National wins among this week's regional, community news
Sanford-Fritch High School students win first place at nationals, state event
Students from Sanford-Fritch High School made history this past week, competing and winning first place on Monday in Administrative Support Team at the Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Convention in Chicago, Illinois, and then flying to Austin where they earned first place in Accounting at the Texas UIL State competition on Tuesday, according to a news release.
Brenda Gray, the Business teacher at Sanford-Fritch High School and coach of both teams, said, “This is amazing! It’s like a dream!”
After winning Administrative Support, a competition involving the Microsoft Office 365 Suite, on Monday, three members of the four-person Administrative Support Team, along with their coach, flew from Chicago to Austin to compete at the UIL State Accounting competition on Tuesday.
Junior Zoe Deatherage, who has been on both teams for the past two years, said, “After getting the win I realized it wasn’t winning that made me happy and joyful. After all, the feeling of winning only lasts for about 30 seconds. It was the people I worked with and the hard work we put in together. These people are my family, without them the gold is as good as dirt. But I have to say, it felt good to see our hard work pay off.”
The team earned first at Nationals beating out approximately 60 other teams from the USA and other countries. In order to compete at Nationals, the Administrative Support Team competed against 50 other teams at the state level in February in Corpus Christi, just two days after wildfires burned through Fritch. The team consists of students: Deatherage, a junior who specializes in Desktop Publishing; Daley Ringo, a junior who specializes in Excel; Jadon DeRaad, a sophomore who specializes in Access Database; and Benjamin Silvey, a sophomore who specializes in Word. Together they earned top honors at state, and the top two teams from each state advanced to Nationals. Ringo said, “Winning felt great, but win or lose, I believe the real success came from the dedication and effort of the entire group’s work.”
The first-place Accounting team also earned a “Powerhouse Team” recognition when all members scored over 300 on the test. The team consists of Deatherage, Silvey, and DeRaad, and senior Johnathan Alejandro. In addition to the team successes, Alejandro earned 5th place at the National BPA competition in the individual Advanced Accounting, and Deatherage earned 6th place in the individual Desktop Publishing contest. At the UIL State competition, Alejandro also competed in Computer Applications and won first place as an individual, and Sanford-Fritch junior student, Trace Downs, earned a 5th place finish in Literary Criticism.
BSA Health System honors art contest winners at reception
On Tuesday, BSA Health System hosted a reception to honor local high schoolers selected to have their artworks exhibited at the hospital. The reception served as a celebration of the creativity and artistic talent of our area's youth. By honoring their contest winners, BSA hopes to showcase their interpretations of the BSA Mission: To provide quality healthcare in Christian love, service and dignity.
This is the inaugural BSA Health System regional high school art competition. Winners were chosen by judging committee on select criteria. These artists will have their work displayed at BSA Hospital for one year. Each artist selected also won a cash prize.
Art competition winners included 1st Place: Lucy Havery, Bushland High for "Hands That Care" ($500 prize); 2nd Place: Yuna Iwai, West Plains High for "Together" ($300 prize); and 3rd Place: Abigail McMillen, Amarillo High for "Miracle" ($200 prize).
Many other artists' works were selected as honorable mentions and will also be displayed at BSA. Each of these artists received a prize of $100.
City accepting applications for open seats on AAMW, library advisory boards
The City of Amarillo is accepting applications for a pair of open positions on city advisory boards. The Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare (AAMW) Advisory Board and the Library Advisory Board each has an open position.
The deadline to apply is May 23. Applications can be submitted online at: https://bit.ly/4dAsvhX
For information on all of the city's boards and commissions go to: https://bit.ly/3QNsVHI
DHDC unveils 'Try This!', a dynamic new exhibit featuring life-sized puzzles and brain teasers
Get ready to challenge your mind and boost your problem-solving skills at the Don Harrington Discovery Center (DHDC) with the launch of the innovative exhibit, "Try This!"
