News

Welcome family, friends, teachers, administrators, and fellow graduates. On behalf of the West Sabine Class of 2022 I’d like to thank you all for celebrating with us today as we enjoy our last moments together and prepare to take on the next chapter in our lives.

27 years of helping to take care of kids, and helping to take care of the teachers who care for the kids came to an end Thursday when West Sabine Aide Shelia Lowe began her extended recess with the end of the school year. Lowe said she has been an aide, a substitute, a care taker, whatever position the school needed her to fill, thats what she did. It's evident that she did a great job with the crowd that gathered in the Elementary School cafeteria to send her off. Lowe received a rocking chair as a retirement gift, which she said was going in her living room so she could enjoy it no matter how hot it was outside. Lowes plans for retirement? She begins work at the Pineland swimming pool, and may, probably, go back to substitute teaching in the future. After 27 years, staying away from the kids will be a hard habit to break. Reporter photo by Bill Dodson

Good evening everyone. My aunt told me to pretend that everyone is naked so I wouldn’t be nervous but I’d like to say that it isn’t working very well. Anyways, I’d first like to thank you all for coming, faculty, staff, family, friends, and my fellow graduates of the class of 2022. We are about to graduate and finally leave senioritis behind us along with all the other politics of high school. Let’s give ourselves a round of applause. After we leave here, having popularity, worrying about what others think of you, and worrying about getting a class favorite won’t mean a thing. Because when you apply for a job, who actually puts “I got most handsome” on their resume.

Good evening. Most of you know me, I’m Emma Frick and I'm honored to speak tonight on behalf of my late cousin and classmate Easton Horn.

West Sabine Elementary graduated three classes from Kindergarten to the 1st Grade, with 39 kids ready to climb the ladder toward their goal of being the Class of 2034. Graduates of Amanda Smiths' class are: Aubrey Bragg, Emory Conner, Casen Craig, Christiane Gilder, Kori Harrell, Shawn Harvey, Aiden Hunter, Mia Mateodeacosta, Rancyn Procell, Avie Schmidt, Sarver Smith, Kambre Sparks, Jaci Vasquez, Rain Williams. Graduates of Tara Fullers' class are: Rowen Alcalais, Le"Shanna Brooks, Lilyanna Cochran, Cooper Collins, Paisley Craig, Cooper Edgar, Abigail Hopkins, Abel Johnson, Bryar Jones, Ella Malone, Corbin Spears, Knoxlee Taylor, Sebastain Wymer. Graduates of Corie Coons' class are: James Beck, Brenlee Bragg, Damon Brown, Jase Calkins, Addi Durbin, Parker Forse, Michael Hinote, Eamon Kleinik, Ava Land, Evan Morales, Carter, Murphy, Alexander White. Reporter

Tuesday evening saw the first of a week long string of graduation ceremonies for the three school districts in Sabine County. Brookeland ISD got things off to a great start with two Kindergarten classes clearing the hurdle to enter 1st Grade. It's not easy to get 27 excited kids to sit still and keep their hats on, but the promise of cake and punch may have helped.

The Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA) was pleased to award the City of Pineland a Community Assistance Program Grant on May 24th as part of SRA’s Fiscal Year 2022 Economic Development Initiative. The $20,000 check will be used to help purchase a backhoe. David Montagne, SRA’s Executive Vice-President and General Manager, in a letter to the City, wrote “the City’s project to leverage local funds to purchase a new backhoe for water line maintenance is an initiative that SRA supports in its efforts to improve water and wastewater systems throughout the basin” and “SRA looks forward to working with the City in the future as we continue to focus on increasing the economic vitality of the Sabine River Basin.”

Monday, the Hemphill VFW hosted a Memorial Day Service for all in Sabine County. Guest Speaker 1st Sargent Carol Waller addressed the crowd. Colors were posted, the Pledge and National Anthem were honored as well as a three round salute. Upon the folding of the flag, 1st Lt. Lucille Wright Jarrel was presented with the colors. Reporter photo by Kenny Wick

The West Sabine ISD and Pineland Service Club recognized teachers & students that make a difference in the lives of the students and exemplified the qualities of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service at the end of May. Congratulations to these incredible teachers and students. Six students were selected as Tigers Who Make a Difference and in turn, they were asked to honor someone who had influenced, impacted and molded their journey. Students and the honorees they chose are pictured above: Karly Matlock with Coach Tara Bragg, Emma Frick with librarian and all around rock star (thank you Ms. Penny for always helping The Reporter with celebrating our students) Darlene Mason, Karson Lane with Ag Teacher and Pineland Mayor Joe Lane, Tate Lane with Coach Chris Williams, James Thompson with Superintendent Dr. Carnelius Gilder, Caleb McBride with Coach Crystal Muncrief and Quentin Smith with Coach Timothy Forse. Submitted Photo