<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1VyzLR_0wDSKhop00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1VyzLR_0wDSKhop00" width="671" height="715" ></figure>Messenger ReporterLOVELADY – After a bye last week, Lovelady Independent School District (LISD) Varsity Lions will be back at work Friday, this time in their homecoming game against rival Overton Mustangs. It’s set to be a tough match, with Overton coming in 5-1 to take on the Lions, beginning at 7 p.m.Before the game, LISD will continue a tradition began in 2022, by honoring several of the outstanding alumni to graduate from the school. Those selected will walk around the track at 6:15 p.m., with a ceremony and the presentation of a plaque before the game. Their names will also be listed on a permanent plaque housed at the school. This year’s presentation will be led by Lovelady alumni and residents Calvin and Janie Collier.The Lovelady High School Alumni Association celebrates distinguished LISD alumni at the Homecoming game. The Distinguished Alumni Awards program recognizes those who have distinguished themselves professionally, brought honor to Lovelady ISD and have made significant contributions of time or philanthropy to the school and community. This year’s distinguished alumni are:Don Tullos, a graduate of Lovelady ISD’s Class of 1960, left an indelible mark on Texas high school basketball. After graduating he went on to earn his degree from East Texas Baptist University. He began his career in 1967 and dedicated his life to coaching. Don’s career was spent coaching in Latexo, Slocum, Grapeland, and serving the Lovelady community for 15 years. Ten years in a row, he posted and undefeated district record and lead three teams to the state championship. He turned the Lovelady girls’ basketball program into one of the most respected programs in Texas. To jump start the program he built the Thanksgiving tournament, one of the most prestigious tournaments in Texas girls’ basketball. The inaugural tournament rounded up teams from seven different states and all classifications. Scouts and spectators from across the multiple states spent their Thanksgiving holidays watching the best of the best of girls’ basketball in Lovelady Texas. Under his guidance, numerous athletes developed not only their skills on the court but also their character, instilling values of teamwork, perseverance, and discipline. His coaching style was one of a kind! His legacy is reflected in the many players who credit him with shaping their futures, both in sports and in life. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the game and his 1000 wins-371 losses, just at the varsity level, Don was inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003, a testament to his exceptional coaching prowess and dedication to the sport. He is also a member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating his impactful career and the influence he has had on young athletes across the state.He retired after 40 years in education where he planted a Legacy of Excellence! Although he still enjoys talking about basketball he will tell anyone his most proud accomplishment is when he married his wife, Nona. He and Nona have been married for 58 years and raised two sons who they are very proud of. He said his successful career would not have been possible without her and the support of his family. Their son Jay and wife Amy reside in Ennis and have two children, Grant and Mattie. Shannon and his wife Wendy, reside in Lovelady and have two sons, Ethan and Colby. He is a cherished figure at Lovelady ISD, exemplifying the spirit of excellence and commitment that defines the district’s values. Barbara Evans Crowson was a 1957 graduate of Lovelady High School. She was active in sports and played clarinet in Charles Lee Hill’s band. Barbara was the valedictorian of her class and felt she was blessed to have the good teachers she had.In 1960, Barbara graduated from Sam Houston State and began her teaching career in the Pasadena ISD. In a 31-year career there, she served as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal and for the last 13 year (1981-93) was the principal of Sam Rayburn High School. Her fondest memories are of going to Washington DC when her Sam Rayburn Texas Band marched in the Ronald Reagan inaugural parade and later going there to see her choir perform at the Kennedy Center.In Pasadena, Barbara was a member of the Rotary Club and served on the Women’s advisory group of Pasadena Bayshore Hospital. She was a 5-year bell-ringer for the Salvation Army.While at Sam Rayburn, Barbara served a 6-year term on the Board of Directors of TASSP (The Texas Association of Secondary School Principals). For them she presented programs at their annual state conventions and wrote position papers. She did school evaluation visits for the Texas Education Agency for several years; mostly in North Texas.In 1994, Barbara joined Crockett ISD and served 5 years as junior high and high school principal. She then left administration and taught Spanish for 14 years. Her proudest accomplishment in Crockett was teaching an Advanced Placement Spanish class of 13, in which all earned 17 college hours after taking the national AP test administered by the Educational Testing Center. Barbara later taught in Kennard ISD and Grapeland ISD.Barbara and her husband George are members of the First United Methodist Church of Lovelady where she serves as Lay Leader, Song Leader, and teaches Sunday School. They are parents of 2 children, 3 