Alicia Utz’s smile can light up a room. Upon meeting her for the first time, it is immediately noticeable that she is pleasant, kind, and good-natured. However, when describing herself, she admits that she is a very determined person and that her mother even called her a “difficult child.” She is very passionate about the people and ideas that she holds close to her heart and admits that she has a little craziness mixed in to “keep things from getting too serious.”

Generous in spirit, La Verne Johnson Baptiste provides selfless service to those who need it most. Blessing others just comes naturally for this retired educator and soon-to-be-published children’s book author. Texarkana is fortunate to have this generous lady as one of its citizens who helps make this town a great place to live and work.

Retired teacher and diagnostician Bobbie McKinney has dedicated many years to the field of education. She worked for Texarkana Independent School District as a teacher of the learning disabled for 13 years and as a professional educational diagnostician for 24 years. She also taught school for two years in the Killeen Independent School District.

As the Human Resource Department/Onboarding Coordinator at HealthCARE Express, Wendy Harman admits that passing the Professional of Human Resources exam is without a doubt her greatest professional accomplishment. Similar to an attorney passing the bar or an accountant passing the CPA exam, attaining the PHR certification is no easy feat.

A retired educator of 40 years, Bertie Norton and her husband, Jerry, have been married for 60 years. A close-knit family, Bertie considers herself “blessed” that both of her sons, Scott and Barry (married to Sheri), live here in Texarkana. Bertie and Jerry also have three grandchildren, Olivia Claire Morris (married to Scott), Clete Norton, and Abby Elizabeth Norton, and one great-grandchild on the way.

Karen Reavis strives to always be an encourager. An active wife, mother, and friend, she is married to David, and they have a son, Tim, and a daughter, Julie Larsen. Tim lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, and is married to Allison. They have two children, Milo (6) and Mabel (4). Karen and David’s daughter, Julie, and her husband, Brian, live in Waunakee, Wisconsin. They have three children, Noah (7), Jeremy (6), and Ruby (2). Karen admits that watching her two children become really great adults, marrying great spouses, and giving her and David five wonderful grandchildren blesses her immensely.

Kind and considerate, Mindy Preston’s goal in life is to encourage others. She is able to carry out this personal mission while working at Texarkana College and while managing her decorating side hustle. As the Executive Director of Board and Presidential Activities and Events at Texarkana College, Mindy supports others while working as a team to build a culture of student success. As a decorator, Mindy celebrates others by assisting in the coordination, decoration, and preparation of their special events.

Meredith (Bunel) and Dillon Clark rang in 2021 as husband and wife

After being struck by a motor vehicle while directing traffic, Texas High School crossing guard, Ron Ferguson, makes the best of every day

Craig Mueller shares his mantra after battling for his life against COVID-19

Teachers by trade, Stephanie and Greg Brush bring custom-designed yard card signs to the Texarkana area

Arkansas Middle School Coach Venture Watson encourages youngsters to always go for their dreams

A tenth-degree black belt, Wayland Lacy holds a great respect for the art of karate and enjoys teaching the craft to his family and students

Texarkana Arkansas Police Officer Marcos Luna often makes life-or-death decisions while fulfilling his duty to the community

After the loss of their son, Lisa and Dr. Mark Looney started a local chapter of Bereaved Parents of the USA

In addition to performing, Pleasant Grove High School Theatre Arts Director Debby Sutton teaches her students valuable life skills

2021 marks the Texarkana Museums System’s golden jubilee

As the Executive Director of Haven Homes and ministry leader of Celebrate Recovery, Jeni Eldridge carries out her favorite hobby of loving people

As the Director of Bowie County Probation, Terri Barrett Giles possesses a genuine desire to help people

Amy Thomas’s entrepreneurial spirit has led to professional success and personal fulfillment