COUNTY LIFE
First Lady Cecilia Abbott hosts Heart Gallery
Promoting foster and adoption opportunities in communities across Texas
AUSTIN ─ First Lady Cecilia Abbott last night hosted the Governor’s Commission for Women at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin for a Heart Gallery of Central Texas portrait viewing and discussion on collaboration in support of foster and adoptive children and families across the state of Texas.
Among 11 regional Heart Galleries across Texas, the Heart Gallery of Central Texas is a program of Partnerships for Children in coordination with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). To promote foster and adoption opportunities, the community engagement initiative displays professional portraits in local communities of children who dream of finding a “forever family.” The Heart Gallery displays are combined with weekly local news segments to connect families interested in adoption with children in the care of DFPS and Child Protective Services. At the core of the foster and adoption outreach is a simple but powerful portrait of each child that says, “I am here. I am special.”
“As adoptive parents, the Governor and I know firsthand the immeasurable joy of being a forever family,” said First Lady Abbott. “That is why we believe so strongly in promoting adoption. Every child deserves to live a life of immense opportunity, but supporting foster and adoptive children and families is a bigger job than state government can do alone. It requires a Network of Nurture ― a community of individuals and families, friends, local leaders, nonprofit organizations, businesses, faith community members, and anyone willing to open their hands, their hearts, or their homes to children and families in need of permanence.
“As we celebrate May as Foster Care Month, I am excited to welcome the Governor’s Commission for Women to the Network of Nurture, and I look forward to partnering with them on further outreach programs as they engage in their communities all across this great state to promote and support foster and adoptive children and families.”
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.
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.
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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