TAPPS academic state runner-up

Reicher Catholic High School, which was the 2010 state TAPPS 3A academic and speech champions, recently captured the state runner-up title at the 4A level. The Reicher academic team placed first in four categories: Kaleb Ryle and Blair Beene in duet acting, and Julia DeLaRosa in ready writing and in literary criticism. DeLaRosa also placed second in the spelling and poetry contests. Reicher students who also placed at state were John Robertson, third in number sense; Kaleb Ryle, third in poetry; Diane Collins, fourth in literary criticism; Chris Gerik, fourth in science; and Alex Simpson, fifth in current events.

The Reicher Catholic High School academic team that came in as the state runner-up at the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools 4A state meet are (front row, from left) John Robertson, Alex Simpson, Diane Collins, Julia DeLaRosa, Blair Beene, Kaleb Ryle and Chris Gerik. Behind them are sponsors Rose Volcik, Michele Lacina and Carolyn Nicholson.

Reicher Catholic High School photo — Mary DeWalt

Horse judging team competes at state

The Robinson FFA horse judging team placed 26th out of 66 teams at the state Career Development Events contest in Lubbock. The team of members (pictured outside the Equestrian Center at Texas Tech University, from left) senior Sheridan Bridges, sophomore Ashlyn Bracewell, freshman Trevor Yglecias and sophomore Cody Davis was the second-high team out of the Area VIII contest, being beat only by Midway. It was the first horse judging team from Robinson FFA to advance to a state contest in more than 10 years.

Photo submitted by Mark Rose

Educator honor

Teacher Henry Veselka (left) of Rapoport Academy’s Meyer High School was recently selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars. Veselka was nominated by student Michael D. Acton (right) for outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the classroom.

Photo submitted by Gaylene Reed

Marking 101

Herbert Neumann recently celebrated turning 101 years old. Born April 3, 1910, he says one reason he has lived so long is that he eats mashed potatoes at every meal. The Robinson resident was a longtime farmer — driving mules to plow and then seeing the gradual development of tractors and computerized machinery. He stayed involved with his land into his 90s. He likes to fish, play dominoes and when he was 78, shot his age in golf. He and Trudie, his wife of 77 years, have three children and several grand- and great-grandchildren.

Photo submitted by Gaylene Reed

Pirates everywhere

The cafeteria at Crawford High School is sporting a new mural created by the students and Eagle Eye Signs & Graphics, of Waco. The business worked with the high school art students in the design. The students came in during some of their art class time and helped lay out, sketch and paint the mural. It was unveiled to the community on April 17.

Photos submitted by Mark Cunningham