COUNTY LIFE
Challenges don’t deter King as teaching career blooms
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
After attending college at Texas A&M University earning a bachelor and master degree, Erik King has come home to do his student teaching at Bowie High School.
A 2010 Bowie graduate King is teaching horticulture, advanced plant and soil science and principles of technology working with veteran teacher Ronnie Mund.
There are several things you notice about King when you first meet him. A big smile, a deep strong voice, unbridled enthusiasm for teaching and a passion for nature. All traits that reveal a young man who has found his life’s path.
One other thing you may notice. The 27-year-old is in a wheelchair, and he is quick to tell you people will always see the chair no matter what, but he sees it as a stage and opportunity where he can present himself in the most positive manner possible.
Teacher or not?
The son of Karen and Mickey King, this budding teacher graduated from Texas A&M in December with his master of science in ecosystem science. His bachelor degree was in
King explains he always felt ecology and agriculture go together and he wanted to create a curriculum that fuses them for community college or high school classrooms. His master’s degree focused on education.
His path into teaching was not always so defined. King’s grandmother, Jennie Ensey,
It wasn’t until his junior year working on his bachelor degree the light bulb went off that “Me-Maw” was right.
“No matter how many times I found myself running away from it, I kept circling back where I began. It is something I enjoy. It got me excited to teach someone something new. Animal, plant or science facts I can go on and on about them,” he said.
Read the full feature in your weekend Bowie News.
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.
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
Nocona’s Robert Fenoglio (Center) stands with his family after he received the Ed Wright Community Service Award during the North Central Texas College Foundation Starlite Gala. The award honors service and dedication to one’s community and supporting education. (Top photo)
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