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is currently a member and President of the Houston County Hospital Board of Directors and her goal is to keep and grow good healthcare for residents of the county.Lelve Gayle, a 1958 Lovelady High School graduate, laid the foundation for his remarkable career through his academic and extracurricular achievements. Influenced by teachers Mrs. Collins and Mr. Deaton, Lelve excelled in Future Farmers of America, football, and the 4-H Club, earning titles like Most Popular Senior, Most Handsome, and 4-H Gold Star Boy. His success in the Houston Livestock Calf Scramble helped fund his first year at Texas A&amp;M, where he pursued his dream of becoming a veterinarian.At Texas A&amp;M, Lelve thrived academically, joining the Corps of Cadets and earning a spot in “Who’s Who of American Colleges and Universities.” He graduated with honors from the School of Veterinary Medicine in 1964 before serving as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. His veterinary career led him to the Texas A&amp;M Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, where he made significant contributions and earned a master’s degree in veterinary science.Dr. Gayle held leadership roles, including President of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, and received numerous awards for his service and contributions to veterinary medicine, including the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Award. The one achievement he was most proud of was marrying his high school sweetheart, Melody Robinson Gayle, Lovelady Class of 1959. Together, they were married for 56 years. His impact on the Texas A&amp;M Corps of Cadets, Texas animal industries, and veterinary science is well-regarded, making him an esteemed alumnus of both Lovelady High School and Texas A&amp;M.Lawanna Broxson Monk will also be honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing her unwavering commitment to her community and her lifelong dedication to the school district. A true pillar of support for Lovelady ISD, Lawanna has devoted decades of her life giving freely to the betterment of her school. Lawanna started and finished at Lovelady graduating in 1977. She actively participated in cheerleading, basketball, track, band, and UIL Academics. She also served as an FHA officer and class officer. Following high school Lawanna married Bruce Monk in 1978, also a Lovelady Alumni, and went on to attend Sam Houston State University where she earned a degree in Business Administration in 1980. It was through her college elective coursework that she learned her love of photography. After receiving her degree, Lawanna joined her family business, Broxson Hardware and Construction, Inc. She grew up loving the business and knew this is what she wanted to do for a living. She can help you fix most anything and always willing to help their customers. Her primary role in the business is the construction development process and design for custom homes. Lawanna’s story with Lovelady ISD and the Lovelady Community is one that has no ending. She volunteered as the cheerleading sponsor for 35 years. Her tenure as the cheerleading sponsor was marked by more than just enthusiasm for the sport. Lawanna instilled a deep sense of camaraderie and school spirit, ensuring that every cheerleader understood the value of school pride, traditions, perseverance, and positive representation of their school. Beyond volunteering as a cheerleading sponsor, she coached her children and grandchildren in youth sports helping to grow future Lovelady Lions and more importantly keeping kids involved. Her love for her school and the Lovelady Community runs deep. She plays a crucial role in coordinating the Lovelady Lovefest each year, she volunteers her time and labor to help with the Athletic Booster Club, Lovelady Youth Baseball Fields Project, the Annual Lovelady Calf Show, and is a devoted member of the Lovelady First Baptist Church. She continued to set an example of the unwavering belief that strong community is built though mutual support and active participation. She stated she believes volunteerism is an inherited trait that continues to carry forward to the next generation. Lawanna and Bruce have two children, Mandy Wilson and Cayla Ables, who also graduated from Lovelady. They have five grandchildren two of which currently attend Lovelady ISD and three attend Tyler ISD. Her family is her pride and joy! She is affectionately known as Mom, Ms. Lawanna, Aunt Lawanna, and Granny to many. All of which she is proud to be! Her ability to balance the demands of family, work, church and community service is nothing short of inspiring.You will see her on Friday nights under the lights, wherever her Lovelady Lions are, with her camera and notepad offering her undying support. After 47 years of volunteering her love and support of everything Lovelady continues. Lovelady ISD is deeply grateful for her lifetime of contributions. Her influence will continue to resonate for generations to come, as her commitment to Lovelady ISD will always be remembered as a shining example of what it means to be a true steward of the community. Once a Lion, Always a LionGreg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Lovelady Honors Alumni at Homecoming

LOVELADY – After a bye last week, Lovelady Independent School District (LISD) Varsity Lions will be back at work Friday, this time in their homecoming game against rival Overton Mustangs. It’s set to be a tough match, with Overton coming in 5-1 to take on the Lions, beginning at 7 p.m.