Four States Living Magazine March 2026

THE WAY I SEE IT ...

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

It’s our Home & Garden issue, and if you’ve seen the cover, you know we did not come to play. Scarlett Stussy Chaidez, our new columnist and resident dietitian, is standing in a stunning kitchen surrounded by vibrant fruits and vegetables like she just walked out of a lifestyle magazine. It’s fresh. It’s intentional. It’s beautiful.

And it all started with a plan.

Now, I’ll be honest. Large portions of my life have not started with a plan. Some seasons were more “intution and caffeine” than strategy. And yet, here we are—still standing, still publishing, still kicking. But the places and projects that have worked the best? Those had intentions behind them.

Take my home. It was built by an architect from Austin who decided, for once, to build a house he actually wanted to live in. Revolutionary concept, I know. The result? Cabinets where cabinets should be. Storage where storage makes sense. Every space was thoughtfully designed. There is something deeply comforting about living inside a good plan, even if that plan is from 1973.

Four States Living works the same way. Every month begins with a theme. We map out content. We align advertisers. We build stories around an idea. Does it always unfold perfectly? Of course not. Articles sometimes wander. Ads occasionally have their own agenda. But the heart of it remains the same: we plan to tell positive stories about good people in our region. And that plan matters.

Because if you scroll through social media for five minutes, you’ll see plenty of unplanned chaos. We rubberneck digital car wrecks. We consume bad news like popcorn and then wonder why we feel anxious. Somewhere along the way, people started believing that complaining online counted as community engagement.

About a month ago, I read a thread where folks insisted there was “nothing to do” in Texarkana. I nearly needed medical intervention.

Not long before that, my family had hosted some cousins from out of town—cultured, smart women from bigger cities. After a week of showing them around, I was truly exhausted. We “did” Texarkana:

Dinner at The Primary Commons—a farm-to-table gem that could hold

PUBLISHER

Dr. Robin Rogers

EDITOR

Ellen Orr

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY

Shane Darby

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Victoria Herman

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Phoebe Warren

its own anywhere. A visit to the 1894 Gallery downtown. An evening of TexRep performing The Mousetrap at the Stilwell Theater—directed by the ever-talented Michael Cooper. I saw that play in London in the ’80s, and I can tell you our local talent stands tall. The Texarkana Regional Chorale also delivered a magnificent performance. We browsed locally-owned boutiques where the owners greeted me by name.

On Presidents Day, we hopped in the car and drove to the Presidential Library in Little Rock to take in eight years of American history, with free admission on that particular holiday. For good measure, we stopped in Hope to see the Clinton Home and National Historic Site, where, after our tour, we were challenged to presidential trivia and became “Junior Rangers.” (None of us had that on our post-30 bingo cards, but life is about growth.)

We took a stroll through Spring Lake Park, with its pristine baseball fields, clean and accessible playgrounds, walking paths that make you want to lace up your shoes. Our two cities, on both sides of the state line, work hard to maintain these public spaces. That didn’t happen accidentally. That happened because somebody made a plan—years ago—and someone else kept it going.

Texarkana isn’t massive, but it’s big enough. We have healthcare access, lakes and rivers, golf courses, parks, arts, culture, and skies so bright at night that you want to put your phone down and just look up. That doesn’t happen in a concrete jungle. That happens in a place where people build intentionally.

Planning isn’t glamorous. It’s not flashy. It’s not popular. But imagine building a home without blueprints. Imagine spending thousands on landscaping without knowing which plants need sun and which need shade. That’s not charming; that’s expensive regret.

“Anything worth doing is worth doing right.” That advice has anchored me more than once. My budget works better with a plan. My parenting and grandparenting work better with a plan. My days are calmer with a plan. Even my joy is more consistent when I’m intentional about where I place my time and attention.

This issue is filled with stories about home, the place where we reset, gather, nourish, and grow. Home is more than square footage. It’s community. It’s neighbors who wave. It’s gallery owners who unlock the door with a smile. It’s restaurants where the servers know your order. It’s ballfields under Friday night lights.

If you live here and still think there’s nothing to do, I’ll say this with love: open your eyes. Or make a plan to find something better. In every place, you give up something to get something. Living well in the four states area doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people before us built something thoughtfully and because we choose to take up the mantle and participate in it.

I, for one, am pretty proud to call this place home. I hope you enjoy all we planned for this month, and I hope you are inspired to think about your own plans, grand and small. As always, thanks for reading Four States Living Magazine.

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brent Crossen

Janella Garrett

Chessa Helms

Nichole Holze

Joey and Suzanne Hunter

City of Texarkana, Texas

Sydney Williams

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Scarlett Stussy Chaidez

Abigail Gold

Madeline Haak

Mary Lynn Patterson

Brandon Shoemaker

Phoebe Warren

Four States Living Magazine is published the first business day of every month. © Copyright 2026 by Four States Living Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Four States Living Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are $40.00 per year. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material contributed. Do You Have a Story or a Photo?

We welcome information regarding topics of interest for future publications. If you have a story or photos that in some way depicts living or visiting in the Four States area and would be of interest to our readers, we want to hear from you. Call 903-792 -2262 or write: Editorial Department, Four States Living Magazine, 4104 Summerhill Square, Texarkana, Texas 75503. Comments are also welcome at our e-mail address: info@fourstatesliving.com

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ON THE COVER MARCH 2026

New columnist Scarlett Stussy Chaidez brings a culinary background and advanced science education to her work as a dietitian. Her first column explains her role and approach in helping people live healthier, happier lives.

page 40.

SPOTLIGHT

Phoebe Warren is the editorial assistant at Four States Living Magazine. She obtained her public relations degree from Arkansas Tech University and later earned her master’s degree at Southern Arkansas University. Phoebe provides organizational skills and creative energy within her role at FSLM. When she isn’t wrangling schedules, brainstorming ideas, or meeting people, she can be found at home singing made-up songs to the two laziest cats in the Greater Texarkana area.

YOUR HOME, REIMAGINED

TEXARKANA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION HOSTS THE 2026 HOME & GARDEN SHOW DOWNTOWN

Spring in Texarkana means it’s time once again for the highly anticipated Texarkana Home & Garden Show. Hosted by the Texarkana Home Builders Association, this year’s event will take place on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Crossties Event Venue, located at 324 E. Broad St. in downtown Texarkana, Arkansas.

Each year, the Texarkana Home & Garden Show brings together builders, remodelers, designers, suppliers, and industry professionals from across the Texarkana area to one location. Whether you’re planning a new build, dreaming of a kitchen remodel, refreshing your landscaping, or simply gathering ideas, the show offers a convenient and enjoyable way to explore your options and connect directly with local experts.

