Texarkana ISD to Honor Three Distinguished Alumni

Texarkana Independent School District is honoring three outstanding graduates for their professional achievements, leadership, and service to others during its 2026 Distinguished Alumni celebration, scheduled for Friday, November 6. This year's honorees are Melva Hildreth Flowers, Texas High School Class of 1970; Jim Pendergast, Texas High School Class of 1981; and Dr. Loretta Rhodes-Sanders, Dunbar High School Class of 1965.

Since 1992, Texarkana ISD's Distinguished Alumni Awards program has celebrated graduates of Texas High School and Dunbar High School who have demonstrated excellence in their professions and made meaningful contributions to their communities. Honorees are selected by a committee of district employees, students, and community members.

"These honorees exemplify the values Texarkana ISD seeks to instill in every student: a commitment to lifelong learning, dedication to public service, and the drive to make meaningful contributions to society," said TISD Interim Superintendent Sherri Penix. "Their professional and personal achievements inspire us, and we take pride in recognizing them as Dunbar and Texas High School graduates."

2026 Distinguished Alumni Honorees

Melva Hildreth Flowers, Texas High School Class of 1970 With more than 40 years of service in education, public service, and community leadership, Flowers has dedicated her career to empowering individuals throughout the Texarkana region. She currently serves as an Adjunct Instructor and Student Retention Advisor at Texarkana College.

Flowers is President of Texarkana Resources for the Disabled and Board Chair of the Housing Authority of Texarkana. In recognition of her civic leadership, she was named the 2025 Texas & Southwest Regional National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Commissioner of the Year. She has also received the Living Legend Award from Jarvis Christian University and remains actively involved in numerous civic and service organizations.

Jim Pendergast, Texas High School Class of 1981 Pendergast has devoted more than 40 years to aerospace engineering and human spaceflight through his service with the U.S. Air Force and NASA Johnson Space Center. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, he has contributed to some of the nation's most significant space exploration programs.

His career includes work on the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, Orion, Artemis, and Gateway programs. Pendergast has led the development of critical spacecraft systems and hardware and served in mission operations and safety leadership roles. His accomplishments have earned numerous honors, including the NASA Distinguished Award. He also mentors young people pursuing careers in science, engineering, and technology.

Dr. Loretta Rhodes-Sanders, Dunbar High School Class of 1965 Rhodes-Sanders has dedicated more than 50 years to public education, with a particular focus on supporting students with special needs. A retired Educational Diagnostician and Evaluation Specialist, she began her career as a special education teacher with Texarkana ISD and later served 24 years with Fort Worth ISD.

She earned her Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Wesleyan University and is a member of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education. Her contributions have been recognized through the 2022 Fort Worth ISD Service Award and her selection as a Top Educator in 2023.

A Day of Celebration and Student Connections

The day’s activities include a reception at the Texas High School Sullivan Performing Arts Center, followed by a panel discussion with Texas High School students. The celebration also includes visits to Parks Elementary School and Dunbar Early Education Learning Center, along with formal recognition at the Distinguished Alumni Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Texas High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Commons.

Additional activities include a tour of Texas High School's CTE facilities, interviews with student communications interns, and a special presentation during the afternoon pep rally. The celebration’s evening festivities take place at Tiger Stadium at Grim Park, featuring the introduction of the three honorees on the football field as honorary game captains before the 7 p.m. game.

"These alumni serve as examples for our students through their demonstrated hard work, perseverance, and commitment to helping others," said TISD Board of Trustees President Amy Bowers. "They show others that these traits can open doors, inspire change, and leave a lasting legacy."

Through the Distinguished Alumni program, Texarkana ISD celebrates its graduates' achievements while inspiring current students to pursue their goals and make a positive difference in their communities.