Owls teams beat Patton Springs
Guest Column: Reimagining Texas high schools for the future
By Gabe Grantham and Grace Atkins
Texas lawmakers have recognized in recent years the need to better prepare high school students for the workforce of tomorrow. Major reforms, such as the school finance overhaul in 2019 (House Bill 3) and the community college finance reform effort in 2023 (House Bill 8), have invested critical funding and resources to create new opportunities for students.
These legislative measures equip school districts and community colleges with the tools to provide students with access to industry-recognized credentials and dual-credit programs and to pave the way for their success after high school.
In 2023, over one-third of Texas high school graduates earned industry-based certifications or associate degrees, marking a significant improvement from just 21 percent in 2021. To reap the full benefit of this progress, we must extend these opportunities to every student.
While 97 percent of Texas high schools offer dual credit courses, only a small percentage of students are fully utilizing these opportunities, with only 3 percent of students graduating with an associate degree. This gap shows the need to make these programs more accessible and better aligned with the needs of students and schools.
The reforms in HB 8 laid the groundwork for improvement, but our focus now must be on fully integrating these programs into high schools across the state so that more students can graduate with meaningful, career-aligned credentials and college credit.
These credentials include industry-recognized certifications in fields such as health care, technology and skilled trades, as well as associate degrees that can transfer to four-year institutions. Every student deserves the chance to pursue these credentials, regardless of their future paths.
Access to these programs has been particularly challenging for students in rural areas. However, legislative initiatives are making a significant difference.
The Rural Pathways Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) is an innovative model that pools resources from smaller districts so that rural students have access to the same kinds of career and technical programs available in larger districts. Expanding initiatives like R-PEP will go a long way to ensuring that all Texas students – regardless of their location – enjoy the benefits of a comprehensive career-aligned education.
To meet these challenges, we must look in the coming years at enhancing our ability to track outcomes, scaling successful programs, increasing incentives for institutions offering high-demand credentials, and ensuring that school and community leaders know how to take advantage of the state’s investments. We must take bold steps to ensure that by 2030, every Texas high school student can have the opportunity to graduate with a career-aligned credential.
Texas has already invested heavily in these educational pathways. The foundation is strong, but we must now prioritize expanding those opportunities so that every student graduates with the resources and skills to be successful in their future – whether they are entering the workforce or continuing their education.
High school must be seen as the starting point for a successful future and now is the time to make that a reality for every student in Texas.
Gabe Grantham and Grace Atkins are policy advisors at Texas 2036, a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank.The Junior High Colts beat Shamrock this past week 20-18. The Colts showed heart and grit with their team consisting of 11 boys going against a team of 23.
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Sybil Brown
Sybil Brown was born July 18, 1926, to Sam and Mae Black. She was the third of eight children. She went home to be with her Lord on October 16, 2024, She was 98 years and 3 months old.
She graduated from Groom High School in May of 1943 and married Bud Brown of Groom the night she graduated. They were married 43 years. They lived in the Groom area all their lives.
She is survived by two children Brenda Lee and husband Bill of Devine, Texas, and Butch Brown and wife Charlene of Ashtola. Two brothers, Herschel Black and wife Ruth and Chubby Black and wife Nita, all of Hereford.
Gramme was also able to love and spoil five grandkids, 11 great grand kids and 18 great-great grand kid of her own as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She also loved and spoiled numerous kids and adults in the community with her banana pudding, chocolate and strawberry cakes, red beans and several other dishes she shared with friends and loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Poppa and Big Momma Black, three brothers and two sisters.
She worked at several different businesses in Groom and was a mainstay at the grocery store for nearly 50 years.
Services will be held on Saturday, October 26, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Groom. Visitation will be held Friday, October 25, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 South Georgia, in Amarillo.
Her body will also be available for viewing at First Baptist Church in Groom from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. the day of the service.
The family suggests memorials to be made to the Food Pantry, PO Box 94, Groom, Texas 79039.
Jason Keith Lowrie
Jason Keith Lowrie, 58, of Clarendon went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in Plano.
Funeral services were held on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the Clarendon Methodist Church. Burial followed in Citizens Cemetery.
Jason was born in Canyon to David D. Lowrie and Judith Kay Gaines on August 7, 1966. He was a graduate of Caprock High School. He later moved to Clarendon, where he has been a lifelong resident, after marrying his wife of 29 years, Sharon Renee Spurlin Lowrie, on November 22, 1991. Together, they had one child together, Jessica, who later gave Jason his best little friend and grandson, Waylon.
Jason was a lifelong farmer and rancher who loved all things outdoors. Hunting, fishing, riding ATVs, and shooting were some of his favorite pastimes. He was also a very talented artist and loved to draw. Jason was a longtime member and past deacon of Clarendon Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon in 2020; and his father, David Lowrie in 2013.