Adam Pettit, the executive officer of Texarkana HBA, is excited to once again hold this event downtown. “The downtown location has increased accessibility and created stronger energy around the event overall,” he said. “Attendance and exhibitor engagement have both benefited from that move. This year, we have some first-time exhibitors bringing new services and product categories, alongside longstanding participants who return year after year.”

In addition to the wealth of information available at each booth, several exhibitors will host their own giveaways throughout the day. Farmers Bank & Trust will sponsor a major door prize, a $1,500 gift certificate that can be used with any member of the Texarkana Home Builders Association. Attendees may register for that drawing at the Farmers Bank & Trust booth during the event.

Beyond prizes and giveaways, the value of attending is simple: efficiency and inspiration. Instead of scheduling multiple appointments across town, homeowners can meet a variety of home and garden industry professionals in one place to compare services, ask questions, and gather ideas. Adam advises attendees to plan ahead for the best experience. “Bring photos of your space,” he said. “Bring measurements if you have them. Bring your house plans, and come prepared to engage and ask questions.”

The success of the Texarkana Home & Garden Show each year is made possible by the commitment of Texarkana Home Builders Association members, along with sponsors and exhibitors who dedicate their time and resources to creating a meaningful experience for the community. And, of course, the event thrives because of the local residents who show up year after year, ready to invest in their homes and support local businesses. No matter the size or scope of your next project, the 2026 Texarkana Home & Garden Show can help you take the next step.

THE GREATEST CALLING

The Berry family answered the call to adoption and welcomed home 2-year-old Naomi

by PHOEBE WARREN

For 774 days, Naomi Elizabeth Berry was a ward of the state of Arkansas. She entered foster care at just 2 weeks old, born into circumstances she did not choose. But on January 29th, 2026, surrounded by the family who had already loved her as their own, Naomi was legally made the daughter of Sarah and Bradley Berry and the sister of four older siblings.

The Berry couple never intended to adopt a child. Sarah joined The CALL, a Christian non-profit that focuses on recruiting, training and supporting Christian foster families, in 2020, as their financial secretary. “I was only supposed to help with finances, give advice, and help with budgeting,” said Sarah, who is a CPA. “But the more I heard about our local foster care system, the more my heart pulled me towards fostering. It is so funny how God has bigger and better plans for us than we ever could imagine. We look back at this and laugh about it all the time.”

The Berrys became a licensed foster family on September 22nd, 2022, at 5pm. Within hours, they received a call for their first placement: a 2-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother.

“I remember when the caseworker dropped those kids off with their few belongings and paperwork,” Sarah said. “I remember turning to look at my husband, and we shared this ‘Oh, crap’ look, like, ‘What are we getting ourselves into?’” Although the initial experience felt intimidating and foreign, that routine became natural to everyone in the Berry family. “We did not have a clue what we were doing,” Sarah said, “but we had a heart to help and the resources to do it, so we agreed.” Those willing hearts have now welcomed 38 children into the Berry home over the past three years.

On January 5th, 2024, at just 2 weeks old, Naomi arrived as a foster placement. Bradley dubbed this tiny baby “Nugget,” a nickname that stuck.

“When I first held Naomi, I remember being sad,” Sarah said. “Honestly, any time we get a placement, it is a sad time for us. My heart breaks for the kiddo who is placed in this situation.”

After several months of loving Naomi, it became apparent that she would probably not return to her parents. “I don’t think there was a set moment when we talked about adopting,”

Bradley said. “We just kind of saw that there could be a possibility that we could adopt, and we were both in agreement that if we got the opportunity to adopt Nugget, we would jump all over it.”

“We were there for the long nights, the first smile, first laugh, crawling, walking, and first words,” Sarah said. “Our hearts were stolen, and the thought of her moving out of our home was truly heartbreaking.

“Naomi went to work with me every day for the first few weeks. She was sleeping underneath my desk, and I was feeding her while trying to work,” Sarah said.

When we were asked by the State if we would consider adopting her, we did not have to think twice.”

The journey to adopting Naomi was long—over two years. “We experienced every emotion you can imagine,” Sarah said. “Children in foster care deserve permanency, and it usually happens at about the one-year mark. Naomi’s case was just unusually long, and that was frustrating to many of us.”

Bradley realized that his role was to be a pillar of support for his wife and children throughout the process. “There were lots of highs and lows,” he said. “Just being there for each other was important. My wife is very independent, strong in her self-confidence, and strong in her faith. To see all of those characteristics challenged and stretched to their limits was tough, but she never quit. It was amazing to watch and share this whole process with her.”

Through the ample amounts of tears and laughter, the Berry family persevered and adopted Naomi. “When we look backwards and see the timeline of events and how everything unfolded, it is obvious that the Lord was writing a beautiful story this whole time,” Sarah said. “God’s timing is perfect, and we had to learn to trust his timeline and not ours.”

Though the family already considered Naomi their own from early on, the relief everyone felt on court day was immeasurable. “The judge said that she was ours and said her new legal name,” Bradley recalled. “I’m not a crier, but I teared up, and it felt like a weight was lifted off of me and our family.”

Today, Naomi is 2 years old. She has devoted older siblings who have learned firsthand what it means to share their home, their toys, and their lives. She is loved by a father who has grown steadily into his calling. And she is cherished by a mother who once thought she was simply helping with bookkeeping for a foster care nonprofit—only to discover that her greatest calling would unfold right in her own living room.

“If God has laid foster care or adoption on your heart, you need to listen to his leading and answer the call,” Sarah said. “When we got the call for Naomi, we were so extremely busy, and our lives were going in 100 different directions. But if we would not have said yes, we would have missed out on having our beautiful daughter in our lives.”

The Berry family’s story is not just about fostering or adoption. It’s about faith. It’s about community. It’s about the amazing things that can happen when ordinary families decide that loving vulnerable children is worth the risk. The Berrys feel that they were called to love Naomi, and because they answered that call, Noami is now an irreplaceable part of their family. If you ask Easton, the Berrys’ son, what adoption means, he might have the best answer of all: “Adoption means I now have four sisters.”

“While on vacation in Maine last summer, we were told to prepare to transition her out of our home,” Sarah said. “We were heartbroken but trying to have faith at the same time.”

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

THE CALL, A FAITH-BASED FOSTER-CARE NONPROFIT, HELD A GALA ON FEBRUARY 7TH AT THE ARKANSAS CONVENTION CENTER. THE FUNDRAISER INCLUDED DINNER, SILENT AND LIVE AUCTIONS, AND A DIAMOND DRAW.

