Leverett’s Chapel Independent School District

LC Community- Trent Wheat Qualifies for State in Shot Put! We’re proud to announce that Trent Wheat is headed to the UIL State Track & Field Meet after an outstanding 2nd-place finish in the Shot Put at Regionals. Trent threw 43 feet, 2¼ inches, securing his spot to compete among the best in the state. He will represent Leverett's Chapel at the State Meet in Austin on Saturday, May 3rd at 2:00 p.m. Great job, Trent. We’re proud of you and behind you all the way. Also, congratulations to all our regional qualifiers who competed in Waco: Lacie Hayes – 100m Hurdles, High Jump Girls 4x400m Relay – Alyvia Page, Brynleigh Seymore, Layla Neumeister, Maria Contreras Jaggar Ward – 100m Dash, 200m Dash, Long Jump Trent Wheat – 100m Dash, Shot Put DeWaylon Brown – Triple Jump Boys 4x100m Relay – DeWaylon Brown, Evan Lucas, Jaggar Ward, Trent Wheat Thank you all for your hard work and dedication and for representing Leverett's Chapel with pride. Go Lions!

LC Alumni Spotlight: Matthew Harris – From Black & Gold to Red, White, and Blue U.S. Army Veteran, Community Servant, Business Owner, and Proud LC Lion Some alumni leave a legacy that continues to grow long after they’ve walked the halls of Leverett’s Chapel—and Matthew Harris, Class of 2008, is one of those Lions. A proud product of the Black and Gold, Matthew stood out during his days at LC as a multi-sport athlete with unmatched drive. He was a member of multiple state-qualifying cross country teams, a state qualifier in track, and someone who led by example in both his athletic and academic efforts. That same discipline continues today—Matthew is still an elite endurance athlete, having completed both the Boston and Chicago Marathons in under 2 hours and 55 minutes, with a personal best of 2:52. After graduation, Matthew enlisted in the U.S. Army and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, serving his country with courage and honor. When he returned home, he and his wife Lucero came back to East Texas to raise their family and continue investing in the community that raised them. Matthew spent several years in the oil and gas industry, but he never stopped pushing forward. He attended Kilgore College, completing his training in the firefighter, EMT, and police academies, while also earning an Associate’s Degree in Process Technology. He’s currently pursuing a second associate degree in Fire Protection, all while serving as a Gregg County Sheriff’s Deputy in the airport division. In 2020, Matthew and Lucero launched a new venture, Operation Unbroken. The mission of their store is powerful and close to their hearts: to promote brands and products created by veterans. It’s a space that represents resilience, service, and second chances—a fitting reflection of Matthew’s journey. While service and hard work are at the core of his story, family is what drives Matthew most. He and Lucero are raising talented young athletes of their own, and Matthew now coaches his children in golf, track, and cross country—instilling the same values that made him a leader in his LC days. We’re always thrilled to see the Harris family at the annual Wes McWhorter Golf Tournament, where Matthew and his team have become a force—defending back-to-back championships. We look forward to cheering them on again this year on April 26th as they go for a three-peat! Up next for Matthew? He’s currently preparing to become a licensed insurance agent, helping support the family’s newest business venture. It’s another step forward in a journey fueled by service, hard work, and unwavering pride in where he comes from. Matthew, you embody the spirit of the Black and Gold—tough, loyal, and built for more. Your path reminds us all that it’s not where you start—it’s where you’re going, and we are proud to celebrate every mile of your journey. To our LC community—please share this and tag other LC alumni who are doing great things. Let’s continue shining a light on the amazing lives our graduates are building. Know someone who should be featured next? Email: meverett@leverettschapelisd.net Cell: 903-808-0182 Small school. Black and Gold. Big futures.

ATTENTION 8TH GRADERS - We will have a Freshman Orientation on Monday, April 28th at 6pm. please make arrangements to attend!

Leverett's Chapel Students - We need your help! In an effort to raise money for our Senior Class of 2025, we are holding a "Duct Tape" fundraiser! Send your child to school with money (every penny helps!) to add to the jar of the person they choose! Jars will be setup outside of the cafeteria. The jar with the most money on Friday, May 16th will be DUCT TAPED to a WALL!! Who will it be? Mr. Everett? Mr. Borden? Coach Hughes? or Coach AJ? Fundraising begins on Monday, April 21st!

