BOXHOLDER PO BOX SEAGRAVES, TX 79359 FREE U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEAGR AV ES, T X PERMIT No. 577 ZIP CODE 79359 TheServing Our Community,Talon Parents, Students and Staff Working together...Lifting up…Creating hope…one Student at a time.

email: [email protected] Vol. 8 October 31, 2017 Issue 2 Bill & Myrna Woods Band Hall

career as a teacher. inches apart. With his "One thing that Bill taught "6-to-5 stride", he would me how to do, was how hit each seam as though to listen," Anderson told marching on the field, and the gathering. "Listen for on the right foot. "This that certain kind of sound school was built for 6-to- that you're trying to get as 5", he joked. By Sam Holbrooks Texas Bandmasters Hall Meanwhile, Seagraves returned. He taught re- a Director. He taught me Woods told of meeting

Seminole Sentinel of Fame, and finally to would earn 12 consecutive spect for authority, respon- to look for the band sound his future wife Myrna in C M Y SEAGRAVES -- Sea- Saturday's trek from his sweepstakes under Woods' sibility, and achievement that I wanted." the seventh grade, form- graves High School facul- Abilene home back to the tutelage before he left once as a process of prepara- "And he taught me how to ing a bond that would last K ty, administrators, alum- Seagraves school, for an again in 1981 to take a po- tion, instead of a singular listen to kids -- not to talk through High School and ni, and students gathered honor that is bestowed sition as Director of the goal. Call told the crowd over them, but to talk to on until he was "wearing at the SHS Auditorium on upon an elite few in the famed Hardin-Simmons that rehearsal was geared them." out a 1937 Wyllis, driving Saturday to pay tribute to field of education. "Cowboy Band". He would toward perfection, such Bruce Woods, one of Bill back and forth" between one of their most beloved Woods performed as a then serve as Band Direc- that a piece of music was and Myrna Woods' two his alma mater, Har- educators, Bill Woods. By drum major, student con- tor at Merkel High School rarely played from start to sons, focused on his fa- din-Simmons, and hers, the end of the day, those ductor, and was a world before retiring in 1989. finish until the band took ther's emphasis on "focus Abilene Christian College. warm feelings toward the class twirler, recognized In 1997, Woods was the concert stage. and commitment". After a year of teaching teacher, and the wife who by a VFW sponsored na- named "Texas Bandmaster Seagraves High Class of Before the Seagraves in Anson, he was playing stood by him throughout tional competition in Chi- of the Year" and inducted 1979 graduate Marilyn "Pride of the Plains" band a dance when he got the his career, were immortal- cago in 1950. He attended into the Texas Bandmas- Low, now a Seagraves ISD played the school's song, call for the Seagraves job, ized with a permanent in- Hardin-Simmons Uni- ters Hall of Fame. teacher and businesswom- "Spirit of Liberty March", doubling his salary -- to scription that reads "Bill versity, paying his way During Saturday's cere- an, recalled the pride in and the crowd moved out- $4,000. and Myrna Woods Band through school by per- mony, wife Myrna Woods, being part of a band with side to watch the unveil- Woods closed by telling Hall" on the north side of forming in dance bands. an accomplished pianist a reputation as a "pow- ing of the new sign at the the crowd, "I cannot tell the campus. Woods served as a Band in her own right, got near erhouse". Low presented Band Hall, Guest of Honor you how much I love Sea- Following an introduc- Director in Anson be- equal billing as an endear- Woods a Memorial plaque. Bill Woods, in a brief ad- graves, and how much tion by new SHS Principal fore coming to Seagraves ing presence in Seagraves. Bonnie Anderson, who dress laced with humor, Myrna loved Seagraves. Daylan Sellers, Seagraves in 1957, leading the High Mrs. Woods worked as a was Seagraves' first black offered an intriguing in- It will always be home to ISD Superintendent Josh School band to its first- Secretary to the Superin- teacher before later mov- sight into the mind of a me. Every one of you are a Goen detailed a legacy of ever Sweepstakes, and the tendent of Seagraves ISD, ing on to become a 39- lifelong music man. part of our lives, and will a man who had made a ca- Junior High band to other