Carthage High School

🎉🐾 It’s Pep Rally Time, Bulldogs! 🐾🎉 Tomorrow marks our first pep rally of the year! We’ll be on the Pep Rally Bell Schedule (see below) as we celebrate our Bulldogs and get loud before Friday night lights. 🔴⚪ 📅 Date: Tomorrow 📍 Where: Carthage High School ⏰ Pep Rally: 3:05 – 3:35 PM Let’s pack the stands, show our school spirit, and kick off the year the Bulldog way...loud and proud! 💪🔥 #BetterAsABulldog #GoDawgs #WeAreCHS

🇺🇸 Patriot Day | September 11th 🇺🇸 Today, we pause to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. We reflect on the courage of the first responders, the strength of the families, and the resilience of a nation united in grief and resolve. As a Bulldog family, we will never forget the sacrifices made and the spirit of unity that continues to define us. #PatriotDay #NeverForget #WeAreCHS

🏈🐾 SUBVARSITY GAMEDAY INFO 🐾🏈 The future is bright for the Red & White! 🔴⚪️ 📍 7th & 8th Grade 🏠 HOME vs Liberty-Eylau ⏰ Games start at 5:00PM (A Games Only Tonight) 📍 9th & JV 🛻 AWAY @ Liberty-Eylau ⏰ 9th @ 5:00 PM | JV @ 7:00 PM 📌 Stadium: 2901 Leopard Drive, Texarkana, TX 75501 TICKETS FOR 9TH/JV MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/libertyeylau/L2VtYmVkL2FsbA%3D%3D Let’s go, Dawgs! 💪🐶 #BetterAsABulldog #GoDawgs

🎉🐾 Homecoming Friday in Carthage! 🐾🎉 Make plans to enjoy all the festivities ln Friday, September 12, 2025 as we celebrate homecoming and a day full of Bulldog pride, tradition, and celebration! ❤️🤍 ✨ Schedule of Events ✨ 📚 Distinguished Alumni Assembly – Afternoon at CHS (honoring our 2025 Hall of Fame inductees with students) 🎉 Homecoming Pep Rally – Immediately following the assembly 🤝 Distinguished Alumni Reception – 4:30–6:30 PM at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame (Open to the public — come meet our honorees!) 🏈 Bulldogs vs. Liberty-Eylau – Kickoff at 7:30 PM at Bulldog Stadium. Our Distinguished Alumni will be recognized on the field during halftime, where they’ll also receive a Key to the City. This Friday is about more than football — it’s about celebrating the Bulldog Difference: the tradition, excellence, and community that make Carthage ISD special. Don’t miss this unforgettable day! #Homecoming2025 #BetterAsABulldog #WeAreCHS #CarthagePride

🎶 👀 Tune in to KYTX CBS19 today at 5 & 6 p.m. to see Carthage High School choir student Micaelah Burns featured after earning special recognition from UIL at State Voice Solo & Ensemble! 🐾❤️

🩺⚕️ Homecoming Spirit Week – Dress for Success Day! 🩺⚕️ Our Bulldogs showed off their future career dreams today by dressing as doctors, nurses, and medical professionals 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️. From scrubs to stethoscopes, these future lifesavers filled the halls with Bulldog pride and a passion for serving others. Check out this big group shot of our amazing CHS students ready to take on the future! ❤️🐾 #WeAreCHS #BetterAsABulldog #Homecoming2025

📣 Carthage High School invites you to our first Hispanic community parent meeting, “Nuestros Padres”!

🗓 Tuesday, September 16
⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 PLC at CHS

This meeting is an opportunity to:
✅ Connect with other parents and school staff
✅ Get answers to your questions
✅ Discuss important information about your child’s education

We’ll also provide support in navigating key tools and resources:
📊 Checking grades on the Parent Portal
🍽️ Using the app to pay or apply for free/reduced lunch
📲 Navigating the Carthage ISD app
✉️ Contacting teachers and staying connected with each campus

For more information, contact:
📧 Julissa DeJulian Alcalá | jdejulian@carthageisd.org

❤️🤍 We’re stronger together—see you there!
#BetterAsABulldog
--
📣 Carthage High School los invita a nuestra primera reunión de padres para la comunidad hispana, “Nuestros Padres”.

