Unbeknownst to Jennifer and Chris, their lives had been intertwined since both of their families moved to Red Oak in 1977. “My family moved to Red Oak when I was only 2 years old. We moved from Duncanville and planted ourselves here and have never uprooted,” Jennifer said. Chris’ family moved that same year to the area they lovingly dubbed “the farm.”

Written by Angel Morris.

Editor’s Note: For more information regarding the American Cancer Society’s local Relay For Life, visit www.relayforlife.org/centralelliscountytx.

John is a special education teacher for Red Oak Intermediate School, a profession he stumbled into and has grown to love. After deciding to put his landscaping business on hold for a profession that would allow him more time with his kids, he was vacting as a long-term substitute for a kindergarten class in Dallas. He began to wonder why two of his students kept leaving to go to a class called Resource. One day he visited Resource, and what he saw made him sure of what he wanted to do.

Carl started working on cars, unprofessionally, as an 8-year-old child in his uncle’s hot rod shop. Ten years later, while working for a Chevrolet dealership, Carl would work on his friends’ cars on the weekends to support his drag racing hobby. All that experience parlayed into the custom car industry. Since 1993, Carl and his crews have built and restored hot rods of all makes, models and vintages. With a series that takes the viewer through the process of restoring a classic car, Carl is in the center of a show coming to a TV near you soon.

Standing L to R: Angelia Garcia, Thomas Calhoun, Cyndy Smith. Sitting L to R: Connie Hearne and Dawn Freeman.

Connie Hearne, city staff support for Keep Glenn Heights Beautiful (KGHB) shared, “It’s one of the most celebrated annual environmental and community improvement awards in Texas! And it means our group has one of the best grassroots environmental programs in the state.”

Winners share $2 million in landscape funds from TxDOT, with Glenn Heights receiving $160,000 for a city landscaping project. “When I found out we’d won the GCAA, I was so excited I screamed like a teenager at a rock concert!” KGHB Vice Chairman Dawn Freeman said.

The award annually endows Texas communities with a share of landscaping prize money to be used in the construction of a beautification project within the winning community. Projects are completed on selected state rights-of-way and conform both to the winning city’s aesthetic expectations and stringent standards of safety, design and maintenance laid out by TxDOT.

“KGHB moved from a provisional affiliate to KTB affiliate in 2009, just a couple years ago. That’s a great indication of how dedicated the board members are, especially Connie Hearne, our city staff person,” Dawn said. “I’m thrilled beyond words that we won, and I can’t wait to see what wonderful things are going to happen in and for Glenn Heights because of it.”

Glenn Heights tackled many challenges during 2010, which resulted in residential recycling implementation, trash pickup reduced to one day per week, the first household hazardous waste event and a three-year code enforcement initiative being implemented and funded. Efforts were also made toward reducing illegal dumping, neighborhood cleanups and more education provided to the public and youth about the importance of their environment.

“Our greatest contribution to the city is the education of our young people at the schools and helping our seniors who are unable to help themselves,” KGHB Chairman Carl Whitehead said. Specifically, the group has done this through presentations on air quality, recycling, composting and water conservation. Other projects have included: rehabilitating the wetlands at Heritage Community Park, including the addition of new birdhouses provided by the Boy Scouts Troop 1880; and the Don’t Mess With Texas Trash-off, cleaning roadsides with help from volunteers, such as the Girl Scouts, Lions Club and local churches.

“I hope any Glenn Heights residents who read this will want to come out and help. I hope they’ll look at the improvements that have been and are happening in Glenn Heights and be willing to volunteer a few hours for the events we have,” Dawn said.

To that end, KGHB members agreed the group’s biggest need is increased volunteerism. “We try very hard to get everyone involved and caring about our city and future. We are always looking for opportunities to spread ‘green’ knowledge,” KGHB member Cynthia Smith, said.

