Anahuac says farewell

ANAHUAC—After 21 years serving as the administrative assistant to the superintendent, Kim Swope will retire from her role, effective Dec. 12. 

Anahuac Independent School District met on Monday, Nov. 17, to discuss Swope's retirement, a new project for the administrative building, and an FFA presentation that was both entertaining and educational. 

During her time, many superintendents have passed through, but one thing remained consistent, Swope's dedication to the students, parents and faculty of AISD. 

Superintendent Cody Abshier said although she didn't want any special attention or praise, her remarkable dedication has left an impact on the district. 

"She takes great pride in her community and in this school district," Abshier said. 

Deputy Superintendent Daniel Andrews said Swope is selfless and, "She is what we as educators should all strive to be." 

Board members expressed deep appreciation for Swope, saying that if they had any questions, they knew they could count on her to help. 

During regular business, the board discussed further bond projects with a representative of Cre8 Architects. 

District Business Manager Tammy Duhon informed the board that the district had about $4 million remaining from the bond sale and that by the end of 2026, the board would need to earmark those funds for specific projects. 

The board decided to move forward with a project to create a secure front lobby in the administration building, similar to the one at Anahuac Elementary School. 

Construction would entail removing the partial wall at the building's entrance and installing a more secure wall with doors, creating a lobby space. 

The initial doors would be unlocked, and an electronic system would allow staff to unlock the secondary doors from their desks. 

Board Trustee Carlton Carrington suggested installing an additional exterior door so staff can easily exit the building in an emergency, such as a fire. 

The Anahuac FFA Public Relations Team gave a presentation to the board for a Texas FFA contest, which requires the team to give a 6 to 9-minute presentation on what the chapter has to offer. 

The same presentation was awarded second place at the Ricebelt District LDE Contest in early November, which allowed the group to advance to the area contest. 

Presenting "Anahuac's FFA Today," FFA members Arianny Gonzalez, Fallon Havard, Chapter President Bentley Abshier and Sentinel Brogan May explained a bit of the chapter's history, recent successes and hopes for the future. 

Havard shared a bit of FFA history, explaining that the Future Farmers of America was founded in 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri. 

In 1988, the name was changed to the National FFA Organization, and in October 1952, the Anahuac Chapter was created. 

Abshier provided a forecast on the Leadership Development Events, saying, "Today's forecast is showing a bright future...you see that we have a lot of success over the years." 

Monday's forecast showed that the 2022 FFA Public Relations Team placed seventh in the state contest. Wednesday and Thursday showed Tina and Tammy Ly advancing to the state contest for Greenhand and Chapter Creed Speaking. Friday showed the radio/broadcasting team securing a spot in state competitions for three years in a row. 

"As you can see, our forecast keeps RLD teams in the sunshine year after year," Abshier said. 

Gonzalez provided a traffic update, showing Career Development Events, including wool, floriculture, wildlife, entomology, poultry, livestock judging and more. 

"All of the success has caused some slowdowns and rubbernecking by the teams around us," Gonzalez said. "We will stay in the fast lane, and we are not letting off the gas." 

Havard shared that the Anahuac FFA awards 10 scholarships each year, totaling $10,000 last year. 

May described a breaking news story detailing Feed a Farmer Day. The FFA joined with a neighboring chapter to feed rice farmers during the peak of the season.