PLATFORMING THE POSITIVE

by MADELINE HAAK

Local businessman and philanthropist Tony Langford’s character has been shaped by years of commitment to his work, as well as time spent serving others in and around the community. As the owner of Tony Langford Roofing, he tries to use his job as a way to connect to people and lend a helping hand.

“[God] has blessed me with a platform,” he said. “I believe that if I didn’t use that platform and the resources I’ve been given to serve others, I wouldn’t be fulfilling my purpose, both as a man and as a believer.”

Tony’s instinct to give back doesn’t just stem from his faith. His childhood and young adulthood shaped him into the person he is today. He dropped out of high school in the ninth grade and was initially able to earn a living—but he eventually took that income for granted and nearly had to file for bankruptcy.

“Early in life, my mother and I had a strained relationship. She was a high-stress person, and back then, I didn’t fully understand why,” he said. “Going through that difficult period [of economic hardship] put me in her shoes. It helped me give my mother grace and gave me perspective on how hard life can be for so many people.”

Now, putting himself in the shoes of others is an exercise Tony engages in regularly because he believes it is the key to promoting collective well-being.

“There is so much need here, and I feel a responsibility to do what I know is right and to contribute in any way I can,” he said. “You never know the effect you can have on someone. If we all do a little, we can accomplish a lot. At a certain point in success, you stop competing and start collaborating.”

There are certain causes that mean the most to Tony, and he tries to focus his efforts on these. “The most important causes to me are children, veterans, and the elderly,” he said. “Beyond that, there are several people I have a great deal of respect for who are passionate about certain causes. If it matters to them, I try to support it for the overall progress and betterment of the community.”

Respect is something that Tony takes very seriously, and he knows it has helped him along his journey through life and continues to help him today. Running his business in a way that breeds trust has allowed him to make connections and establish himself as a public figure.

“I feel that most people would agree that we [at Tony Langford Roofing] are extremely good at what we do,” he said. “Add doing things with honor and integrity and being someone who doesn’t shy away from speaking his mind, and I feel it has created a platform to bring awareness, raise money, and accomplish things that normally aren’t easy. Respect gets you further than just about anything else.”

Last August, Tony created a Facebook page called “The Tony

There’s no better feeling than knowing you helped ease someone’s burden or took a little stress off their shoulders.

”

Langford Experience,” where he promotes community involvement, spotlights local people and organizations, publicizes his philanthropy, and simply entertains and inspires his 8,600 followers. He said that, while he likes to remain anonymous in his acts of kindness whenever possible, he understands that leading by example can motivate others.

“Contrary to popular belief, [Texarkana] is a great place with a lot of amazing people doing big things. I want others to see how much is actually happening and create a buzz that inspires them to get involved,” he said. “The vast majority of what we do we keep to ourselves.”

Tony knows some people might perceive his efforts as attention-seeking, but as a father of six sons ranging in age from 1 to 28, his main goals are to better the community his children call home and set a good example as their dad.

“There are a lot cheaper ways to get attention, if that’s what you’re seeking,” he said. “At the end of the day, kindness is contagious. If you make it fun, people want to get involved. In 20 years, I hope people will say that I cared about others, I prioritized this community, and, last but not least, it was evident how much I loved my family. Being remembered as a great father means a lot to me.”

For Tony, generosity is not an action or a task to be completed. Instead, it is part of his identity.

“It’s just part of who I am. There’s no better feeling than knowing you helped ease someone’s burden or took a little stress off their shoulders,” he said. “I’m grateful for the life I have, so why not help someone else try to achieve the same? If I’m going to win, I might as well take as many with me as I can.”

FORGED IN THE FLAMES

Almost 18 years after her life-threatening first race, Harli White continues to compete in sprint car driving

by BRANDON SHOEMAKER

Harli White didn’t stumble into racing. She was raised inside the track. Long before she ever strapped into a car, she was in the shop with her dad, learning what most kids never see—how machines come apart, how they go back together, and how a race weekend is built on equal parts discipline and obsession.

“It was family-driven,” Harli said. “My grandfather started racing. My dad followed in his footsteps, my uncles . . . I was always in the shop with my dad working on the car.” That family tradition began with motocross and Saturday-night dirt-track racing. Harli grew up watching “big car” racing—mostly adults, mostly modifieds. Then came the moment that lit her fuse.

As a preteen, she was at a track near Dallas watching her father compete in a major modified event when she noticed something she’d never seen in person: kids racing, suited up and sprinting around like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“I asked my dad, ‘How come those kids can race, and I cannot?’” she recalled.

She walked the pits and the infield like a woman on a mission, found a handful of race cars listed for sale, and brought word of them back to her dad. That Christmas, Santa brought her a race car.

“And that’s all it took,” she said.

“It Just Exploded.”

In 2008, the spring of her first season, Harli entered her first race. She was 12 years old—young enough to still be a kid, but already wired like a racer.

Her family didn’t treat safety like a suggestion. Harli said her dad made her practice getting in and out of the car repeatedly—buckling, unbuckling, shutting off switches—until it was muscle memory. It mattered: the sport she was entering uses a fuel that doesn’t forgive mistakes.

photo by SHANE DARBY

“We’re burning methanol,” she said of the easily flammable fuel. “It burns really clear, so you don’t know that you’re on fire.”

On her very first race day, Harli was actually sick with the flu, but she refused to miss the opportunity.

In the feature race, she began to find her rhythm. She didn’t know the other drivers, and she was one of the only girls on the track. Still, she got more aggressive, putting herself in passing positions—and then, on a corner in front of the grandstands, her car touched the wall and tipped onto its side.

The next part happened fast.

“It just immediately burst into flames,” she said. “No rhyme or reason. It just exploded.”

Harli described trying to do everything she’d practiced: kill the switches, unbuckle, get out. But the car’s position made escape impossible. The car was pinned. Her only exit was through the top—blocked by a wing and swallowed by heat.

She removed her helmet so she could see what was happening. She could hear the crowd screaming. She could hear her father’s cries as he was trying to get to her.

At one point, she said, the car was moved—dragged—while it was still on fire, the flames following. The situation didn’t improve; in fact, it worsened.

Then came a moment Harli described with quiet clarity.

Realizing the dire nature of the situation, she turned her thoughts inward and relied on her faith. “I said a quick prayer,” she recalled, “and I closed my eyes.”

When she opened them again, she saw a figure running toward her.