This new experience was built in-house by DHDC exhibit staff and features over 18 life-sized puzzles, engaging problem-solving activities, and captivating brain teasers designed for all ages. "Try This!" not only provides fun and interactive challenges but also a dedicated 'Try Space' designed especially for learners aged 6 and under. Here, young minds can engage in activities tailored to enhance early brain development, coordination, and cognitive growth through playful puzzles and activities.
The exhibit includes thrilling activities like "Climb This!", a climbing wall that challenges participants to solve physical puzzles while climbing, and "Ace of Speed", where visitors can unleash their hidden strength by throwing playing cards to measure their speed and learn about aerodynamics. These activities not only entertain but also educate, making complex concepts accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
The exhibit is now open to the public. For more details on memberships, exhibits, and other programs, visit www.dhdc.org.
2024 Citizens’ Academy announces 18 graduates
CANYON – Eighteen Canyon residents graduated from the 2024 Citizens’ Academy on Saturday, May 18.
The Canyon Citizens’ Academy is a collaboration between the Canyon Police Department (CPD) and the West Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) meant to give residents firsthand experience and to foster a sense of trust between law enforcement and the community. Classes were held on evenings or weekends starting in March and included a wide variety of lessons.
Topics discussed were Use of Force; Patrol Procedures and Felony Stops; Negotiations, Emergency Response Team, and Crisis Intervention Training; Alcohol and Narcotics with a Drug Enforcement Agency guest speaker; Crime Scene Investigation; Citizen Response to Active Shooter Emergency (CRASE); CPR Certification by Canyon Fire Department and Stop the Bleed; and a tour of the Randall County Jail.
“Programs like these build relationships between police departments and the public,” said CPD instructor Sergeant Kayla Davis. “We get to know our citizens, and they get to know their officers. I think there is something really powerful about any group of people that comes together with the desire and intention to learn about one another. We gave them a lot of information in 10 weeks. I only hope they had half as much fun with us as we did with them.”
Graduates included a WT Criminal Justice major, a former Canyon City Commissioner, and a Randall County 911 dispatcher.
Citizens’ Academy is a bi-annual program. The next class will be hosted in 2026.
Two AC educators receive prestigious Mead Faculty Excellence Awards
Two members of the Amarillo College faculty have been named recipients of AC’s prestigious John F. Mead Faculty Excellence Award. Dr. Jonathan Jenkins, assistant professor of biology, and Catherine Stout, instructor of nursing, each received AC’s foremost faculty accolade during the College’s twin commencement exercises on May 10 at the Amarillo Civic Center.
The Award is given annually to outstanding members of the faculty who have had a particularly positive impact on students, the College, and the community.
The Award is named after a remarkable former AC president, Dr. John F. Mead, whose unique contributions included leading the College over an 11-year span during the challenging 1930s and 40s, serving in the armed forces during World War II, and returning to AC in the 1960s as a full-time teacher.
“There is no doubt that both of these outstanding individuals deserve this, our highest faculty recognition,” Interim President Denese Skinner said. “Their commitment to scholarship and student success is absolute. Their work is transformative for our students and inspiring to the entire College community.”
Birdwell to be guest of honor, speaker at Memorial Day service at TPWM; DAR dedication also planned
This year's Memorial Day Ceremony will by on Monday, May 27, beginning at 11:30 a.m., at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial, 4111 S. Georgia St. Guest of honor and main speaker will be Dwight Birdwell, Medal of Honor recipient, who was born in Amarillo and raised in Borger until the family moved to Oklahoma when he was 3.
Also attending will be Congressman Ronny Jackson. He will say a few words prior to our honored guest.
You are also invited to visit the war memorial center to see the display of Medal of Honor recipients from the Texas Panhandle to include the following: William “Billy” Dixon, plus 5 others from the Battle of Buffalo Wallow, Hemphill County in the Texas Panhandle; Charles H. Roan, WWII from Claude, Texas and name sake of the Ussery Roan Texas State Veterans Home in Amarillo; John C. “Red” Morgan, WWII, attended Amarillo College and West Texas State College, the movie ’12 O’clock High’ was made from his story; Thomas E. Creek, Vietnam, name sake of the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center in Amarillo and now Dwight Birdwell, Vietnam, Amarillo and Borger native.
