1. This week kicks off Generation Texas Week. This is a week set aside by the state of Texas to focus on higher education and training for all students. Please make sure you share the handout with your parents that you will receive from your English teachers.

2. I played on the tennis team for Tarleton State University. I chose Tarleton because it was close enough to home so that my family would be able to come and watch me play. I loved Tarleton for its small town feel and small classes. I enjoyed the fact that I had an opportunity to know everyone in my classes. I still have many friends that I made at Tarleton over 20 years ago. I received a Bachelor of Science and Master in Education there.

3. I always wanted to play volleyball at a Christian University. Originally I wanted to go to Harding in Arkansas, but when I visited ACU I knew it was my future home. I played volleyball 4 years there and received a Bachelor of Science degree in education with a specialization in reading. ACU was the perfect distance from home….I felt independent yet home was close if I ever needed to go. My parents were able to enjoy most of my games as well. It was a wonderful 4 years, I wouldn’t trade them for anything. GO WILDCATS!

4. Coach Staples I chose North Texas because it was close to home, and affordable. I majored in Kinesiology and minored in History. I enjoyed the people and the atmosphere.

5. Year I graduated College: 2004 Christie D. Thompson Bachelor of Science and Interdisciplinary Studies Midwestern State University is located in beautiful Wichita Falls, TX., which is only about an hour and a half drive from Springtown. I attended MSU because of its location, its class sizes and its affordability. The university is well known for its soccer and basketball programs, and currently has one of the highest recognized nursing programs around.

6. Bachelor of Business Administration Terri S. Massey Chemistry Master in the Art of Teaching – Science Education I chose both of these universities based on their online degree programs. This allowed me to complete my degrees while working fulltime and raising a family. Dallas Baptist University is well known for its baseball team. The University of Texas – Dallas is well known for its mathematics and science programs.

7. Ms. Stephens: Educator, English/Debate/Professional Communication I was what is called a non-traditional college student. I had already attended St. Phillips Community College and received an Associates Degree in Hospitality. I didn’t realize that a community college would not get me where I needed in my career. I made a bold decision to further my education by moving from San Antonio to Stephenville in order to attend Tarleton. Tarleton has the reputation for producing the best teachers. I was raising three teenage daughters, working full time and attending college full time to become a teacher. I can be a witness to anyone that if you are determined you can do anything. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education, Communication, and English.

8. I chose Hardin-Simmons University because it is a small campus with a Christian atmosphere. They treat you like a family. I went to Hardin- Simmons on a basketball scholarship but my career was ended before the season actually started from a knee injury. I received a Bachelor of Education and have been teaching since 1982. My daughter is a SHS graduate that currently attends HSU. She is majoring in Sports Medicine. This program is the best accredited program around. GO COWBOYS!