Another racer, Donnie Ray Crawford, sprinted across the track and pulled her from the burning car. (The act was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network’s “Extraordinary Acts of Courage” program.) Harli didn’t even know Donnie Ray’s name in the moment; she only knew that someone had reached into hell and pulled her out.

“It was the best part about the whole story,” she said. “A complete stranger saved my life.”

Out of the Fire

Harli was alert and talking as emergency responders worked. She remembers answering questions herself—her allergies, her birthday— because her father was too consumed by shock to speak.

She was taken first to an emergency facility, where her parents pushed for the best option available. Harli said the answer was Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston, but it wasn’t a place they could simply show up. Patients had to be accepted.

Thankfully, that acceptance came quickly, propelled by the same kindness of community that surrounds racing. A Shriner who witnessed

the accident helped set the process in motion. Harli was flown by private plane to Galveston with her parents. Her first skin graft surgery happened that night, in the earliest hours of morning. She would undergo three skin graft surgeries, all within a short span, followed by a long stretch of recovery and reconstruction.

She spent 21 days in the ICU. Then, she lived in Galveston for months afterward, undergoing a daily routine of therapy and wound care that demanded endurance of a different kind.

“Every morning, I’d have to go to the tub room,” she said. “Therapy twice a day—physical and occupational.”

When she left the hospital, she still had open wounds. Her parents learned how to care for them at home—bandaging, blister management, infection prevention—living in a constant vigilance that caregivers know all too well.

Same Place, Next Year

Most people would be done with racing after surviving that kind of trauma. Harli wasn’t.

She framed it as identity, not hobby. She told her father that racing was part of what would keep her from becoming a depressed teen stuck in her room. She promised to do the work to get better.

She did.

And one year after the fire, she returned—at the same racetrack, in the same kind of car, surrounded by the same people.

“ ”

I’m not retired. I don’t want to retire.

I still think there’s a lot left in me to give [to the sport].

Even in the hospital, she was asking about her race car and whether it was fixable. Her parents, understandably, avoided the topic. Harli said her mother wanted everything fast and dangerous in their orbit to be sold: race cars, bikes, boats, all of it. On top of fear, her parents faced public judgment—people asking how they could have allowed their child to compete in such a dangerous sport. But Harli remembers being relentless.

“I was bound and determined to get back in that race car,” she said.

Her first year back, she won multiple races. She was competing against future stars, including NASCAR star Christopher Bell, and she wasn’t asking for sympathy.

“I’ve always tried to earn my respect,” she said. “Not, ‘I’m a girl, take it easy on me.’ I’m always going to earn my keep.”

Scars and Confidence

Harli carries deep scars, visible and permanent, but she refuses to treat them like a shameful secret.

“I embrace the scars,” she said. “If you like me, you like me. If you don’t, you don’t.”

She said she wasn’t picked on in school for the scars, and she credits much of that to how she carried herself. In a small town, everyone already knew what happened; there weren’t whispers or mysteries, just a shared understanding of a young girl’s story that nearly ended too soon.

Harli meets curiosity with clarity. When kids see her scars and ask what happened, she tells them. When people stare, she says she understands.

“We all stare,” she said. “If I see someone, I want to know their story.” Her scars don’t isolate her. Instead, they’ve become one of the ways she connects.

Beyond the Accolades

Harli won her first career ASCS victory at the I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Arkansas, on April, 9th, 2019.

Far left: Harli returned to the ASCS National Tour last April at the Salina Highbanks Speedway in Salina, Oklahoma.

Harli’s racing resume includes major firsts and historic performances: becoming the first female to win the American Sprint Car Series National Tour, ranking high in points, reaching prestigious mains, racing abroad, and traveling for extended periods to compete in Australia.

She spoke about the satisfaction of finally breaking through for a major national win after years of close calls and disappointment.

“It was a relief,” she said. “And it gave me so much confidence. You want more and more of it.”

But in the middle of that success is a frustration familiar to many athletes: timing.

“By the time I got recognized, I was ‘too old,’” Harli said, describing how development pipelines often favor younger drivers.

Still, she doesn’t want to be remembered as a novelty.

“I want to be the best race car driver there is,” she said, “not ‘the best female.’”

Life Off the Track

Today, Harli balances racing with a day job and long-term goals beyond the next checkered flag. She works in Texarkana and is continuing her education, finishing a degree in accounting, a goal she delayed while living on the road from race to race.

Public speaking is another lane she’s carved out, especially in connection with Shriners Children’s and burn survivor communities. She’s spoken at fundraisers, schools, churches, and burn camps, without pay, because she sees it as a responsibility, not a side hustle.

Shriners Children’s, she said, made her recovery possible in every way. “I didn’t pay for a single thing,” she said. “It’s funded by donations.”

And because of what she lived through, Harli has become a vocal advocate for safety in racing: proper gear, proper preparation, and respect for what can happen in an instant.

“Everyone has their own scars,” she said. “I have physical scars. I also have internal scars.”

Her message to the public is blunt, and it’s earned. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” she said. “Find your purpose.”

The Legacy She’s Chasing

Harli isn’t ready to close the book on racing. She’s candid about the realities—money, equipment, opportunity, and time—but she’s equally firm about what still lives in her.

“I’m not retired,” she said. “I don’t want to retire. I still think there’s a lot left in me to give [to the sport].”

When her racing career eventually does end, she wants to be remembered as more than a story of survival. She wants her legacy to be that of someone who brought something to the track every time she showed up: courage, competitiveness, and a kind of grit that can’t be taught.

She wants to be remembered as an entertaining racer. “Elbows up,” she said. “Fun to watch.”

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

RUN THE LINE OFFERS RACE PARTICIPANTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO RUN A HALF MARATHON IN BOTH TEXAS AND ARKANSAS, ON A USAFT-CERTIFIED SINGLE-LOOP COURSE. THIS YEAR’S RUN THE LINE HALF MARATHON ONCE AGAIN BEGAN AT THE INTERSECTION OF BROAD STREET AND TEXAS BOULEVARD AND FINISHED IN FRONT OF HOPKIN’S ICE HOUSE.

THE HOMESTEADER’S HAVEN

Robin Proctor shared her homesteading expertise with FSLM for two years. Now, we take a closer look at her day-to-day and her favorite spots in and around her home.

by PHOEBE WARREN

As the first light of dawn breaks though the horizon, local homesteader Robin Proctor is already outside and ready for another day of hard work. She has had her morning coffee on the back porch, tucked her overalls into her red Muck boots, and set off across her property. The air smells faintly of damp earth, and in the distance, she can hear all 16 of her chickens demanding breakfast from their cozy coop; all the chickens are named, and Robin can remember each chicken for her distinctive personality and feather markings. Her garden also waits for her attendance, stretching out in tidy rows. Inside her kitchen, two jars of sourdough starter, named Lancelot and Guinevere, wait patiently in their designated spots. Running around her feet the entire time are her faithful farm dogs, Deacon, Buddy, and Frank. For Robin, every day is a new chance to learn, grow, feel the soil in her hands, and listen to the ever-changing melodies of the earth.