We invite you to visit our museum Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our telephone number is 806-350-8387. Follow us on Facebook and visit our website www.TexasPanhandleWarMemorial.com
Additionally, the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution, District 1 will have a dedication and unveiling ceremony for the America 250 Patriots Marker to commemorate the contributions of the men and women of the American Revolution. The dedication takes place at 1 p.m. on the grounds of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center Park, 4111 S. Georgia St. Amarillo, followed by a reception.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution established the DAR America 250 Patriots Marker project to raise public awareness of the men and women who achieved American independence. The National Society’s goal is to place at least one marker in every state in advance of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.
The United States Semiquincentennial Commission, established in July 2016, is charged with planning nationwide celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States. DAR Honorary President General Lynn Forney Young has been honored with a seat on this national commission and will be the guest speaker for the dedication of the Texas District 1, DAR America 250 Patriots Marker. Mrs. Young is also the Honorary Texas State Regent.
District 1 DAR Chapters include Esther McCrory and Molly Goodnight in Amarillo; Josiah Bartlett in Borger; Comancheria in Canadian; Molino de Viento in Dalhart; Francis Rainey and Nancy Anderson in Lubbock; Mary McCoy Baines in Plainview; Wolf Creek in Perryton; Western Trail in Vernon; La Paisana in Wellington; and Major Francis Grice in Wichita Falls. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.
Don Harrington Discovery Center is a 2024 Blue Star Museum
The Discovery Center and Wildcat Bluff announced it will again join museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative as the exclusive museum to participate in Amarillo this year.
The Blue Star Museum initiative provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2024 through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024. DHDC has also pledged to extend free admission to veterans in addition to currently-serving personnel.
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America. The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military — Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members.
Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum. DHDC is also extending the offer to veterans and up to five family members, with the same identification requirements.
The Blue Star Museums discount is being offered at both Don Harrington Discovery Center and Wildcat Bluff Nature Center. Follow #bluestarmuseums on Twitter @NEAarts and @BlueStarFamily. Follow The Discovery Center on Facebook and Instagram for more information on their community programs. Visit www.dhdc.org for more information about memberships, exhibits, and shows. For more information on Blue Star Families, visit bluestarfam.org.
City earns United Way honors, employees give more than $92,000
The City of Amarillo received two awards during the recent United Way of Amarillo & Canyon Victory Celebration Luncheon at the Amarillo Civic Center.
The city received the Spirit of the High Plains award and the 50 Plus Certificate. The Spirit of the High Plains award recognizes an organization with 75 or more employees demonstrating a commitment to the United Way mission by the number of employee donors, average employee gift, total amount raised and percentage increase over their previous year’s campaign. The 50 Plus Certificate is given to organizations with total giving of 50 percent or more over the previous year’s campaign.
“The importance of the United Way and the resources it provides to the Amarillo community are recognized across the city,” said Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman. “The success of the City of Amarillo campaign is reflected in the generosity of so many of our city employees.”
The city had a 52 percent increase in employee participation with 194 donations to the 2023 campaign. Its employee gift totaled $92,326.86, an increase of $31,563.50 over the 2022 campaign.
AC student is national qualifier after placing first at SkillsUSA Texas
The Machining Program at Amarillo College is proud to announce that one of its students is a SkillsUSA state champion, an honor accompanied by an invitation to attend a national event.
Adrian Zapata demonstrated unparalleled skill in the Programming 3-axis CNC Milling competition at the SkillsUSA Texas State Leadership and Skills Conference in April at Corpus Christi. In capturing first place in the statewide contest, Zapata now qualifies to compete at the National SkillsUSA Conference this summer in Atlanta, Ga. Additionally, AC’s Kristen Sisneros demonstrated her remarkable proficiency in Corpus Christi by placing second overall in CNC Mill Programming.