LC Community- Huge congratulations to Senior Carson Ford for being named The Henderson News Boy Athlete of the Week! Great Job, Carson! Read the article here: https://www.thehendersonnews.com/etvarsity/thn-boy-athlete-of-the-week-leveretts-chapels-carson-ford/article_dca8f832-b612-4e84-9fff-eadb34c1d8b8.html Go Lions!

The Leverett's Chapel JH teachers are preparing for the Junior High FUN day! We need YOUR help! Fun day is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21st. Please check out the flyer for items we are looking for to help our LC Junior High Students enjoy a FUN filled day! Any parent who would like to volunteer to help with setup or cleanup, or if you have any of the items you'd be willing to allow us to use, please email bhughes@leverettschapelisd.net or hmcclendon@leverettschapelisd.net

LC Community- Leverett's Chapel ISD would like to thank Altra Federal Credit Union and their Office Manager, Karina (Castillo) Rico, a proud Leverett’s Chapel alum, for their generous support of the LCHS Class of 2025 Project Graduation. Their donation of two $50 Visa gift cards and custom Arctic cups will contribute to a memorable send-off for our seniors. We deeply appreciate their commitment to our community and their ongoing support of our students. Altra Federal Credit Union, with the mission of "Helping You Live Your Best Life," offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including personal and business banking, loans, mortgages, investment services, and digital banking solutions. If you're in the area, consider visiting their Tyler branch: https://www.altra.org/locations/tyler-tx-troup-hwy/ Altra Federal Credit Union 5523 Troup Hwy. Tyler, TX 75707 Phone: 800-755-0055 Fax: 903-581-9870 Lobby Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Drive-Up Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM They also offer SAM-e®, Altra’s Smart 24/7 Deposit & Loan Payment Taking ATM, for your convenience. Thank you once again, Altra, for being a valued partner in our community. Go Lions!

LC Community- I know I sound like a broken record—but Lion Country did it again. On Wednesday, the district celebrated another fantastic day of attendance at 98.14%, with only four students absent across all campuses. If being excited about great attendance is wrong, I don’t want to be right. This is what commitment looks like. Attendance matters—and our students are showing up. Great job, everyone. Go Lions!

LC Community- Another great day in Lion Country. Yesterday, our district hit 99.59% attendance. Both the High School and Junior High posted a perfect 100%, and Elementary came in strong at 99.17%. Across all campuses, only one student was absent. That’s an outstanding reflection of our students’ dedication and the support from families and staff. Great job, everyone. Let’s keep the momentum going. Go Lions!

LC Community- The Lions are now officially over .500 and have already surpassed their total number of wins from last season. Offensive highlights from the latest victory include: Ethan Williams: 1-3, triple, RBI Ethan Vaden: 1-2, 3 runs scored, walk Carson Ford: 3-3, triple, 2 RBI Davis Tryon: 2-2, 3 RBI Keaton Geter: 1-2, 2 RBI Trent Wheat: 0-1, 2 walks, 2 runs scored, 4 stolen bases On the mound: Carson Ford was dominant, pitching 4 complete innings with 7 strikeouts, allowing only 3 hits in a shutout performance. Next game: Monday, April 21st vs. Union Hill At Union Hill | First pitch at 6:00 PM Go Lions!

The baseball schedule has changed to help accommodate our test takers to give them the best opportunity for success.

