The first full week in January was busy. School kids checked back into classes and just as quickly checked out for the stock show. Our new country Ag person McKinley organized her first every youth fair event. Her organizational skills are going to be a great asset to the community. She did a wonderful job of pulling the event together. I hope she can inspire more teachers to enter student work next year. I supervised the educational section. It covers history, language, math, science, and miscellaneous items. This year there were only 15 items from three different school districts. I know teachers are overworked trying to “catch up” after covid, but they should try to find time to display student work to the community. I’d like to challenge all teachers from Cherokee, Richland Springs, and San Saba to get their students to present their work.
Mrs. Starr from Richland Springs ISD submitted 11 entries from her students grades 6-12. They put on a show. Kasadee Daly won Grand Champion for her entry on Showing lambs, Connor Womack was Reserve Grand Champion for his presentation on President Kennedy. Mary Mask placed second in the 6-8 category for here power point on Albert Einstein. Stetson Allison placed 2nd in the 9-12 age group for his presentation on sharks. There were many other rewards, but I will let the school publish an awards list. I want to give a shout out to Mrs. Ashworth for her math presentations. Cecilia Tavera took first place for math angles. Miss Miranda Soto is the new art teacher and turned in several art projects for the judges. I can truthfully say the art category was heavily represented. There were at least eight tables full of artwork. I was pleased to see how many baking entries there were this year. I didn’t see the end of the judging, but I feel sure Raylee Woods won her division with a marvelous concoction topped with beautifully crafted roses. The show is over, the animals judged, and the stock kids face a round of shows around the state, but the youth fair is a one-shot deal. Please, teachers, take the time, start in October, and put unique projects away for January. Put the date on your calendar and have everything ready before the Christmas/ Winter break. That way, your students will have items to show when they come back. Let’s give McKinley something to crow about. Congratulations to all who had entries.
The ladies quilting and Bible study group at First Baptist will resume Tuesday the 10th; they have a retreat in Stonewall on the 19th. I believe there is room for one or two more ladies. You do not have to be a member of the church. Kid’s Church will resume on Wednesday right after school. Again, kids do not have to be a member of the First Baptist Church. This is a Christian program not a denominational program. Shiloh youth continues to meet Wednesday night for the older kids. This is also open to anyone who wants to attend.
The prayer lists are long. We heard from Herman Luce; he is recovering from his heart procedure. He quips that he is a bionic man with his mechanical heart. He will need to stay with his family as he recuperates. He is a wonderful example of integrity and persistence.
Lesa Larremore is recovering from pneumonia; several people are fighting cancer. Heather Lewis is doing better with her heart issues.
Perry Patrick needs prayer. Please pray for our school, our community, and our country. We need peace, law and order and prosperity to bloom this year. Please pray fervently for our law officers, but most of all pray for our precious troops and their families.