Congratulations to all the graduates in the area. Kathie Davie attended her grandson, Robert Bench’s graduation last Friday. I taught Robert in fifth grade and received a lovely thank you note from him weeks ago. I attended Piper Shannon’s graduation on Friday in Mullin. Another one of my fifth-grade sweeties. This Friday, I will be honored to attend the 2026 class of Richland Springs High School at the Mann Center.
We have many traditions for our graduates. This evening, I was privileged once again to attend the Baccalaureate ceremony at the First Christian Church. I’ve been here over 20 years and have experienced this unique event. The ceremony is a spiritual blessing upon the graduates by community, parents and religious leaders. Otto Sonneberg and Bro Slaymaker fulfilled the duties of church leadership. Mrs. Pam Starr gave a touching and inspirational speech to the seniors, many of whom she has taught for most of their high school careers. Jadeyn Fleming was honored as salutatorian to give the scripture reading from Psalm 139. Jaspur Farris, valedictorian thanked the church and its leaders for their blessings. The next ceremony these seniors experienced will be the final one of their high school years.
Jaspur will be representing Richland Springs at the UIL Academics finals in persuasive speech Monday. We wish him all the luck possible. Congratulations to our track state athletes. Our team of seven gifted athletes won enough medals to take second place in state at the 1A level. That is a significant achievement. Brice Roesler won two gold medals in discus and shot put. Our 4x200 won first place and third place in the 4x100. Cohen Ethridge won second in long jump and hurdles. Evan Deeds, our lone freshman, took sixth place in pole vault. Evan tied his older brother Ethan at 14 feet, but Evan advanced based on attempts. We are proud of both our boys and girls teams. Next year should be another wonderful year for Coyote athletics.
This week is the final week, and excitement is running high. Awards will be presented on Friday morning. Several classes have activities planned. Unfortunately, some classes will still have tests to complete before Thursday; mine is one of them. Please keep your students in school for this last week. I’m sure everyone knows that absenteeism costs the school at the end of the year. The state gives us money at the beginning of the year but then demands it back at the end of the school year if everyone is not in school. Since we are getting back on our feet financially it’s important that students show up for school.
The First Baptist Church is coordinating with the Convoy of Hope to present a summer feeding program. They need families to sign up or ask for a food bundle. There is a great deal of food, and the food pantry will not be able to contain it unless our local families come and share this blessing. Also on a side note, the school will not, I repeat, will not be supplying all the school supplies next year. All churches will be collecting school supplies to help, but parents will have to plan on shopping or coming to one of the supply events. Keep your eyes open for times and places of distribution.
Like many presidents before him, President Trump called for a National Day of Prayer on Sunday. Our nation needs prayer, President Trump and congress need God’s help making decisions about our enemies, finances, wars, and general governance. We need prayer to support our republic and the rules and guidelines of our Founding Fathers. Please pray for our country, our sick, for those families dealing with the grief of losing a loved one and most of all pray for our precious troops and their families. Look out world kids are out for the summer.