Obviously, the more people get involved, the more KGHB can accomplish. “I think people would be surprised at how much fun it is to get out, meet new people and work with them toward a common goal,” Dawn said. “I also think some people just don’t know how to get involved or what they can do to help, or they think they will have to make monumental life changes to do any good. That’s not true! There are so many little things everyone can do that will add up to a big, positive benefit.” Just a few of the “little” efforts made by KGHB include: donation of trees for Arbor Day, flowers for flower beds in front of city hall and the city park and park benches that are ADA compliant for Heritage Community Park.

Young and old benefit from the group’s efforts, and KGHB Secretary Angelia Garcia noted that adults need to follow local children’s lead when it comes to improving the city. “The children we speak to are always happy to participate in our events. Now we need more participation from the adults in the community,” she said.

With a mission of educating and engaging its residents to take responsibility for their environment, KGHB continues to seek ways to spread its message. “That’s why we go to the schools to teach the students about air and water quality, conservation, recycling and other things. The kids really enjoy it, and so do we,” Dawn said. “We encourage the students to go home and teach their parents. As a parent, I can tell you that when your kids think something is important, they will drive you crazy with it — but that’s a good thing!”

On the group’s agenda are more presentations at local homeowner’s associations, churches and the like. KGHB is in the process of starting a Yard of the Month program to recognize those doing an exceptional job of beautifying their lawns. Evening workshops — following the success of a rainwater harvesting workshop this spring — may also be on the horizon.

“I’d like to have seminars on organic gardening, composting, using native plants in landscaping, raised-bed vegetable gardens … the list could go on and on! I’d also like Glenn Heights’ citizens to let us know what they are interested in learning about conservation and environmental issues,” Dawn said. “If you want to know more about something, there are probably a lot of other people who want to learn it, too, and we can find someone qualified to come teach us.”

Not surprisingly, many KGHB members enjoy working outdoors, and some also serve on the city’s parks and recreation committee. “My grandmother, who passed in 1997, inspires me when it comes to gardening. I became involved

with KGHB to fulfill that passion and give back to the community at the same time,” Cynthia said. “I love to see my children share this passion and for them to involve their friends, too.”

The other nine Texas cities earning the GCAA this year were Moulton, Whitesboro, Whitehouse, Dickinson, Cleburne, Temple, Pearland, Killeen and Plano. Glenn Heights officially received its award during the Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) annual conference in June in Austin. KGHB is an affiliate of KTB and came in second place last year for the GCAA.

“I’m very honored to be involved with this group of thoughtful, conscientious and civic-minded people whose mantra is ‘What else can we do?’” Dawn said. “I encourage others to help the group however they can. After all, everybody wants to live in a clean, beautiful city.”

Written by Angel Morris.

Those interested in learning more about KGHB can call (972) 223-1690 or write chearne@glennheights.com.

The Red Oak High School (ROHS) 2011 graduates met at age 5, when trying out for Southwest Soccer Club. “My best memory of playing soccer with Destiny is when she put a field move on a Waxahachie soccer girl her first game back after tearing her ACL,” Paige said.

Destiny’s family moved to Red Oak in 2002 for its quiet, suburban atmosphere, while Paige’s moved into its Red Oak dream home in 1999. The girls played recreational and club soccer together at various points throughout their careers, most recently for ROHS.

“When I started, I did not expect the camaraderie that accompanies a team. It has been such a joy to play with every new team, and all my teammates over the years, and I have made many friends through this sport,” Paige shared.

“Soccer was the first sport I participated in. I loved it so much I didn’t want to stop playing. So I have played every fall and every spring since I was 5 years old,” Destiny added.
Both girls dedicate many hours a week to their sport. “In high school, I spent two to three hours a day (during season); in select, I spent four-and-a-half hours playing and another three hours driving to and from practice or games. Each week, I roughly spent around 10 hours playing soccer,” Paige calculated. A normal week for Destiny includes three practices plus speed, agility and quickness workouts, as well as a private skills session.

“Add in any games that may be scheduled for a minimum of nine hours per week plus extra training I do on my own, such as weight training at the gym,” she said.
Paige has played select soccer for eight years, which requires year-round training. She has taken many soccer skills courses, and spent countless hours working in her backyard. “Also, for a year, I had a personal trainer to help me recover from ACL surgery and to make me physically, mentally and skill-wise a sound soccer player,” she said.