LC Community- LC Alumni Spotlight: Karina (Castillo) Rico – Leading with Heart, Building with Purpose Some stories are rooted in quiet strength, relentless drive, and a deep sense of purpose. That’s exactly what you’ll find in the journey of Karina (Castillo) Rico, a proud Leverett’s Chapel Valedictorian from the Class of 2014. Karina began her time at LC as a freshman and quickly established herself as a standout student, earning top honors while also pursuing a cosmetology certificate through Kilgore College during her junior and senior years. By the time she graduated, she already held her cosmetology license—a remarkable accomplishment for any high school senior. She’s continued working part-time in that field ever since, blending creativity with her lifelong commitment to service. In fact, I have to share this—my wife, my son, and I have all gotten our haircuts from Karina over the years. She’s just that dependable, talented, and trusted by our community. She’s been serving others for a long time, even before her career officially began. Karina’s post-graduation journey reflects the very spirit of Leverett’s Chapel: small beginnings, big dreams, and the courage to chase them. She earned an Associate Degree in Management from Kilgore College, graduating with high honors in 2015. While still in school, she started her first job in the financial industry as a part-time teller at East Texas Professional Credit Union, quickly moving up to Financial Services Representative. In 2016, she enrolled at UT Tyler, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with a minor in Management by 2018. During that time, she joined Altra Federal Credit Union, where her career has blossomed. Through hard work and drive, Karina has risen through the ranks—from part-time teller to Financial Service Rep II, to Assistant Office Manager, and now Office Manager II, a role she’s proudly held for the last three years. She currently leads a team of ten employees, overseeing all aspects of branch operations—from staffing and training to financial decision-making, community engagement, and conflict resolution. Management has always been her dream, and she’s living it with purpose and grace. “Helping you live your best life,” Altra’s vision, is something Karina embraces every day—not just through her leadership at work but through her active involvement in the community. She has volunteered with organizations such as Junior Achievement, PATH, For the Silent, Champion for Children, Ambucs, and the East Texas Food Bank, serving in roles from event planning to fundraising and committee leadership. She’s also given her time as a faith formation teacher at Christ the King Catholic Church in Kilgore. Karina’s drive extends beyond her full-time career. Alongside her husband—whom she met in high school—she co-owns Rico’s Welding Services, where she manages business operations while her husband handles the welding. Their teamwork, both personally and professionally, is an inspiring testament to what dedication and partnership can build. As a first-generation college student, Karina’s path wasn’t always clear—but she credits Leverett’s Chapel with giving her the guidance and support she needed. “My parents didn’t go to college, so they couldn’t guide me through that part of life. But the staff at LC stepped in. My math teacher showed me how to take college courses early, and my English teacher helped me improve my essays. They went above and beyond to make sure I had the tools to succeed—and I’ll never forget that.” Karina’s story reminds us that success isn’t about where you come from—it’s about where you’re going, and who you choose to become along the way. She is a shining example of how a small school can produce powerful leaders, and her journey continues to inspire our current students and alumni alike. Karina, we are proud of the life you're building—at home, in your career, and in your community. Thank you for showing us all what it looks like to lead with purpose, and to give back with heart. To our LC community—please share this spotlight and tag other LC alumni doing great things. Let’s keep this celebration of success going! Know someone who should be featured next? Reach out! Email: meverett@leverettschapelisd.net Cell: 903-808-0182 It’s not where you start. It’s where you’re going.

LC Community- Corey’s been climbing trees with CB Tree Service in Kilgore for almost three years. This fall, he’s trading branches for power lines as he starts the Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program at TSTC in Marshall. He signed his National Letter of Intent on NC3 Signing Day, joining 28 other students ready to train for high-demand, hands-on careers. “My junior year, we visited this school, and I was already interested in being a lineman,” Corey said. “Seeing the program, it looked pretty fun. I saw everybody was getting along, the instructors were really friendly — it was really approachable.” We’re proud of Corey for chasing what he wants and putting in the work to get there. Check out the full story: https://www.tstc.edu/blog/2025/04/10/tstcs-marshall-campus-welcomes-29-new-students-during-nc3-national-letter-of-intent-signing-day-event Go Corey and Go Lions!

LC Community- Every day, I’m reminded that the size of our school has never limited the size of our dreams. From junior high students tackling more than 219,000 math questions on IXL, to our track athletes punching tickets to the regional meet, to the band bringing home top ratings—our Lions keep proving that a small school can do very big things. “Small School, Big Dreams” isn’t just a slogan; it’s the way we approach every lesson, practice, and performance. In our classrooms, teachers know every student by name and talent, helping each one grow in confidence and skill. On our fields and stages, coaches and directors push for excellence while never losing sight of character. And surrounding it all is a community that shows up, cheers loudly, and believes in our kids even before the scoreboard or score sheet does. If you need proof that big dreams launched here can soar far beyond our zip code, look no further than the Alumni Spotlight series we’ve been sharing. • Dr. Paul Thompson ’87 • Matthew Morris ’13 • Jessica Espinosa ’12 Their journeys remind us that a Leverett’s Chapel education is only the first chapter of a lifelong story of impact. Our graduates are living examples that Lion Pride never dies—and that the world needs what begins right here. Students, keep setting bold goals and working for them—your effort today is the foundation for tomorrow’s opportunities. Parents and community members, thank you for modeling perseverance, pride, and generosity; your support turns dreams into realities. Together we’ll keep proving that the biggest dreams can—and do—begin at Leverett’s Chapel. Let’s keep dreaming big and doing the work to make those dreams come true. Go Lions!

