Carthage High School

TIME CHANGES TO VOLLEYBALL

🚨🏐 It’s GAMEDAY, Lady Dawgs! 🚨 The District Opener is here, and your Carthage Lady Dawgs Volleyball team is on the road to Tyler to take on Cumberland Academy! 📍 7200 Paluxy Drive, Tyler, TX 75703 🕓 JVW – 4:30 PM 🕠 JVR – 5:30 PM 🕖 Varsity – 6:45 PM Come pack the stands and cheer on the Lady Dawgs as they kick off district play! ❤️🤍 #BetterAsABulldog | #WeAreCHS | #LadyDawgs

🍎📚 Future Teachers in Action! 📚🍎

CHS has future teachers under construction, and they’re off to an incredible start! Mrs. Hammett’s Instructional Practices (3rd year) and Practicum in Education (4th year) students have rocked their first three weeks of on-site teaching. 👏

These 30+ outstanding students are stepping out of their comfort zones and learning alongside mentor teachers across all Carthage ISD campuses. It’s inspiring to see them gaining confidence, building skills, and pouring into younger Bulldogs as they prepare to lead the classrooms of tomorrow. ❤️🤍

#WeAreCHS #BetterAsABulldog #FutureTeachers #ExperienceTheBulldogDifference

🌟 Distinguished Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Jessica Pace 🌟 Carthage High School Class of 2004 graduate Dr. Jessica Pace is a 2025 inductee into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame! Jessica’s leadership journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After earning her Bachelor’s, MBA, and later her Doctor of Education from Baylor, she rose through the ranks at Panola College — and in 2024, made history as the first female president of the college. Under her leadership, Panola has secured millions in scholarships and grants, expanded student opportunities, and earned national recognition as one of the top community colleges in the country. Beyond campus, Jessica’s passion for community is evident. She played a major role in creating Carthage’s All Abilities Park, giving children of all abilities a place to play side by side. She also spent years leading fundraising efforts for the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, impacting families nationwide. Her story is a shining example of how a Carthage ISD education helps build leaders who change lives. 🎉 Homecoming Week Celebrations 🎉 📚 Thursday, Sept. 11 – Distinguished Alumni assembly with CHS students, followed by Pep Rally 🤝 Friday, Sept. 12 – Reception at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame (4:30–6:30 p.m.) – Open to all! 🏈 Friday Night – Honorees recognized on the field during halftime of the Bulldogs vs. Liberty-Eylau Homecoming Game at Bulldog Stadium Let’s celebrate Dr. Jessica Pace and the entire Distinguished Alumni Class of 2025 this Homecoming week! ❤️🤍 #BetterAsABulldog #WeAreCHS #CarthagePride #Homecoming2025

Carthage ISD Student Micaelah Burns Named Outstanding Performer at UIL State Solo-Ensemble Contest

Carthage ISD proudly announces that Carthage High School junior Michaela Burns has been recognized as an Outstanding Performer at the 2025 State Voice Solo-Ensemble Contest, one of the highest individual honors awarded by the University Interscholastic League (UIL).

Burns received this distinction over the summer while school was not in session, and Carthage ISD is honored to celebrate her achievement.

Of the approximately 100,000 students who participate annually in UIL regional music contests, and the thousands who advance to the state level, only about 2–3% of performers earn the prestigious title of Outstanding Performer. The honor reflects not only Burns’ extraordinary talent, but also her dedication, discipline, and passion for music.

“This award is a mark of true musical excellence,” said Dr. Bradley N. Kent, UIL State Director of Music, in a congratulatory letter to Burns. “Your own talent, dedication and hard work made this accomplishment a reality.”

As part of the recognition, Burns received a draped gold medal identical to those awarded to UIL state champions in other competitions.

Carthage ISD congratulates Micaelah on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to watching her continued success as she represents the CHS with pride.

🔎🧬 Biology in Action with Ms. Hadwin’s Classes! 🧬🔎 Learning is always more fun when it feels like an adventure! To prepare for their upcoming unit exam, Ms. Hadwin’s Biology students took to the hallways for a cell organelle scavenger hunt. Students searched high and low for clues, matching each organelle to its structure and function. From finding the mitochondria to locating the nucleus, every discovery reinforced their knowledge in a hands-on, interactive way. This creative review strategy kept students engaged, moving, and thinking critically—all while solidifying their understanding of one of biology’s most essential concepts. Way to go, Ms. Hadwin, for turning review time into a memorable experience and making science come alive for our Bulldogs! ❤️🤍 #BetterAsABulldog #BulldogLearning #CHSBiology #WeAreCHS

