Cover Story

During her tenure at Jodie McClure, the school improved from the Texas Education

Agency Needs Improvement grading to becoming a Recognized campus. When the

LISD closed Jodie McClure and transferred its pupils to new Ned E. Williams

Elementary, Dr. Wise came along as the school's first principal. Her influence was unmistakable and drastic as her students far exceeded the state's academic expectations.

Ned E. Williams became an "A" school. Most important of all, it became the highestperforming predominantly

African American school in

Texas. Wise was so effective in guiding her student body to academic success that Texas Education Commissioner Dr. Mike Morath sent Deputy Education

Commissioner Martin Winchester to visit the school and see first-hand why it was being held up as a shining model of success.

All the time Dr. Wise was principal at Ned E. Williams, she managed to simultaneously serve as principal of Bramlette Elementary. She was just getting started.

She moved on to the position of principal of another struggling school--Forest Park Middle School, where she spent another year as principal of two schools. Her two years at Forest Park saw it improve from earning 1 STAR Distinction to 5 STAR Distinctions. After her first year in these capacities, Bellwether Education Partners visited Forest Park to see what was behind all the accolades it was earning. Dr. Wise meticulously outlined her methods so that Bellwether officials could see her schools were models of excellence to be held up as examples to be copied to ensure widespread student success. This led her to organize the CCC. With the subsequent passage of SB 1882, the ETAA came into existence. For her, it was all in a day's work. "My day consists of meetings with various stakeholders to ensure that the overall vision and mission of ETAA is being met," she says. "I visit campuses and meet with principals to review data and to implement action plans for student success."

This collaboration also enables her to work with faculty both at the schools and in board meetings to update board members and higher-level administrators on various scholastic matters. Furthermore, she provides her teachers with training to review the CCC model and the central tenets of the Wise Instructional Framework. "I meet weekly with my curriculum department to ensure that the instructional practices that they observe match the rigors of the TEKS," she says.

She loves how her status as an educator permits her to play a vital role in young minds receiving quality education, which she regards as a civil rights issue. She works to achieve what she perceives as a moral and legal commitment to bring out children’s positive attributes that already exist in them. The vital aspect of this objective is crystal clear to her. "We all know that the number of prisons built in this country is predicated on fourth grade reading scores," she says. "By ensuring the students have access to a quality education we are not only improving their lives, but the community as well."

However, she is concerned that many people harbor opinions that could hamper young minds in receiving quality schooling. She sees this as another challenge of her profession to be faced and overcome. "I think that oftentimes people’s egos get in the way, and they forget that it's not about us," she says. "It's ultimately about the children and working together to ensure that they are successful."

As a PK (preacher's kid) she also has a firm grasp of how Christianity's emphasis on selfless service to others is in line with her focus on education. Her faith was the guiding light throughout her higher education. By leaning on the Holy Spirit for support, she pulled down one academic prize after another and ended up marrying a baptist minister. This, too, was a learning experience for a young couple guiding a large congregation. "Unfortunately, the marriage didn't work out," she says. "The fault was not with God, but with us."

In true Christian fashion she bears no grudges against her exhusband but remains his friend and sister in Christ. "If I cannot forgive my fellow man, then how do I expect God to forgive me, a human being who, like all others, has a multitude of sins?" she asks.

DR. CYNTHIA WISE EDUCATION ADVOCACY HIGHLIGHTS/ ACHIEVEMENTS

Jodie McClure Magnet ES from

Needs Improvement to Recognized School. Ned E. Williams ES turned it into an “A” school and highest performing predominantly African American school in Texas. Texas Education Commissioner

Mike Morath sent Texas Education Deputy Commissioner

Martin Winchester and held it up as a model of success. Ned E. Williams maintained the maximum of 6 STARS Distinction under Dr. Wise. Forest Park Middle School moved from 1 STAR Distinction to 5 STAR Distinctions. Bellwether Education Partners, a “national nonprofit focused on dramatically changing education and life outcomes for underserved children.” and several campuses across the country visit Dr. Wise to hear firsthand how she is turning failing schools with low socioeconomic population schools into star studded, high performing academies. East Texas Advanced Academies formed.

Her entire life's mission revolves around helping others, young and old. She loves being her brother's keeper and uses her career as the vehicle to accomplish her unselfish, loving goals. "I've done this by working in education and ensuring that students regardless of their background receive a world-class education," Wise says.

903.291.0020 1408 Lago Trail Longview heartis.com

Assisted Living and Memory Care Community

Photo By GRACE JACKSON /VIZCRE8VE MEDIA /903.309.3611 medically integrated fitness, musculoskeletal radiology, and the IHL.