Robin inherited a wealth of gardening knowledge from her father, Bobby Choate. She was living close to her parents when she made the decision to quit her job and become a stay-at-home parent. “I relied on [my father’s] garden for all our fresh veggies,” she said. The decision to homestead wasn’t some new and novel revelation to her; rather, it was the way she was raised.

“‘Homesteading’ is just the term we hear today. Before that, we were just ‘country,’” she said. “A garden was more of a necessity than a luxury. It put food on our table. Processed foods were expensive. I clearly remember going to my best friend’s house, Carla. She had a microwave and Twinkies. I think I ate the whole box of Twinkies. Canning, gardening, making our jelly, and butchering a cow for the freezer was just a way of life for me. I sometimes question whether this is ‘homesteading’ or just living a cleaner life. But I try to avoid the labels—it leaves room for failure and a Twinkie.”

When her father passed away a few years ago, Robin wanted to preserve the plot of dirt that held not only his garden but also so many precious memories. Her husband, Danny, loaded up their tractor and drove over to the property, where he scraped as much of the topsoil as possible onto a trailer for Robin to place in her own garden. “I will forever believe there is a little bit of magic and a whole lot of my dad in my garden,” she said.

How does one pursue this lifestyle, in which the garden and animals provide a great portion of meals, and everything within reason is utilized or preserved? Robin explained that the most important thing to realize is that homesteading requires hard work and commitment.

“Cows are a tremendous amount of work; their favorite pastime is breaking barbed wire fences,” she said. “Calves are always born on the coldest, wettest nights. Chickens are a lot of work. A garden doesn’t take a week off from growing. It’s a lot of bending, pulling, tending, harvesting, and preserving.” She emphasized that it truly takes help from others as well to keep everything running smoothly. While Robin has been affectionately proclaimed “the chicken whisperer” by Danny, she said that he is the one who keeps the cows in line best.

The biggest task of Robin’s day is getting all of the animals watered and fed each morning. In addition to her beloved chickens and dogs, Robin also has eight cows, one bull, and three donkeys. She will also clean out the chicken coop and collect fresh eggs.

The next order of business, depending on the season, is to thoroughly check her garden for crops ready to be picked and to weed the garden if needed. In the off-seasons, she might check on

seedlings sprouting in the greenhouse. This year, she is preparing potato eyes to plant. Robin doesn’t just grow fruit and veggies; she also researches medicinal and culinary herbs to grow in her garden. She has had particular success with lemon balm and basil. She also harvests dandelions growing wild on her property, making them into a dandelion salve that combats numerous skin issues.

Even when Robin has an over-abundance of crops from her garden and greenhouse, nothing is wasted. “My freezer is stocked with peas, corn, bell peppers, and okra,” she said. “I make fresh pesto from the basil, and I can homemade pasta sauce, stewed tomatoes, and chopped tomatoes. I rarely buy jams or jellies. I can pear preserves and finally am able to preserve muscadine jelly. I smoke and candy the jalapenos and make sweet and dill pickles.” Robin also makes seasoning salts and homemade cleaners with her home-grown herbs. She has multiple uses for her lemon tree, including a delectable homemade limoncello.

When there is no more produce to reckon with, Robin turns her focus to her homemade sourdough bread, which she loves to gift to others. “I think about how long people have been making bread,” she said. “I love participating in one of the oldest food traditions on earth.” Though the process had initially intimidated her, she can now regularly be found in her kitchen working on her next batch of bread. She has made loaves of smoked jalapeno and cheddar, lemon zest and fresh dill, rosemary, and everything-but-the-bagel seasoning. She also makes sourdough crackers. Her kitchen has evidence of her hard work all around it, from fresh eggs on the counter to loaves of homemade bread cooling on the kitchen island.

When she is able to take a break, Robin enjoys cozying up in her living room for quiet reflection or having company over in the entertaining area of the home. The interior of the home is all brick, stone, and dark wood. Robin and Danny fell in love with Jackson Hole, Wyoming, renowned for its dramatic Teton Range scenery. They wanted to recreate what they loved about their vacations there, in and out of the mountain resorts. A lodge-styled living area, open kitchen, carved wooden furniture, and grand stone walls brought their vision to life throughout the home. The effect is a luxurious space that feels rustic but refined.

It is important to Robin that she passes down her knowledge, just as her grandfather and father did before her. She ensures that her grandchildren get involved when they come to visit. “They love helping me pick things that are ready to be harvested—and a few things that aren’t,” she laughed. “I want them to know where food comes from and the work it takes to have it.” Her grandsons, Lawson and Townsend, enjoy feeding the donkeys and eating warm muscadines off of the vine. Her granddaughter, Grace, will now FaceTime her and ask to see the chickens before any kind of conversation is had.

Robin finds immense joy and beauty in the landscape surrounding her and in the home she shares with Danny. Her heart belongs here. “I love sitting in my swing under the biggest oak tree on our property, watching the geese pair up and the cows grazing across the pond in the pasture,” she said. “I love the smell of a tomato plant when you put it in the ground, the smell of a fresh cucumber still warm from the sun, the aroma from the basil plant that is brushed against when searching for the first pink tomato, and the smell of the garden after a gentle rain.”

Her favorite time of day is at the very end. “All creatures have been fed, eggs collected, and the girls are all back in their coop safe and snug,” she said. “The sun is setting, and the day is done. I thank them for the eggs. I tell them goodnight and that I love them. It makes all the hard work worth it.”

HAVE YOUR BROCCOLI AND EAT CHEESE, TOO

by SCARLETT STUSSY CHAIDEZ, MCN, RD, LD

Even though I now live in Fort Worth, I love telling people about my time growing up in Texarkana: the post office in the middle of State Line, the cross-town high school football rivalry, the difference in sales tax that will make a Sonic drink on the Arkansas side more expensive than the Texas side. “Twice as Nice” ends up being pretty quirky, right? And I’ve always jokingly thought that I embodied Texarkana because I was born in the capital city of Arkansas on Texas Independence Day (which is March 2nd, in case anyone wants to celebrate).

Growing up, my mom lived on the Texas side, and my dad and stepmom lived on the Arkansas side, so I grew up in our two states simultaneously. I went to Texas High School, was the goalie for the girls’ soccer team, and wrote for the school newspaper.