Carthage High School has announced this year’s homecoming court. The homecoming king and queen will be crowned Friday around 7 p.m., just before the highly anticipated game against Liberty-Eylau. Rayne Brooks and DaQuives Beck Homecoming Duchess, Rayne Brooks, is the daughter of Camille and Patrick Brooks. She is escorted to the field by her parents. Her grandparents are Minnie Mae Pipkins and Shirley Ann Brooks. Rayne has been active in Carthage Bulldog athletics, spending three years in track and two years in basketball. She is also a two-year member of the yearbook team and has participated in UIL Journalism for the past two years. She is currently a member of TSA. Rayne spends her free time volunteering at church, helping with youth ministry and rummage sales, and participating in the CHS Veterans Day program. She plans to attend the University of North Texas to pursue a bachelor’s degree in real estate before opening her own residential real estate business. Rayne’s most memorable moments were celebrating the football team’s state championships during her freshman and junior years. Her escort, DaQuives Beck, is the son of Latoya Taylor and Mondell Beck. His grandparents are Debrah Beck, Mondell Beck, and Ruby Taylor. DaQuives is a four-year member of the Carthage Bulldog Football Team, earning two state championships and countless honors. His accolades include being named the 2024 state championship MVP, the #1 outside linebacker in Texas, ranked among the Top 10 linebackers in the nation, and selected to the Small-Town All-American high school football team. He has also competed in track for three years and powerlifting for one year. In his free time, DaQuives, known as “Qui,” offers football lessons to local youth, hunts, and fishes. His future plans include attending Texas A&M University and playing football for the Aggies. His most memorable moment was officially committing to Texas A&M. Madison Gunn and Carson Carter Homecoming Duchess, Madison Gunn, is the daughter of Robby and Annette Gunn. She is escorted to the field by her father. Her grandparents are Joe Gunn, Donna Gunn, Bobby Joe Ritter, and the late Kathleen Ritter. Madison has served as a Student Council officer for four years and has been a member of the CHS Key Club for two years. She has also been a National Honor Society officer for the past two years. Through these groups, she has volunteered countless hours to community service. Madison has also taught Vacation Bible School for three summers at her home church, Eastside Baptist. She ranks in the top 10% of her class, is a dual-credit student at Panola College, and participates in UIL Academics. She is also a Rotary Youth Leadership Award recipient. Madison plans to attend college to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. She has many fond memories of her years at CHS. Her escort, Carson Carter, is the son of Joshua and Caroline Carter. His grandparents are Mark and Cynthia Carter and Terry Williams and the late Martha Williams. Carson is active in the youth program at Cedar Grove Baptist Church and has been a four-year member of the Carthage football team. He has also been inducted into the National Honor Society. Carson has volunteered many hours at Mission Carthage, King’s Cabinet, Operation Christmas Child, and Panola County Clean-Up Day. He plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in petroleum engineering and become a drilling engineer. His most memorable moment was singing “Adios Amor” in Spanish in front of his entire eighth-grade class. Lexi Ladymon and Cade Ross Homecoming Duchess, Lexi Ladymon, is the daughter of Misty Ladymon and her father and guardian angel, Casey Ladymon. She is escorted to the field by her grandfather. Her grandparents are Mike and Phyllis Capps. Lexi has been a member of the Lady Dawgs Varsity Volleyball team for four years, serving as team captain. She has been named Academic All-District and 1st Team All-District in volleyball. Lexi has also been a member of the CHS Cheerleading Squad for four years, serving as Varsity Co-Captain. Beyond athletics, she serves as vice president of the CHS National Honor Society and has been Student Council treasurer for four years. Lexi was a Rotary Youth Leadership Award nominee and ranks in the top 10% of her class, taking dual-credit classes at Panola College. She has spent countless hours volunteering, including leading the Capps-Ladymon Golf Tournament and organizing events such as Vacation Bible School, mini cheer camp, and mini volleyball camp. She plans to attend college and major in nursing. Lexi’s most memorable moment was cheering at state as a freshman and junior for Carthage’s 10th state championship. Her escort, Cade Ross, is the son of Laura and Josh Ross. His grandparents are Mike Ross and Lynda Kosarek. Cade is a four-year member of the CHS football and baseball programs. His honors include 2023 and 2024 1st Team All-State Tight End, 2023 and 2024 1st Team All-Distric

🏈🎟️ HOMECOMING TICKET INFO 🎟️🏈 Bulldog Nation — it’s Homecoming Week at Carthage High School! The Bulldogs take on Liberty-Eylau this Friday, September 12th at 7:30 PM in Bulldog Stadium! 🔴⚪️ 🎟️ Tickets on Sale: 📍 Bulldawg Stop 📅 Tuesday, September 9th @ 9:00 AM 💲 Prices: • Adults: $5 (pre-sale) • Students: $3 (pre-sale) • All tickets at the gate: $5 Skip the line and get your tickets early — let’s pack the stands for a night full of Bulldog pride, tradition, and Homecoming Friday Night Lights! 🐾 #GoDawgs #CarthageHomecoming #WeAreCHS #BetterAsABulldog