and later at the Abilene year veteran Band Direc- Perhaps the only one to remain that way forever." reer in music that spanned awards, while also teach- ISD before retirement. She tor in Littlefield, spoke notice, Woods had figured Turning toward the band, 37 years, and was respon- ing choir. had served for 15 sum- of both Myrna and Bill out that the gold seams be- Woods said, "we are the sible in large part for the Woods departed Sea- mers as Dorm Director Woods as almost surrogate tween the terrazzo floor- pride of this entire West accomplishments of -- graves for a time in 1961, at the Texas Tech Band parents, with a home that ing in the school hallways Texas area. Get together, and the particular sense teaching band at the 4-A Camp. Mrs. Woods passed was always open -- quite were 30 inches apart, and buckle down, and do it. of pride inspired by -- the Levelland High School be- away in 2015. literally. She credited both that the seams in the side- No excuses. Just results." Seagraves High School fore, eight years later, he A series of testimonials with helping to shape her walk out front were 60 "Pride of the Plains" Band would return, with assur- from former students of over the years. Bill Woods' ances from the SISD that Mr. Woods included per- instruction planted the he would be given time to sonal anecdotes and paint- seeds for at least 20 of his complete his Master's De- ed an endearing portrait of former students to launch gree at Texas Tech. Dur- a perfectionist who, while careers as school Band Di- ing the summer months, high strung at times, never rectors. he also served as an in- allowed his temperament Now 86 years of age, Mr. structor at the Texas Tech to compromise his pursuit Woods was born in Den- band camp, at which he of excellence, or his love ton County and was a served as Assistant Direc- of the students. His creed 1950 graduate of Plain- tor from 1969 to 1979. By was one that resonated view High School. Ac- the time retirement came, throughout the auditorium complished on several in- he had served in admin- on Saturday: "No excuses. struments, Woods' love istrative roles for several Just results". of music from a young music oriented organiza- Keith Call, a 1977 gradu- age never wavered, keep- tions, including service as ate, spoke of a Band Di- ing him on a path that President of the Texas Mu- rector who respected stu- would ultimately lead sic Educators Association dents as equals, and the to his induction into the (TMEA). love and respect that was Page 2 October 31, 2017 The Talon Sellers to Seek Chapters Re-election By Toni Polyak, A long time Gaines Gaines County Library - Seagraves Branch County resident, Calvin Sellers, has announced his Chapter 1: Read All About ter! After all every cloud intentions to seek re-elec- It!...Come by and check has a silver lining and this tion to the Gaines County out our new book releases! is driving me nuts! Ok, Justice of the Peace, Pct. We are receiving so many maybe a bit overused, but 2 position, per a press re- new books we hardly have clichés can be fun and we lease issued to the Semi- room on the shelves! Your can celebrate them No- nole Sentinel on Friday. favorite authors and genres vember 3, Cliché Day! Sellers filed his inten- are awaiting you! Whatev- Use clichés as much as tions with the Gaines er your tastes may be His- possible, Hey, why not, County Republican Par- torical Fiction, Romance, give it a shot! Win some, ty, and will be subject to Fantasy, Mystery and even lose some, you’ll never election in the upcoming Manga. It’s all here! know until you try! (This March 2018 party prima- the responsibilities of the really is driving me nuts!) ry. He was first elected to office, and ensuring we Chapter 2: A Partner- the position in the March live in a safe and prosper- ship…We at the Seagraves Chapter 5: Veteran’s Day… 2014 Republican Party ous Gaines County. I will Branch Library would like Celebrated on Novem- primary process. strive to lead Pct. 2 to al- to help provide books for ber 11, 2018. This day was Sellers was born in Sea- ways do what is right and those reading for Acceler- formerly called Armistice graves and attended strive to carry out the du- ated Reading points. We Day and proclaimed each schools in Seagraves and ties of the office for the have a large selection of year since 1926. If Veter- Seminole. After high betterment of the commu- AR