The COSMI will employ thirteen CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic doctors and advanced practice clinicians specializing in orthopedics, sports medicine, and podiatry. This enlarged treatment space will feature forty exam rooms, three minor procedure rooms, and onsite diagnostic imaging. "This facility will provide patients with access to the specialists they need, as well as services and expertise they can't get anywhere else, which demonstrates our committment to serving this community and the Northeast Texas region," said CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic President Dr. Steven Keuer, MD. "Our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, and this institute allows us to further that mission, to help people live healthier, more impactful lives."

The crucial nature of the IHL within the new CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute cannot be overestimated. Its fitness floor, personal training, multi-fitness studio and aquatics center (which includes a lap pool, cold therapy plunge, whirlpool, and resistance pool) will be available for members along with being integrated into the pa-

tient journey from beginning CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System has significantly expanded its NorthPark campus through a multi-year, $35 million investment to insure the people of Deep East Texas have access to medical facilities that keep up with advancing technology. The facilities are being called CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Hospital-NorthPark, and the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute. CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System President and Chief Executive Offito end. "What we've designed is an advanced campus of orthopedics and sports medicine excellence," said Hancock. "We are bringing the best clinical experts together in this state-of-the-art center to produce the best possible healthcare outcomes for patients. Whether it's playing with grandkids or playing eighteen holes of golf, this is all designed to return our patients back to the activities they love." cer Todd Hancock can hardly wait to get started. "CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Hospital--NorthPark will transform how we serve our community and our patients in north Longview," he said. "There is absolutely nothing else like this in Longview. We are creating the first of its kind in Longview--an entire campus dedicated to orthopedic care."

Established to be completely patient-centered, this brand-new campus will provide care, convenience, and easy access to a never-beforeseen degree. Every aspect of the healing process will be seen to at this one centralized location, including initial physician exam, diagnostic imaging, surgery, rehabilitation, and recovery.

This great leap forward in medical care and technology will kicked off with a 3313 Good Shepherd Way. CHRISTUS Health administrators, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, doctors, nurses, and sundry related associates attended this event along with civic and regional leaders. Construction on this 27,000-square foot facility is slated to commence mid-August, with the CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute scheduled to open in the autumn of 2022. The CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Hospital--NorthPark will open its doors in the spring of 2023. The surgical hospital will contain patient rooms, six state-of-the-art operating theaters, and an expanded clinical area. In keeping with its name, the surgical hospital will concentrate on orthopedics and sports medicine, mainly through its ability to provide a wide range of outpatient procedures, and overnight stays, too. " Orthopedics is just the beginning," said Hancock. "As we look to the future, I foresee growth opportunities with even more physicians and additional specialties." Originally opened in 2014, the NorthPark campus presently houses CHRISTUS Good Shepherd's Emergency Center, Imaging Center (providing Open MRI/CT and x-ray) and Orthopedic Lab. It also contains the administration offices of CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Obstetrics/Gynecology, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Pediatrics, ENT Associates of East Texas, and Longview Orthopedic Clinic Association.

New Day Dawns at NorthPark By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI NEW DAY BEGINS AT CHRISTUS GOOD SHEPHERD NORTHPARK: CEO Todd Hancock, The Honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt, Physicians and other dignitaries break $35 Million ground The structure currently housing the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Institute for Healthy Living (IHL) is being totally overhauled to become the new CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute (COSMI.) This new facility will provide orthopedic and sports medicine specialists across the total continuum of care the opportunity to practice and collaborate in one centralized location. The 75,000-square foot, multi-story building will provide patients the opportunity to receive treatment from world-class orthopedics and sports medicine specialists, along with outpatient therapy and rehabilitation, human performance,

HOORAY

HEROES

Local business honors law enforcement

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

The build up to this year’s local Independence Day celebration was significantly patriotic. It included a parade in sincere appreciation for Longview’s police officers and firefighters. This event dubbed Hooray for Heroes is the brainchild, of Julie Woods President and CEO of Julie Woods and Associates Real Estate Firm. The parade procession included grateful local residents who jumped at this opportunity to express their gratitude to the city’s most vital public servants. Moreover, participants who did not have time to decorate their cars were in good hands because Longview Public Library Youth Service Supervisor Jenna Yeakley and her volunteers donned such vehicles for the parade at Longview Public Library parking lot. It is important to remember that local law enforcement is of the essential services everyday, 24/7, 365 days in the year. As a matter of fact, the work very long hours doing more than a fair share of essential service in these unprecedented times. In this case, the COVID-19 epidemic has forced police to take on more than their usual workload, and they have done this gladly and efficiently without any decrease in their ongoing toils to ensure public safety. In the same fashion, the Longview Fire Department found time to test 685 inmates in the Gregg County jail, and 2389 local nursing home residents for COVID-19.

In like manner, Longview police officers, were on hand to protect peaceful protesters, and not only from potential violence - they provided the demonstrators with cool bottled water in the sweltering East Texas heat. All this considered, the appreciation parade was not only a great success, but a foregone conclusion in light of the police and fire departments’ sterling recent performances.