🐾THIS WEEK IN ATHLETICS🐾

🏆 Distinguished Alumni Spotlight: Kevin Smith 🏆 Carthage High School Class of 1982 graduate Kevin Smith is one of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame inductees! Kevin has dedicated his career to business and community leadership. After earning his degree from the University of Texas and working in finance, he returned home to Carthage, where he now serves as President & CFO of First State Bank & Trust Company. Under his leadership, the bank has flourished while consistently earning national recognition. Beyond his career, Kevin has given back through service on the Panola College Board of Trustees, the CISD Education Foundation, and countless civic and church organizations. Kevin’s Bulldog roots run deep, and his success reflects the strength of a Carthage ISD education and community support. 🎉 Homecoming Week Celebrations 🎉 📚 Thursday, Sept. 11 – Distinguished Alumni assembly with CHS students, followed by Pep Rally 🤝 Friday, Sept. 12 – Reception at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame (4:30–6:30 p.m.) – Open to all! 🏈 Friday Night – Honorees recognized on the field during halftime of the Bulldogs vs. Liberty-Eylau Homecoming Game at Bulldog Stadium Join us in honoring Kevin Smith and celebrating all of our 2025 Distinguished Alumni during this special Homecoming week! ❤️🤍 #BetterAsABulldog #WeAreCHS #CarthagePride #Homecoming2025

🎉🐾 Homecoming Week at CHS! 🐾🎉 Bulldogs, it’s the BEST week of the year! From spirit days to pep rallies, from celebrating our Distinguished Alumni to packing the stands Friday night, we’re ready to make Homecoming 2025 one to remember! 📅 Spirit Days Schedule: • Fairytale Monday (9/8): Dress as your favorite prince or princess! 👑 • Twin Tuesday (9/9): Match your bestie — twins, triplets, the more the merrier! 👯 • Dress for Success Wednesday (9/10): Doctor? Police officer? Lawyer? Welder? Dress for YOUR future career! 👔 • Patriot Day Thursday (9/11): Wear red, white & blue to honor America! 🇺🇸 • Red Out Friday (9/12): Pack the halls in RED and show that Bulldawg spirit as we “lock out the Leopards!” ❤️🐾 🙌 A special shoutout to our Student Council for their hard work making our campus shine with Homecoming decorations all week long! 🎶 Don’t miss the pep rally, the Distinguished Alumni ceremony, and of course — Friday night lights in Bulldog Stadium as we defend the Dawg House! ⚠️ Reminder: All outfits must remain in Carthage ISD dress code. Let’s celebrate the legacy, the pride, and the spirit that make us #BetterAsABulldog! 🔥🐾

📢 Bulldog Parents and Guardians Your student will be bringing home important consent forms TODAY due to a new state law (SB 12). Parents must give written consent for their child to receive health-related services from a school nurse or counselor. ✅ Please review, sign, and return the forms promptly. ❓ Questions? Contact your campus nurse or counselor. If the forms don't make it home with your student, here's links to the PDFs you can print and return: Consent for Health Related Services: https://aptg.co/77Kbq4 Consent for Counseling Services: https://aptg.co/BCrQ8- Thank you for your quick attention and support! ❤️🐾

🌟🐂 Bulldog Ag Excellence Continues! 🌟 Carthage FFA member Callie Groves placed 3rd in a highly competitive Summer Born class at the East Texas State Fair in Athens! 👏 We’re proud of Callie’s hard work and dedication, representing the strength of our CHS Ag program and the Bulldog spirit in the show ring. ❤️🤍 #BulldogAg #BetterAsABulldog #WeAreCHS #BulldogPride #AgricultureMatters

🌟🐂 Bulldog Ag Pride on Display! 🌟 Carthage High School is off to a strong start at the East Texas State Fair in Athens! 👏 Cooper Walters earned 1st place in Class 1 of the Chianina breed, showing the strength, dedication, and excellence of our Ag program. We’re proud of our students who carry the Bulldog spirit into the show ring and proving once again that CHS Agriculture is second to none! ❤️🤍 #BulldogAg #BetterAsABulldog #WeAreCHS #BulldogPride #AgricultureMatters

