Achievers

Elena Crim of Flint received a M.S. in nurse anesthesia on Dec. 14, at Texas Wesleyan University’s commencement ceremony. At the robing ceremony, Ms. Crim was robed by Charlie Waller, instructor with the graduate program of nurse anesthesia at Texas Wesleyan.

Robing is a unique and deep-rooted Texas Wesleyan tradition that began in 1927. For the robing ceremony, graduating candidates choose a faculty or staff member whose support was meaningful to them during their studies, to vest them with cap and gown.


Students Win Bonds For Essays

Students from Christian Heritage School were awarded certificates for U.S. saving bonds, prizes they received for essays they wrote for this year’s VFW’s Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy patriotic essay-writing contests. Winners were: Makayla Schultz, Anna Gamwell, Shaneika Grant, Joseph Hughes and Michael Schultz.


Jones Makes Dean’s List

Joshua Jones of Flint was named to the dean’s list at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga., for fall quarter 2007. Full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.5 or above for the quarter receive recognition on the dean’s list. Jones is a film and television major.


East Texan Earns Promotion

Matthew Alvis of Hallsville was promoted to 2nd lieutenant in the Marine Corps during an informal gathering at The University of Texas at Tyler.

Alvis participated in the commencement ceremony for the College of Business and Technology on Dec. 15 at The University of Texas at Tyler’s R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center.

A 2000 Hallsville High School graduate, Alvis joined the Marines following the events of Sept. 11, 2001. He has been stationed in Europe and Iraq. While in Iraq, he received a commendation from the commandant of the Marine Corps, as well as a combat meritorious promotion for action in a war zone.

In January 2007, Alvis was voted Battalion Marine of the Year for the 6th Motor Battalion and received a meritorious promotion to sergeant in May.


La. Tech Names Honor Students

Louisiana Tech announced two East Texas students are included on the president’s and dean’s honor lists for the fall.

To be named to the president’s list, students are required to earn at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

Honor students Chad P. Bledsoe, Trinidad and Courtney Leigh Robinson of Tyler made the dean’s honor list. Noelle Simone Smith, Tyler, made the president's list.


Student Inducted By ABA

Taylor Talmage Hodges was inducted into the Alpha Beta Alpha Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Jacksonville College on Nov. 26.


REL Band Students Make All-Region

Robert E. Lee Band students tried out Dec. 8 for All Region Band.

Ninth graders selected for All Region include: Karla Barraza-flute; Sarah Bogue-flute; Amber Guzman-flute (alternate); Kelsea Manning-clarinet; Alix Valdez-bassoon (1st chair); Travis Tankersley-alto sax; Elliott Bethel-alto sax; Logan Oliver-trumpet; Valencia Hartfield-trumpet; Kaci Moore-french horn (alternate); Brandon Machristie- trombone; Lathan Craft-euphonium; Billy Groom-tuba; Grant Heimbaugh- tuba; Jared Garen-tuba; Jack Simmons-tuba (alternate); Hunter Page-percussion; Travis Framer-percussion; and Alex Lange-percussion.

REL students selected to play with the high school All Region Band include: Hayley Brookshire-piccolo (1st chair) AREA; Rachel Oliver-flute AREA; Kinsey Wallace-flute AREA; Bethany Barton-flute (alternate); Allison Hughes- oboe AREA; Kaylee Garvey-oboe AREA; Cheyenne Spell- clarinet AREA; Chloe Ainsworth-clarinet AREA; Steven Lampton-clarinet; Daniel Hernandez-clarinet; Chelsea Thompson- clarinet (alternate); Jordanne Bausinger-bass clarinet (1st chair) AREA; Cameron Staton-contra bass clarinet (1st chair) AREA; Kelsi Wicks-bassoon AREA; Madeleine Levin-bassoon AREA; Sarah Bausinger-bassoon (alternate); Travis Tankersley-alto sax; Alex Baldwin-alto sax; Elliott Bethel-alto sax; Evan Gordon-alto sax (alternate); Tevin Hill-tenor sax (alternate); Michael Ketcham- trumpet AREA; Kevin Kelly-trumpet AREA; Keaton Ainsworth-trumpet AREA; Grant Hendley-trumpet AREA; Logan Oliver-trumpet AREA; Valencia Hartfield-trumpet AREA; Rachel Hilburn-trumpet (alternate); Hannah Brookshire-trumpet (alternate); Jordan Delk-trumpet (alternate); Elizabeth Ortigo-french horn AREA; Paul Pearson-french horn AREA; Jesse Rickman-french horn (alternate) AREA; Caleb Ketcham- tenor trombone AREA; Eric Cousineau-tenor trombone; Gabe Roberson-bass trombone AREA; Michael Seigler-euphonium (alternate); Elliot Levin- percussion AREA; Chris Braswell- percussion AREA; Jack Reagan-percussion AREA; Kerry Anderson- percussion; Andrea Gutierrez-percussion (alternate); Travis Farmer-percussion (alternate) and Bailey Harden- percussion (alternate).

Students identified as AREA are eligible to audition Jan. 5 for all-state band.

The REL Band is directed by Bobby Castillo; assistant director is Jason Noyes.


Do you know an achiever? Contact Youthful Living Editor Shauna Wonzer at 903-596-6332 or e-mail her at education@tylerpaper.com. Include the student’s name, achievement and your phone number.