Yearly Archives: 2012


High Altitudes

CEDAR HILL, TX — Patrick Rushing has defied odds most of his life, from an absentee father to changing schools to striving for higher education, despite a learning disability. As a youth, he grew up watching his older brother, Andrew, play sports and emulated his moves. Like Andrew, Patrick played basketball and enjoyed the camaraderie of team sports. But […]


Small Name, Big Program

RED OAK, TX — Partner PE teams up mainstream students with students who have special needs in a peer-mentored physical education program. The program was new to Red Oak High School this year, but it’s the realization of a longtime dream for Coach Hope Porter. “It’s been a long process, but we finally got it here, […]


District Flier

MIDLOTHIAN, TX — She could feel the weariness in her body. The illness had definitely taken a toll. Still, Ashley Cunningham did what she always does. She kept running and giving her best effort. Feeling somewhat discouraged after her race for the indoor track meet at the University of Arkansas in January, she waited for her score. […]


Safety in a Virtual World

MANSFIELD, TX — Alan Chin intended to study computer science when he enrolled at the University of North Texas. Like many 20 year olds, he enjoyed computer games and thought programming would be his path. To his surprise, though, one of his classes was suddenly dropped, and he found himself scrambling to fill the time slot. […]


Doing It Their Way

ENNIS, TX — Ed Stegemoller grew up in a time when hard work and an honest day’s living were expected. If he isn’t adding to an already beautiful landscape, meandering alongside the winding brooks he has created or propagating flowers in his greenhouse, you can bet he’s probably visualizing new ideas! Growing up in Hamilton County, Ed […]


Like Father, Like Son

CORSICANA, TX — Matt Hazelwood and his son, Matthew, aren’t just related. They’re bonded for life through the music they love to play. Born and reared in Navarro County, Matt’s passion for song came early, and it has remained a source of pride — but never more so than today, when his son is poised to achieve […]


Keeping Bees for Life

BURLESON, TX — For most of us, the zingy flavor of fermented honey is unfamiliar. For Kent Heimbigner, self-proclaimed Bishop of Bees in Burleson, the precious amber beverage brings such sipping pleasure that he makes his own and passes on the gift. He does sell his gooey, raw local harvest, but that’s not his day […]


Time in the Air

WEATHERFORD, TX — As Memorial Day approaches on May 28, some people are planning family gatherings or picnics. It’s a holiday from work and school. It’s a day set aside to honor those who have died in military service for our country. Decoration Day, as it was once called, was started for the men who died in […]


Let’s Ride

WAXAHACHIE, TX — Charles Wagliardo has always had a passion for things that go fast. “I guess it’s a guy thing, the wild child syndrome,” he said, remembering his younger days as a teenager. “I did everything my older siblings did. I rode bicycles, go-karts and motorcycles. If it had wheels, I was on it.” So […]


Crowning Cause

CEDAR HILL, TX — When Lacey Trevino participated in her first pageant, she could not have known how the contests would eventually impact her life. When her mother, Angela, was diagnosed with breast cancer, it led to a ready-made platform for Lacey, who was named Miss Teen Cedar Hill International 2012. “My platform, about which […]