Leaders are not born; they are built from years of work, education, life influences, and choices. The importance of finding a leader of strong character and dedication to students was paramount in the selection of Texas A&M University–Texarkana’s fifth president. Dr. Ross Alexander is completing his first academic year as president. A family man raised with a strong midwestern work ethic, Ross leads in this role with dedication and community-mindedness.

Kirstyn Snyder, a junior at Arkansas High and member of the softball team, has been deaf since birth. She communicates with her family, none of whom are deaf, in various ways. 

“Some of my family learned a little sign,” she explained. “My mom signs a little. My two siblings sign a little, too. Most of the time, I usually just text it out on my phone.” 

Kirstyn owes her love of softball to her father. “I’ve been playing for 14 years now,” she said. “It started when my father helped and taught me how, and I’ve been in love with it ever since.”

Entering GJump, the 20,000-square-foot indoor trampoline park with disco lights bouncing off the walls and ceiling, is a bit like walking into another world—a world filled with laughter and fun. In contrast, the man behind the scenes works from a simple office with a single piece of decor on the wall. It’s a picture printed with his ethos, the words of Proverbs 16:3: “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”

“Fate loves the fearless.” These words by poet James Russell Lowell are the driving force behind everything Laventry Easter does. He thrives most when overcoming obstacles and achieving his goals. “I know what I want, and I achieve it,” Laventry said. Working as a professional performer on the Carnival Paradise cruise ship, the Arkansas High School graduate owes his career to his tenacity and courageous spirit.

Among the serious fishers of East Texas, Mr. Donald Crain, age 97, is a local legend.

“I’ve been riding around this dock here for forty years,” he said. “Everybody in the county probably knows me, I’ve been here so long.”

Donald spends as much time as possible on his houseboat, which he built himself 33 years ago, at Lake O’ the Pines—but his dreams of an East Texas retirement began even earlier, in 1975. A native of Jonesboro, Arkansas, but longtime Illinois resident, a 48-year-old Donald was vacationing with his wife near Jefferson, Texas, when the seed was planted.

Will Parker Davis and Braden Asimos have been friends as long as they can remember. Their parents being good friends, the two have grown up together and formed an inseparable bond. Both born and raised in Texarkana, high school juniors Will and Braden have a deep appreciation for Texarkana and its community. 

Switching from sequins, fringe, and boots to heels, slacks, and blazers, upcoming senior Graci Easley is preparing not only for her new role as captain of the Arkansas High School Redline drill team but also to attend Arkansas Girls State, a selective civics education program.

Most people have a bad habit of comparing their lives to others, ranking their accolades and aspirations against others’. Following your proverbial “path” can be downright stressful, full of imagined expectations just waiting to trip you up. The wisest among us drown out those supposed expectations and do whatever they think is best for themselves. At age 25, Ashdown local Joe Pennington is doing just that.

Texarkana is no stranger to sports. With programs trending, from little league to collegiate athletics, the four-states area is home to many successful teams. Summer is right around the corner, and a new team is here with a motto to excite: “Where baseball is tons of fun.” The Texarkana Rhinos minor league baseball team threw their first pitch during Memorial Day weekend. The Rhinos are determined to keep their motto in mind, striving to create a fun, family-friendly environment at George Dobson Field.

Mary and Jay Wommack purchased their new home in the Northridge neighborhood in 2020. Jay had grown up in this neighborhood and was excited to move back to a location of fond memories. Built in 1964, the Wommacks’ new home called for freshness and vibrancy. As luck would have it, their son-in-law, Justin Scurlock of Scurlock Studio, was excited to take on the challenge.

Debi Coleman has spent almost 40 years of her life as a teacher. She has worked in public schools, in private schools, and for homeschoolers. She has taught every age from kindergarten through high school. On the weekends, she can be found at Fellowship Bible Church, not only attending but also—you guessed it—teaching Sunday school. Interestingly, Debi’s passion for teaching came as a surprise to her, during her undergraduate years.

Jeni Eldridge founded Haven Homes, a Christian nonprofit organization that aims to help people recover from addiction. They began in 2012 with opening two transitional homes for women leaving Bowie County Women’s Center. To-date, over 200 women have utilized the transitional homes. In the 12 years since, the organization has expanded to serve both men and women recovering from substance addiction. They currently serve about 80 people, who receive safe housing, spiritual guidance, and faith-based counseling, as well as employment, educational, and community service opportunities. 

Since Jenni Hedrick was a student in nursing school at the University of Arkansas, she dreamt of working in labor and delivery. “It is my passion,” she said. After graduating with her BSN, she returned to her hometown of Texarkana, where she was hired at CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital on the postpartum and pediatric unit—but transferred to L&D a few years later, as soon as a position became available.

The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus wrote, “A man’s character is his fate.” Sherry Missildine’s character, marked by compassion and perseverance, fated her to a life of caring for others as a nurse practitioner.

Some people improve a place with their presence alone. Texarkana College financial aid specialist Tiffany Pumphrey is one of those people. Though she only began her job at TC in 2022, she works and speaks about her work as if she were born to help students pursue higher education.

Rhonda Roberts currently serves as the director of special education for the Central Bowie County SSA (Shared Services Agreement), which encompasses the Redwater and Maud school districts. She has spent 32 years in education, beginning in 1990 as a special education teacher at a Corpus Christi middle school. During her eight years in the classroom, she earned a master’s degree in educational administration, which allowed her to work as a principal for the district for 12 years.

Pianist and educator Mary Scott Smith learned early on that music was an integral part of her personhood. As a teenager, she spent two summers at the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina and experienced an epiphany in the place she least expected—the choir risers.

When Mary Warren decided to become a teacher, it was because she knew firsthand the difference a dedicated teacher could make in a child’s life.

“I’m an educator because I want to make a difference in the lives of children,” said Melodie White, principal of Theron Jones Early Literacy Center. “I want students to love learning and to become lifelong learners. I want them to realize they can do anything they put their minds to and are willing to put in the hard work to accomplish.”

Adorned with sparkling tiaras and radiant smiles, the pageant contestants hold their heads high as they hope to don the winner’s crown and sash. Among the young women is Texas High School junior Kynlee Flippen.