For one thing, Hooray for Heroes Parade was very appropriate in light of how the city’s police and firemen use their own, department vehicles as escorts and for safety during sundry parades and for funeral processions.

“At a time when our communities and country are in upheaval, we need to remember to thank the GOOD law enforcement officers for doing their GOOD work,” said Julie Woods. “They have been essential employees through this entire COVID-19 crisis and deserve an ‘Atta boy and Atta girl.’”

Longview Mayor, Dr. Andy Mack put it succinctly. “There will probably never be a time in any of our lives where we face the eminent danger our police and firefighters face. It may not happen today or tomorrow

Battalion Chief Michael Wylie and Section Chief of Training Andy Parker

Longview Police Officers Misty Ryan and Maira Villela Mayor Andy Mack and LHS Viewette Elle Woods Sheronda Baker with Walmart passing out Patriotic Bomb Pop popsicles!

Longview Police Officers Johnny Lyons and Luke Altman

From left to right: Cody Taylor, Sloan Rodberg, Eric McKnight, Kris McMillen, Bubba Perry, Dusty Burks, George Glenn and Eddie Haywood.

or the next day, but it will happen,” he said. “And when it does, and their live lives are on the line, be thankful for the job they are doing. I know I am, and I pray for them daily. The sacrifices both they and their families make do not go unnoticed. Thank you both Police and Firefighters for keeping Longview safe.”

From left to right: Robert Collins, Trent Montgomery, Justin Cameron, Ryan Nicholson, Assistant Chief of Operations Brian Jones, NAME, Kyle Sands, and James Cooper.

“There will probably never be a time in any of our lives where we face the eminent danger our police and firefighters face. It may not happen today or tomorrow or the next day, but it will happen. And when it does, and their live lives are on the line, be thankful for the job they are doing. I know I am, and I pray for them daily. The sacrifices both they and their families make do not go unnoticed. Thank you both Police and Firefighters for keeping Longview safe.” - Longview Mayor, Dr. Andy Mack

East Texas Baptist University makes

significant impact on the regional economy

By SYDNEY MCBRIDE

As a Christcentered university, East Texas Baptist is focused on fulfilling its primary mission of educating students by integrating biblical faith and learning to prepare graduates to be Christian servant leaders in the communities God calls them to serve. In servicing this mission, an Economic Impact Report has concluded that East Texas Baptist University has a profound economic impact on the region’s economy. A recent study concluded that East Texas Baptist University contributes $63,185,453 to the local economy. The economic impact study revealed that East Texas Baptist University produced $46,232,131 in direct spending and $16,953,322 in induced spending. Direct spending includes money spent on employee salaries and benefits, capital projects, university purchases, as well as student and visitor spending in the community. Induced spending is defined as employment and expenditures provided by local industries as a result of the direct spending of East Texas Baptist University.

East Texas Baptist President, Dr. J. Blair Blackburn reflected on the University’s economic impact: “ETBU shares a vision for economic development through collaborative partnerships with local and regional business, industry, and education,” he said. “The University invests in the area economy to advance the community forward in creating employment opportunities, developing our workforce, and retaining talented people in our City and County. We strive to ensure that our faith integrated with our work adds value to the quality of life in East Texas as we unite hearts and minds for the betterment of our citizens and our community.”

East Texas Baptist University is one of the largest employers in Harrison County, and a student enrollment growth of over 33% in the last six years has prompted the construction of new facilities on campus and revitalization in downtown Marshall. The renovation of existing learningliving space and the construction of new educational facilities results in an infusion of money in the local economy.

Presently, ETBU is investing over $500,000 to restore the

Marshall Grand’s 8th floor

Grand Hall (formerly the

Hotel Marshall’s Rooftop

Garden), a large banquet hall space for University and community events. The upcoming construction of

ETBU’s Great Commission

Center and home to the Fred

Hale School of Business will be a catalyst for the local economy with an investment of over $8,000,000 into the city of Marshall and Harrison County.

Construction tradespeople and building resource/service businesses from across the city and region will partner with ETBU in creating this magnificent multipurpose facility for academic learning, business and entrepreneurial leadership training, career development, and missions/ministry.

East Texas Baptist University is proud to be located in Marshall, Texas and aims to be a good neighbor through service and care for the citizens of the community. ETBU demonstrates care to the community as faculty, staff, and students participate in community life, including service in local schools and churches. “ETBU students, faculty, and staff make an impact in the community in a multitude of ways as they serve alongside other citizens in local schools, congregations, and other nonprofit agencies,” Dr. Blackburn added. “The University also makes an impact through institutional programs including our Neighborhood Renewal Initiative and as students serve through the Great Commission Center. Our service to the community is part of our identity, but ETBU’s notable economic contribution makes a significant impact on the region.” The economic impact study was commissioned by the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT) and was conducted by economics professor Mark Paul Gius, Ph.D. of Quinnipiac University.