books. We also have an’s Day falls on a Satur- school Sellers enlisted in nity. I hope to earn your easy reading books for day, then either Saturday the United States Army, vote, and the opportunity the younger age groups or Friday is considered where he served during to serve you as Justice of as they learn to read. We a Federal Holiday. If it the Vietnam era. the Peace, Pct. 2.” can partner with teachers falls on a Sunday, then the Sellers and his wife, Judy According to the Texas to help students find the Monday after it is a Feder- (Barnett), also a native Association of Counties, books they like and need! al Holiday. Honor the Vet- of Gaines County, have the justice of the peace erans! two sons, two daughters presides over the court Chapter 3: Celebrate No- and seven grandchildren. that is most accessible to vember!...The following Chapter 6: READ…Won- They are members of the HIgh School the average citizen. Jus- are just a few celebra- der Woman Warbringer, First Baptist Church of tices of the peace hear tions and recognitions book one of the DC Icon Seagraves. misdemeanor cases pun- Student Spotlight in the month of Novem- series, written by Leigh “As a Seagraves native, ishable by fine only and “My favorite thing ber: American Diabetes Bardugo. A mix of fanta- successful business own- can hear most civil cases about Seagraves is Month, Aviation History sy and action-hero, Won- er, experience in work- in which the amount in school because it's Month, Diabetic Eye Dis- der Woman comes to life ing within a government controversy does not ex- where I spend most ease Month, Lung Cancer and generates a new era of organization, and hav- ceed $10,000. of my time.” Hernan- Awareness Month, Mo- fans. This story is some- ing deep roots in Gaines The justice of the dez said. “It where I vember, Nat’l Alzheimer’s what a prequel to the well County, I believe I have peace also performs the spend the most time Disease Awareness Month, known tales of Princess the background and ex- functions of a magistrate with my friends.” Nat’l Epilepsy Aware- Diana, aka Wonder Wom- perience to effectively and conducts inquests. In Hernandez's fa- ness Month, Nat’l Family an. It begins as Princess manage the resources and addition, a justice of the vorite subject is Eng- Caregivers Month, Nat’l Diana is attempting to personnel of the Office peace may issue warrants lish. Inspirational Role Mod- prove to herself to her war- of Justice of the Peace, for search and arrest. Jus- “Estefania is a el’s Month, Nat’l Mar- rior sisters. This book is Pct. 2,” said Sellers in his tices of the peace also is- wonderful student. row Awareness Month, written for Junior Fiction press release. sue civil process, conduct She is very hard- Nat’l Memoir Writing readers, but will satisfy “In my three years of By Braygen Patterson preliminary hearings, ad- working, she preserves and Month, Nat’l Novel Writ- Young Adult and Adult being Justice of the Peace, In this edition of The minister oaths and serve always tries.” Senior Eng- ing Month, Peanut Butter readers as well. Forthcom- I’ve enjoyed the opportu- Talon student spotlight as a coroner in counties lish teacher Mrs. Jennifer Lover’s Month, PPSI Aids ing DC Icon series books nity to serve the people of has been awarded to se- where there is no medical Cox said. “Overall she's Awareness Month, Vegan are Batman by Marie Lu, Gaines County and learn nior, Estefania Hernan- examiner. The justice of just a respectful student Month, Worldwide Be- Catwoman by Sarah J. the duties of the position.” dez. Hernandez was born the peace may also con- with a very positive atti- reaved Siblings Month. Maas and Superman by Sellers says he will con- in Cuauhtémoc, Chihua- duct inquests. tude.” Matt de la Pena. tinue be dedicated to car- hua, Mexico on October As with all elected According to Hernan- Chapter 4: Once Upon a rying out the duties of the 14, 2000. Hernandez was county officials, the jus- dez Seagraves High School Time…It was a dark and Chapter 7: “I can smell office “in the most fair a resident of Mexico for tice of the peace has ul- has given her a great op- stormy night when I woke autumn dancing in the and efficient manner pos- fourteen years until three timate authority over the portunity to learn a second up on the wrong side of the breeze. The sweet chill of sible.” years ago when she moved operations of the