LC Community- Math is Cool—and the Numbers Prove It LC Junior High Math students have been putting in the work, and the results speak for themselves: • 219,231 math questions completed on IXL • 2,621 individual skills practiced • 1,280 skills proficient • 1,051 skills mastered • 90% proficiency rating Whether they love it or just power through it, one thing’s clear—our JH students are getting it done. Big thanks to Coach Hughes for leading the charge and helping our kids show what focus and effort can do. Go Lions!

LC Community- We’re working hard to make this a fun and memorable send-off for our senior class—and we could use your help. There are 19 seniors in this year’s class, and we’d love to provide each of them with something practical they can take with them as they head into college, technical school, the military, or the workforce. The goal is to equip them with useful items that can help them begin their next chapter. If you'd like to support us, there are a couple of ways to help: Monetary Donations: Checks can be made out to Leverett’s Chapel ISD. Gift Ideas: Here are some of the items we’re collecting—things every graduate can use: Laptops Headphones / AirPods TVs Luggage sets Mini fridges Microwaves Keurig coffee machines Air fryers Toolkits Desk accessories Storage containers Towel sets Laundry hampers Laundry supplies Twin sheet sets Shower caddies / Shower supplies Surge protectors Gift Cards are also a great option—Walmart, Target, Amazon, restaurants, gas cards, etc. We appreciate any support you’re able to give. If you have questions or would like to get involved, feel free to contact: Hayley McClendon – hmclendon@leverettschapelisd.net Jena Kirk – jkirk@leverettschapelisd.net Thank you for helping us celebrate the Class of 2025 in a meaningful way. Go Lions!

LC Community- LC Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Espinosa – From LC Valedictorian to Financial Leader in Education This young lady comes from one of the finest families in Leverett’s Chapel. The Espinosa family has built a lasting legacy in our school community—one that reflects commitment, kindness, and a deep belief in the power of education. Today, we are proud to shine the spotlight on Jessica Espinosa, a 2012 LC graduate, and someone who is giving back to schools just like ours in powerful ways. Jessica attended LC from 8th grade through graduation, finishing at the top of her class as Valedictorian in 2012. From there, she began a journey defined by perseverance, family, and the belief that no matter where you come from, you can achieve great things. She started her higher education at Kilgore College, earning both an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science, and made lifelong friendships through the incredible support of the TRIO Student Support Program. Jessica often credits this program—and the mentors who guided her—with laying the foundation for not only her academic and professional success but her confidence in life. After some time spent focusing on family, Jessica returned to school to finish what she started. While working and raising a toddler, she pushed forward and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from The University of Texas at Tyler in 2020. Her professional journey began where her academic journey took off—at Kilgore College—as an administrative assistant for the TRIO program that once supported her. That role led her into accounting, and eventually to an opportunity with Nucor Steel in Longview, where she grew her skills and relationships until the facility closed. Today, Jessica is making a real impact in her role as a Financial Services Accountant at Region 7 Education Service Center, where she supports school districts across the region—including districts just like Leverett’s Chapel. Jessica’s day-to-day work involves helping schools make smart financial decisions, offering payroll and software support, and making sure district operations run efficiently and effectively. She is living proof that the lessons learned in a small school can be carried forward to benefit many others. But perhaps what makes this story so meaningful is how deeply rooted Jessica remains in the LC community. She is a proud mom of two—a third grader who is already part of the LC tradition, and a one-year-old son who will be joining the family legacy in just a few years. Her mother has served our school for over a decade, and her three brothers—Jose, Raymond, and Eduardo—have all been part of the LC story. Jessica puts it best herself: "The support I received at LC shaped who I am today, and it’s important to me that future generations—including my own children—have the same chance to grow and thrive in such a nurturing environment." Jessica, we are so proud of the woman, mother, and professional you’ve become. Your story reminds us all: It’s not where you start, it’s where you’re going. You are proof that small schools build strong leaders, and we are honored to call you part of the LC family. Please share this and tag other LC Alumni—let’s keep this celebration going! If you know of another graduate doing great things, send me their story. Email: meverett@leverettschapelisd.net Cell: 903-808-0182 Let’s keep shining a light on our LC legacy—past, present, and future. Go Lions!