Flecia and Dan Droege "I sat down one night and asked God to find me someone who has a kind and loving heart, and someone I could have fun with for the rest of my life. God gave me that and so much more in Dan." – Flecia Droege

Dan and Flecia Droege

"I love teaching young people," she says. "Watching their minds grow and forming relationships that last forever is very special to me."

Their love of the Lord is the main driving force of their unselfish, serving lives. Their faith has served as a bridge over troubled waters for them and has impressed on them the total value of their relationships with God and with each other’s. Following her divorce, Flecia took a Christian-oriented Divorce Care course at her church. The preacher/instructor urged his students to be specific about their needs when they pray. She was. "I sat down one night and asked God to find me someone who has a kind and loving heart, and someone I could have fun with for the rest of my life," she says. "God gave me that and so much more in Dan."

Dan and Flecia are passionate about serving their community by working with various civic organizations aiming to make Longview a better place. They are highly active in the Great Texas Balloon Race and the One Hundred Acres of Heritage as it identifies and brings events to town. "Dan and I are planning on having fun together, going on many adventures and laughing and smiling all the way," she says. "We are excited to spend the rest of our lives together."

I Do

Lovers share passionfor each other and Longview

Not even the pandemic could keep them apart

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

Dan and Flecia Droege were already slightly acquainted because they lived in the same community but had never really met and gotten to know each other. After her marriage ended in front of a judge, she was rearranging her life, and he popped into the picture. "Soon after my divorce, my friends were encouraging me to meet him because they said he is such a good person," she says. "At the same time his friends were encouraging him to ask me out, but honestly it was not the right time for either of us."

During a Christmastime ski trip to Winter Park, Colorado with her daughters she posted some photos on Facebook. Dan responded with a message telling her he had learned to ski at Winter Park, and in the ensuing exchange of texts he asked if she would like to go out to lunch with him in Longview. At the time she was living in Frisco but was coming to Longview to visit a friend. She and Dan met up on 29 December, intending to watch the Dallas Cowboys play. He picked her up, but they became so involved in getting to know each other that they forgot to watch the game. They went on dates for the next eight days until she had to return to Frisco.

We began seeing each other each weekend, and then everything shut down for COVID," she says.

Not even the global pandemic could keep them apart. Their blended family includes four grown children who are as kind and loving as their parents, and whom their parents are unspeakably proud. Of course, this brood is happiest when it is together.

Dan earns his living by doing something he loves--helping others establish and expand their own businesses or getting the homes of their dreams. He has been doing this for thirty-seven years. He has been president of several banks. Currently, he is senior vice-president of Austin Bank. Flecia, meanwhile, has spent the last twenty-five years as a teacher, mostly with the Spring Hill Independent School District. Dan and Flecia Droege

Dr. Shelby Droege, Dr. Dylan Droege, Dan and Flecia Droege; Elyse and Nicole Woods

YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE www.stone-works.net

(903) 663-3344

SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS

Make a statement with your wedding cake wedding cake

Brides and grooms may pour over every detail of their weddings, but few components of the festivities may be as fun, especially for foodies, as deciding what the wedding cake will look like. Couples who want to deliver show-stopping visuals often express some measure of their creativity and personalities through statement wedding cakes.

Apart from clever cake-toppers, here are ways to stand apart when dessert is served.

• According to the Perfect Wedding Guide, a rising trend in cakes is to cover a white or naked cake with translucent glaze tinted in the couple’s wedding colors. This artistic expression can be especially stunning in boho-chic weddings. ¥

Statement tiers also are popular. The cake may be traditional in nearly every way, but couples then set the cake apart by featuring an elaborate design or a different hue in one tier. ¥ Martha

Stewart Weddings advises that more than just color can be used to make a statement. Lifelike sugar flowers can really set cakes apart.

• Hand-painted tiles on a cake are another way to add panache. A bride and groom may be inspired by a European vacation or the stained-glass effects of religious windows and want to add that feel to the tiers of the cake. ¥ Sometimes a statement comes by way of texture. Even an all-white cake can be dressed up with interesting textural effects. Ruffles, lace, embossing, and 3-D rosettes are different textural components that can be incorporated in cake designs. ¥ Couples also may want to tell their unique stories with cake. Individual tiers designed to reflect various milestone moments from the couple’s relationship can be quite engaging. • Capitalizing on the trend of edgier weddings, couples may opt for darker hues on their cakes even a black tier or nontraditional geometric shapes to the cake itself. Statement cakes can really say something about the couple getting married.

Much like other wedding elements, cakes provide a window into the minds of happy couples.