Adorned with sparkling tiaras and radiant smiles, the pageant contestants hold their heads high as they hope to don the winner’s crown and sash. Among the young women is Texas High School junior Kynlee Flippen.

After decades of labor, toil, and careful planning, many Americans spend their golden years in leisure. And then there are those who dedicate their newfound free time to improving the world, people like Neil Jones.

For more than 30 years, Cindy Marsh has made Texarkana a better place for dying people and their loved ones as the executive director of Hospice of Texarkana.

Mike Ingram loves going to work every day and has no plans to retire anytime soon. At 64 years old, Mike is happy, excelling professionally, and making the most out of life. 

If action is our barometer of spectacular leadership, Dolly and Paul Henley of Hempstead County undeniably fit the bill. 

Dr. Thomas Cutrer says he’s on “Act 73” of his life. He is a Louisiana native, Vietnam veteran, historian, professor, published writer of over ten books, husband, father, hunter, volunteer, archivist, and—perhaps especially—a lifelong learner.

Some people act with a servant’s heart their entire lives, continually sharing their gifts with others. Vicki Parks, aged 69, is a shining example of this generosity of spirit.

Some view their hometown as merely a starting point. Others view their hometown as a project of love, to which they commit to serve. Proud Texarkanan Josh Morriss has worked to improve his hometown all his life.

Judy McKinney believes that people of all ages, educational levels, and backgrounds have unique insights and lessons she can learn, as long as she is open to them.

Sports-minded individuals would probably love to say they have walked in 68-year-old champion golfer Chuck Gardner’s shoes. Fans, we’re talking steel cleats and soft spikes.

The sounds of rustling papers, meticulous scratching of a red pen, and keyboard clacking make up a familiar soundscape for Pleasant Grove English teacher Mitzi Quinn. 

Brittany has always had a deep love affair with design. When she was a young girl, she could be found arranging an imaginary furniture store with her grandmother’s antiques or drawing floor plans just for her own amusement. As she grew older, she nurtured this passion by helping her friends and family with any decor needs.

Robin Choate Proctor learned all she knows about gardening

For most people, cleaning is a chore. For Kendal Griggs, cleaning is a passion. From a young age, Kendal and her siblings knew the ins and outs of cleaning, as their mother, Carey, owned and ran a cleaning service.

As the old adage goes, if you love what you do, you will never work a day of your life. Bruce Pardue embraces that lifestyle as the owner of Little Country Greenhouse in New Boston.

Is your sanctuary in need of an update? Does the grass look greener in your neighbor’s yard? If so, you won’t want to miss the Texarkana Home Builders Association’s 2024 Home and Garden Show.

Strength. Grit. Determination. These are all traits that Liberty-Eylau senior Kamariee Ellis exhibits.

Creativity flows from many sources. For business partners Dani Hamblett and Traci Pitman, pop culture has provided a wealth of inspiration.

Motherhood bonded them, and the need for community pushed them to build a business. Friends Audrey Anderson and Joy Sandefur are the owners and operators of Fit4Mom Texarkana—a pre- and post-natal fitness group for moms of all ages and stages of motherhood. 

We knew God’s plans were not ours, but we still did not have a quench for the desire for us to have a child together. We just prayed, ‘Lord, if you have another idea for us, show us the way.”