Both Zapata and Sisneros exemplified the values of excellence, professionalism, and innovation at the Texas SkillsUSA Competition, according to Bob Gustin, machining instructor at AC, who added that their achievements are a testament to their personal dedication and remarkable talent.
Gustin and fellow instructor David Gibson served as mentors for the successful AC duo. "We are immensely proud of Adrian Zapata and Kristen Sisneros for their outstanding accomplishments," Gustin said. "Their success underscores our commitment to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals and inspiring and empowering the leaders and innovators of tomorrow."
On another note, Gustin and Gibson had even more to celebrate at semester’s end when they learned that seven of their dual credit students had achieved a total of nine credentials from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills.
City of Amarillo: Get it fixed at Repair Cafe on June 1
There is no need to toss that malfunctioning toaster in the trash. What about that wobbly couch footrest? It can be saved.
The City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is hosting Repair Cafe on June 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Warford Activity Center, 1330 N.W. 18th Ave.
“Repair Cafe is a great opportunity to repair and fix items that otherwise might get thrown away,” said PARD Coordinator of Public Relations and Programming Sara Bartel. “Everything from vacuum cleaners to kitchen utensils. Bring it and let’s see if we can fix it and save people money and keep viable items from ending up in the city landfill.”
PARD is requesting attendees at Repair Cafe bring in household items in the following categories: clothing/textile, bicycles, household appliances under 40 pounds, wooden furniture, computers/electronics under 40 pounds and sharpening knives/hatchets.
Repair Cafe is free, and registration is not required.
City: It is time again to fight the bite
When the season turns to spring/summer in Amarillo, there are changes that are given – from hotter temperatures to stormy weather. And mosquitoes.
“You can pretty much count on mosquitoes in Amarillo as the weather turns warmer,” said City of Amarillo (COA) Director of Environmental Health Anthony Spanel. “This is something the city prepares every year. The Environmental Health Department began its mosquito spraying program in April in locations around the city. We will respond in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent as we continue the program throughout the summer to protect the entire Amarillo community.”
Residents can help control the mosquito population by removing standing water from their property as mosquitoes thrive in water. Mosquito awareness and prevention is as simple as following the four Ds:
Drain all standing water to reduce mosquito breeding areas.
Dress in long sleeves and pants
Wear insect repellant with DEET.
Daily: Follow these steps all day and every day.
Reisdents can report potential mosquito breeding locations to the Environmental Health Department at (806) 378-9472 or by email at ehealth@amarillo.gov. Mosquito prevention tips can be found at: bit.ly/44oUz23
For more information, contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager David Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.
Amarillo Police Dept. to host 3rd annual Iron Horse Shoot Out; registration now open
The Amarillo Police Department Motors Division is now registering riders for the third-annual Iron Horse Shoot Out, a motorcycle skills and training challenge for law enforcement motors officers and civilian riders.
The three-day event, which will be hosted at the Santa Fe Pavilion located at 401 S. Johnson from Thursday, July 18 through Saturday, July 20, will provide experienced riders a chance to hone their skills while giving novice riders an opportunity to learn from the experts.
“Every year, motorcycle training competitions are held across the United States to give police motors officers and civilians an opportunity to push their skills to the next level,” explains Lieutenant Wade Pennington with the Amarillo Police Department Motors Squad. “We are excited to host the third-annual Iron Horse Shoot Out where we will once again welcome participants of all skill levels from across the nation.”
So far, riders from as far away as California, Alabama, Florida, Maine, Colorado, Illinois, Arizona and Canada have registered to ride in the upcoming event. Registration will be limited to the first 100 paid riders and will include a catered banquet meal in the beautiful Skyline Room on the 16th floor of Amarillo National Bank’s Plaza One.
All proceeds from the Iron Horse Shoot Out will go to benefit the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle, which provides assistance to the families of certified peace officers and firefighters who are killed or injured in the line of duty. The 100 Club also provides law enforcement and firefighting agencies with life-protecting equipment that cannot be secured through budgeted funds and agencies.
For more information, or to register to ride, visit IronHorseShootOut.com.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area Our Town briefs for May 19, 2024