I’ve been a foodie my whole life. I remember sitting in a high chair asking my mom for several servings of cheese-covered broccoli. I’m not sure if I like the cheese or the broccoli more. Despite my enchantment with food, I still struggled to figure out what career I wanted to have. I loved taking culinary classes at Texarkana College, but I knew that being in a kitchen all day wasn’t for me. My whole family is in the medical field, so that was always interesting, but I didn’t see myself as a nurse or doctor, either. I started my undergraduate at Dallas Baptist University without much of a game plan.

Somewhere along the way, my dad said, “Have you ever thought about being a dietitian?” and it made all the sense in the world. After finishing at DBU, I earned my master’s in clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern in Dallas. Since then, I’ve worked at a 700-bed hospital, an eating disorder outpatient clinic, and now have my favorite position as an outpatient senior dietitian with Doherty Nutrition in Fort Worth.

So, You’re Not A Nutritionist?

“You have a master’s degree in nutrition, but you’re called a ‘dietitian,’ not a ‘nutritionist?’” Yes—it’s confusing, I know. My own dad even has trouble keeping it straight (shout out to Dr. Stussy at Family Medical Group!). Technically, I’m both a dietitian and nutritionist, but in Texas and Arkansas, “dietitian” means much more than “nutritionist.”

On both sides of the state line, dietitians are regulated health professionals whose practice is legally defined and overseen by state laws. “Nutritionists” are not. So technically, anyone in Texas or Arkansas could call themselves a “nutritionist” without any training or credentials (think: mom blogs, gym bros, and other random people on Facebook giving nutrition advice).

In order to hold the title “Registered Dietitian,” you have to earn a master’s degree in nutrition/dietetics, complete 900–1200 hours of supervised practice (through internships in hospitals, schools, allergy clinics, dialysis centers, diabetes clinics, etc.), and pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s national exam. Texas additionally requires dietitians to pass a state-level jurisprudence exam to become licensed. To remain a dietitian, you must complete 75 hours of ongoing learning every five years.

Texas and Arkansas both require dietitians to be licensed to practice medical nutrition therapy, which is an evidence-based, personalized, therapeutic approach to treating medical conditions through nutrition interventions. Because of this training, dietitians (like other health professionals) can bill insurance for their services and have virtual telehealth appointments with their clients.

Since anyone can call themselves a nutritionist or provide general nutrition education without state licenses, they can only offer general nutrition education, coaching, and wellness advice, and they cannot bill insurance for their services.

The same way doctors have specialties, dietitians also tend to specialize in different medical conditions or wellness subjects. I specialize in working with people who have prediabetes/insulin resistance, diabetes, and heart disease, and I work with other dietitians who specialize in pediatrics, eating disorders, sports nutrition, women’s health and hormones, gastrointestinal issues, cancer, weight management, veganism/vegetarianism, and general health and wellness.

All Foods Fit

I love that being a dietitian allows me to teach others how to enjoy their favorite foods in a way that improves their overall health and aids in managing chronic illnesses. I know that people tend to see dietitians as the “food police,” but I’m working to change that stereotype one client at a time. After all, I’ve always been a foodie, so I take joy in showing people how to incorporate more foods into their diets rather than how to restrict. I hope that, through this monthly column, I can help FSLM readers in a similar way. My future columns will dive deeper into specific topics and tips, but for now, I want to leave you with my boiled-down approach to developing a balanced lifestyle and eating pattern: putting cheese on broccoli doesn’t diminish the broccoli’s nutrients. In other words, we need both flavorful foods and nutrient-dense foods in our lives for enjoyment, health, consistency, and longevity.

Scarlett Stussy Chaidez, MCN, RD, LD, is a senior dietitian at Doherty Nutrition in Fort Worth, Texas. She was raised in Texarkana by parents in the medical field and saw firsthand how science can help people. As a dietitian, Scarlett uses her love of the culinary arts and her knowledge of evidence-based science to inform her care while treating clients who have prediabetes, diabetes, and cardiovascular concerns.

Interested in working with a dietitian like Scarlett?

Scan the QR code to see if your insurance will cover a telehealth visit with Doherty Nutrition.

HEALING HANDS

by MARY LYNN PATTERSON

Maggie Tinajero’s love for horses developed the day her grandmother placed her, age 5, on a horse named Topper. “I remember [my grandmother’s] face as she begged us to slow down,” Maggie said. “My passion for horses never left.”

Maggie’s father grew up training and showing reining horses, and the sport runs deep in her blood. Reining is a sport in which horses are highly trained to execute precise, fast-paced patterns.

“My parents purchased my late great-uncle’s stallion, Simon, in 2019. They also bought me a mare named Hope,” Maggie said. “It wasn’t long after that our barn and pastures were full of reining bred quarter horses, and my dad, my husband Lucas, and I were all showing horses together.”

Maggie learned discipline and humility through showing horses. “In the show pen, you learn quickly that preparation matters,” she said. “Even when you do everything right, it doesn’t always go as planned. The times when everything goes right remind me it’s all worth it.”

Maggie also learned how intuitive horses are when it comes to human emotions. “Horses feel your energy and feed off of it,” she explained. “I am a very anxious person and learned quickly that I had to get that incheck in order to have a calm horse under me. Showing horses has taught me how to regulate my own nervous system.”

It was this emotional connection to horses that led Maggie to equine sports therapy in 2021. “I watched an equine therapist work on a mare who I knew to be quite spicy,” Maggie recalled. “I watched the mare’s demeanor do a complete 180 under the therapist’s touch and saw the relief in her eyes. I knew immediately I wanted to be an equine [sports] therapist and asked the therapist if I could work with her and learn her ways.”

subtle sign or change is the horse communicating,” Maggie explained. “I know what these horses are asked to do physically and mentally, so I’m able to take that into account in my work to help with recovery and to prevent injuries and strain on the body.”

Maggie explained that, “just like human athletes benefit from massage and physical therapy, equine athletes do too. Essentially, I help horses feel more comfortable within their bodies,” she said. “I address muscle and soft tissue tension and soreness to improve balance, increase circulation, boost recovery, and enhance overall performance.”

Also like humans, no two horses are alike, and Maggie honors that individuality in every therapy session. “Each horse truly is an individual, and no two sessions are ever the same,” she said. “The first thing I pay attention to is the demeanor of the horse. Are they bright and alert or standing in the back corner of their stall? Are they relaxed or nervous? I examine their posture. I will usually watch the horse move before starting. I’ll then introduce myself and ask their permission to touch. I believe horses can sense intention and energy, and I think this is why most horses I meet are very open to receiving bodywork.”