office, language and gives her a bed. I felt light as a feath- pumpkin and crisp sun- “I would appreciate to Seagraves, Texas. Her- including the authority to different education than er when I did not judge burnt leaves.” ~ Ann your support,” said Sell- nandez is the daughter of hire and fire personnel what she had. the book by it’s cover as Drake ers. “If re-elected, I will Jose Aaron Hernandez and direct their daily ac- After high school she they lived happily ever af- continue to work hard to Perea and Sandra Ivonn earn and keep your trust tivities. The justice of the Gonzalez Rascon, she also plans on attending New in Pct. 2. My door will al- peace also has authority has a one four-year-old Mexico Junior College and ways be open to hear your to determine how to use brother named Aaron Her- continuing to take English concerns. We are privi- all other resources allocat- nandez. classes. When Hernandez leged to live in Gaines ed to the office during the Hernandez is a member leaves she hopes to stay in County, and I will be budget process. of the Pride of the Plains touch with her classmates dedicated to carrying out Band where she plays her and be able to take all the favorite instrument, trum- great memories with her. pet. Page 3 October 31, 2017 The Talon Jr High Elementary Student Spotlight Student Spotlight emplifies good deci- By: Mia Duran by my side giving me sion making Seagraves Jr.High strength to overcome and has strong student spotlight goes the difficulties.¨ Salazar to 7th grader Ethan said. academics” Salazar. He was born in Salazar was honored Scott said. Denver City, Texas, on to be selected as a According October 25, 2004. He is student spotlight. to Mrs. Scott the son of, Martin Sala- ¨Being picked for Soaring Athlete Zane has a zar and Stephan Me- student spotlight was a promising fu- drano Guerrero. Salazar shock at first but then I Jo’Van was nom- ture as a lead- has 2 siblings, Nathan- came in realization that inated for Soar- er and he is a iel Salazar and Martin when you do what you ing Athlete by Head great example Salazar Jr. have to and try in your Football Coach Steve for others to Ethan is in involved classes that you›ll end Heryford. follow if they in several school activi- up getting recognized “Jo’Van is a very want to be a ties including, one act for the hard work¨ hard working young By Mackenzy Ragland leader as well. play, basketball, and Salazar said. man and does what is 4th grader Zane “Zane constantly shows football. Being prepared needed to be done.” Thompson is this edition great character in class and ¨I like doing one for class and ready to Heryford said. of Talon’s Elementary Stu- act play because I can learn are why Ethan I think that’s what a stu- Offensive Coor- dent Spotlight. Thompson express myself¨ Salazar was nominated by dent should have in class dinator Jay Ragland said. ¨I play football and English teacher, Marsha was born on September and towards a teacher” basketball not just for Dossey. By Caleb Martinez also felt that Jo’Van 11th, he is the son of Glenn Scott said. fun and entertainment, “Ethan deserves this In this edition of Talon deserved the Soaring Ath- and Kensey Thompson Thompson is honored to I play to get not only nomination because Jamie Jo’Van Ochoa has lete. along with his brother Zeth have been selected as the disciplined and better of his dedication to been chosen for the Soar- “Jo’Van has accepted Thompson who is seven student spotlight. but because I have a learning both in the ing Athlete. his role on the team and years old; they have lived “I’m excited, because passion for the game.” classroom and on the Jo’Van has been play- leads with his actions.” here in Seagraves Texas for my teacher has noticed Everybody has a field” Dossey said. ing football since he was Ragland said. “He is not 9 years. how well I am doing in subject in school they After high school in 7th grade. He is a mem- a vocal person bus his ac- “I like Seagraves be- my class” Thompson said enjoy for, Ethan, it›s Ethan wants to attend ber of the varsity football tions lead the way for oth- cause it’s a small town “and it shows that I have a math. Ohio State University team where he is a receiver ers to follow.” and I like living in a small good character when with ¨I like math, yes, it and study business. and outside backer. To Jo’Van being a great town” Thompson said. my classmates and in