight and Space curriculum.

“The students had to build these from the ground up and really enjoyed this project,” said Swallow.

The students were trying to see how high

Judson STEAM Academy hosted its Fine Arts Holiday Extravaganza for family and friends on Tuesday, December 18.

The event was full of holiday cheer as students and teachers performed holiday selections that included; “Jingle Bells,” “Let

Thank A Teacher: Marsha Childers at LHS We all have that teacher that creates an experience for us in the classroom. In these classrooms The Odyssey is more than just a poem and a cube is more than just a shape. These teachers take the lesson beyond the classroom and make them innovative.

This is what Longview High IB teacher Marsha Childers does with her students every year. She creates they could fly the hot air balloons. The students constructed the balloons out of tissue paper, construction paper, and glue.

The entire project took each group two to three days to complete. an experience for her students by hosting events centered around literary figures. This year they have hosted a Nathaniel Hawthorne memorial service, Robert Frost speed dating, and celebrated National Punctuation Day.

Longview Voice is seeking Sales Associates for the Longview Area

Commission Based • Established Accounts

Work Your Own Hours!

Please Send Resume to sskinner101@gmail.com

Blessed

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Lobo Welders burning through competition

The Longview High Welding Team has been busy!

On December 7, they traveled to Luf kin to compete in Pineywoods Inv it ational Welding Competition at Angelina College. Five members competed against 80 competitors from around the Texas. Longview High School placed fourth in the Top 10 and all five placed in the Top 15.

Luis Castro (3rd place), Eric Hernandez (4th place), Luis Lopez (6th place), Jose Landin (7th place), and Marvin Cruz (11th place), On December 12, the welding team traveled to Como-Pickton to compete in the Second Annual Welders Challenge. They competed against eight teams of three welders in a three-round elimination contest. All three students made it to the last round and walked away with the victory, placing firstplace Overall Team as well.

January 2019

Page 15

Grand Champion Lobo!

Congrats to Longview High FFA team member Cooper Mayes for winning Grand Champion Goat Dec. 15th at the Union Hill FFA Jackpot Show.

Lobo Auto Tech teams dominate regional competition

CLEAR BAG POLICY Beginning in August 2018, clear bag policy will be in place for all Longview ISD athletic events.

Approved and non-approved types of bags are shown below.

LARGE To bring bags to a home athletic event, bags must be clear and not exceed 12 in. (by 6 in. by 12 in.) or be a clear one gallon resealable plastic freezer storage bag.

One per person. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or 12” PVC and have a maximum of one logo imprint not exceeding 4.5 in. tall x 3.4 in. wide.

12”

12”

Backpack

Printed Pattern Plastic Bag

Large Tote Bag

Fanny Pack

6” One Gallon Clear Resealable Plastic Storage Bags

Branded

Color Logo

All non-clear and/or larger than those shown on the left.

Clear

12”

12”

NOT APPROVED

APPROVED

OR

Solid Color Cinch Bag

6”

12”

Logo must not exceed 4.5”x3.4”

Purse

SMALL BAGS The only non-clear bags permitted are small clutch bags (with or without a strap) that are the size of a hand.

Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at designated areas.

3.5”

4.5” 6.5”

Camera Case

Reusable Grocery Tote

Colored Plastic Storage Bag

4.5” 4”

4”

Diaper Bag

Mesh or Straw Bag

Get your Lobo yard signs!

We can make a sign for any organization, don’t miss out! Email us at lobomajorettes@gmail.com if you missed us!

Page 16

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

January 2019