Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
The Mabank Education Foundation awards 19 grants, totaling $59,000, to teachers and campuses Jan. 5 during the district wide convocation held at the Dr. Russell D. Marshall Performing Arts Center at the high school.

Vickie McLauchlin Rose, 68, of Dallas passed away Dec. 23, 2025. She was the wife of David Neal Rose.
Born Jan. 20, 1957, in Athens, Vickie was a daughter of the late Albert Winston McLauchlin and the late Mae Pearl Dickerson McLauchlin.
Vickie was a graduate of Eustace School and spent many years working for Bank of America, retiring in 2023. She was happily married to David for 42 years and together they built a life centered on love and family. 

James "Sonny" Gardner, 85, passed away Jan. 5, 2026, in Kemp. He was born Sept. 14, 1940, in Aley to parents Pauline (Bridges) and James Monroe Gardner, Sr.
Sonny graduated as valedictorian of the Kemp High School Class of 1958. After high school, he proudly served his country with four years in the Army and an additional ten years in the Army National Guard.
Family meant everything to Sonny. He stepped up as a father and was a good dad, always present and always caring. He dearly loved his children and grandchildren and took great pride in each of them.

James Michael Brantley went to meet the Lord Dec. 28, 2025, following a heart attack and stroke. 
In his passing, James gave the gift of life through organ donation, helping others in need. As of today, three individuals have received these life-saving gifts, with the possibility of helping many more.