Destiny played for the DeSoto Spice, DeSoto Ice and Duncanville Magic, from ages 5-10, and then earned a spot on the select team Southwest 93G of DeSoto for her first year of select U11. “I played with this team for two years before joining the Solar Soccer Club, based in Dallas, where I have been playing for six years.”

Through the years, both girls have faced setbacks from injuries. An ACL tear made Paige that much more dedicated to the sport. “Most girls would be completely demoralized when they learned they had torn a ligament that takes six months and surgery to fix, but it actually helped me to become a better player,” she said. “Instead of playing for six months, I worked out and worked on skills for when I would be released to play again. The time given to me due to that tear helped me to become better and stronger in the sport.”

Injuries strengthened Destiny’s resolve, as well. “I had a quad tear and ankle injury that required surgery in eighth grade. These weren’t difficult to overcome compared to two ACL surgeries and a meniscus surgery (10th grade, right ACL; 11th grade, right meniscus; and 12th grade, right ACL),” Destiny recalled. “Ninety percent of the recovery from these injuries, for me, is mentally overcoming the fear of reinjury and having to start over again from scratch.”

While the girls played together for ROHS as freshmen and sophomores, Destiny’s injuries forced her to quit the school team and focus solely on club play. “Freshman year I was a starting midfielder on varsity. That was the year both Red Oak boys and girls teams beat Midlothian teams in the playoffs! That was one of the most emotional games I have ever played; our team was district champs and made it to the quarterfinals of playoffs,” Destiny said. That year she was named First Team All District.

As Midfield MVP for the Lady Hawks in the 2009-10 season, Paige admits she wasn’t always a team leader. “At first, I was not the best player on the field, by far. I have improved with every coach and every practice to become the good player I am today. I have a solid work ethic that has driven me to get better every time I touch a soccer ball or go to work out,” she said.
Both girls say they are inspired by other soccer players: Paige, by Damien Duff of the Ireland International Team, and Destiny, by former ROHS teammate Brandi Smith.
“Damien proves that you don’t have to be the biggest, fastest or most skilled player to do well in soccer. What it takes is a serious work ethic and determination to be the best you can be in whatever position or role you have been trusted to fill,” Paige said.

“Brandi, a senior, took me in as a freshman and treated me with respect. She didn’t succumb to the pressures of college life and continues to do well as a junior in college. We are still close friends today,” Destiny said.

Speaking of college, Paige received a scholarship to play at Troy University in Alabama, while Destiny signed with Northwestern State University to play on scholarship in Natchitoches, La. They also see soccer in their futures beyond college.

“I’d like to continue to the professional and international leagues for women’s soccer, then become a sports-specific physical therapist to help others overcome obstacles in their time in athletics,” Paige said.
“Life after college could include playing in an adult league and/or coaching. Also, I will use my love for the game to help tell people about Christ,” Destiny said, noting she hopes to pursue a seminary degree.
Faith is another common denominator for the girls, who both attend Ovilla’s First Baptist Church. And while each love to read, Paige lists running track as a favorite hobby and Destiny claims Wii Dance for fun.
No matter where life takes them from here, the two say they will always remember getting their start in soccer together. And they each encourage others to pursue sports in some manner. “You may not be very good, but that does not mean that you can’t play the sport and love it,” Paige said. And Destiny added: “Try everything; decide for yourself what you enjoy; and then work hard to get better. Never give up on yourself … or your teammates!”

Written by Angel Morris.

Mechelle, a vocalist since about second grade, sang in church at first and then became very involved in choir programs in junior high and high school. She aspired to a professional singing career and entered college as a vocal performance major but, after starting her family while still an undergraduate, Mechelle changed her focus to music education. She began her career a few years later teaching elementary and junior high, and now has found her niche in high school.

