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Future possibilities excite retiring St. Jo educator

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By BARBARA GREEN
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Few educators can look back at a career that ran the entire gambit from substitute, to teacher, coach, librarian and administrator, but for Denise Thurman she says all those experiences helped make her the educator she has become after 30 years with Saint Jo Independent School District.
Thurman, elementary principal, is retiring at the end of this school year, and will receive congratulations at a party from 3-4 p.m. on May 30 in the Saint Jo School cafeteria.
For the 50-year-old this decision to leave is “very bittersweet” because she truly loves everything about her job.
“It was a difficult decision, I struggle with it sometimes still, but I know I want to be there for my family more. This is a busy job and demands a lot of time and responsibility. Both my kids will be in college, we want to be able to travel and see them as they go through college,” explained Thurman.
Her husband of 26 years, Clint, retired two years ago as a firefighter in Richardson, but still builds fence and buildings. Cody, 21, attends Texas Tech University and Kile, is about to graduate at Saint Jo and will make a decision on college. She sees nothing but new experiences and family memories in her future.
Why a teacher?
Born in Duncan, OK, Thurman grew up in Nocona after the family moved there when she was four. After graduating high school in 1991 she attended Texas A&M-Commerce. At the same time, she began as a substitute teacher at Saint Jo and in 1995 she was hired as a paraprofessional for the high school special education classroom while she finished her degree.
With her bachelor of science degree in hand Thurman began teaching junior high English, accelerated programs at the high school and was yearbook advisor. In 1996 coaching was added to her job description for junior varsity girl’s volleyball and basketball.
When asked if she always wanted to be a teacher, Thurman says yes and no.
“I always looked up to so many of my teachers when I was growing up so the idea was there. At one point I wanted to be a pharmacist or a radiologist, but it came back to teaching,” she recalls.

Read the full feature in the weekend Bowie News.

Retiring Saint Jo Elementary Principal Denise Thurman stands in front of a colorful mural outside her office at the school. (Photo by Barbara Green)

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COUNTY LIFE

Prairie Valley ISD launches Hall of Fame

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The administration of Prairie Valley Independent School District is proud to announce the beginning of what is hoped to be a long tradition of honor and recognition of those who have left an impact and legacy within the halls of the school.
The Prairie Valley Hall of Fame will begin taking nominations immediately and will induct five inaugural members during the Homecoming basketball game on Dec. 20.
Tim West, superintendent states they are decided to begin a new tradition of honoring those who have made their school proud.
“We feel that filling our hallways with pictures and plaques of those who have represented our district will instill a sense of pride among our current and future students and faculty,” explained West.

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

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COUNTY LIFE

‘Candy Cane Christmas’ festival parade theme

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It’s time to start planning your entry for the 2024 Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade on Dec. 7 in downtown Bowie.
Theme for the festival this year is “Candy Cane Christmas” opening up a vast range of ideas for your lighted parade entry from float to classic car.
Entry deadline is Nov. 16. Find your entry form on the city website under Bowie Community Development, Christmas festival. Fill in your entry from and return to the office at 101 E. Pecan.
There is a $250 cash prize for the overall sweepstakes winner with a $100 price for first place and $50 for second in each of the following categories: Community/non-profit, business, equestrian and decorated vehicles. There is a special award for best theme decorated First Responder.
All entries must include Christmas lights of some form. No live Santas are permitted. The parade is at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7. Parade line-up begins at 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 with judging at 5:15 p.m.
No items may be thrown or handed to the crowd including candy due to safety and liability concerns. Those with questions may call the BCDB office at 940-872-6246.
The parade is the highlight of the annual festival which marks its 33rd year. Bowie was one of the first communities in North Texas to present a lighted Christmas parade and Fantasy of Lights has grown each year.
The festival features a Sip & Stroll event on Dec. 6 as a prelude while Saturday has Pancakes with Santa and a downtown tree lighting prior to the downtown parade.

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COUNTY LIFE

Firefighter clowns entertain local school kids

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The Denton County Fire Department’s Clowns on Fire brought their “Moana” themed safety program to Bowie, Forestburg and Montague on Monday. The team used the popular film characters to discuss water safety, tool and toys and smoke alarms. They performed at 35 schools before about 10,000 kids. The team include Bowie’s Levi Davis. (News photos by Barbara Green)

Clowns on Fire of the Denton Fire Department entertained “Moana” style at Bowie Elementary Monday with safety program on water safety, smoke alarms and the difference between tools and toys. (photos by Barbara Green)
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