1. education
2. alumni and reunions

W.H.S. Smoke Signal
Signalss
I M P O R T A N T
I N F O R M A T I O N
R E G A R D I N G
A S S O C I A T I O N
M E M B E R S H I P
V O L U M E
5 6
2014 Homecoming - October 16th - 18th
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
Honor
Classes
Contacts
2
WHS Athletic
Hall of Fame
3
Who’s Who
Hall of Fame
Nominations
3
Scholarship
Information
4-5
This and That
6
Membership
& Luncheon
Information
7
Officers,
Directors &
Committees
8
Thank you, it has been delightful.
Yes, I’m talking about the
weather in these parts, as difficult
to comprehend as Texas politics.
Highs in the 80s in July and
August? Who turned off the
heat? Isn’t burnt to a crisp expected for July in Texas? Football
practice beginning next week and
not a 100 degree day in sight.
School just around the corner as
well. That means homecoming
will be upon us in no time flat!
For many, homecoming is the
one opportunity to catch up with
high school friends and acquaintances. Maybe this year is a milestone year, one of those anni-
versaries ending in a “4” or a “9.”
If so, we hope this homecoming
is a special one for you. If not,
there may still be opportunities
to come home and see your
hometown friends. Regardless
the circumstances we hope to
see you here.
Wolves. Saturday is another full
day with events ranging from the
Legacy run to the annual
Ex-Students’ luncheon, not to
mention what opportunities
await those classes which have
planned special events of their
own.
Homecoming at WHS is more
than a one night affair - it has
grown into a whole weekend of
activities. Events begin on Thursday evening with the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame induction dinner. You will find more on this
within this issue. Friday night’s
big game has our Indians taking
on the Mansfield Timberview
Make this the year you come
home to Waxahachie. And if you,
like me, call Waxahachie home
already, be sure to attend some
of the events scheduled. Sample
what homecoming in good ol’
Waxahachie is all about!
Go, Hachie!!!
Skin those Wolves!!
Important information regarding association membership on page 7.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, October 16
WHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - 7:00 p.m.
Induction ceremony and dinner at the Waxahachie Civic Center.
Friday, October 17
Homecoming Parade - 3:00 p.m.
***This year’s theme is “The ‘80s”***
Honor classes may enter a float in the homecoming parade. Entry forms for parade floats will be in the
Waxahachie Daily Light. Contact Kim Axtell at WHS - (972) 923-4600 or kaxtell@wisd.org .
Homecoming Football Game - 7:00 p.m.
Pre-game activities begin at 7:00 p.m. with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Classes wishing to reserve a
space to sit together at the game should contact Kim Axtell at WHS.
Saturday, October 18
Waxahachie Legacy Run - 8:00 a.m.
The Legacy 5K, 10K, and One Mile Fun Walk/Run starts and ends at Lumpkin Stadium (page 5).
Annual Ex-Students’ Honors and Awards Luncheon - 11:30 a.m.
All students and their guests are invited. We will gather at the Ninth Grade Academy Cafeteria located
across Indian Drive from the High School. Information for making reservations is inside the newsletter.
Newsletter for the Waxahachie Ex-Students’ Association
www.waxahachieexstudents.org
Follow us on
PAGE
2
2014
HONOR
CLASS
CONTACTS
Class of 1954
Iris Wilson
972-937-4687
Class of 1959
Susan Morton Thomas
Edwin Farrar
Class of 1964
Cynthia Rainey Montgomery 972-268-5856
Facebook “Waxahachie High Class of 1964”
Class of 1969
Penney Higgens
Gary French
Class of 1974
Jenny Roque-Timberman 972-921-5833
Brenda Deyo
D’On Hensley
Vicki Sims
Cheryl McMahan Goodman
Class of 1984
Kristi Cox Cockerham 972-617-7353
Facebook “WHS Class of ‘84”
Class of 1989
Carlos Mitchell
Rosalind Washington
Evan Ward
Brian Zettler
Jamie Nay
Email - 1989whs@gmail.com
972-816-0984
972-938-0404
972-937-4736
gary-french@sbcglobal.net
This information was complete at publication date.
If new information becomes available it will be
posted it to the WHS Ex-Students website.
Just click on the Reunion Events tab.
Would You Like to Receive Your Smoke Signals by Email?
In order to save on printing and mailing costs we encourage you to consider receiving your copy of the Smoke Signals by email.
Just check the box on your membership form (see page 7) or send us an email at the following address: exstudents.whs@hotmail.com .
If you prefer to continue the current service you do not have to do anything - it will continue to come to you by mail.
