Kemp teacher honored by East Texas State Fair
By Barbara Gartman
Monitor Staff Writer
KEMP– It was a surprise as well as an honor when Kemp Middle School history teacher, Howard Jones, was named East Texas Middle School Teacher of the Year at the East Texas Fair in Tyler.
“It was an unexpected honor. There were 83 schools represented and they chose a teacher of the year for primary, middle school and high school,” Jones said.
The event took place in January at the Mayfair Building at East Texas Fair Grounds.

Courtesy Photo
Texas history teacher Howard Jones was named East Texas Middle School Teacher of the Year at the East Texas Fair in Tyler recently.

“A bit of historical trivia included the fact that Elvis Presley performed there in July and August, 1955,” Jones said, emphasizing his interest in history.
History teaches about the past but keeps people from making the same mistakes in the future, Jones said.
“When I talk to parents I tell them I expect their children to learn about history. I want them to be a voting, productive member of society,” he explained.
Jones teaches seventh grade Texas history, something he is very enthusiastic about and hopes his enthusiasm rubs off on his students.
“This is the first real dose of Texas history these students have had,” Jones said.
“We have a very colorful history and I’m glad to be teaching it,” he said.
Jones was nominated for his honor by Kemp Junior High principal Phil Edwards.
“Howard is a tremendous candidate for this honor,” Edwards said.
“He displays a true love of education and has the ability to create positive learning environments. I trust and respect his opinions on a wide range of topics,” Edwards said in his introductory speech in Tyler.
Students say his classes are fun and that he makes history enjoyable, adding they learn a lot from the many ways he has of teaching the material, Edwards added.
Jones and wife Margaret have two grown children; a son and a daughter.
Jones is a 16-year veteran of teaching, with eight years at Kemp.
He serves as head of the history department, as well as the gifted and talented teacher.
For five years, he has coached students for the KJH Academic Rodeo, leading them to victory in 2006.
He is also involved in the Shoe Boxes for Soldiers in which KJH sends shoe boxes full of items to U.S. military service members stationed in the Middle East.

 

Rotary club honored at district
Special to the Monitor
CEDAR CREEK LAKE–Members of the Rotary Club of Cedar Creek Lake attended the Rotary District 5830 Foundation Dinner in Longview, Feb. 7.
The event saw many Rotarians receive awards and members from the local club were no exception.
Keynote speaker Rotary International president-elect John Kenny presented the awards.
He and his wife, June, traveled from Scotland to attend the function.
The Rotary Club of Cedar Creek was one of two clubs in the district receiving an award banner for having 100 percent sustaining members.
This meant all club members had at least $100 given in his name to the Rotary Foundation.
Individual honors went to Rotarians Dean Fannin and Glenda Holbrook for becoming Paul Harris Fellows and to non-Rotarian Ralph Turner.
This honor is earned by contributions of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation.
Sally Burns Rambo was not able to attend to receive her Paul Harris Fellow Plus One, certificate, representing contributions of $2,000.
The local Rotary club is very community oriented, putting a heavy emphasis on literacy, giving 30 scholarships of $500 each to graduates from Kemp, Mabank and Eustace high schools, donations to the local libraries and sponsoring projects that help those in need in difficult times.

Courtesy Photo
Members of the Rotary Club of Cedar Creek Lake recently attended the District 5830 Foundation Dinner. Pictured are (from left) local club past president Barbara Turner, Rotary International president elect John Kenny, and wife June, and member Dean Fannin.