COUNTY LIFE
Family making a big leap for faith
By DANI BLACKBURN
When describing themselves, Joey and Jennifer Fluitt use the words “small hometown people” and “steady.”
Not exactly the type you would expect to sell their home and move across the country, but that is exactly what they will be doing as they head to Missouri to begin their life as missionaries.
Joey has lived in Bowie all his life and met wife Jennifer when they were just teenagers. Married 17 years, the couple has three beautiful children: Libby, Judah and Jace. The couple made Bowie their home, where Joey has worked in technology at Legend Bank for 20 years.
The Fluitts are no strangers to local missionary work. When the couple married in 1999, Joey was serving as a youth pastor at First Baptist Montague. He went on to be youth pastor at First Baptist Bellevue and served as interim at First Baptist in Electra before leaving the youth ministry.
They also volunteered for a decade with the Pregnancy Resource Center in Bowie, which Jennifer’s parents helped co-found. Joey gave his time as a member of the board and Jennifer served in various positions, from volunteer to director.
Read the full feature story in the weekend Bowie News.
Pictured: Joey and his wife Jennifer Fluitt, and their children, Libby, Judah and Jace. (Courtesy photo)
COUNTY LIFE
Bellevue, PV graduating this week
Bellevue and Prairie Valley High School seniors will be first up on the stage this week as graduation ceremonies begin for Montague County area schools.
Bellevue High School
Bellevue seniors will graduate at 7 p.m. on May 16 in the school auditorium. Athletic Director Colby Broussard will be the program speaker. There also will be a mantle and rose ceremony.
Honor graduates are Cirstin Allen, Mason Criswell, Jayson Gill, Sarah Hamilton, Avrie Perry, Kason Roper, Richard Smith, Chesney Stanley and Mary Elise Stegerwald. Students listed alphabetically not by class order.
Mason Criswell, the 18-year-old son of T.J. and Stephanie Criswell, will be the senior class valedictorian. Cirstin Allen, the 18-year-old daughter of Jacqueline Allen and Donnie Leatherwood, is class salutatorian.
Prairie Valley High School
The Bulldogs will host graduation ceremonies at 7 p.m. in the gym. The program will include scholarship recognitions, and eighth grade graduation as part of the ceremony. Board President Scott Carpenter will present diplomas. Honor graduates are Tyson Easterling, Makaylee Gomez and Maddy Yeargin.
Tyson Easterling is valedictorian and Makaylee Gomez is salutatorian.
Meet these top graduates in your mid-week Bowie News.
COUNTY LIFE
Gold-Burg one-act ends season as state finalist
The Gold-Burg Bears ended their one-act play season as a top eight state finalist Monday, and while they didn’t take a medal, Director Linda Fitzner said it was a “phenomenal” experience.
“Interview,” was Gold-Burg High School’s entry into the state University Interscholastic League contest as they joined eight other 1A plays that worked their way to state.
It was a huge jump for the small school’s cast and crew to perform at the Austin Independent School District Performing Arts Center, coming from rehearsals in the school gym.
Levi Hellinger made the All Star cast and Corbin Gilbert received Honorable Mention All Star Cast.
“It’s was a beautiful and phenomental experience,” said Fitzner. “We are thankful to all those who share their kindness, love and support, because this was a beautiful and wonderful dream and experience for all.”
Guthrie High School won first, Benjamin was second and Avery third. The rest of the group received state finalist plaques. Critiques were on Tuesday.
COUNTY LIFE
Saint Jo VFD plans benefit for Hannah Reyling
Enjoy a summer kick-off event benefitting Hannah Reyling of Saint Jo from noon to 4 p.m.. on June 8 at Boggess Park.
A 21-year-old graduate of Saint Jo High School and student at Tarleton State University, she is the daughter of Chris and Paulette Reyling. She is battling bacterial meningitis and has undergone some life-changing surgeries.
All proceeds will go to her recovery, rehabilitation and prosthetics.
For the event there will be waterslides, water balloons, slip-N-slide, kickball, fire truck hose spray and more. One wristband at $20 will get you access to all the activities, as well as one meal including a hot dog, chips and a drink. Snow cones also will be available for sale.
Live music by Tyler Cook to follow.
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