class “My mind might is hard but when you Some of the things that athlete means that you He was chosen for stu- learning what my teacher have a teacher like Mr. change as I grow, but Jo’Van does before a game have to work hard and dent spotlight by his teach- teaches me.” Purcella, that takes his for now that›s what I have a great attitude even er Jana Scott,because he time and shows us little have my mind set to and is stretch, work on spe- Thompson wants to work when times are tough. always cares about oth- tricks it makes it fun¨ a goal to strive towards¨ cial plays, practice catches, for ESPN when he’s older Salazar said. Salazar said. and gets in his zone for the One of Jo’Van’s fa- ers and works hard in class because he loves sports and One of Ethan’s Salazar believes that night. vorite quotes comes from and is always focused he enjoys watching sports favorite Bible verses the best thing you can “Football is my favorite the movie Joe Dirt, “you when it’s time to work. with his dad and brother. is ¨I can do all things do in life it to work hard sport because I like the en- gotta keep on keepin’ on.” “He’s a student that ex- through him who gives to get somewhere and ergy of the game.” Ochoa me strength.¨ Philippians become someone. said. 4:13 ¨No matter what ¨The message that I becomes of me after receive when I hear or high school, I always read the verse is that, want to stay a hard I can do whatever I set working man, as I am my mind to because now¨ Salazar said. God will always be there Obituaries SEAGR AV ES…..Fu ne r- was an avid sports fan and al Services for Alfredo J loved camping and fishing. “Freddy” Soto, 46, of Sea- Alfredo was preceded graves will be held at in death by his mother Jo- 10:00 A.M. Monday, Octo- sephina Jacuinde in 2008. ber 9, 2017 in the St. Paul’s He is survived by his Catholic Church with Fa- wife: Naome Soto of the ther Paul Karieakatt offici- home, three sons: Alfre- NO TRICKS, ating. Under the direction do Soto Jr of Grand Forks, of Ratliff Funeral Home of N.D, Jose Luis Soto and JUST TREATS! Seagraves. Cody Soto both of Semi- Alfredo passed away nole, a daughter: Josie Soto Wednesday, October 4, of Eunice, N.M, Father: REFER A FRIEND AND 2017 in Seagraves, Tex- Efrain Soto Sr of Sea- POKA LAMBRO WILL as. He was born on May graves, a brother: Efrain 5, 1971 Soto Jr. of Wolfforth, a sis- TREAT EACH OF YOU to Efrain and Josephi- ter: Linda Sanchez of Den- TO A $20 BILL-CREDIT! na Jacuinde Soto in Sea- ver City and two Grand- graves, Texas. He married children: Norberto Pinon, CALL TODAY! Naome Longoria on Au- Gabriel G. Soto. 806-924-7234 gust 6, 2005 in Seagraves, Texas. He Page 4 October 31, 2017 The Talon New Kid On the Block Goen Above Ragland is en- Ragland said. and Beyond joying the new Being the new kid can opportunities be difficult but Ragland at that Seagraves leans on her friends and has to offer. faith to make the transition Seagraves “The school easier. has more to of- “Commit to the Lord Schools fer,” Ragland whatever you do and your said “like pho- plans will succeed” Prov- tography class, erbs 16:3 is one of Rag- Communication is ing for their families and rier recognized in these yearbook class, land’s favorite verses. Key for SISD loved ones. I have seen first nine weeks of school and flex period Ragland is involved various communication comes from this pride. It is so I can catch up with Talon Media, aca- Joshua Goen efforts with differing levels my hope that parents and on my work.” demic UIL, is a student We are functioning in of participation over the stakeholders will continue Senior Eng- athletic trainer and will a new age of technology years. Planned and carried to hold us accountable for lish with Mrs. play softball. with more communication out with good intentions, serving students well and tools than at any time in Cox is Ragland’s After graduation Rag- many of these efforts are preparing them to be life- Senior Mackenzy Rag- our past. Why then does favorite class. land plans on attending not as informative for long learners. This will land is a new kid on the it seem like we are less stakeholders as desired. require hard work and a lot “We are getting to South Plains College to block at Seagraves High effective at communicating For the school, the efforts of improvement. Moving School. She is the daugh- learn about poetry and finish her basics then at- than ever