As a public school educator, Kathy Allen has served in many various roles, including special education classroom teacher, educational diagnostician, curriculum director, middle school principal, and superintendent of schools. She admits that she isn’t quite ready to “fully retire,” so she currently works as a field service agent for the Region 8 Education Service Center and serves as a liaison between the Service Center and the 46 superintendents within the Region 8 area.

Stacy Calvaruso always knew that she wanted to be in medicine but did not want to actually practice medicine. She wanted to support medical providers so they can ensure everyone has access to health care. As the CEO of Medical Practice Success, a revenue cycle management organization for medical providers, health systems, etc., she is able to bring her mission to fruition.

Sue Browning Barchenger served in the United States Air Force for two years. Since two of her brothers were in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, she decided to join the Air Force to help the cause. She was stationed at Lackland, Randolph, Sheppard, and Webb Air Forces bases. Back in the ’60s and early ’70s, the roles for women were very limited, so Sue learned Morse Code and processed orders as her main occupation. Now, she continues to support military endeavors as a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 278.

Friendly, dependable, and considerate are words that can easily be associated with Suzy Irwin. Her pleasant demeanor is contagious, and people are drawn to her infectious personality. Always ready to help a friend, Suzy often puts others’ wants and needs before her own. When asked what she imagined herself being when she was growing up, it is no surprise that Suzy saw herself working for Hallmark cards as a writer and designer, using her creative genius to come up with different ways to celebrate special moments in people’s lives!

Susanne Tirrito Tullos, also known as Susanne, Granny, and Sue-Sue, loves being a registered nurse. She graduated from Arkansas High School and has a Master of Science in Nursing, Pediatric Nursing Practitioner track from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and a Master of Science in Business Administration from Texas A&M-Texarkana. She also has a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Public Health from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Technology and Leadership.

With a passion for helping others, it is no wonder that Shelia Dukes became a registered nurse. After watching her sister work diligently in the medical field, it impressed Shelia so much that she knew she wanted to be able to care for others and have a huge impact on their healing process. She has worked for CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System for the past 36 years and takes pride in doing her job and more importantly, doing it well.

For 54+ years, Thelma Black Elijah taught public school in New Boston and Texarkana, Texas. She also served as the Personnel Specialist and the Assistant Supervisor of Education for 25 years at the Federal Correctional Institution in Texarkana. She chose to become involved in the field of education because she values the importance of encouraging, guiding, and helping others make informed decisions about their future careers.

A retired business education/technology applications teacher, Beth Pesek doesn’t recall having a specific career in mind as she was growing up, but influencing young people through teaching was in the cards. Upon graduating from DeKalb High School, she enrolled in Texarkana College. During her early years in college, she was drawn to business classes and began leaning toward a career in education. Once she began taking education courses at the University of Arkansas, she knew that she was in the right field. She then earned a master’s degree in education from East Texas State University–Texarkana, now Texas A&M–Texarkana.

Country music artist Mae Estes pursues her passion and makes her dreams a reality

Author Cynthia Tyous’ hope is to instill character and faith in the next generation

An incredibly talented mural artist and costume designer, Darlene Taylor’s goals are to travel all over the world, painting and sharing her art with everyone

Being an award-winning tattoo artist has taken Joaquin “Quin” Hernandez to places he never imagined

Emily Graham, owner of Graham Slam Bakery, uses her vision and talents to create masterpieces for her sweet shop

chef Brandon Thrash provides hospitality, puts smiles on people’s faces, and gives his all to his craft

Eighteen-year-old Gabriel Henk continues to develop his filmmaking craft and masterfully build a career doing what he loves

with his love of ranching, Lazy Colt Ranch owner Clay Smith is the perfect fit as an actor on Paramount+’s hit show, “1883”

Dr. Chris Timmons shares his journey from being a young guitarist to an experienced surgeon

Despite his disabilities, Harding freshman Nicholas Watson excels in athletics and academics

Texarkana Home Builders Association to present its Home & Garden Show March 26

Texarkana native Megan Thornton finds solid gold success with her business, Megan Thorne Fine Jewels