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Longview Independent School District honored four former students Friday, May 21 during the annual Distinguished Alumni ceremony and luncheon at Lobo Coliseum.
This year's Distinguished Alumni are Dr. Blanche Henderson Brick (Class of 1957), Dr. James Andrew 'Andy' Mack (Class of 1978), Mr. Wray Wade (Class of 1986), and Mr. Joe Don Holley (Class of 1990).
All four said they were deeply thankful for their time at Longview ISD.
Dr. Brick said she was greatly impressed with how the district has evolved since her day, adding that 'to be on this campus and to meet some of the students has been a joy,' and reflected on the 'golden days' in which she and her peers once walked the halls of LHS.
'I know we no longer live in that safe and secure world, we face a different world today,' she said. 'But I also know that warm happy world is still a part of all we are today, and I can only say 'thank you' to those who gave us that world, and those of you who shared that world with me.'
Mr. Holley said, growing up in Longview, he never imagined that he would someday work at one of the largest architecture firms in the world, 'working with some of the best professionals in the industry on these fantastic and rewarding projects.'
'But I'm proud to say that it all started in the schools of Longview and the Longview Independent School District,' he said. 'I am grateful to receive this honor, and I thank you all very much.'
Dr. Mack said he was humbled to be selected as a Distinguished Alumni, and so appreciative of the teachers, coaches, friends, and family in Longview ISD that provided me with such an amazing support group to grow in during his younger years.
'There is a common thread there, and it's amazing staffers of Longview ISD,' he said. 'You all are the ones who should be honored, you all are the ones who make it work. You are the 'big green machine,' Go Lobos!'
Wade praised the power of community in Longview who has always been there for him at every step of the way.
'I am surrounded by a lot of people who love me and care for me,' he said. 'While this is a prestigious honor recognizing contributions I might have made, I must recognize the people in my life who have made anything and everything I have done possible.'
Honorees are nominated at-large and chosen by a committee of previous honorees, volunteer Distinguished Alumni Committee members, and the district’s Community Relations office. Distinguished alumni typically have excelled professionally, in addition to serving the communities in which they live.
Dr. James Wilcox said the accomplishments of the alumni are both a source of pride as well as a challenge to future Lobos.
'Looking at what former LISD students have done in the world should show our students than anything is possible for them,' he said. 'They too can continue to excel once they leave the halls of Longview High School, and join their fellow alumni in making the world a better place.'
