COUNTY LIFE
Stephenie Wright working the ‘business of education’
By DANI BLACKBURN
Nocona alumni Stephenie Wright has taken the helm of the school she grew up in, watching her mother Glenda Gee teach- Nocona High School.
“I have family here, it is literally where I grew up,” said Wright. “It’s even the same building and there are a lot of teachers and students I have known a long time. It’s the community that is Nocona High School and the Nocona school district.”
Wright replaces former principal Dr. S.D. Loyless who retired after 29 years in education.
The 35-year-old has made her home in Nocona with her husband, Austin, the minister at the Church of Christ in Nocona. Austin also leads the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at NHS and Nocona Middle School.
After graduating NHS in 1999, Wright at first swore off following in her mother’s footsteps and took her own path, receiving her bachelor of science in business from Texas A&M University. Following college, she worked as a computer programmer in the private sector until returning to her home town in 2003, a move that led her to teaching.
Read the full feature in the weekend News. This is the final story in a series on all the new school administrators that joined Montague County schools this new school year.
COUNTY LIFE
BISD gauging interest in free pre-kindergarten
The administration and staff of Bowie Independent School District are trying to gauge community interest in the district offering free pre-kindergarten for all students who are four years old by Sept. 1, 2026.
This potential program would allow more children in the community to begin their educational journey early in a supportive and engaging environment.
Enrollment packets will be available on May 7.
Those interested are invited to a come-and-go round-up from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on May 7 at the elementary.
COUNTY LIFE
Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con on May 2
Once again it’s time for the Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con at the Bowie Public Library on May 2.
What began several years ago as a free comic book day has grown into a full day of fun activities for the entire family centered around comics, video games, cosplayers and other creatives.
It is organized by the Bowie TX Freakz & Geeks and the Bowie Public Library. Activities run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library located at 301 Walnut.
There will be free comic books to kick start or expand your collection, an epic video game high score tournament, costume contest for cosplayers of all levels, raffles swag giveaways and exclusive goodies. Unique vendors also will be on hand with special guests. Bowie TX Freakz & Geeks is a local discord group on a mission to bring nerd culture and a better connection to the area and surrounding communities. Find group on Facebook. Share your passions that may be anime, art, comics, gaming, or movies.
COUNTY LIFE
Miss Jim Bowie Days Pageant seeking entries
Entries are now open for the 2026 Miss Jim Bowie Days Pageant with a deadline of May 31 to enter.
This contest is a longstanding tradition during Jim Bowie Days giving young women an opportunity to represent the community, promote rodeo and carry on a legacy building character, integrity and western heritage.
The pageant include two age divisions: Miss Jim Bowie, age 14-21 (as of June 1, 2026) and Little Miss Jim Bowie Days, ages 6-13 (as of June 1, 2026). Entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. on May 31. All applications, fees and required materials must be submitted by this time.
Applications and information is available at jimbowiedays.com, click Miss Jim Bowie Days.
There is an optional orientation meet at 6 p.m. on May 31 at the Bowie Community Center. It is strongly recommended contestants and parents attend this meeting.
Read more on this story in the Thursday Bowie News.
Pictured – Rodeo royals from 2025 competition. Bowie News file photo
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