People, Places & Events

MISD ninth annual Spirit Week
to begin Sept. 14
Special to The Monitor
MABANK–It’s that time of year for the community to join together for Spirit Week.
This is the ninth year that the Mabank school district is conducting its annual charity fund-raiser.
For one week, the district, schoolchildren and community raise money for a designated charity, climaxing in a check presentation during the pregame activities of the Panther homecoming game Friday, Sept. 18, against the Vandals of Van High School.
In years past, Mabank ISD and its surrounding communities have raised approximately $200,000 for eight deserving charities, including the American Red Cross, the Veteran’s Memorial at Cedar Creek Lake, the American Cancer Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas, Kidd’s Kids, the American Diabetes Association, Habitat for Humanity and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
This year, the Children’s Miracle Network, who supports sick kids at the Children’s Medical Center in Dallas with treatment and research, has been chosen to receive funds raised during this year’s campaign.
“Spirit Week is such a wonderful experience for our schools,” Spirit Week coordinator Tonya Chapman said.
“There are so many exciting things going on during the week. We have such a wonderful time and yet we learn so much from the event.
“I am always surprised at the level of generosity that occurs during the week,” she added.
Just a few weeks ago, the Sparks family moved into their new house, built from funds raised in the 2007 Spirit Week for the Cedar Creek Lake Habitat for Humanity.
“Watching the dedication ceremony for the Habitat House was so moving,” Chapman said.
“I can remember when we started building the house, and how exciting to know that we, as a school district, raised enough money to build a house. How awesome is that? We truly made a difference,” Chapman said.
Mabank ISD will kickoff fund-raising efforts for Spirit Week 2009 with a rally from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at the high school, with two different events.
Numerous activities are planned for young and old.
“The carnival-like atmosphere of the rally makes it a wonderful event for everyone in the family. It is a super way to start the week’s activities and to raise money,” Chapman said.
The rally features performances, bake sales, contests, assorted games, food and sale items, to name a few. Admission is free.
Once the rally is complete, the various campuses and school organizations throughout the district will host numerous fund-raising activities during the week.
The MHS Yearbook and Business Professionals of America clubs will host the fifth annual Spirit of Charity Golf Tournament at Cedar Creek Country Club in Kemp. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. with lunch, followed by tee time at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14.
“The golf tournament has been a great source of income for our fund-raising,” Chapman said.
“This tournament is an opportunity to involve community members and allow them the opportunity to raise money for a great cause and have a good time doing it,” she added.
Sponsorships for prizes and holes are available.
For more information about the tournament, contact Cris Cary at (903) 880-1600 ext. 2131.
In addition, various businesses will get involved in the fund-raising efforts.
“We encourage people to look for businesses that advertise their involvement in Spirit Week activities. We had several businesses raise money and make donations last year,” Chapman said.
Fund-raising efforts officially begin Sept. 14, and continue through Friday, Sept. 18.
Those wanting to participate in the Spirit Week activities should contact Chapman at Mabank Intermediate, (903) 880-1640.

TVCC graduates 140 in ceremony
Special to The Monitor
ATHENS–Summer graduates at Trinity Valley Community College received advice from Eustace Intermediate School principal Robert Reeve in a ceremony last week at Cardinal Gym.
“Whatever road you travel, have a goal, a plan and a dream,” Reeve told the 140 graduates receiving degrees and certificates.
Reeve, a TVCC graduate, spent time remembering his two years at the college. He singled out several faculty members, many of whom are still at TVCC, who were influences in his life.
“Some of my greatest memories are of my time spent here 26 years ago,” Reeve said.
Reeve also gave graduates nine specific points to remember as they move forward:
• Don’t overuse the word love;
• Be kind;
• Take risks;
• Listen;
• Make yourself clear;
• Learn from mistakes;
• Trust other people;
• Lead lives of integrity; and,
• Have the right attitude.
“Attitude is the most important attribute we can take with us. Whatever happens, always smile,” he concluded.
Meagan R. Wilson was the graduate with the highest honors – a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Tricia Quick and Rebecca Littlejohn graduated with high honors – a 3.8 grade point average.
Local students who received degrees/certificates from TVCC during Friday’s graduation ceremonies are (listed alphabetically by hometown):
EUSTACE: Tabitha D. Foster, AA; Jessica McKenzie, AA; Daniel T. Womble, AA.
GUN BARREL CITY: Sean T. Benson, CER.
KEMP: Brandon K. Dyer, AA; Tammy M. Martinez, CER; Ana Villanueva, AA.
MABANK: Alexandria O. Bates, AA; Donna R. Dunbar, AA; Elizabeth A. Gonzalez, CER; Dena M. Horton, AA; Rebecca Littlejohn, AA**; James N. McKee, AAS.
MALAKOFF: Miguel Hernandez, CER; Sandra K. Hyepock, AA; Clinton J. Weaks, AA.
SCURRY: Jason Conner, CER; Joshua B. Hodge, AA.
TRINIDAD: Deborah A. Johnson, CER; Amanda L. Jones, AA.

Community blood drive set
Special to The Monitor
SEVEN POINTS–The Seven Points Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a blood drive along with its annual Car Show Saturday, Sept. 5.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Cedar Creek Community Blood Drive will be at the Seven Points city hall.
Come and enjoy the festivities and give the gift of life while having fun!
Carter Blood Care will be accepting whole blood and red blood cell donations (RBC’s).
Every time a donor gives, the blood is given to those needing it immediately, plus a credit is given to this blood drive account.
If someone in this community is in need of help with replacing blood or financial assistance for transfusions that are not covered by insurance, please contact Connie Harris at (903) 432-3701.
Financial help is also available to help with uninsured transfusions.
To schedule an appointment to donate, call 1 (800) DONATE-4 or carterbloodcare.org.
At the website, click on Donate Blood, mobile blood drive, enter city and spon040316.
This web site will answer questions you might have about donating as well.
For those unable to donate, please consider donating your time.
Volunteers are urgently needed.
Please contact Chequetta Hall, Carter Blood Care Consultant at (817) 412-5373.