COUNTY LIFE
Railey Smith first BHS graduate to earn diploma plus associate degree

By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Railey Smith is described by one of her teachers as “the definition of quiet determination.”
It is an apt description as she received not only her Bowie High School diploma but an associate degree from North Central Texas College.
The 17-year-old is the first student to receive an associate degree through the joint venture between the high school and college joint venture, the Collegiate Academy.
The Collegiate Academy is a Dual Credit program which allows students to begin college in ninth grade. Beginning fall 2018, students entering 9th grade had an opportunity to enroll in a college Texas Success Initiative preparatory course. Successful completion of this course can lead to meeting the prerequisites for college enrollment in the spring.
The NCTC/Bowie HS Collegiate Academy course plan allows for two pathways: An associate degree (60 credit hours) or core complete (42-44 credit hours).
For Smith she earned 62 hours of college credit after starting the program through dual credit as a sophomore. She averaged three classes (nine hours) a semester in a combination of in-person and online classes
Read the full feature in your weekend Bowie News.
Pictured: Railey Smith stands with her Aunt Bridget Buck after she received her associate degree from North Central Texas College. She walked the field for her BHS diploma Friday. (Courtesy photo)
COUNTY LIFE
Commissioners meet on May 27

The members of the Montague County Commissioner’s Court will meet at 9 a.m. on May 27 in the courthouse annex.
Items on the agenda are as follows: Consent agenda, fueling energy and operations update from Pam Hughes Pak with Atmos Energy Corporation, proclamation naming June was Elder Abuse Awareness Month in the county, consider WiFi at new county animal shelter, consider Nortex Housing Finance Corporation tax-exempt obligations (Sun Valley apartments), precinct one request to transfer $200,000 from reserves to gravel, precinct request to store fill dirt on Chance Simpson’s property in Ringgold and budget workshop.
COUNTY LIFE
Memorial Day ceremonies planned Monday

The Ray Walker Memorial VFW Post #8558 will host a Memorial Day service at 11 a.m. on May 26, 100 Baylor Street in Nocona.
The public is invited to attend to celebrate this special holiday to remember those who were killed in service.
Later in the day attend the fundraiser barbecue rib dinner at the Nocona Senior Citizen’s Center. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Enjoy ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and iced tea. Proceeds benefit the center and the Meals on Wheels program of Nocona.
Veterans eat free. Meal prepared by the award winning Nocona High School barbecue team.
COUNTY LIFE
Five Montague County high schools graduate this weekend

Five Montague County high schools will graduate in ceremonies May 23 and May 24.
Make sure to see the 2025 Graduation Keepsake Section in the May 22 edition of The Bowie News. It is the only one to feature seniors from all seven of the area schools including Bowie, Bellevue, Gold-Burg, Forestburg, Nocona, Prairie Valley and Saint Jo.
Bowie High School
The Jackrabbits walk the stage at 8 p.m. on May 23 in Jackrabbit Stadium. Teacher Tabitha Jones was selected by the students to be the speaker.
Seniors Virginia Watson and Boston Farris will pass the mantle of leadership to the junior class represented by Laney Enlow and Hayden Heugatter. Superintendent Blake Enlow will present diplomas.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
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