June 2022

Starting June 10 will be the VZC Library Summer Reading Program and Friday events. The library will have performers the first three Fridays, then a Bounce House extravaganza the Friday after that, followed by our Animal Sleepover the next Thursday and Friday. The Summer Reading Program theme is ‘Oceans of Possibilities.’ “We will be handing out the summer reading logs on June 10 so kids can keep up with their reading time. At the end of the summer, you turn in you reading log to get a prize,” stated VZC Librarians.

Summers are often busy times for people. We find ourselves shuffling from one place to another and sometimes waiting when we get there. One of the ways I occupy myself during the summer is with eBooks and digital audiobooks. I can read a book easily on my phone or other device, no matter where I am and not have to worry about misplacing a library book in my rush. My secret to enjoying lawn works is audiobooks. I pop in earbuds and listen to an audiobook from my phone, and I lose track of time. I often find myself lingering to do more outside work because I want to keep listening to my books.

Emma Lou Brown-Smith, Van High School graduate of 2021, was recognized as a recipient of the highest Girl Scout award, the Gold Award, on May 14, 2022, by the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. The Gold Award is the equivalent of the Boy Scout’s Eagle Scout Award, and only five percent of Girl Scouts receive the award. During the ceremony, Emma Lou, along with 134 other Ambassador level Girl Scouts, representing 32 counties in Northeast Texas, was recognized for her Gold Award project, “It’s Not Easy – Playing and Marching”. She spent over 100 hours during a two-year period creating a supplemental Vandal Bands leadership/mentoring program. The project’s guidelines were to expand and enrich the high school band leadership program and develop an 11-month mentoring curriculum for the Van Junior High eighth grade band program.

Team and individual achievements received recognition May 16 during the regular monthly meeting of the Van School Board. Van High School Principal Jeff Hutchins introduced the UIL (University Interscholastic League) State Bronze Medalist VHS Social Studies team.

Under near perfect weather conditions May 27 at Van’s Memorial Stadium, the 177 graduates of the Class of 2022 at Van High School received their diplomas. Van School Board Secretary Shannon Johnson welcomed those in attendance and led in the opening prayer.

Martins Mill ISD held commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 27 in the high school gymnasium. The ceremony was led by Valedictorian Kylee Lookabaugh and Salutatorian Mia Nixon.

Edgewood ISD held commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 27 in the high school gymnasium. The ceremony was led by Valedictorian Collin Brenner and Salutatorian Clara Pool.

Edgewood ISD Photos by Faith Caughron; Van ISD by David Barber; Martins Mill ISD by Britne Hammons.

After officially being sworn into office at midnight May 14, a public swearing-in ceremony was held for Van Zandt County Interim Sheriff Joe Carter May 22 at the VZC Courthouse. VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick welcomed those in attendance at the public swearing-in ceremony.

Good news was received during the regular meeting of the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court as they heard a report on their annual audit May 25. John Manning of the Waco audit firm of Patillo, Brown, and Hill L.L.P.