EAST TEXAS REVIEW NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar.

If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? 1 John 4:20 MSG

The community

COMMUNITY . GOSPEL . BUSINESS . EDUCATION . HEALTH . POLITICS . OPINION Complimentary Copy

Vol. 29

May 6, 2021

Cutting Edge Electrophysiology Lab: Longview Regional Medical Center commemorates $4.4 million construction kickoff

Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) CEO Steve Gordon, esteemed cardiologists, nurses, and other staff gathered for the kickoff. Gordon put it succinctly, “This day will not be pos-

sible without the doctors, nurses, healthcare providers and their commitment to their craft and community.

Dr. Samir Germanwala a distinguished cardiologist called it a great collabora-

tion for the technology they need for their patients. “We do not want our patients to leave and get care in Houston that they can get in their backyard, right here in Longview.”

Doctors attend EP Lab Golden Sledge Hammer Ceremony

STUDENTS HONOR TEACHERS Kristi Means honored by Danorius Monroe

Cooper Mayes and Coach Ja’Ron Shepherd

George McMillan honored

by Elyanna Johnson

Stephanie Long honored

by Miguel Zuniga

Rebecca Swanner honored by Marley Camp

Allison Nino with Teacher Yolanda Juarez

Treva Patterson honored by Sheniyah Sedberry

Daneshia Terrell-Ramshire honored by Alyson Gray

Joseph Ford honored

by Carolyn Purdue

Bitia Saravia honored

by Cristopher Gonzalez

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Moore MST student invited to national science competition

Laini Scarborough honored

by Lynette Martinez

Cristina Mauras honored by Levi Servin

Malcolm Jones

Laura Johnston honored

by Kamiko Neely

Angela Bogue honored

by Emma Pena

By Joycelyne Fadojutimi/www.easttexasreview.com The Longview ISD Foundation recently held its 21st annual Lamplighter Awards banquet in the Longview High School Lobo Coliseum. This venue gave organizers plenty of space for social distancing and following other CDC COVID-19 protocols.

Caterer T. Blanco’s served attendees a sumptuous dinner To commemorate its 21st anniversary, the Foundation instructed each student to pen an

Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Mr. Ford uses … one child at a time. Pg. 3

Amy Hull, Nell Ward and Kay Ray

essay about a unique educator that is dear to their heart because the educator demonstrates qualities of a professional who goes above and beyond the call of duty in their work.

According to Kay Ray, LISD Foundation executive director, the Foundation compiled the list of twenty characteristics from the students’ essays written over the past nineteen years.

Inside this edition Horizons

Contd. on Page 7

Contd. on Page 2

Tyler ISD names LaRena Brooks Principal

Veronica Sloan shows off her artwork on the Lamplighters brochure

Down but not Out The Best Curve Ball “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked.

“Anything is possible if a person believes.”

A coach’s worth is not in his win/loss record … but in the impact, he makes on his players.

Mark 9:23 NIV. Pg. 6

Cooper Mayes. Pg. 2

Principal LaRena Brooks

Contd. on Page 7

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May 6, 2021

STUDENTS HONOR TEACHER Continued from Page 1

It is important to note, the Lamplighter awards offer students the occasion to honor one exceptional individual on their campuses.

The student and his or her honoree from thirteen Longview ISD campuses were honored at this one-of-a-kind rousing event.

Furthermore, the Foundation honored Emily Erisman Myers, Longview High School alumnae, retired teacher, and Foundation board member, with the annual Cornerstone Award. Her dedication to the Lobo Memorial Scholarship Fund, a scholarship program within the Foundation provides college scholarships to Longview High School seniors.

“Emily has faithfully sought donations to the fund and chaired scholarship committee to ensure LHS seniors receive the support they need to further their education.” said Ray.

Dorothy Khouty

Rayshone and Wendy McGee with Elyanna Johnson

Isabella McMillan

The Best Curveball

“There’s always baseball,” I remember thinking. I played my first baseball game when I was five years old. From that season on, I knew baseball would be my life. My training improved, my teams became more competitive, and my equipment grew more expensive. I traveled from New York to Florida to the Dominican Republic, playing games on the most elite fields. All my experience and training led me to my ninth-grade year when varsity baseball would take over and lead me to my dream of playing Division I baseball.

The first varsity practice was on a Friday night. While I do not remember the time or date, I remember the specific throw, the sound of my shoulder popping, and my injured arm dropping to my side. Varsity baseball was my only plan, but life threw me a curveball.

Examining my arm, the doctor said, “Career ending injury.”

After countless doctors’ visits, therapy sessions, missed practices, skipped seasons, and only a partial recovery, I was not sure I could even compete on the junior varsity team much less varsity. Coach Ja’Ron Shepherd moved me down the roster to the junior varsity team. Little did I know, my life was about to change.

Coach Shepherd would soon become one of the biggest blessings in my life. As my shoulder rehabbed, Coach Shep was my encourager. He saw the good in me and each player on the team.

He was a level head to my hotheaded nature. I wanted to play better, not just for myself, but for Coach Shepherd. If he were committed to our team, then I wanted to be too. I felt like I could

tell Coach Shep anything. He did not just listen; he responded. He did not just value me; instead, he valued each player on the team. He made me feel not only like an important player but also like an important part of God’s plan. Coach Shepherd was fair in the game of life. I know that may sound silly, but in a sport like baseball, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. Coach Shepherd was always one step ahead of us. His baseball IQ was impressive, and his love for the game was unmatched.

Curveballs happen in life, and I was pitched another one during my sophomore year. My dad was diagnosed with stage four head and neck cancer. We were not sure he would survive. I considered quitting the Lobo team. Baseball seemed such a trivial worry in the midst of my family’s new normal. I was not sure I would be able to commit to my team with my dad’s cancer being our family’s biggest concern. I went home every night and told my dad about the practice or game while he lay with his eyes closed, slightly smiling.

My baseball was his medicine.

I am not sure when it happened or if I even noticed it, but Coach Shepherd quickly became more than my coach. After Coach Shep learned the news about my dad, he prayed with me. He is a man of God, and I admire his personal walk with Christ more than he will ever know. Each day, each practice, he was my constant. A practice did not go by when he did not reach out to me and ask me about everything other than baseball.

It is hard to find a man who cares so deeply about his players.

Knowing Mrs. Saravia Do you know anyone who is willing to watch a movie about something she is totally terrified of just because someone suggested it?

I have a teacher, Mrs. Saravia, who did just that!

I love a show called Stranger Things, and I told Mrs. Saravia about it. She then binged watched is one weekend. Even though she hates scary shows, she watched it.

She also created a Stranger Things escape room for our class so we could review decimal operations. I told her, “This is the most fun I have ever had!”