Due to playoff implications and a tie-breaking scenario, we have had to make a baseball schedule change. This will allow our Regional Track Qualifiers on to compete on 4/18, and baseball not be affected with personnel issues. So, here are the changes made: April 18th - Away game at UH changed to April 22nd April 22nd - Home game vs Avery deleted April 15th and April 25th - Home games vs Miller Grove not affected April 25th - Home game vs Miller Grove will be Senior Night Regional Track will compete on April 18th and 19th at Waco Midway High School THE VARSITY GAME AT UNION HILL ON 4/22 HAS CHANGED FROM 6PM TO 5PM. THIS IS TO HELP GET OUR KIDS BACK A LITTLE EARLIER TO ALLOW MORE REST FOR TESTING THE FOLLOWING DAY. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING.

LC Community- Leverett's Chapel Track & Field Our athletes put in a strong showing at the UIL 1A District 19 & 20 Area Meet on April 9, hosted by Miller Grove High School. Congratulations to everyone who competed, and special recognition goes to those who placed in the top 4 and are advancing to the Regional Meet in Waco next week. Regional Qualifiers – Top 4 Finishes Girls • Lacie Hayes – 3rd in 100m Hurdles • Lacie Hayes – 4th in High Jump • 4x400m Relay – 4th place (Alyvia Page, Brynleigh Seymore, Layla Neumeister, Maria Contreras) Boys • Jaggar Ward – 2nd in 100m Dash • Jaggar Ward – 2nd in 200m Dash • Jaggar Ward – 3rd in Long Jump • Trent Wheat – 4th in 100m Dash • Trent Wheat – 2nd in Shot Put • Carson Ford – 4th in Shot Put • DeWaylon Brown – 2nd in Triple Jump • 4x100m Relay – 2nd place (DeWaylon Brown, Evan Lucas, Jaggar Ward, Trent Wheat) Also Placed and Contributed to Team Points Girls • Lacie Hayes – 5th in 300m Hurdles, 5th in Pole Vault • Alison Riley – 5th in Long Jump, competed in 100m Dash, 5th in 4x100m and 4x200m Relays • Brynleigh Seymore – 6th in Long Jump, 5th in 4x100m and 4x200m Relays, 4th in 4x400m • Deysi Perez – 5th in 4x100m and 4x200m Relays • Maria Contreras – 5th in 4x200m Relay, 4th in 4x400m • Alyvia Page – 5th in 4x100m Relay, 4th in 4x400m • Layla Neumeister – Competed in 800m Run, 4th in 4x400m • Palynn Butler – 6th in Discus • Khloe Clark – Competed in Triple Jump Boys • Keaton Geter – 5th in Shot Put • Adrian Harrison – 6th in 400m Dash, competed in 4x200m Relay • 4x200m Relay – Competed but disqualified (Adrian Harrison, DeWaylon Brown, Evan Lucas, Trent Wheat) Team Results • Girls Team – 6th Overall • Boys Team – 4th Overall

LC Community- I want to thank our entire Leverett’s Chapel community, and especially Mrs. Julia, for making this year’s Book Fair the best we’ve ever had. The turnout, the energy, and the support from everyone involved truly made it something special for our students. A big thank you as well to Scholastic for their continued partnership. Their support helps us do more than just host a book fair—it helps us build a culture of reading. This year, we received over $1,400 in credit from Scholastic, which allowed us to purchase 121 new books for our library. That’s a big win for our kids and their love of reading. This event brought our community together and put books in the hands of students. That’s something worth celebrating. Thank you again to everyone who made it happen. Go Lions!