Tenaha High School Scholarship Awards Program 2012 - May 16, 2012
Submitted by Judy Monroe

Tenaha High School held their annual Scholarship Awards Program on May 15th, 2012. A number of deserving seniors received scholarships to further their pursuit of higher education. Friends, family, and community members were on hand to recognize the many accomplishments of this year’s graduating class.

Tenaha ISD would like to thank the many individuals, businesses, and institutions that contribute scholarships to the seniors of Tenaha High School. A record number of scholarships totaling over $200,000 were provided this year. Without their generousity the dream of attending college for some students would not be possible.

Beginner Tiger Band Attends First Competition - May 8, 2012
Submitted by Judy Monroe

On Thursday May 3rd, the Tenaha Beginner 5th grade band traveled to Canton, TX to participate in the Canton SoundPost Music Festival. They received two ratings of excellent and one rating of superior from the judges. The judges commented that they were very impressed with how the band played. The Beginner Band made quite an impression with how well behaved and quiet they were waiting in the hallway to enter the warm up room.

After the contest the Beginner Band got to go to Splash Kingdom to have fun with all of the other JH and beginning bands attending the Festival including Marshall, Garrison, Jefferson, White Oak, Wills Point, Cayuga, Pittsburg, Edgewood, and several others. Over sixty beginner bands from across the region participated in the event.

“We are proud of our Beginner Band and the progress they have made. I’m excited to see their continued growth and look forward to this young band maturing into the Roarin’ Band from Tigerland,” comments Chris Conway, Head Band Director. This was the Beginner Band’s first contest.

Famous Americans Presented by Tenaha Elementary 2nd Grade Class - February 21, 2012
Submitted by Judy Monroe

The Tenaha Elementary 2nd grade class presented Famous Americans on February 17th in the Special Events Center. Students portrayed famous Americans throughout our nation’s history such as Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Helen Keller, and Amelia Earhart, to name a few. Numerous parents, friends, and family members were present at the event and were able speak to each Famous American. The students did an excellent job of explaining their character and what they were known for.

Happy Bear Visits Tenaha Elementary School - February 17, 2012
Submitted by Judy Monroe

Happy Bear made a special appearance at Tenaha Elementary School on Valentine’s Day! Happy Bear and his friend Denise Merriman with the Shelby County Advocacy Center taught the Tenaha Elementary Kindergarten and 1st Grade classes all about personal safety including good touch/bad touch and stranger danger. Happy Bear also taught Tenaha students about the three Rs; recognizing, resisting and reporting child abuse.

Tenaha Band Students Qualify for All Region Band - December 14, 2011

Camryn Sisk, qualifies for the All Region Symphonic Band

Friday, December 9th, several 6th grade band and Roaring Band from Tiger Land members traveled to Winona to compete in the Region 21 Middle School All-Region tryouts. Band members competed against 800 total middle school students from all over East Texas to earn a spot in the All-Region band, which is made up of all the finest players throughout our region. Against stiff competition, The Roarin’ Band from

Four members of the ‘Roarin Band From Tiger Land made the Middle School All Region Band, L-R: Christian Haynie, Jacob Samford, Blaine Cummings, and Bianca Ramirez.

Tiger Land had four make the Middle School All-Region band!

Bianca Ramirez (Alto Sax) made 4th chair symphonic band
Blaine Cummings (Tenor Sax) made 1st alternate
Jacob Samford (Trombone) made 2nd chair concert band
Christian Haynie (Baritone) made 3rd chair concert band

On Saturday, Roaring Band from Tiger Land members, Camryn Sisk (Trumpet) and Jacob Samford (Trombone), traveled to Winona for the Region 21 High School All-Region Tryouts. More than 800 students from all A, AA, and AAA schools throughout East Texas competed for a chance to become a member of the All-Region Band. Against many talented players, Camryn Sisk made 16th chair of the Symphonic Band!

Those that made the band will perform with this All-Star group on January 14th at Chapel Hill High School.

Congratulations to those that made it and great job to everyone that went!

The 2011 Tenaha ISD Hall of Honor Inductees - October 11, 2011
Submitted by Judy Monroe

A time honored tradition continues at Tenaha Independent School District. Tenaha ISD recognizes those that have displayed outstanding dedication and commitment to their community. Through the years numerous members have been initiated into the Hall of Honor.

The process begins with nominations from members of the community. A committee then begins the difficult task of deciding who will be chosen. The committee chairperson, Doyce Bailey, has been in charge of this process for years. This year Tenaha ISD is proud present the 2011 Hall of Honor inductees.

Janis Roberson Dial

Jan started Tenaha Elementary School in 1957, graduated the 8th grade as valedictorian and graduated salutatorian of the Class of 1968. Jan played basketball and volleyball. She was a member of the Beta Club and FHA, served as a class officer and was elected Homecoming Queen and Miss T. H. S. Her 1968 class members are still close and enjoy reunions.

Jan continued her education by attending Panola Junior College and graduating in 1970. While there she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and president of the Green Jackets organization. From Panola she continued her education at Stephen F. Austin State University. She graduated in 1972 receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in English.

Jan is a lifetime member of Tenaha First Baptist Church where she plays the piano, sings in the choir, teaches 2 and 3 years old Sunday school, vacation bible school and has been a nursing home volunteer for approximately forty years.

Dale Stepp

Mr. Dale, as he is affectionately known, was born in Tenaha, Texas. He lettered 3 years in football and basketball, being a captain in both sports his senior year. He made All-District Football for 2 years and received medals from the American Legion for best All Around Football and Basketball player. He was Senior Class President and a member of the boxing team.

During the Korean War, he joined the marines and went to Korea for one year. After serving with the 1st Marine Division, he began working for Shell Oil Refinery in Deer Park as a pipe fitter.

After retiring, Mr. Dale returned to his roots in Tenaha where he is a faithful Tiger Fan. He donated the 25 second play clocks for the “Pitt”. He is a member and the Vice President of the Athletic Booster Club, a proud supporter of all the Tenaha students’ events whether it is athletic or academic.

Barbara Alford Smith

Barbara Smith is a lifelong resident of Tenaha. In high school she was voted most dependable, was a majorette, a cheerleader, the harvest queen, homecoming duchess, and a class officer. After graduating high school in 1959, she went to Shreveport and worked as a telephone operator. Later she married Gerald “Jerry” Smith. Mrs. Smith received a BS in 1976 and completed her Masters of Education in 1984. Mrs. Smith was Primary Teacher of the Year, and Employee of the Year in 1996 and 1997. Barbara retired from teaching in 2000, but later returned in 2004 to work three additional years. If it were not for “Old Age”, she would love to still be teaching. Mrs. Smith finished her career and serving the children of Tenaha for 28 years.

The 2011 Hall of Honor Induction ceremony will take place October 15th at 10:00 am in the Tenaha ISD Cafetorium. The Inductees will also be recognized during pre-game activities of the Tenaha Tiger vs Mt. Enterprise Wild Cat game at 7:00 pm in The Pit.