PAGE
3
WHS Athletic Hall of Fame
The WHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Scholarship Program will
be held on Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Waxahachie Civic Center.
Proceeds from the 2013 event created an additional scholarship this year. Congratulations goes to the 2014 scholarship recipients Molly Jeffcoat and Juliana Johansen for
their outstanding academic, athletic and philanthropic achievements. We appreciate
the support of our sponsors, guests and inductees for contributing funds to provide
these graduates with the funds to help them achieve their college dreams.
“Nominees added to
the ballot this year are
James “Buddy” Hosford, Buck Jordan,
Desmond Mason, John
W. Rodgers, and Gary
Athletic Hall of Fame nomination forms are released each spring with voting taking
place in July by a selection committee appointed by WHS Athletic Director David
Ream. Nominees added to the ballot this year are James “Buddy” Hosford, Buck Jordan, Desmond Mason,
John W. Rodgers, and Gary Vasseur. Nominees who are not inducted this year will remain on the ballot for
five years . State championship teams that will also be considered are Boys Basketball 1957-1958, Boys Basketball 1982-1983, and Girls Basketball 2005-2006. This year’s inductees will be announced in mid-August.
Vasseur… State championship teams that
will also be considered
are Boys Basketball
1957-1958, Boys Bas-
Tickets are $50 each and are available online. Sponsorships to help fund the scholarship program and induction
ceremony are still needed. Details on sponsorship packages can be found at waxahachieexstudents.org. For
more information, contact Kim Garlitz at 972-923-9208 or kim.garlitz@gmail.com.
ketball 1982-1983, and
Girls Basketball 20052006.”
WHS inducts second Athletic Hall of Fame class
The Waxahachie High School Athletic Hall of Fame
inducted its second class Thursday night in a group that
consisted of five former WHS athletes, a state championship baseball team, a former coach and former head
athletic trainer. Among the members of the class are
(from left): Jack Aldridge, Phil Reynolds, Steve Howell,
Marcy Crabtree and the late Dr. David
Williams (represented by his wife Shirley).
Photo: Scott Dorsett
Nominations Needed for Who’s Who and Hall of Fame
All classes, honor or otherwise, may nominate a classmate for either the 2014 WHS Who’s Who and/or Hall of Fame Awards. The Who’s Who
award honors the achievement and distinction of individuals who have excelled in business or profession. The Hall of Fame award honors the
achievement and distinction not related to vocation, such as someone who has excelled beyond the call of duty in the civic or social obligations
or volunteer capacities. Those selected as recipients will be honored at the Homecoming Luncheon. Classes are requested to nominate only
one candidate for each award category.
Nominations should include the following information:
Complete name (including maiden name).
Armed services record (if applicable).
Year of graduation from WHS.
Civic and/or social activities.
High school achievements and activities.
A detailed account of the special achievement upon which the nomination is based.
Colleges attended and degrees obtained,
Career or profession achievements.
Signatures of at least ten (10) classmates.
The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, September 12th.
Nomination forms are available at the Ex-Students’ website: www.waxahachieexstudents.org (“Awards”)
PAGE
4
2014 Scholarship Program: A Banner Year
In this edition of the Smoke Signals
we celebrate scholarships. This year
marks a significant milestone: a total
of 8 students will receive scholarship payments in 2014. This is double the number of payments made
in most years and provides a means
for more students to be able to
attend college.
Every year we recognize the newest
scholarship recipients; you can find
their stories on page 5. We will
highlight previous scholarship recipients and hear from some of them
and learn what this scholarship
meant to them. Lastly, information is provided on how you and
your class can contribute to this
growing legacy of learning.
Scholarship Program Recipients
First, a little scholarship background. Scholarships were first
awarded in 1986. A total of 33
scholarships totaling more than
$80,000 have been awarded, with
current recipients receiving $750
per year for four years. All funds
are made possible through contributions from honor classes and Ex
-Students’ members. We encourage you to be part of this effort.
Ex-Students’ Scholarship: A Legacy of Success
For almost 30 years the Ex-Students’
Association has been awarding scholarships to quality WHS graduating seniors.
Most of these students have completed
their degrees and now have families and
careers. We thought we would catch up
with a few of them and ask them to relate
what the scholarship meant to them.
Amy Reed was one of
the early scholarship
recipients. Graduating
WHS in 1989, she
continued her studies
at UT Austin and at
the UT Medical Branch in Galveston. She
is now a physical therapist with the
Baylor System in Waxahachie. “Receiving
this scholarship allows me to work in a
profession that I love. I am proud to
work in a field that allows me to make my
patients’ lives better. I find this career to
be always changing and challenging, yet it
also allows me to spend time with my
family. The Ex-Students’ scholarship,
along with others I received, allowed me
to have less debt after graduating and to
focus on my studies without the worry of
expenses.”