I have known Mrs. Saravia for many years. In fact, she taught me math one summer when I was just five years old. Back then she taught me how to add and subtract. Now that I am in the fifth grade, she has taught me so much more than just addition and subtraction. Mrs. Saravia is so nice. I knew I wanted to be in her class when I got to fifth grade. I asked my mom to make

sure I was in her class.

Mrs. Saravia is so nice. When I finish my work, she gives me activities that are fun but help me learn more skills. I like being challenged with work that helps me increase my fluency and knowledge in math.

Mrs. Saravia is also really helpful. She taught me to look up skills on Education Galaxy so I can practice even more and master them.

I was not happy with the grade I earned on numerical patterns, but she helped me find the tools I needed to help me understand. If I ever make a mistake, she helps me reflect on why I got the problem wrong and gives me strategies to solve the problem. She does not just help me; she also helps other students who need help in math.

I appreciate Mrs. Saravia. I think she is the best teacher!

Christofer Gonzalez, fifth grader, honoring Bitia Saravia, fifth grade teacher, J. L. Everhart Elementary School.

Through baseball, I have seen umpires make many game altering calls. I have especially seen many while playing at the junior varsity level with Coach Shepherd. Such calls can test a man and his ability to stay calm in situations.

I have noticed many times when Coach Shepherd could have thrown a fit over these calls; instead, he acted like a mature, level-headed adult. He served as a role model for the entire team, showing his players how mature men act.

We have shared many experiences with each other, and through these experiences, I have learned what a good man looks like. Coach Shepherd is an example to each of us, showing us how to live, old and young alike. Whether I am sitting at my dad’s bedside wiping his forehead or making a tag at second base, I know how to be man because of Coach Shepherd.

A coach’s worth is not found in his win/ loss record or on his resumé but in the impact he makes on his players’ lives. There are hundreds of quotes about baseball and coaches that I could use to describe Coach Shep. I could fill pages, singing his praises and giving examples of his innate goodness. However, when it comes to the truth, he is a life changer.

I know he changed mine, and for that I will be forever grateful.

There is always baseball. There is always Coach Shepherd. He is the best curveball I have ever been pitched.

Ja’Ron Shepherd, Lobo baseball coach, honored by Cooper Mayes, senior and Lobo baseball player, Longview High School.

Mrs. Swanner

You got….Mrs. Swanner!

Who is Mrs. Swanner? She could be a witch with green warty fingers or a vampire with pearl like fangs ready to suck my blood. What I discovered after being in her class, however, was a teacher I would never forget. My caring, humorous, grandmotherly teacher, Mrs. Swanner, made a significant impact on my life, and I would not be the person I am today without her.

Changing schools is tough, especially going into first grade at a school that has first through fifth grade all on the same campus.

Maybe it is just me, but on my first time walking into Hudson PEP, in my mind I was thinking, “The fifth graders are like giants, and I am like a teeny tiny little ant who could be stepped on at any moment.” When I walked into the classroom, Mrs. Swanner came right over to me, asked me my name, and showed

me to my seat. She asked if I knew anyone, and I quietly shook my head no. She led me over to a quiet, shy, nervous, kind-looking girl and introduced us to each other.

We ended up sitting next to each other at lunch, we played with each other at recess, and we read with each other in the reading corner. Now, here we are almost five years later, and we are still BFF’s!

It is all because of Mrs. Swanner.

One of my favorite memories of being in her class was “The Birthday Spanking Paddle.” That is another way she left a “mark” on me. The words still ring in my ear—“1..2..3..4..5..6..7..and one to grow on.” I remember it as if it were yesterday. She called me to the front of the room, bent me over, and began. The class roared with laughter every time she did one spanking. The funny thing was that she only acted like she

May 6, 2021

was going to spank students hard.

She reeled the paddle back but then just tapped lightly, but the first person to get a birthday spanking did not exactly know that. That person was terrified and shook with fear, walking slowly to the front of the room. At first the shocked class waited quietly for the spanking to be over. However, as the year progressed, everybody anxiously counted the days until they got their birthday spanking.

I remember in first grade having two families: my classroom family and my real family. In most families, people pick at and play with one another. My classroom family was the same. I will never forget that Mrs. Swanner always said say “I am as old as dirt, y’all” to make the class laugh. It was kind of her inside joke with us. Another good thing that families do is support one another. Mrs. Swanner made my first-grade year the most memorable year yet because of how she supported me. One morning Mrs. Swanner was checking my planner.

My mom had written her a little note explaining that I was going to be baptized and asked if she wanted to come. Mrs. Swanner looked up at me with a huge smile and told me she would love to attend. When I was on the stage about to be baptized with the spotlight on my face, I looked out across the auditorium for her—not my family or anyone else—just her. When I saw her, I felt more confident and ready to be baptized. Her presence made that day so much more memorable and special to me.

Aristotle once said, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education all.” This quote reminds me so much of Mrs. Swanner because she lives this quote. She doesn’t just teach because it is her job; she teaches because she loves us and wants us to be successful.”

Rebecca Swanner, dyslexia teacher, former first grade teacher, honored by Marley Camp, fifth grader, Hudson PEP Elementary School.

My Lamplighter Being new to Longview ISD and attending remotely, I have not been able to have face to face encounters with any of the educators and staff members at Forest Park.

Upon reading this assignment, I almost got a bit discouraged, but then I realized that I have had a special experience with a specific teacher at Forest Park Middle School.

My school year began at the beginning of my eighth-grade year, moving from Ohio, not really knowing anything about the school at all. With that being said, my decision about whom I would choose to represent all of the amazing qualities of an instructor based on my minimal experience at Forest Park would be my science teacher, Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire. This school year and part of the last has definitely been a struggle for me as I started at a different school where I knew no students or teachers whom I could reach out to on a personal level for assistance. Ms. Terrell-Ramsire would be that person for me.

I nominate Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire for the Lamplighter Awards because she makes learning science fun and interesting. In previous years, science was my least favorite subject; I found it boring.

This year, however, I have really enjoyed learning about our solar system and lunar moon phases, and Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire has inspired me to learn. She does not overload us with work, but at the same time, she challenges us. She finds ways to make each assignment more enjoyable. For that, I am very grateful.

Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire also possesses compassion and kindness. I actually began the year at Forest Park in another science class. I was confused and having trouble logging in and was very worried

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about my grades. I reached out to Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire, knowing that I was not in her class, but she did not care. She helped me anyway.

Anytime I have had a question and reached out to her, she has always been quick to answer. Educators this year have had their hands full, doing both in school and virtual learning, but she has handled her teaching duties amazingly. I really appreciate her effort. As a matter of fact, she even emailed me personally on my birthday to wish me a happy birthday. She really made my day!

Most importantly, Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire is knowledgeable about science, so anytime I need help, she reaches out to me and explains in a way that I can understand. She works with her students on a different level by providing detailed instruction and just the right amount of information without confusion. I can tell she is very passionate about her job and enjoys teaching. Based on her teaching, I would feel comfortable reaching out to her for anything I need. She has made my remote learning experience a smooth one.