Equine sports therapy—not to be confused with equine-assisted therapy—is massage and bodywork performed on competitive horses, or “equine athletes.”

Maggie shadowed the equine therapist for the next several years, eventually becoming certified in large animal massage in 2023. She also studied equine therapy in Vashon, Washington; Scottsdale, Arizona; and British Columbia, Canada. “Going from little quarter horses in Texas and Oklahoma to massive warmbloods on the West Coast was a huge shock,” she said. “Seeing the effects from different disciplines on body conformations was extremely enlightening. It also taught me to look at the horse as a whole.”

Her experience with showing horses gives Maggie a deeper understanding and appreciation for the animals as athletes. “Every

by

I want to continue learning, improving, and putting my hands on horses in a way that makes a difference in how they feel and move.

”

Maggie plans to continue raising awareness of the benefits of equine therapy. “I have hopes of doing a few local demonstrations and pursuing partnerships with local veterinarians and trainers,” she said. “I desire to create a network where bodywork is a normal and valuable part of horse care.”

Maggie foresees a future where horse owners and trainers prioritize preventive care rather than waiting for problems or injuries to arise. “I hope that demand will increase as riders see the real benefits of massage and bodywork, and I will get to be a part of this mindset shift,” she said. “My dream is to one day own a therapeutic facility where horses can be treated daily for extended periods of time.”

Today, Maggie’s horse, Hope, is semi-retired and “spoiled rotten” after earning the title of National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Rookie Pro World Champion in 2023. Maggie’s dad, Teddy, and her husband, Lucas, are both super involved in showing horses. Her son, Bellamy (5), is gaining interest in riding and showing. Maggie’s mom, Summer, loves to support them in all that they do. “I really value time with my family. I think they’re pretty proud of me and are happy I found something I enjoy so much,” Maggie said.

From riding Topper at full-speed to helping horses through equine therapy, Maggie envisions a life always surrounded by these majestic animals. “I hope horses and therapy continue to shape who I am,” she said. “I want to continue learning, improving, and putting my hands on horses in a way that makes a difference in how they feel and move. My goal is to look back and know I made their lives more comfortable. I’m certain horses and therapy will always be a part of my life.”

EXQUISITE INTERIORS

SERENE SANCTUARY

Last year, Andrea and Robbie Bohon built a stunning new home for their family in the charming Rolling Hills neighborhood of Texarkana, Texas. Among the traditional brick houses, their 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence stands out as a modern addition. Constructed by Robbie himself of Bohon Roofing, it features a transitional style with French country influences. The exterior showcases clean triangular gables without excessive decoration, complemented by polished stonework in soft tan and greige. The sharp lines, symmetry, and neutral tones reflect contemporary design, while the gables, light stone facade, and arched entry add European charm, resulting in a fresh yet timeless home.

Walking into the Bohon home feels like a breath of fresh air. Soft neutral walls, white trim, and simple crown molding make the space feel airy and open. However, details carefully selected by Andrea bring forth warmth and texture. In the entryway, a wooden console table is decorated elegantly with a large piece of neutral-toned abstract art, a sculptural vase of faux eucalyptus, a wooden tray, and a small stack of books.

The wide-plank flooring leads guests to a welcoming dining room. A large wooden dining table anchors this space, surrounded by cushioned wooden chairs and a chic chandelier, which adds a touch of modern sophistication. The soft glow of the golden wall sconce, paired with the natural light filtering in from the large window, creates an atmosphere of relaxation, perfect for everyday meals and memorable gatherings.

Beyond the dining room lies the kitchen, which Andrea considers her favorite area in the house. “I was intentional about every square inch of this home, but if I had to pick a favorite, it’s definitely the kitchen,” she said. “I love cooking, and this space came together perfectly for how I live and create.” While both Andrea and Robbie share a passion for cooking, Andrea has a particular fondness for baking, and this kitchen an ideal environment for her to whip up delightful desserts. Featuring warm wooden cabinets that offer ample storage, a spacious white-marble island for prep work, and top-ofthe-line stainless steel appliances, this kitchen is both practical and stunning. The sleek white tiled backsplash and gold accents add a contemporary touch to the overall design.

To the right, the living area boasts a gorgeous floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace that mimics the

old-world charm of the home’s exterior. A tray ceiling enhances the space with depth and visual appeal, complemented by a carved wooden ceiling fan. Cozy beige recliner sofas offer comfortable spots to relax, while a curved wooden curio cabinet on the far wall displays family photos and additional decor.

Behind the kitchen wall lies the laundry room to the far left, a pantry area in the middle, and the primary bedroom—complete with an en-suite bathroom and customized closet—on the right. The primary bedroom is a deeply relaxing space, with floor-to-ceiling earth-colored curtains and a large upholstered bedframe. Three neutral paintings of a forest scene crown the bedframe. There is also an entrance to the backyard area in the bedroom, and the visibility of the blue pool outside further enhances the tranquility of this area.

The primary bath features a stunning stone accent wall, with a classy gold light fixture and a curved soaking tub resting at its base. To the right of the tub is a glass walk-in shower that is also accentuated by a stone wall and golden fixtures. The vanity, with its lighted mirror, and the dressing table complete the room.

A staircase leads to the bedroom of Robbie and Andrea’s son, Easton. This cozy room contains two beds with built-in storage and a shared builtin nightstand, a computer area, and an attached

bathroom. Nine-year-old Easton had one request for his room’s design: a space theme. Andrea didn’t want his room to feel “busy,” so she incorporated the space theme with glow-in-the-dark decals on his bedroom walls and small astronaut figurines carefully placed around the area. The result is a space where he can rest, play, and grow.

On the opposite end of the home are two bedrooms for Robbie and Andrea’s 16-yearold daughters, Addy and Brook. The first stop is Brook’s room, and the theme is high-end glamour. The walls are adorned with commercial art from big-name fashion brands such as Coco Chanel and Dior. Leopard-print pillows and fur throws add some additional glam to her zone. Brook found her dream-room inspiration on Pinterest, and Andrea did her best to make that vision come to life.

The next bedroom belongs to Addy, the family artist. Andrea designed her entire bedroom in a soft cream palette, creating the perfect calming backdrop for Addy’s creativity. Soft abstract artwork in muted tones decorates the walls, while white and cream blankets and pillows rest on the white bedframe. A fluffy white fur rug lies on the floor under the bed. Addy’s space feels like floating in the clouds, a perfect spot for a budding artist to dream. This is also a preferred snoozing spot for Milo, the family cat.