🗓 Martes, 16 de septiembre
⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 PLC en CHS

Esta reunión es una oportunidad para:
✅ Conectarse con otros padres y personal de la escuela
✅ Obtener respuestas a sus preguntas
✅ Discutir información importante sobre la educación de su hijo

También brindaremos apoyo con herramientas y recursos clave:
📊 Cómo revisar calificaciones en el Parent Portal
🍽️ Cómo usar la aplicación para pagar o solicitar almuerzo gratis/reducido
📲 Cómo navegar la aplicación de Carthage ISD
✉️ Cómo comunicarse con los maestros y mantenerse conectado con cada campus

Para más información:
📧 Julissa DeJulian Alcalá | jdejulian@carthageisd.org

❤️🤍 ¡Somos más fuertes juntos—los esperamos!
#BetterAsABulldog

🇺🇸⚖️ Government in Action! ⚖️🇺🇸 Mrs. Parker’s Government class had an exciting day of hands-on learning outside the classroom! 🎉✏️ 👀 Students observed a Commissioners Court meeting at the Panola County Courthouse 🏛️, seeing local government in action. 🚑 Afterwards, they toured the Critical Care Unit from UT Health–East Texas, discovering how healthcare and public service work hand-in-hand to serve our community. 👏 Huge thanks to our community partners and to Mrs. Parker for always making learning real, relevant, and unforgettable for our Bulldogs! 🐾❤️🤍 #WeAreCHS #BetterAsABulldog #LearningInAction #ExperienceTheBulldogDifference

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-District Tight End, 3rd Team Smoaky East Texas Tight End, and 1st Team All-District Pitcher in 2024. In addition to his athletic career, Cade provides football lessons to local youth. He plans to pursue a career in engineering. His most memorable moment was winning the state football championship in 2024. Caroline LaGrone and Carson Crawford Homecoming Duchess, Caroline LaGrone, is the daughter of Nealan LaGrone and Margaux Kangerga. She is escorted to the field by her father. Her grandparents are Killis and Debbie LaGrone. Caroline has been active in cross-examination debate for four years, earning numerous awards including three district top speaker honors and qualifying for state three times. She was also a state octofinalist in debate and serves as debate president. Caroline has been a Student Council officer for four years and a CHS cheerleader for four years. She is a member of the National Honor Society, where she serves as parliamentarian and has earned recognition for her service hours. Caroline also participates in UIL Science. Altogether, she has accumulated more than 478 community service hours. She plans to study cellular biology in college and pursue a career as a neurologist. Her most memorable moment was winning America’s Most Beautiful pageant in 2024. Her escort, Carson Crawford, is the son of Weeks and Ashley Crawford. His grandmother is Teresa Crawford. Carson is a two-year member of the CHS baseball team and a four-year member of the Carthage Bulldog Football Team, where he earned two state championships and numerous honors. His accolades include All-State (twice), All-District (twice), 1st Team All-State Championship, 1st Team Dave Campbell’s, All Blue Bell Team, and All East Texas. Carson has given baseball lessons to Panola County youth and volunteered during Panola County Clean-Up Day. He has committed to play football at the University of Colorado, where he plans to major in real estate development. His most memorable moment was winning the state football championship in 2024. Olivia Lipsey and Jett Surratt Homecoming Duchess, Olivia Lipsey, is the daughter of Stuart and Brooke Lipsey. She is escorted to the field by her father. Her grandparents are Ricky and Helen Gibson and Don and Sallie Lipsey. Olivia has participated in Carthage athletics for four years, competing in track and field and volleyball, where she earned All-District honorable mention. She has been a CHS cheerleader for four years and currently serves as Varsity Cheer Captain. Olivia is Student Council president, a member of the National Honor Society, and participates in UIL Academics and Key Club. She is a dual-credit student at Panola College, a RYLA award recipient, and ranks in the top 10% of her class. Olivia has volunteered many hours with charity organizations and has worked at mini cheer and volleyball camps. She plans to attend college to become a veterinarian. Her most memorable moment was last year’s five-set volleyball win over Henderson before homecoming. Her escort, Jett Surratt, is the son of Scott and Summer Surratt. His grandparents are Mike and Diana Brakebill; the late T. Jay Switzer; Jimmie Ayers and the late Jess Ayers; and the late Ray Surratt. Jett is a four-year varsity member of the CHS football and golf teams, earning numerous honors. His football awards include District MVP in 2023 and 2024, Smoaky Newcomer of the Year in 2023, Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Quarterback in 2023 and 2024, Padilla Poll All-State Quarterback in 2023 and 2024, All-East Texas Quarterback in 2023 and 2024, Padilla Poll Offensive Player of the Year in 2024, and Smoaky Offensive MVP in 2024. In golf, his accolades include District Champion in 2023, All-District in 2023, 2024, and 2025, All-Region in 2024 and 2025, and State Qualifier in 2024 and 2025. Jett is a member of First Baptist Church and ranks in the top 10% of his class. His future plans include attending college and playing golf at the next level. His most memorable moment was winning the state football championship last year.

🏈🎟️ 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! 🔥🐾