He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Lowrie of Capitan, New Mexico; mother, Judith Chandler and husband, Terry, of Amarillo; stepmother, Paula Lowrie of Clarendon; two brothers, Jeffery Lowrie of Amarillo and Nathan Lowrie and wife, Shonda, of Clarendon; his grandson, Waylon Riggs and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Craig Merritt Snell
Craig Merritt Snell, 72, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 3, 2024, in Los Suenos, Costa Rica.
He was born on April 30, 1952, in Friona, Texas, he was the son of Gene and Jean Snell. Craig graduated from Pampa High School. He was known for his hard work and dedication to providing for his family.
A man of great passion, generosity, and knowledge, Craig’s brother, Kim, often referred to him as “Google before Google existed”. His journey took him from the farm fields of Pampa, Texas, to becoming a successful business owner in the Texas Panhandle. Craig loved fishing, hunting, exploring new places, enjoying good food, and sharing a good-natured tease.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Brad Snell, and his parents, Gene and Jean Snell.
He is survived by his wife, Kim; two sons, Eric Snell and wife Michelle, and Kyle Snell and wife Cristin; a daughter, Sheridan Frazier; and seven grandchildren: Madison Mason and husband Cole, Merritt Snell, Gavin Snell, Perry Frazier, Carder Snell, Sloan Frazier, and Callen Snell. He is also survived by his brother, Kim Snell and wife Jamie; two sisters, Jen Snell and Becky Harris; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
An informal celebration of Craig’s life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the River Falls Venue, 13851 Wild Horse Trail in Amarillo, at 2:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Hawaiian shirt in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity.
Editorial: Suddenly, the boy has become a grown up
October 19, 2006, was a day that changed our family’s lives forever. It was a Thursday, specifically chosen to not interfere with the production or delivery of the Enterprise while also allowing us to have the most time possible for what was coming.
& Editor
Benjamin Allen Homer Estlack had stolen our hearts before he arrived. It was as if we already knew him whether it was from us talking to him frequently or him developing a little kicking rhythm anytime we planned Santana’s “Supernatural” CD. His personality was evident early, and it only became more prominent as time progressed.
He had a big name to live up to, and live up to it he did. Those gleaming blue eyes that could only have come from my father and my wife’s grandmother shone with mirth and mischief. Soon he was talking and walking, and keeping up became a challenge. His personality matured early. In many ways, he’s been a 40-something-year-old man ever since he was about four years old.
Friends and family told us how fast it would all go by and to enjoy the years we had because soon enough he would be grown and gone.
We got a little taste of that this week. Sunday afternoon, he and his buddy took off for Lubbock and spent all day Monday on the Texas Tech campus. We’re not even halfway through the senior year, and we got just the slightest hint of what it will look like for him to be off to college. We don’t want to rush it, but we took pride in knowing that he’s ready and able to stand on his own.
This Saturday is another milestone – his 18th birthday. Even though he’s been a man in many ways for a long time now, society says this date will make it official. He’s got his voter’s registration card and ready to wield it in November. He’s got a job, he has good friends, and he’s enjoying the semi-independence that comes with being “grown” while still going to high school.
As I sat down to write this column, I came across an old camera card filled with memories from when Ben was just a couple of years old. He’s changed so much in many ways, but in all the ways that count, he’s still our little boy. His sense of humor has matured – somewhat – and is still curious and creative. You never know what he’s going to do or say. It seems like just yesterday he was building things with Tinker Toys. Now, you might find him working in the backyard on a homemade project that splits hydrogen from water molecules. Ask him why he wants to study aerospace engineering, and he’s likely to credit watching The Backyardigans as a child. He’s a man but still that kid at heart.
He has a clear sense of right and wrong, a commitment to fairness, and a willingness to speak up for what he believes. He’s all we ever wanted in a son, and he’s a great brother, friend, worker, and big cousin. We couldn’t be prouder of him – the kid and the man – for all he does, all he stands for, and all he hopes to be.
Mom and I love you, son. Dream no little dreams, then go make them come true.
Mary Joan Wood
Mary Joan Wood was born on January 17, 1938, in Hardeman County, Texas to George and Elizabeth Myers. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Lockney, and that is where she grew up and graduated high school in 1956.
Mary went to college at West Texas State University in Canyon where she excelled in bowling and led the team to many championships including the first ever women’s bowling traveling trophy. During her time at West Texas State, she was introduced to the love of her life, Bobby Wood, a young farmer from Groom, Texas. It was love at first sight and just four months later that farmer asked Mary for her hand in marriage. They were married on September 29, 1961 in Bushland, Texas.
Mary was no stranger to hard work, as she was Bobby’s right hand woman on the farm and ranch in Groom. There they raised registered Hereford cattle and farmed wheat, corn, and milo. Mary and Bobby traveled the country showing their cattle and gaining many life-long friends along the way. In 1963, the couple welcomed their daughter Kellye into the world, and four years later their son Kevin completed the family of four. Mary held many different clerical positions including working at banks, the Groom hospital, Groom ISD, and eventually retiring from the Pantex plant in Amarillo. Mary was a talented seamstress and enjoyed sewing beautiful garments for her daughter and granddaughters that even included matching dresses for their baby dolls. She enjoyed teaching her grandchildren how to sew for the 4-H fashion shows and was an expert at patching Bobby’s work overalls. Mary was also a very talented painter and her many art pieces are cherished by her family.