If the world had more teachers like her in it, more students would enjoy attending school every day.

I cannot think of a better person who is more deserving of the Lamplighter Award than Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire. I know she has changed the way I view school. I have enjoyed learning about science in her class this year and feel so blessed that I reached out to her at the beginning of school. If I had not, my science experience would not have been as successful.

Daneshin Terrell-Ramsire, eighth grade science teacher, honored by Adyson Gray, eighth grader, Forest Park Middle School.

Horizons “A good teacher is like a candle; it consumes itself to light the way for others.”

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk This quote explains the endless sacrifices that a great teacher makes for the lives of their students, the countless hours that a teacher spends awake at night thinking of their students, and how they might unlock their potential like a chest of opportunity buried inside them. A great teacher hopes that their students absorb the world of knowledge that dwells inside their even expanding minds.

Great teachers possess these qualities, but few are willing to give themselves up for their students again and again in order to pass on the skills their students need to be successful in life.

Among those great teachers, one teacher who never gives up or backs down from the challenges that overshadow him every day is Mr. Ford.

Many teachers confine their teaching to only the classroom, and students have a limited amount of time to ask questions about assignments and materials. This makes it very difficult for students to have any communication with their teachers whatsoever. Not so with Mr. Ford. I can contact him at any time, and when I have questions, it seems as if he devotes his entire existence to helping me find the answers.

Like a book just waiting to be opened, Mr. Ford is always ready to share his knowledge with his students.

Mr. Ford tirelessly intertwines his own life with students outside of his classroom through UIL events and practices and other extra-curricular activities. Mr. Ford has never ceased to amaze me through his acts of compassion and devotion to his students inside and outside of the classroom. It is as if he wants to share the very moon and stars with us.

Robert Heinlein once said, “When one teaches, two learn.” I believe the mark of a true teacher is one who is able to become a child-like student himself and learn from his students. When teachers fail to do this, they often assign unnecessary work and are too hard on their students, expecting them to have no imperfections. These teachers do

not remember that students are people too, just like they are. Mr. Ford, however, has never failed to realize that students are people too. He challenges us but only to the extent that he thinks we are capable of achieving, never beyond, and he understands that my peers and I have a life outside of school. When I share a fact that he does not know, like a little child he humbles himself and accepts it with an open mind and does not dismiss it as unimportant.

He broadens his own horizons as he broadens mine.

Mr. Ford is not just a teacher; he is a father treating us like his own children. He always makes the classroom feel like a family.

He does not distance himself from his students, making us strangers; instead, he connects with us on a personal level. With a smile of acceptance and affection written on his heart, he asks me how my weekend was and how my family is, making sure that I feel accepted and loved. Mr. Ford brings us together in an environment where anything is possible and where we are free to share our gifts and opinions without being afraid.

The classroom is a family, and Mr. Ford is the father who guides us. He shines light into a world of wonder, illuminating hidden and astounding knowledge that helps me see the world not as it is but how it could be.

Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Like a true warrior, Mr. Ford uses every weapon he has to help change the world one child at a time. I know that what Mr. Ford has taught me throughout my life will stay with me as I grow older, and I hope I will be able to show as much compassion and devotion as he does toward the people around me. Through sacrifice, humility, and fatherly care, Mr. Ford has proven to be my lamplighter.

Thank you, Mr. Ford, for all you do. Thank you for shining light into my world.

Joseph Ford, eighth grade English/language arts teacher, honored by Carolyn Purdum, eighth grader, Foster Middle School.

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OPINION

May 6, 2021

What China town can teach us about community

THANK YOU

to those businesses helping at this time

As our country looks to “build back better,” Chinatowns show how to foster vibrant, welcoming communities of all kinds.

By Dedrick Asante-Muhammad and Sally Sim Much like other communities, Asian Americans have a long history of developing spaces and institutions to advance themselves in a country that often gave them little support.

The Chinatowns found across the country derive from this history. This May, Asian American History Month, it’s worth taking a look at what we can learn from them.

During the first wave of Chinese immigration in the mid-1800s, Chinese workers came to the U.S. to build the transcontinental railroad, search for California gold, and improve their lives. These Chinese laborers were paid less than white workers and were often blamed for driving down pay and taking jobs. Hate crimes against Chinese immigrants were prevalent. So they built their own spaces to protect their communities.

The first Chinatown was established in San Francisco in the mid-1800s, serving as an unofficial port of entry for Chinese immigrants escaping economic and political chaos. Over the years, other Chinatowns appeared in cities across the country.

Now, however, these Chinatowns are at risk. In Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Chinatowns have shrunk in size due to encroaching gentrification. Especially on the East Coast, some have been reduced to token tourist areas. The social and

economic distress from COVID-19 also put Chinatowns in a precarious position. Since the start of the pandemic, restaurants and businesses across the nations’ Chinatowns have seen a steady decline in foot traffic and patronage. In Manhattan’s Chinatown, nearly 70 percent of storefronts have shut down. In New York, the unemployment rate among Asian Americans jumped 6,900 percent from last year.

However, in the face of such immense economic pressure, New York’s Chinatown has been fairly successful in defending itself from gentrification — even despite being bordered by pricey neighborhoods.

Affordable housing is key to the neighborhood’s survival.

The cultural organizations and “family associations” that own many buildings in the core of Chinatown balance restaurants with apartments for the elderly. Liberal nonprofits and advocacy groups have also expanded affordable housing by buying and restoring buildings for working-class tenants and protecting residents in rent-regulated buildings.

On top of this, Chinatown offers many stores and services — such as accountants, real estate agents, and health care professionals — that uniquely cater to Chinese speakers, which keeps Manhattan’s China-

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town essential for the Chinese community.

Lastly, Manhattan’s Chinatown remains welcoming to working-class job seekers, including those who don’t have working papers or who haven’t learned English yet.

Manhattan’s Chinatown shows what it takes to maintain a working-class community in an expensive area: protecting and maintaining accessible, affordable housing and tenant rights; establishing and preserving services that uniquely serve working-class communities; and building strong organizational, working-class advocacy within the community.

As our country looks to “build back better” after the pandemic, part of the plan must be to prioritize and invest in small businesses and ethnic neighborhoods, such as Chinatowns and Black and Latinx neighborhoods. These lessons can help foster vibrant, welcoming communities of all kinds across the country.

OtherWords.

America go big again

By Jim Hightower creasing home health care for the elderly, and providing affordable childcare facilities — all geared toward creating good union jobs and lifting local economies.

Even more transformative than the particular components is Biden’s back-to-the-future method of paying for this Rebuild America agenda by returning to progressive taxation.

Instead of the same old no-tax, laissez-fairyland extremism that Washington has practiced for 40 years (leading to the deep infrastructure hole we’re now in), Biden will at long last demand that multinational corporate behemoths stop dodging their tax obligations to America.

