Most people have a bad habit of comparing their lives to others, ranking their accolades and aspirations against others’. Following your proverbial “path” can be downright stressful, full of imagined expectations just waiting to trip you up. The wisest among us drown out those supposed expectations and do whatever they think is best for themselves. At age 25, Ashdown local Joe Pennington is doing just that.

Texarkana is no stranger to sports. With programs trending, from little league to collegiate athletics, the four-states area is home to many successful teams. Summer is right around the corner, and a new team is here with a motto to excite: “Where baseball is tons of fun.” The Texarkana Rhinos minor league baseball team threw their first pitch during Memorial Day weekend. The Rhinos are determined to keep their motto in mind, striving to create a fun, family-friendly environment at George Dobson Field.

Mary and Jay Wommack purchased their new home in the Northridge neighborhood in 2020. Jay had grown up in this neighborhood and was excited to move back to a location of fond memories. Built in 1964, the Wommacks’ new home called for freshness and vibrancy. As luck would have it, their son-in-law, Justin Scurlock of Scurlock Studio, was excited to take on the challenge.

Debi Coleman has spent almost 40 years of her life as a teacher. She has worked in public schools, in private schools, and for homeschoolers. She has taught every age from kindergarten through high school. On the weekends, she can be found at Fellowship Bible Church, not only attending but also—you guessed it—teaching Sunday school. Interestingly, Debi’s passion for teaching came as a surprise to her, during her undergraduate years.

Jeni Eldridge founded Haven Homes, a Christian nonprofit organization that aims to help people recover from addiction. They began in 2012 with opening two transitional homes for women leaving Bowie County Women’s Center. To-date, over 200 women have utilized the transitional homes. In the 12 years since, the organization has expanded to serve both men and women recovering from substance addiction. They currently serve about 80 people, who receive safe housing, spiritual guidance, and faith-based counseling, as well as employment, educational, and community service opportunities. 

Since Jenni Hedrick was a student in nursing school at the University of Arkansas, she dreamt of working in labor and delivery. “It is my passion,” she said. After graduating with her BSN, she returned to her hometown of Texarkana, where she was hired at CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital on the postpartum and pediatric unit—but transferred to L&D a few years later, as soon as a position became available.

The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus wrote, “A man’s character is his fate.” Sherry Missildine’s character, marked by compassion and perseverance, fated her to a life of caring for others as a nurse practitioner.

Some people improve a place with their presence alone. Texarkana College financial aid specialist Tiffany Pumphrey is one of those people. Though she only began her job at TC in 2022, she works and speaks about her work as if she were born to help students pursue higher education.

Rhonda Roberts currently serves as the director of special education for the Central Bowie County SSA (Shared Services Agreement), which encompasses the Redwater and Maud school districts. She has spent 32 years in education, beginning in 1990 as a special education teacher at a Corpus Christi middle school. During her eight years in the classroom, she earned a master’s degree in educational administration, which allowed her to work as a principal for the district for 12 years.

Pianist and educator Mary Scott Smith learned early on that music was an integral part of her personhood. As a teenager, she spent two summers at the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina and experienced an epiphany in the place she least expected—the choir risers.

When Mary Warren decided to become a teacher, it was because she knew firsthand the difference a dedicated teacher could make in a child’s life.

“I’m an educator because I want to make a difference in the lives of children,” said Melodie White, principal of Theron Jones Early Literacy Center. “I want students to love learning and to become lifelong learners. I want them to realize they can do anything they put their minds to and are willing to put in the hard work to accomplish.”

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.