“I got into directing when the position at Red Oak Junior High School came open. They had not done a classic choir program, and I jumped at the chance

to start one because I wanted to grow a program that would be known in the Dallas area,” Mechelle explained. “I teach because I think everyone should have an opportunity to learn how to sing. Every year, I have a student who wants to join choir but is hesitant because they don’t think they’re good enough. My students just look at them and repeat what they’ve heard me say dozens of times before, ‘Everyone can sing. If you think you can’t, Mrs. Foster will teach you how.’”

While she was teaching junior high, Mechelle and her colleague, Katrina Keener, began producing musicals, which were condensed for younger students. Audiences enjoyed them, and their students looked forward to the annual production, even badgering the teachers about which musical they were going to do next. Once students moved up to high school, however, there was no longer an opportunity to participate. That changed quickly when Mechelle was hired. “I sat down with Richard Thomas, the high school band director, and Angee Hallmark, the assistant theater teacher, and we started talking about what we might want to do. We decided that Grease would be a good option for the first year and sat down with the script to figure out what we needed to do to ensure it was family friendly,” Mechelle explained. Once the play was chosen, the three teachers worked through the planning process to figure out how to make the production work, from instrumentation and set design to staying within their budget. They also asked Laura Kelly, who works with the ROHS drill team, to help with choreography.

Armed with a plan, Mechelle and her team held auditions and had 67 students try out. Of those, 29 were awarded parts in the musical. “The cast and chorus were kids from freshmen to seniors. I don’t agree that lead roles should be limited to upperclassmen, so the best person for each role got it,” Mechelle said. “About 90 percent of the kids were also choir students, so it was nice to see them in a different environment.”

Rehearsals began about 13 weeks prior to the performance and were broken down into three phases, the first being music. “You can’t have a musical if the kids can’t sing,” Mechelle laughed. Choreography and blocking (assigning characters’ placement on the stage during each scene) followed, and the final phase incorporated all the parts together on stage. As with everything in the production, rehearsals were a team effort. Mechelle taught the music and did the blocking, while Angee, who specializes in technical theater, worked on set design, costumes, lighting and sound. The students rehearsed about seven hours each week and learned valuable lessons about time management and organization along the way.

While the students were learning lines and notes, many other people joined in preparing for the show. Burl Sloan and some of his art students helped with sets. Some band students got to use their instruments in a setting other than the usual marching band and orchestra. Mechelle’s husband, Brian, and District Superintendent Scott Niven, designed the set and built it with the assistance of ROHS Principal Kevin Freels and Red Oak Independent School District (ROISD) School Board President John Hawkins. Stacy Stockdale and her graphic design classes created T-shirts, and Angee’s husband, Adam, who is a graphic designer, created posters and programs. Richard recruited a former Red Oak student and that student’s friend, along with an elementary school principal and two current students, to provide the music for the show.

Another benefit of the show was that Grease was the first major production in the school’s performing arts center, so school staff learned a lot about lighting and sound. Because of the high-tech nature of the audio/visual controls, students gained valuable experience in technical theater as they learned how to use them. Mechelle and her team hope to include even more students in the future, including using home economics students for costume design and graphic design students for publicity.

Mechelle believes it was everyone’s combined efforts that paid off in a great show. In fact, many are already asking what show they will do next year. No decisions have been made, but since students are aware of current musicals like Rent, Hairspray and others, Mechelle would like to introduce them to the classics. “A lot of recent musicals focus on a certain voice type and range, especially the alto and tenor lines, and I want to give other voice types a chance to show what they can do. Also, I want the students to understand how the older musicals built the foundation for today’s musical theater,” Mechelle explained.

The show’s success was rewarding, but Mechelle pointed to other important benefits of students’ participation, too. “The experience the students gained extends far beyond fine arts. These kids can grow beyond sitting in classes and actually see what it’s all about,” she said. “My biggest goal is to put tools out there for my students, teach them how to use them, give them the opportunity to use them, and then let them decide what they want to do.” It is always exciting for Mechelle when students want to major in music. If she can give them a love of music, confidence and stage presence, “it will carry over and be a positive influence on other parts of their lives.” And that, she believes, is truly hitting her mark.

Written by Jeremy Agor