It’s the same fair-taxation policy that funded our nation’s real needs in the past, while also increasing productivity and raising living standards for millions of working families.

Let’s do it again!

Debasish Mridha, an American author, proclaims, “A great teacher plants the seeds of greatness in the minds of future generations.”

Mridha’s insistence on greatness reflects the great implication of how teachers and mentors generously share their little time and passion to teach a bright future.

Any bright future can involve not only students whom the teacher and mentors educate, but it also can involve their children, family, friends, and their extended network as well. A life-changing teacher, Mrs. Scarborough, planted seeds of greatness from the start of my kindergarten year, and those seeds of greatness have followed me to my senior year in high school.

As a shy, timid child, I found it challenging to really settle in any environment, especially in school.

I was so afraid of being away from my parents that every time they would drop me off at daycare or with a babysitter, I caused a scene with my loud cries and misbehavior. With Mrs. Scarborough, my kindergarten teacher, the best teacher ever, I did not cry nor misbehave. Mrs. Scarborough developed a culture in her classroom of protection and care whether it was physical, emotional, or intellectual. I recall the feeling of feeling safe every time I was in her classroom. She always cheered me up and encouraged me to be a leader, even if it were just to be the best line leader I could be. The love she had within her for her students is a love I have never seen from another teacher. Not only was she loving toward me, but she was also loving toward my family, making her a trustworthy

person in my family’s eyes. Mrs. Scarborough’s small gestures of kindness impacted the start of my growth as a person, causing me to learn and possess kindness on my own.

A great teacher always possesses a contagious passion for education or for being involved with their students. Mrs. Scarborough’s passion for her teaching was an obsession as she introduced her students to creative activities such as painting and raising butterflies. Ever since kindergarten, I have had a passion to play with watercolors and observe every detail in our natural environment. Although these might seem like simple passions, my interests were well supported throughout my childhood school career, which later in life enabled me to access my full potential.

Mrs. Scarborough always believed in me as a student and helped me believe in myself. Even when Mrs. Scarborough assigned me to be the line leader, I felt incredibly empowered, oftentimes boosting my confidence. This simple experience has inspired me to do better in life and has led me to positive experiences.

The greatest teachers share their time and passion with their students. Teachers like Mrs. Scarborough plant the seeds of greatness so that their students have a bright future. She planted those seeds for me, and for my family, giving them the gift of a loving, phenomenal teacher for their child.

Laini Scarborough, retired Bramlette Elementary School kindergarten teacher, honored

by Lyzvette Martinez, senior, Longview High School

The One Who Changed Me

Joe Biden may be a lifelong, go-slow politician, but his infrastructure plan is a serious, ambitious investment in the public good.

It’s time for America to go back to the future — a future of true greatness created by a people united to build a strong nation for the common good.

From the start of our United States, Americans have backed leaders who dared to do big public projects — Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, JFK, and LBJ all dared to achieve bold goals.

It’s only since Ronald Reagan’s “government-is-evil” demagoguery that our presidents and lawmakers Shutterstock shriveled to no-can-do mediocrities, unwilling even to try tackling America’s big pectedly proposing a get-serious, roll-upneeds or invest in our people’s unlimited our-sleeves, $2-trillion package of investpossibilities. ments to modernize and extend America’s Their failure is why our nation’s infra- collapsing infrastructure. structure — once world-class — has deIn addition to roads, bridges, and dams, teriorated to an embarrassing 16th in the it gives a long overdue boost to such needs world. It’s hard to muster any national as rural high-speed broadband, replacing pride in chanting: “We’re Number 16!” lead water pipes, building clean energy But surprisingly, here comes Joe Biden systems, constructing affordable hous— a lifelong, go-slow Democrat — unex- ing, upgrading public transit systems, in-

5 A Life-Changing Teacher

EDUCATION

May 6, 2021

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Have you ever had someone you honor? I do, and her name is Mrs. Patterson. She is the best!

Mrs. Patterson is the best to me because she always had faith in me. On the first day of school, I was scared. I wanted to go home, but then Mrs. Patterson said that I would have fun in first grade. I sat down at my desk, but my face was as red as a tomato because I felt sick. Then Mrs. Patterson said, “Don’t be afraid.” Suddenly I felt good inside. The butterflies in my stomach flew away.

The next day I walked in and sat down at my desk. Then she called my name. I jumped up like a kangaroo in the desert.

She handed me a book to read to

the class. I became nervous with chills like it was super cold outside. Gently Mrs. Patterson guided me through the book. That day I felt like she changed school for the better for me. I still remember everything she said. I will never forget the times she pushed me academically because she knew I could do better.

Mrs. Patterson truly is the one teacher I honor and will never forget because she changed my life and taught me to be a better student and a better person.

Treva Patterson, third grade teacher, former first grade teacher, honored by Shaniyah Sedberry, fifth grader, South Ward Elementary School

Mrs. Bogue Angela Bogue, KindergarMrs. Bogue has taught me to be a responsible and well-round- ten Teacher Honored by Emma ed person. She has helped me Pena, Kindergartener. East Texlearn and follow through with my as Montessori Prep Academy lessons.

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GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT

DOWN, BUT NOT OUT

May 6, 2021

discover what You would have us to do to serve and honor You. May we do Your will! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

with “positive thinking.”

He did want us to know, however, that nothing is impossible for God to do in our lives if it is in keeping with His will for us.

Scripture for Today: Mark 9:23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” NIV

Prayer: Help us, Father, to be open and alert to what is going on around us and

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and was very generous with his time to visit American troops wherever they were stationed.

He was not known as “Packy the Performer.” He changed his name and was known as Bob Hope, the comedian.

It’s not being knocked down that destroys us - it’s staying down. When we are down, it is time to look up and to look out! We need to look up to God to see what He has in store for us and then look out into His world to see where He would have us serve Him. Jesus said that “everything is possible if a person believes.” He did not mean that anything was possible

One of the most common questions of persons who are in the One of themidst mostofcommon questions whoHow are in the grief is some variationofofpersons “how long?” long will midst of grief ispain some variation ofbefore “howI long?” longlike willI did this last?

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Stanmore Stanmore FUNERAL HOME FUNERAL HOME

501 E. Austin 501 E. Austin Marshall, Texas Marshall, Texas

903-938-4622 or 903-938-4622 or 903-938-2025 Fax: 903-938-2025

Fax:

1105 M.L.M.L. King 1105 KingBlvd.

Blvd.

Longview, Texas Longview, Texas

903-236-3755 903-236-3755oror 903-235-3759 903-235-3759

www.stanmorefuneralhome.com www.stanmorefuneralhome.com

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L Packy East began his professional career as a lightweight boxer. He ended his career as one of the world’s best-known ambassadors.

What started in a ring ended on a stage.

Packy entered the ring in Cleveland, Ohio one evening for a boxing match he intended to win. It was not to be. At the end of the second round, he was knocked down and carried to his dressing room.