Sean Cagle was one of the
first scholarship recipients in
the 90’s. After graduating
WHS in 1991, Sean graduated from UT Austin where
he majored in anthropology
and now teaches art at
WHS. “College exposed me to people
from all over the world and to ideas that
challenged me unlike ever before. It also
taught me responsibility and put me on
the path to become a teacher, providing
me the opportunity to serve the community that raised me. Teaching allows me
to help others learn about the world in
order to better themselves, their families,
and society. There is a great need for
students to obtain education beyond high
school and scholarships let them know
that people in the community value them
and want them to succeed.”
Luke Radney received his
scholarship upon graduating WHS in 1998. He
began his post-secondary
education at Texas A&M
and is now an attorney
with a Dallas law firm. “College broadened my perspective, and as an Aggie, I
joined a group that always has each
other’s back. As a practicing attorney I
have the chance to help people and have
a positive impact on our community while
being lucky enough to do so in a rewarding career. Scholarships made this possible, and I thank all of you who unconditionally give to others.”
Julia Bunch is one of
our more recent
scholarship recipients. A 2010 WHS
graduate, Julia attended UT Austin where she graduated
with a degree in journalism. “College was
filled with phenomenal classes and professors. I was able to study abroad in the
Czech Republic and work in internships
while studying. All this prepared me for
my first career job as a content writer
and social media manager in an Austinarea start-up company. I was fortunate to
be able to earn a degree without taking
on debt. But the Ex-Students’ scholarship
holds so much more significance. By giving me the WHS Ex-Students’ scholarship
you told me that my future was worth
investing in. Thank you for your faith in
me and your support.”
PAGE
5
Ex-Students Scholarship - Courtney Raye
The 2014 recipient of the
WHS Ex-Students’ scholarship
is Courtney Raye. Courtney is
the daughter of Scott and
Dawn Raye and will be attending The University of Mary
Hardin-Baylor in the fall to
major in psychology. Her
mother, Dawn, graduated
from WHS in 1988.
“This scholarship will help me
achieve my college goals. After
earning my Bachelor degree in
psychology I plan on earning
my Master degree in occupational therepy. This scholarship provides for my schooling
now so that I can focus on
saving for graduate school.”
Class of 1973 scholarship - Macy Hill
WHS Class of 1973 graciously
endowed an alumni class scholarship this year. The recipient
of their scholarship is Macy
Hill. Macy is the daughter of
Terry Hill, class of 1986, and
Liz Nesuda, class of 1988.
Macy plans to pursue a nursing
degree at Tyler Junior College.
“I chose TJC because I am a
part of the Apache Belle Drill
Team and the school itself is
just amazing. My sisters have
inspired me to go to college.
They are both nursing students
and have greatly influenced me
to join the medical field. “
Billy Jeff North Scholarship - Ryan Wells
A scholarship honoring the
memory of Billy Jeff North,
WHS Class of 1946, is made
to Ryan Wells. Ryan is the son
of Melanie and Scott Wells
(WHS 1990). He will be attending Texas A&M University
in the fall to major in electrical
engineering.
“I look forward to participating in the Corps of Cadets at
A&M. Having already started
communication with the other
freshmen of my unit I already
see the camaraderie which
exists. I have the opportunity
to follow in my great grandfather's footsteps by participating in the Corps. ”
How to Establish an Alumni Class Scholarship
Establishing a scholarship in
your class’ name is simple.
Contributions of $4,000 or
more can be made to the
WHS Ex-Students’ Scholarship
fund in the class’ name. The
alumni class should specify that
the amount is to be specifically
identified as a separate schol-
arship from their class or, if so
desired, it could be in memory
of a classmate from the class.
During the annual luncheon
the class’ gift will be recognized, and the gift deposited to
the Scholarship Trust Fund
account.
The Scholarship Recipient
Committee will select a senior
student to receive the scholarship from a member of the
alumni class at the annual
scholarship night in May.
Any question may be made to
Alton Chambers at 972-3511477 or by email at
altonwchambers@gmail.com .
PAGE
6
This and That
WISD Facts:
A special acknowledgement… Bill and Charleene Pitts
The WHS Ex-Students’ Association has been around more
than 50 year now, and we appreciates those members that
have provided their support to us over the years. This year
we want to shout out a special thanks to Bill and Charleene
Pitts, respectively from the WHS classes of 1938 and 1939.
Thanks for all of the help you have provided over the years
to us and to your graduation classes!