Mary also had a very competitive nature and could often be found sitting in the bleachers yelling for the players and at the referees when they missed a call. She was also quite a card shark. She enjoyed playing all types of card games with friends and family, where no one was safe from her competitiveness.
The greatest legacy that Mary leaves is her love for Jesus Christ and her love for others. Mary gave her life to Jesus at an early age and served Him faithfully until her final breath on Earth. She served in countless Sunday school classes, Vacation Bible Schools, preparing meals for people, and never hesitated to open her home to those in need. We may never know the number of lives that were changed due to her servant’s heart. Mary and Bobby also shared a deep love of Southern Gospel music, and they attended numerous concerts and revivals with family and friends.
Mary entered her Heavenly Home on October 10, 2024; surrounded by family and friends at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, Texas.
Those left to cherish her memories are her husband of 63 years, Bobby Wood; daughter, Kellye Jackson (Alan); son, Kevin Wood (Jennifer); and her sister, Sandra Hill. Endeared as “Nanny” to many more are four grandchildren: Kaci Bailey (Mitchel), Kolton Wood (Rebekah), Kyndal Dixon (Wade), and Kaleb Wood; and seven great-grandchildren: Micah, Karter, Andy, and Jeffrey Bailey; Knox Wood; Hank and Annie Dixon; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, George and Elizabeth Myers, and her
grandparents.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of East Texas, Home Care, and Home Place for the wonderful care they gave so graciously to Mary. There are numerous others we want to express our sincere gratitude to including her care-givers; Wanda Johnson, and dear long-time family friend Mike Watson.
Celebration of Life services were held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Landmark Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas. A similar service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Clarendon on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
Robert Adolph Boehm
Robert Adolph Boehm, in accordance with his lifelong dedication to his own personal brand of decorum, muttered his last unintelligible and likely unnecessary curse on October 6, 2024, shortly before tripping backward over “some stupid mother****ing thing” and hitting his head on the floor.
Robert was born in Winters, TX, to the late Walter Boehm and Betty Smith on May 6, 1950, after which God immediately and thankfully broke the mold and attempted to cover up the evidence. Raised Catholic, Robert managed to get his wife Dianne pregnant (three times) fast enough to just barely miss getting drafted into the Vietnam War by fathering Michelle, John, and Charlotte between 1967 and 1972. Much later, with Robert possibly concerned about the brewing conflict in Grenada, Charles was born in 1983.
This lack of military service was probably for the best, as when taking up shooting as a hobby in his later years, he managed to blow not one, but two holes in the dash of his own car on two separate occasions, which unfortunately did not even startle, let alone surprise, his dear wife Dianne, who was much accustomed to such happenings in his presence and may have actually been safer in the jungles of Vietnam the entire time.
While the world was in conflict elsewhere, Robert made due by learning to roof, maintain traffic signs with the City of Amarillo, and eventually becoming a semi-professional truck driver—not to be confused with a professional semi-truck driver.
With peace on the horizon, Robert’s attention somewhat counterintuitively drifted to weapons of war, spanning the historical and geographical spectrum from the atlatl of 19,000 BC France, to the sjambok of 1830s Africa, to the Mosin-Nagant M1891 of WWII-era Soviet Union. So many examples of these mainstream hobbyist items litter his small Clarendon, Texas, apartment that one of them may very well have been the item referenced in his aforementioned eloquent final epitaph.
A man of many interests, Robert was not to be entranced by historical weapons alone, but also had a penchant for fashion, frequently seen about town wearing the latest trend in homemade leather moccasins, a wide collection of unconventional hats, and boldly mismatched shirts and pants.
Robert also kept a wide selection of harmonicas on hand—not to play personally, but to prompt his beloved dogs to howl continuously at odd hours of the night to entertain his many neighbors, and occasionally to give to his many, many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to play loudly during long road trips with their parents.
Earlier this year, in February, God finally showed mercy upon Dianne, getting her the hell out of there for some well-earned peace and quiet. Without Dianne to gleefully entertain, Robert shifted his creative focus to the entertainment of you, the fine townspeople of Clarendon, Texas. Over the last eight months, if you have not met Robert or seen his road show yet, you probably would have soon.
We have all done our best to enjoy/weather Robert’s antics up to this point, but he is God’s problem now.
Robert’s farewell tour will be held Monday, October 14th, at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 E Interstate 40 Hwy, Amarillo, TX 79118. The family encourages you to dust off whatever outdated or inappropriate combination of clothing you have available to attend. A tip jar will be available in the front; flowers are also acceptable.
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