But that setback did not hinder him. It actually helped him and changed his life and career. He eventually became a comedian, traveled the world entertaining large audiences

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May 6, 2021

Moore MST Magnet student invited to national Broadcom MASTERS science competition Tyler – Moore MST Magnet School seventh-grader Malcolm Jones and his science fair project will soon compete against projects from across the country. Earning a top finish in his category in regional competition, Malcolm received an invitation to compete at the national premier middle school STEM fair competition known as Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars).

Malcolm’s project compares the amount of electric voltage produced from two types of magnets when used in a wind turbine.

One magnet simulates a rare-earth metal magnet, and the other a household magnet.

Malcolm made a wind turbine and used a DC motor to generate electricity. The two magnets were tested by blowing wind on the turbine and the DC motor. The motor was connected to a multimeter to measure the voltage for each magnet.

“I really liked this project because I was studying a way to increase the amount of electricity as a renewable resource,” Malcolm said. “It was fun to be able to use a really strong magnet that is the strongest magnet in the world. And I was creating energy with a homemade windmill.”

The top ten percent of students in each category of a Society for Science & the Public affiliated fair receive an invitation to compete at Broadcom MASTERS. After students receive their nominations, they complete an online application where they point out the STEM elements in their project, share their interests, talk about an inspirational teacher or mentor, and the careers they might pursue based on their STEM interests. In early September, the top 300 projects are announced. From these

Malcolm Jones

semifinalists, 30 finalists will be selected Along with science, Malcolm enjoys playto travel to Washington D.C. in October to ing the piano, viola, and violin. He also encompete for scholarship money and prizes joys playing golf, football, basketball, and running track. totaling up to $100,000.

“Malcolm loves physics and understanding how things work,” his mother, Cherie Jones, said. “He wants to be an astrophysicist one day, so I am not 911 NW Loop 281- 211, Suite 24 surprised that he wanted to create his Longview, Texas 75604 science fair project in the Physics/Aswww.easttexasreview.com tronomy category.”

Phone: 903-236-0406

ABBA

KINGOF KINGS

ALMIGHTY GOD

LAMB

ANCIENT OF DAYS

LAMB OF GOD

BREAD OF LIFE

LORD OF LORDS

COUNSELOR

PRINCE OF PEACE

Tyler ISD names LaRena Brooks Principal

DELIVERER

REDEEMER

By ETR Staff Reports/www.easttexasreview.com

EVERLASTING KING

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WONDERFUL

Peete Elementary School assistant principal has been promoted to principal. During the April regular meeting, Tyler ISD Board of Trustees approved her appointment.

Brooks moves Former Peete’s principal Cassandra Chapa was moved up to Chief Innovation office for the district.

“I am so excited to continue the excellence of Peete Elementary School by serving as principal,” said Brooks. “I look forward to working alongside a dedicated staff, exceptional student body, and a supportive community to create successful student outcomes for all Peete students.”

Ms. Brooks a long-life educator commenced her profession in 2007 teaching Kindergarteners at Griffin Elementary School. Later, she taught third grade in Longview ISD from 2012-2014 after which she returned to Tyler. She taught third grade at Bonner Elementary School. She continued to climb the ladder of success.

Nest, she served as a media technology specialist and master teacher at Bell Elementary School prior to becoming assistant principal at Orr Elementary School and Peete Elementary School, respectively.

Ms. Brooks pulled down a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Stephen F. Austin

JEHOVAH

306 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Longview, TX 75602 • 903-753-1774 Sunday School 9:00a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:30a.m.

2717 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Longview, TX 75602 | 903-757-6440

Pastor H.C. Rockmore

Sunday School 9:45a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00a.m.

2101 W. Marshall Ave., Longview 903-759-1401 | www.highridgelv.com

Pastor Tim Ingram

First Service: 9:00 am 2nd Service: 10:30 am 3rd Service: 12 Noon

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EDUCATION

Mission - Why We Exist To continuously improve communication between the people of East Texas.

Vision - What We Want To Be One of the best community newspapers in the nation.

Provider of positive and edifying News about people, place and businesses.

Publisher/Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PHD Marketing/PR Keisha Roland Contributing Writers Dedrick Asante-Muhammad Sally Sim Jim Hightower Mechelle Agbayani Mills Graphic Artist Kuneho Designs

Principal LaRena Brooks

State University. Moreover, she earned two master’s degrees from LeTourneau University. The first one was in educational leadership and the second in curriculum and instruction.

Website Design Joe Fuentes CEO/Media Quest East Texas Review Newspaper is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes since the publishing of this issue. At the time of publication, to the best of our knowledge, all information was accurate though not guaranteed. The entire content of East Texas Review Newspaper is copyrighted 2020. Any reproduction of use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. East Texas Review Newspaper reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers does not necessarily reflect the views of East Texas Review Newspaper or its advertisers.

May 6, 2021

Sponsored by the City of Longview Water Department

How to conserve water in the bathroom.

• Turn off water while brushing teeth.

• Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket. Every flush wastes 3-7 gallons or 11-26 liters of water.

May 6, 2021

Good Leadership is Fundamental PTHS Leadership and Student Council has been named a Texas Association of Student Councils Most Outstanding Council and a Sweepstakes school.

TASC recognizes outstanding student councils each year based on published criteria and a point system in the following areas: • Energy and Environment

• Take short five minute showers instead of baths.

• Pride and Patriotism • DASH (Drug, Alcohol, Safety, Health) Awareness Community Service Totals: • PTHS donated items to their community totaling $4,626.50 • PTHS volunteered over approximately 900 service hours

Original Poem wins 1st Place

• Have your parents install a low flow shower head.

Pine Tree High School junior Riley Seidel was awarded first place for her original poem “Flourish” in the Northeast Texas Poetry in Schools Contest.

More than 745 poems were judged in the contest in grades 1 - 12. The contest is hosted each year at the Region VII Service Center for all public, private, and home schools in the region.

Riley Seidel

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M ay 6, 2021

M ay 6, 2021

Pine Tree High School winning streak Erin Brogan is state finalist for Barbara Jordan essay Pine Tree High School academic and theater students nabbed Region 2 wins.

The results are as follows: • SPELLING 1st PLACE TEAM: Graham Parmelee, Paige Reese, Erin Brogan, Marilyn Shen (state qualifiers) • PROSE PERFORMANCE: Grant Calloway, 1st place (state qualifier) • MATHEMATICS: Marilyn Shen, 2nd place (state qualifier) • NUMBER SENSE: Marilyn Shen, 5th place • SCIENCE 3rd PLACE TEAM: Jann Cabudoy, Emanuel Viramontes, Asiyah Bray, Noah Sims • SCIENCE: Jann Cabudoy, 6th place overall, 5th place Biology, 6th place Chemistry, 10th place Physics • READY WRITING: Erin Brogan, 6th place • BARBARA JORDAN ESSAY CONTEST: Erin Brogan (state finalist) Pine Tree High School competes in Region 2. Region 2 comprises of eight districts representing seventy schools from the southern border of Lufkin, west to Frisco/Dallas, and north to the

PT UIL Region Team 2021

Oklahoma/Arkansas border to Texarkana.