The school district was
originally “founded” in 1884,
known as Waxahachie Public
Schools. The 2009-2010 school
year was the 125th anniversary.
The administrative building was
built in 1911 and was known as
Ferris Ward Elementary. When
it was first built, cost was
approximately $10,000. The
South Ward School was built in
1913 for students in the Bullard
Heights neighborhood. WISD
integrated in 1970. The first
Waxahachie High School was
built in 1920 and now serves as
Waxahachie Global High.
The current campuses as we
know them today:
1952 - Northside
1970 - WHS
1985 - Junior High School
(now Findley Junior High)
1987 - Dunaway
1988 - Shackleford
1999 - Wedgeworth
2001 - Marvin (the old building was
razed and the new building completed)
2002 - 9th Grade Academy
2008 - Clift
2008 - Felty
2008 - Howard Junior HighThe
district has an enrollment of
more than 7,500 students and
1,000 employees.
The 2014 Legacy Run will take place on Saturday, October 18th at Stuart B. Lumpkins Stadium.
This year's Legacy Run theme is "Don’t Worry Be Hachie: Decades of Academic Excellence!"
The Legacy Run features a 5K, 10K and One Mile Fun Run/Walk that attracts more than 500 runners
and walkers each year. The Legacy Run benefits the Education Foundation for Waxahachie ISD which
raises funds for innovative teaching grants and dual credit scholarships for high school juniors and
seniors. For more information go to their website: www.wisdlegacyrun.org
Source: Profiles in Progress 2012
The History of Public Education in
Waxahachie
PAGE 7
IMPORTANT INFORMATIO N REGARDING ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
Membership has declined significantly the last few years. Dues pay for the cost of the
Smoke Signals and make the Ex-Students’ Association possible. Less than 1% of WHS
graduates ever become members of this Association. This year, please become a
member and help the Ex -Students’ Association continue for another 50 years!
2014 Ex-Students’ Association Dues
Association Dues $15.00 / T-Shirt Combo $20.00
(Circle T-Shirt size requested:
Class of ____________
M / L / XL / 2XL / 3XL )
(___) Check if change in name or address
Name (including maiden name) ____________________________________________________
Current Address _________________________________________________________________
City ______________________________________ State _________________ Zip ___________
Telephone ______________________ Email address ____________________________________
(___) Check if you want your Smoke Signals to come by U.S. mail
Return to: Waxahachie Ex-Students’ Association
P.O. Box 906 Waxahachie, Texas 75168
Reservation Form for 2014 Ex-Students’ Luncheon
Luncheon Reservation
October 18, 2014 – 11:30 a.m.– 1:30 p.m.
Ninth Grade Academy Cafeteria – 275 Indian Drive (across from the High School)
______ Number of Advance Reservations @ $12 per person
Total $ ___________
Name ____________________________________________________ Class ____________
Return to: Waxahachie Ex-Students’ Association
P.O. Box 906 Waxahachie, Texas 75168
(Note – tickets will be $15 per person at the door on the day of the event)
2014 Ex-Students’ Scholarship Contribution
Scholarship
Contributor _________________________________________ Class _________
Address ___________________________________________________________
In Honor / Memory of _________________________________ Class _________
Address ___________________________________________________________
Make Separate Check Payable To:
WHS Scholarship Trust Fund
P.O. Box 906 Waxahachie, Texas 75168
WHS Ex-Students’ Association, Inc.:
Our Mission Statement
To encourage and motivate former students of Waxahachie High School to reunite with their classmates, teachers
and friends, and to support current WHS graduates in achieving their higher educational goals through recognition
and scholarships.
2014 Officers
Margaret Felty (1967)
Alton Chambers (1976)
Paul Box (1998)
2014 Directors
Bob Aday (1968)
Angela Prachyl Escobar (1993)
Kim Hallabough Garlitz (1983)
Carolyn Roberts Jenkins (1960)
Bob Montgomery (1966)
Nancy Anderson Ross (1960)
Cindy Turner Smith (1980)
Connie Dawson Wammack (1973)
Jackie Brown Wray (1968)
Scholarship Recipient
Hazel Green;
Meagan Simpson Mills (1983);
Melissa McMinn Morgan (1978);
Emily O’Brien Price (1979)
Scholarship Trust Advisor
Paul Box
Luncheon Coordinator
Phyllis Chambers
Awards & Honors Chair
Bob Aday
Outstanding Educator Chair
Current President
Smoke Signals
Alton Chambers
Publicity
Kim Garlitz
WHS Ex-Students’ Association
P.O. Box 906
Waxahachie, TX 75168
President
Treasurer
Secretary
2014 Committees