An extra-special piece of art is displayed in the hallway outside of Addy and Brook’s rooms. This painting was crafted by Jessica Haas, a nationally touring speedpainter known for being America’s first female speedpainter. Jessica is also a dear friend of Andrea’s, and she painted Andrea and her “Nana” together. It is now proudly on display in the Bohon home for Andrea to admire and cherish everyday.

Outside the home, a backyard haven awaits. “The outdoor patio is my favorite, no question,” Robbie said. “I love being outside, grilling, and having room to kick back. It’s where I can unwind after a long day and enjoy the place we built.” The outdoor kitchen area—with a built-in grill and beverage cooler—is Robbie’s domain, complete with covered seating around a large brick fireplace. A deep blue pool with two different fountain features, various wicker orb chairs, and a brick firepit complete the space. Guests can also expect to find the family dog, Mali, racing around this outside area.

The Bohon residence skillfully combines traditional features with modern design in its architecture and aesthetic. The clean lines and minimalist approach are complemented by warm hues and familiar materials. Soft neutral colors throughout the interior highlight the architectural details, while stylish fixtures contribute a sense of effortless sophistication. This serene sanctuary is a home that the Bohon family can cherish and take pride in for years to come.

ABOUT TOWN

THE SALVATION ARMY TEXARKANA WOMEN’S AUXILIARY HOSTED ITS ANNUAL GLADYS MORRISS STONE SOUP FUNDRAISER ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH, CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF THIS FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON IN THE COMMUNITY. PROCEEDS FROM THE EVENT DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SALVATION ARMY OF TEXARKANA AND ITS VITAL PROGRAMS SERVING LOCAL MEN, WOMEN, AND FAMILIES.

GET

Outdoors

White Cliffs Natural Area

The White Cliffs Natural Area, north of Millwood Lake, features a prominent Annona Chalk outcrop with a 100-foot chalk bluff, from which the area derives its name.

The Texarkana area is brimming with opportunities to soak up fresh air and sunshine. Step outside and explore these prime locations for breathtaking vistas, engaging sports, and serene strolls through nature.

Bringle Lake Trail System

Bringle Lake Park features a range of trails that offer stunning views within the city. A 10-foot-wide wilderness bike and walking trail starts at Bringle Lake East and extends to the Waterworks Spillway. Additionally, there are trails of different difficulty levels beginning on the east side of the park, covering over eight miles and leading you through the forest.

Red Dirt Master Gardeners Plot

Tucked behind Gateway Farmers Market in Texarkana, Arkansas, is the Red Dirt Master Gardeners Plot. This beautifully maintained demonstration garden showcases a variety of flowers, herbs, and seasonal produce—all grown with care by the local Red Dirt Master Gardeners.

The Southwest Center Courts

The Southwest Center on 7th Street in Texarkana features eight well-maintained outdoor courts (two tennis courts and six pickleball courts) maintained by the Texas-side Parks & Recreation Department. The local Texarkana Pickleball Club holds their practice sessions and tournaments here.

Spring Lake Park

Spring Lake Park is the heart of Texarkana’s park system, covering 145 acres. It features a spring-fed lake, picnic areas, a splash pad, playgrounds, fishing piers, a dog park, an 18-hole disc golf course, and the Swanger Sports Complex. The 1.75-mile Phillip McDougal Walking/Biking Trail runs throughout the park.

by ABIGAIL GOLD

MEET In JENNA TYLER

a world where cities are constantly growing, it can be hard to remember how important agriculture is, but Texas High School junior Jenna Tyler has no such trouble. As a member of FFA, she goes to leadership events and career development events to test her knowledge on agriculture. Her love for the farms of America is contagious, and she makes it easy to remember how much farmers do for the country.

“My favorite part about FFA is probably working and showing cattle and creating bonds with them,” Jenna said. Working cattle takes up a lot of time, and it’s not easy. There are not many people who would be willing to put in the effort to take care of cows, but Jenna does. Last month, she was the intermediate division champion at Cattlemen’s Congress, a cattle show held annually in Oklahoma City.

“I spend all day every day either actively doing something, like working my cattle, or thinking and learning about FFA,” Jenna explained.

Support from others has definitely helped Jenna stay dedicated. “The environment in FFA events, or even just the classroom, is absolutely astonishing,” she said. “The best way I can describe it is that we are like a big family who all share the same passion for agriculture. The memories I have made in FFA and 4H are absolutely going to stick with me through the rest of my life.”

Jenna’s family has played a big role in her FFA experience. “My number-one mentor is my papaw, Denny Burdine,” she said. “Along with him, I have my mom, Jennifer Tyler, the person who got me started in showing and continues to support me.”

The support of Jenna’s family and peers has definitely helped her grow, but the time and effort she puts in is all her own. She has worked hard, despite facing difficult challenges. “Life always throws unexpected curveballs in your life. My world came to a full stop—more like it came crashing down—when my dad passed away during the end of my 6th grade year,” she said. “That is actually when I grasped on to the idea that I was going to show cattle.”

Sometimes life’s greatest journeys have difficult beginnings, but it makes it all the more worthwhile to see them though. Jenna has achieved a lot both in FFA and showing cattle, and she’s still working hard through anything life throws at her.

Jenna Tyler has put a lot of effort into FFA, and it shows. When agriculture teacher James Skelton, the organizer of FFA at Texas High, was asked if any student stuck out to him as exceptional, he swiftly responded with Jenna’s name. She stands out through her work ethic and tremendous accomplishments. She has a passion for agriculture that very few other students could meet. She’s not only known for her accomplishments, though; many people describe her as being nice before anything else. She is a wonderful person and student that Texas High is lucky to have.

Abigail Gold is a senior at Texas High School. She is a member of the Tiger Theatre Company with a deep love of art in all its forms. Whether performing, writing, or painting, she’s always looking for a creative outlet.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

THE LONE STAR CHAPTER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THE WINNERS OF THEIR ANNUAL ESSAY CONTEST. IN HONOR OF AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR, THE ESSAY PROMPT ASKED STUDENTS WHICH SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE THEY WOULD HAVE LUNCH WITH IF THEY COULD GO BACK IN TIME, AND HOW THAT INDIVIDUAL’S ACTIONS AND SERVICE CONTRIBUTED TO OUR COUNTRY BECOMING INDEPENDENT. THE WINNERS PICTURED HERE ARE FROM THE 5TH, 6TH AND 8TH GRADES AT ST. JAMES DAY SCHOOL. EACH PERSON RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE AND AN AMERICAN HISTORY MEDAL.