The Pine Tree High School UIL academic coaching team includes Deborah Wait, Jennifer Cartwright, Amber Harrington,

Ryan Stokes, Lisa Wright, Blake Sansom, Terri Davis, Guy Kelley, Collin Robertson, Patrick Jones, Karen Ritch, Melissa Wright, Keri McBride, Caity Rutledge, and UIL Director, Lee Branson.

infinitieplus

LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine www.iplusmag.com

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www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding

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We’re going to the parade and...

Newspaper Fun!

M ay 6, 2021

...then enjoying a family picnic.

Kids: color stuff in!

M ay 6, 2021

www.readingclubfun.com

Annimills LLC © 2019 V11-20

Memorial Day Memories!

Blue

Read the clues to fill in the puzzles: People across the nation are: It’s Memorial Day weekend. I’m honored to 1. playing “Taps” on carry the flag to our town’s ceremony. a ________ A “flyover” of jets – saluting people who have 2. decorating service people’s ________ sacrificed so much for our country – is generating with flags, flowers and wreaths peech lots of excitement. We keep memories alive when 3. raising ________ to full staff at noon popp s ies we get together and share stories and photos of 4. wearing red ________ in honor of those people we love. How do you celebrate the day? who died serving our country 3 5. holding a holiday on the 2 last Monday in ________ music ns canno 1 6 6. sharing stories and ________ of loved ones 7. visiting graveyards 4 5 country (Arlington National Cemetery) 3 and ________ like the 7 clothes e ac Vietnam Veterans Memorial e p s picnic 8. honoring all who have died flags graves fighting for our ________ 9. thinking about 10 Kids across the country are: Abraham Lincoln's 1. listening to ______ at concerts in parks ________, called the 2. covering their ears when ______ boom Gettysburg Address, which In 3. going on ________ with their families honored those who “...gave their Loving 4. writing essays or poems about world ______ lives that that nation might live.”

Memory 5. dressing in red, white and blue ______ 10. marching in a ________ Blue

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in this wreath, then cut it out to hang In Memory of... Color on the refrigerator or to send to someone!

We honor your life!

We remember you!

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Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day!

Help Wing find the way to the cemetery to decorate graves and then to the clearing to hear a speech.

Who is the Leader of the Armed Forces?

W WW W W W WW WW W W W WW W W W W W W W W W WW W W W W W W WW W W W W WW W W W R R B W WR R WW W W W B W W R WW W B W R R R R W W W W RW R B W W W W W R 1. Color in the puzzle: B B W R W B RWB W B R W RW WR B R W W W B B R R = Red B = Blue BW R W W B B BW B W W R W W W W R R W = White W W R BW W B W B B R W BW RW W B 2. Fill in the names of the W W W W W W W W W W W W W WW W armed forces using letters W W W B W W RW W W W W W W W W W W WW W in the word “Memorial.”

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Newspaper Fun! Created by Annimills LLC © 2019

In memory of _______________________________________________

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Everyone is different and that is O.K.!

Newspaper Fun!

Be happy working on your own goals.

Annimills LLC © 2020 V16-11

I want to tell everyone about Mrs. Juarez, my favorite teacher whom I had in third grade. Mrs. Juarez always made learning fun.

When we learned something new, she would always make it look easy by teaching us a song or making learning into a game. She also gave us free time to work on something we were interested in when we did something good. I liked when we had free time because it showed that Mrs. Juarez was genuinely happy when we earned good grades and behaved well.

Mrs. Juarez was not like a normal teacher who just wanted us to get good grades. She wanted us to really learn. She never had a problem when someone did not understand and needed help. She

Nutritious and Delicious

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Read the clues to fill in our healthful habits crossword, then find and circle the words!

1. Check out some new, healthier ______ for favorite comfort foods like macaroni and cheese.

2. Try some ______ vegetables like kalettes – (a cross between Brussels sprouts and kale) snacks or purple potatoes or rainbow carrots (orange, red, purple, white).

3. Play soccer, dance, fly kites – find a type of ______ different you like and have fun with it for 30 - 60 minutes a day. homework 4. Spark your energy each morning with a good ______.

5. Eat three meals and don’t forget 2 - 3 small ______.

Ideas To “Chew” On!

Every day we make choices about the food we eat. We may grab something tasty that is not very nutritious. If we keep lots of healthful food choices around the house it will be easy to grab a tasty bite that is better for us.

Here are some choices for meals and snacks. Do you know which one would be a better choice? Circle it.

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z z z z z z z z..... breakfast Get enough sleep! exercise

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Breakfast: 1. A. bacon, eggs, fried potatoes B. oatmeal, fruit, milk

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6. Choose snacks that will give you lots of ______: nuts, veggies with low-fat dip, fruit.

7. ______ your teeth twice a day and floss too.

8. Get your ______ done, then, if allowed, enjoy playing a computer or video game.

9. _____ is important for resting and repairing our bodies, so get a good night’s sleep.

10. Visit a ______ for a checkup and an eye exam; and the dentist to check your teeth.

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Snacks: 1. A. nacho chips with cheese dip B. baked tortilla chips with salsa

2. A. pancakes with fruit B. fried egg, bacon and cheese sandwich

2. A. chocolate chip cookies B. rice cakes with a little peanut butter

Lunch: 1. A. corndog, french fries, soda B. boiled hot dog, baked beans, milk

Supper: 1. A. cheeseburger, fries, soda B. turkey burger, fruit salad

2. A. grilled chicken patty, salad, milk B. chicken nuggets, onion rings, milk shake

2. A. pepperoni and cheese pizza B. vegetable and cheese pizza

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I feel more comfortable in Mrs. Johnston’s class than in any other class I have. Mrs. Johnston encourages me to pursue writing. She tells me that putting my thoughts on paper can do wonders for people willing to read my writing. She always talks about how I should make a blog and share the things I enjoy with others.

Sometimes her comments embarrass me when she praises my work. Not only does she encourage me, but she also does her best to help everyone and explain the material we are learning. No matter what the learning is, she can explain it in the best way, making her a great educator.

Laura Johnston, eighth grade English/language arts teacher, honored by Kamiko Neely, eighth grader Judson STEAM Academy.

Inspirational Teacher

Newspaper Fun! Created by Annimills LLC © 2020

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Great educators have many traits that allow them to be as great as they are. Some teachers shine brighter than others because they have certain traits. The teacher I will always carry in my heart and mind because she has certain qualities is Mrs. Johnston, my English teacher.