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ BULLDOGS RUN STRONG AT BROOKELAND INVITATIONAL! 🏅 With 16 teams in every division, our Bulldogs made their mark with grit, speed, and teamwork! Varsity Girls – 2nd Place Team (94 runners in division) 🏅Addison Staples – 9th (medal) Alivia Cheshire – 23rd Brooklyn Bjorgaard – 24th Brooklyn Rushing – 26th Varsity Boys – 2nd Place Team (82 runners in division) 🏅Kaidn Robinson – 4th (medal) Brayan Suruy – 13th Jayden Taylor – 14th James Fortenberry – 27th Albert Spaide – 28th JV Girls (36 runners in division) 🏅 Camila Iniguez – 6th (medal) 🏅 Elena Fierro – 7th (medal) JV Boys (36 runners in division) 🏅 DeAndre Carresco – 8th (medal) Proud of every Bulldog who laced up and competed! 💪❤️🤍 #GoDawgs #BetterAsABulldog #BulldogPride #RunLikeADawg

🍋🥔 Culinary Collaboration at CHS! 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

At Carthage High School, our teachers don’t just teach...they inspire. Mrs. Horsley’s Intro to Culinary students recently joined forces with Mrs. Smith’s Advanced Culinary class for a hands-on lesson that blended fresh homemade lemonade, perfectly seasoned potatoes, and a whole lot of Bulldog pride.

Intro students practiced their fundamental kitchen skills, while Advanced students stepped into leadership roles by mentoring, guiding, and modeling what it means to succeed. Behind it all were two incredible teachers whose passion, innovation, and dedication to student growth continue to make CHS a place where learning comes alive.

This lesson is just one shining example of the wide array of Career & Technical Education (CTE) opportunities offered at CHS: from Culinary Arts to Graphic Design, Health Science, Agriculture, and beyond. These programs open doors, build skills, and prepare our students for bright futures.

We are proud of our teachers. We are proud of our students. We are proud of CHS. ❤️🤍

#BulldogLearningInAction #BetterAsABulldog #WeAreCHS #CTEWorks

🏐🔥 TOURNAMENT TIME 🔥🏐 Your Lady Dawgs are headed to Whitehouse this week for tournament action! 📅 Thursday, Sept. 4 📅 Saturday, Sept. 6 These Dawgs have been grinding in practice and are ready to compete against tough East Texas competition. Let’s show them our support as they take the court and keep building momentum for the season! ❤️🤍 #LadyDawgsVolleyball #GoDawgs #BetterAsABulldog

🎓 Carthage ISD Distinguished Alumni – Class of 2025 🎓 The Carthage ISD Education Foundation Alumni Association is proud to announce the newest inductees into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame: Kevin Smith – CHS Class of 1982 President & CFO of First State Bank & Trust Company, Kevin has guided one of the nation’s strongest banks while serving as a leader on the Panola College Board of Trustees, CISD Education Foundation, and numerous civic and church organizations. Kaye O'Neal, Ph.D. – CHS Class of 1990 Chair of Theatre at Navarro College, Shellie has revived and expanded the program while writing more than 20 plays, several performed nationally and internationally. She is a celebrated playwright, actress, and educator, with March 8, 2025 proclaimed as “Dr. Shellie O’Neal Day” in Corsicana. Dr. Jessica Pace – CHS Class of 2004 The first female president of Panola College, Jessica has raised millions in scholarships and grants, created innovative programs such as the Panola Promise, and earned national recognition for the college. She also led efforts to create Carthage’s All Abilities Park and served as a national nonprofit fundraising director. These outstanding graduates will be honored on Homecoming Friday, September 12, 2025, with a full day of celebrations: 📚 Afternoon assembly with CHS students (before the pep rally) 🎉 Pep Rally & Homecoming festivities 🤝 Reception at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame ⏰ 4:30–6:30 p.m. | Open to the public 🏈 Recognition on the field during halftime of the Bulldogs’ Homecoming game vs. Liberty-Eylau at Bulldog Stadium, including the presentation of a key to the city. Join us as we celebrate the Distinguished Alumni Class of 2025 and their remarkable achievements. #BetterAsABulldog #WeAreCHS #CarthagePride

The Carthage FFA is selling MUMS!!! Please order from a FFA member or fill out the attached google form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSej4nWX3hHeartNeQ_2yZbr9clBOx_1PP26ohhgCdY1-2fJfg/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawMj91hleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETA0TE9reU03c0tJZGljOXdhAR4zJCeeYZP5vNvDBHACaxhwr7IF6niqM4oU3oTO5lpBCnez6yHRTckkwAOHLw_aem_6i_cU83xoCtgdgiQgtaBPQ. They will be available to be picked up at CHS on September 17!! For more info contact the Carthage FFA Ag Dept. 903-693-2552 x 1125