The FHS Band was in New Orleans last week and highlights of the cajun excursion included touring the National World War II Museum, dining at Don's Seafood, and taking a harbor cruise on a steamboat. Also, no trip would be complete without a vehicle breaking down. Take it easy.
Skip Hodges recently announced his retirement and that includes his membership as a Friona Volunteer Fire Fighter. The fire department honored Skip and his service to the community with an ice cream social. In the photo (l-r); Terry Sharrock, Danny Campbell, Skip Hodges, Jim Taylor, and John Taylor.
The first item on Skip's Retirement Bucket List is hiking the Appalachian Trail. Completing the entire 2,190+ miles of the Appalachian Trail in one trip is a mammoth undertaking. Thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike each year and only about one in four make it all the way. A typical thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to hike the entire trail from Maine to Georgia. Happy trails to Skip!!!
Bryan Chavira
Jacob Bautista
Photos Courtesy of
Stephen Garcia/Avalanche-Journal
Last Saturday at Lowrey Field in Lubbock, newly minted Friona High School graduates and best friends Bryan Chavira and Jacob Bautista were afforded the opportunity to do what they do best — compete. The sport was football and the forum was the 17th Annual Red vs. Blue ASCO All-Star Classic. The game featured all-star senior football players (1A-6A) from all over the panhandle. As fate would have it, Bryan and Jacob were on the "red" team and wore the numbers that Chieftain fans are very familiar with, #1 for Jacob and #16 for Bryan.
Bryan's 15 yard touchdown pass to Michael Limon of Sudan was the only score the Red team could muster in the opening two quarters of the game and they trailed 33-6 at intermission. In the second half Jacob, Friona's all-time career rushing leader, scored on a 54 yard touchdown run and Bryan completed a pass for the 2 point conversion. However, the Red team still trailed 39-14 with 11 seconds to go in the third quarter.
That's when the magic began. Jacob scored his second touchdown on a 36 yard pass from Luke Houston of Abernathy who had received a lateral pass from Bryan at the start of the play. Early in the fourth quarter, Bryan threw a 41-yard TD pass to Kash Bradley of Bushland and also the 2-point conversion pass to Limon. The next touchdown was a 1-yard run by Bryan with five minutes to go in the game. Finally, the game-winning touchdown was a 75-yard pass play from Bryan to Marc Ramirez of Wellington with three minutes to go in the game. Final score Red Team 43, Blue Team 39. It is always good to be leading at the end of the game. For Bryan and Jacob it was their last dance. They made it a memorable one. I believe it was the Tango. Go Big Red.
Flag Duty — special thanks to FISD band directors Chris Rackley and Benjamin Monk, the Chieftain Band, and boosters for posting American flags at the grave sites of our veterans for the Memorial Day holiday.
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Save the Date — volunteers are needed for the 6th Annual Friona Kidz Building Camp. The event is scheduled for July 18-23 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. each day. Call the Chamber at 806-250-3491 for more information.
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Prairie/Legacy News — David Grimsley is the Prairie Acres Resident of the Month for June. The June Employee of the Month is Carmela Hernandez who works in the Nursing Department and has been on staff since August of 2021. Legacy Pointe held its first annual "Forever Young" Prom in May and Prairie Acres administrator Jeff Procter said everything went well. Those attending had a great time and a little fun on the dance floor. Kathy Borchers is the Executive Director a Legacy Pointe and invites anyone who is considering "downsizing" their living situation to come by and take a look at the new senior apartments.
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Covid-19 Vaccines — Please help in keeping COVID-19 at bay here in Parmer County. Pfizer, Pediatric Pfizer, and Moderna Vaccines are all available. First, Second, and Boosters available at vaccine clinics. Vaccine boosters for children 5-11 years of age now available and approved by CDC and FDA. If you have any questions, please call our COVID vaccine hotlines at (806) 240-1562 for English or (806) 240-1761 for Spanish.
Clinics Schedule: Thursday June 16th, and Thursday June 30th at the 6th Street Church of Christ in Friona. Friday June 10th and Friday June 24th in Bovina at the XIT building. No appointment times are necessary and walk-ins are accepted. Times for all clinics are from 1:00pm to 4:30pm.
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On deck — next week's Star will feature the FFA Awards Banquet, the Write Way Club, and a special award presentation.
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National Days
June 9: Donald Duck Day
June 10: Iced Tea Day
June 11: Corn on the Cob Day
June 12: Red Rose Day
June 13: Sewing Machine Day
June 14: Flag Day
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