Mrs. Johnston is one of the best things in my school life this year because she has abilities no one else possesses. The quietest people have some of the darkest thoughts some say, and most teachers do not notice the students who always do what they are supposed to do, but Mrs. Johnston does. She always encourages me and listens to my thoughts when I feel like I am an overflowing fountain. No matter how busy she is, she always understands what I am going through and helps me make the best of it.

Healthful Fun with Family and Friends Y R U D J R T D M

was always happy to help and encouraged us to ask questions. She never made us feel ashamed or embarrassed if we did not understand something.

Best of all, Mrs. Juarez always forgave us if we got in trouble.

One day the entire class was loud and did not want to listen. Mrs. Juarez was really mad, but she forgave us; however, she wanted us to learn a lesson about good and bad behavior. She always made sure we learned from our mistakes.

Now everyone knows why Mrs. Juarez is my favorite teacher.

Yolanda Juarez, second grade teacher, former third grade teacher, honored by Allison Nino, fifth grader, Bramlette STEAM Academy.

Laura Johnston

Pr ot

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7 We’re good We can fill your sources of lunchbox with fruits protein. and vegetables that Eat lots of March Families may grab a you like. Let’s cut out quick takeout meal when brightly colored 8 into good I’m so fun shapes from your they are pressed for time fruits and nutrition! “beat.”

12 favorite cheese too. or on the go. Takeout veggies.

9 5 meals can be a tasty treat, but 11 h fres 6 home-cooked meals are less fiber 4 expensive, and we know exactly 3 half which ingredients we’re using. sugar fat Try half of When families plan menus together we can choose our favorite meals. When a frozen Check we shop together we can look for the freshest foods – vegetables and fruits 2 banana for a out – and everyone can choose the kinds that he likes the most. By checking sweet cool treat. whole labels on packages, we can learn which foods have the best ingredients.

10 grains!

Dairy When we cook at home we can adjust our recipes to use 1 small amounts of healthful oils, salt or sugar. Some families are steaming or baking part of their favorite meals. s les plate Fruits Grains group Plate Vegetab * based on Read the clues to fill in the crossword: M USDA calcium energy muscle y source 1. Choose foods from each of the food ______ P la every day: vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins and dairy.

8. Notice that ______ of the area of MyPlate is for vegetables te 2. ______ are low in fat, sugar and calories and high in fiber and fruits. * and vitamins, like vitamin A, which is good for our eyes and skin. Moderate amounts of fat 9. We can buy ______ vegetables, ones that were frozen right 3. Many fruits have ______ and are famous for vitamin C, after picking or canned soon after – they are all good for us. are good for your brain! which helps to repair body tissue and heal cuts.

10. We can use less ______, go light on the salt shaker and add flavor 4. Low-fat milk and cheeses will give you ______ for strong bones and teeth. to our cooking by adding herbs like basil and spices like cinnamon.

5. Meat, fish, beans, eggs, peanut butter and nuts have lots of protein 11. Some ______ is needed for our body and brain to function well. to help build ______. Choose lean cuts of meat if possible.

I’ve Choose liquid fats like olive oil rather than solid ones.

6. Oats, brown rice, popcorn and buckwheat are whole grains “bean” 12. Eat ______ treats in small amounts: dark chocolate, half of a with lots of fiber and carbohydrates that give us ______. here before. frozen banana, a yogurt or low-fat ricotta cheese parfait with 7. “My________” lets us see at a glance what, and how much, we are eating. nuts and fruit.

It’s easier to keep on a healthful track if your family and friends do too. It’s fun to cook and exercise with others. We’re checking out the sports and activities at our school and local Parks and Recreation Department for upcoming spring months. That will keep us moving!

EDUCATION

Mrs. Juarez Mrs. Mauras

Kids: color stuff in!

M ay 6, 2021

www.readingclubfun.com

May 6, 2021

If I came up to you and asked you what teacher inspired you the most, what would you say? If I were in your position, I would say that a teacher named Ms. Long inspired me the most because of her kindness and her compassion.

I remember in third grade I accidentally hit someone with a pencil.

When I told Ms. Long what happened, she was not angry. Instead, she had a smile on her face and said, “Everyone makes mistakes.”

Another time a girl and I were racing to see who could get the last chair in the room when the girl fell.

Ms. Long scolded me, saying that I should have been a gentleman and given the girl the chair. After about twenty minutes, Ms. Long came to me and reminded me to never act like that again. I knew she forgave me. She made my heart feel warm, and I learned my lesson about being a gentleman.

Ms. Long also inspires me because she spreads happiness to

others. When I was in third grade, Ms. Long held a raffle. To enter, students had to earn tickets by showing good behavior. Every Friday, she put the tickets in a cup, shook it really well, and pulled out one ticket. She then called out the name on the winning ticket, and that student received a prize. The raffle actually encouraged good behavior and allowed students to have fun at the same time.

Ms. Long is really good at helping students when they do not understand what we are learning.

When I was having trouble understanding how to read English, she helped me by explaining what words meant. I believe I am a strong reader today because of her efforts. In my opinion, Ms. Long should win an award for best teacher in the world.

Stephany Long, third grade teacher, honored by Miguel Zuniga, fifth grader, Ned E. Williams STEAM Academy.

Mrs. Mauras was a great teacher who showed me how to respect others in order to earn respect. She taught me how to smile through tough times. Mrs. Mauras also taught me to follow my dreams as well as to be the real person I am inside.

Mrs. Mauras taught all her students to be respectful to adults and also other students. She even said that if people treat us wrong, we still need to treat them with respect. Mrs. Mauras also said that if we expect to receive respect, then we must be respectful.

I learned that if I do not respect others, they will not respect me.

Every morning Mrs. Mauras entered the classroom with a smile, even if it was a bad day.

She taught me how to smile during tough times. When we take a hard

test, she smiles, and her smile helps us smile through it.

Mrs. Mauras also told us to follow our dreams and to be ourselves. She told us that if we follow our dreams and do our very best, we can reach our goals. She also taught us to be ourselves and not want to be like other people. I just need to be me.

Mrs. Mauras was an excellent teacher who helped us and taught us so much. Because of her, I will be respectful and earn respect for myself, always smile in tough times, and follow my dream to reach my goals and be the person I am inside.

Cristina Mauras, fourth grade teacher, honored by Levi Servin, fifth grader, Ware East Texas Montessori Academy.

Mrs. Means

I would like for Mrs. Means to win this year’s Lamplighter Award from the Longview ISD Foundation. She is so sweet and kind, and she really cares about all of her students at Longview Early Graduation High School (LEGHS).

There is nothing she would not do for us to help and encourage us to succeed in life. Mrs. Means wants the best for each of us.

When I first came to Longview Early Graduation High School from another district, I did not know anyone. I was very shy, but Mrs. Means made me feel welcome and made sure that I was doing everything I was supposed to do.

She helped keep me on track with my schoolwork. If she knew that I was behind in a class, she would come to me and talk to me about it.