before? We stay are not as effective for re- from good to great will be ter of Coach Jay Ragland much more this year” tend West Texas A&M busy connecting and are lationship development as possible when both parents and Mrs. Melanie Rag- Ragland said. University to earn her still so disconnected at the intended. How can we get and school personnel de- land. She was most recent- Mrs. Cox makes every- bachelor’s degree in early end of the day. on the same page? velop a trust that allows for ly from Lockney where thing seem less stressful, childhood education with For our school district, Overall, students honest and open feedback, she attended school from according to Ragland. a minor in photography. finding the right balance surveyed love their local constructive criticism, and 4th grade through her ju- “Everything is not al- of old fashioned paper and school as do parents and solution-oriented collabo- new-age electronic avenues nior year. ways ‘work, work, work’” community members. ration in all situations. If is crucial. How can we get The news media portrays we do not currently have feedback and input from public education as a fail- your trust, we want to earn such a diverse community ing system, but I suggest it and hope you recognize Seagraves Students Attend of stakeholders? This is a it is a system that contin- our desire to improve and question school teachers ues to improve and serve grow while we grow your Fields of Faith and administration have rural communities well. I students. Please continue By Cade Humphries “My favorite part of Due to rainy weather attempted to answer for recognize that the rate of to raise your expectations Fields of Faith is an an- Fields of Faith was when the event was moved to years. improvement and innova- of Seagraves ISD as we nual Fellowship of Chris- everyone went to the floor the United Supermarkets It is understandable tion in public schools does continue to raise our ex- tian Athletes event that is to praise God.” Sopho- Arena. 12-13 thousand stu- that parents are busier than lag behind when compared pectations of you and your held nationwide in foot- more Caleb Martinez said. dents from the area were ever, working and provid- to technological advances children. We are going to ball stadiums on the 2nd “It gave me reassurance in attendance. and other industries in this work on earning your trust 21st century. If we look at so you can feel confident Wednesday in October. that this generation wants the learning experience that we will listen to your This year the Seagraves more of God.” and expectations of today’s recommendations for FCA attended the Fields of student compared to 17 improvements and take ac- Faith that was held in Lub- years ago, the changes are tion to make real positive bock, Texas. 50 students drastic. I am proud of the changes. I am so excited from Seagraves Junior educators, facilities, and to see how we progress High and High School at- plans we have in place for together as a learning tended this year’s event. the students of Seagraves community of students, The students enjoyed Schools. staff, and stakeholders in singing worship songs and A communication bar- 2017-2018! listening to testimonies from fellow high school students and college ath- letes. “I enjoyed Fields of Faith because of the mu- sic and the way everyone shared their testimony” Sophomore Abrianna Gar- cia said. The speaker this year was Zack Randles. Ran- dles grew up in Lubbock, Texas and is now a pastor in Washington, D.C. He gave a inspirational mes- sage challenging students to lead a life of faith and spread the word to others. Football Stats

Quarter 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total Seagraves 14 14 14 0 42 Tahoka 0 0 6 0 6

Quarter 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total Seagraves 21 8 20 0 49 Vanhorn 0 6 8 2 16

Quarter 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total Seagraves 0 7 0 21 28 Hamlin 21 7 0 6 34

Quarter 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total Seagraves 7 6 24 25 42 Roscoe 0 13 6 0 19

TIRE SPECIAL TIRE FREE ROTATION *Must present coupon Most cars & light trucks. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 11/30/17 OIL CHANGE SPECIAL FLAT REPAIR $10OFF FREE OIL CHANGE FLAT REPAIR Cannot be combined with any Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 11/30/17 other offer. Expires 11/30/17