At my old school, the teachers did not care about me like Mrs. Means does. I was failing all of my class-

es there, but now I am making A’s and B’s at LEGHS. I was held back in the seventh grade, so when I arrived at LEGHS, I was in the ninth grade but had earned no credits.

Immediately Mrs. Means pushed me to stay focused on my schoolwork and do the work I needed to do to earn the credits. By the end of the year, I had earned thirteen credits. With her encouragement, I am now a junior and in the right grade.

Mrs. Means and I have formed a strong bond over the years, and I can tell her anything or ask for her help for anything. I know she will be honest with me and tell me what is best for me. If it were not for Mrs. Means, I probably would not be where I am today!

Danorius Monroe, junior, honoring Kristi Means, principal, Longview Early Graduation High School.

Paul McMillan

Mr. McMillan is the teacher who has helped me the most. He has shown many of the characteristics that a great teacher possesses, but three really stand out. Mr. McMillan is a good listener, he is accepting of others, and he makes learning fun. He has made such a difference in my life because he listens to me. If I have had a bad day or if I am sad, I can go to him and talk to him, and I know he will listen to me and help me feel better. His willingness to listen is something that will continue to have an impact on my life because he has taught me to be a good listener.

I have a lot of respect for Mr. McMillan because he is a great, fun teacher who has taught me many different things. Most importantly, he has taught me how to code and do a lot of really cool things. This learning is something

I will always remember and take with me throughout my life.

Mr. McMillan should definitely be awarded the Lamplighter Award this year by the Longview ISD Foundation because he has not only made a big impact on my life, but he has also made an impact on other students who talk about how much they like him.

Other students have told me that has helped them with school and has listened to them and helped them through a bad day.

Since Mr. McMillan has not only helped me and influenced the person I have become but has also helped other students too, he should be honored with the 2021 Lamplighter Award.

Paul McMillan, STEM and robotics teacher, honored by Elyana Johnson, fifth grader, Johnston-McQueen Elementary School.

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COMMUNITY HEALTH

May 6, 2021

Women’s Health receives a Boost

Carlos E. Quezada, MD, FACOG: Innovative, multilingual, trailblazer in robotic surgery, topmost physician makes Longview, Texas home

By Joycelyne Fadojutimi Longview Regional Medical Center has hired board-certified gynecologist/obstetrician Dr. Carlos Enrique Quezada. In view of present health trends, COVID-19 is not the only health threat faced by East Texas ladies.

WOMEN’S HEALTH AND FIBROIDS A 2016, National Institute of Health research indicates that fibroids affect 65% of all women by the time they reach age fifty.

As many as half of all afflicted women experience severe menstrual periods that lead to pain, reproductive problems, depression, emotional problems, and menstrual bleeding so copious it causes anemia. Along these lines, uterine fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomies in American women. Consequently, uterine fibroids is a major public health problem resulting in $34.4 billion in medical costs annually without the desired results.

Quezada aims to educate individual women on their specific and personal health issues, thus lessen the need for hysterectomies that results in early menopause and hot flashes. Although during his twenty-one years of treating and caring for women, he has dealt with several kinds of medical problems, he specializes in gynecology, obstetrics, minimally invasive gynecological surgery, infertility, and hormone replacement therapy. He is a trailblazer in robotic surgery for various female pelvic issues, including pelvic reconstruction. He hopes to use all his skills to decrease the need for hysterectomies.

“There are some procedures I want to bring,” he says. “It will bring improved outcomes with-

out having a hysterectomy.”

Quezada can best be described as a mixture of state-of-the-art cutting edge technology Doc. found in big cities, but who is actually a small town kid, loves country music, matured in the U.S. Navy, is fervently proud of his Texas heritage, is a dedicated husband, father and brother with a touch of Latino flare. He also has a predilection for smaller cities like Longview, Texas.

“We went all over the world when I was in the United States Navy,” he says. “When I got to San Antonio in 2011, it was not the same town I [had] left. It had gotten very big. I was missing the feeling of my small town.”

Longview’s size and modest night life also appeal to this devoted healer.

“I like the community,” he says. “The drive [to work] is quick, and at my age, I don’t need night clubs.”

FAMILY AND FAITH His devotion to family and faith is also remarkable. Now that his children are grown, he has more time to dote on his adoring wife Christie and worshipping at their non-denominational church.

“I am madly in love with my wife,” he says. “I cannot be who I am without her. We are looking forward to putting down deeper roots and making Longview our home.”

EDUCATION A native of Laredo, Quezada was four when he accompanied his adoptive grandparents to San Antonio, where he became an ardent San Antonio Spurs fan. After attending South San West Campus, he moved on to Palo Alto College and served as

president of Alpha Theta Pi honor society. He pulled down his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and joined the Pre-Med Honor Society.

DR. CARLOS QUEZADA Furthermore, he attended the University of Texas Health Science up in Longview, and now call Center in San Antonio with a it home. Considering his endfull scholarship from the Navy, less litany of credits, he is a true earning his Doctor of Medicine blessing to his new port of call, degree. While still in medical Longview Texas. school he established the MiliQuezada is board-certified by tary Medical Honor Society be- the American Board of Obstetfore joining the Navy and com- rics and Gynecology, worked as pleting a residency in obstetrics Chief of Obstetrics and Gyneand gynecology at the San Di- cology at the naval hospital in ego-based Naval Medical Cen- Bremerton, Washington, where ter in 2003. After twelve years of he was also adjunct faculty for touring the world in the Navy, the Family Medicine Program. he returned to San Antonio.

He also served as adjunct faculMILITARY SERVICE ty at Christus Santa Rosa Family Quezada spent a total of six- Medical Center in San Antonio, teen years in the Navy, being and for the Obstetrics and Gynestationed at various points of cology residency at University call in Europe, Asia, and all Hospital in San Antonio. across America, and rising to the AWARDS rank of lieutenant commander.

He has earned numerous He now heals as a civilian. awards and recognitions along EXPERTISE AND with his professional memberEXPERIENCE ships. He is a member of the Dr. Quezada is a fellow of the American Congress of ObstetAmerican College of Obstetrics rics and Gynecology, the Amerand Gynecology (ACOG,) a ican Association of Gynecologic past member of the Texas Med- Laparoscopists, and the Ameriical Association, the American can Institute of Ultrasound MedCollege of Obstetrics and Gy- icine. He maintains his certificanecology, Bexar County Med- tion with the American Board ical Society, and the Mexican of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

American Hispanic Physicians While in the service he served in Association. While with ACOG, the US Navy Medical Corps. His he served as treasurer for Sec- ability to speak English, Spanish tion V, District XI, representing and Italian is another blessing San Antonio in women’s health for his patients. matters. Although they folFor more information and/ lowed a long and winding road or to schedule an appointment he and Christie finally pitched please call (903) 753-7658.