Panola College

October 23, 2019 - A life can change in 8 seconds. Ask Daylon Swearingen, Professional Bull Rider and a member of the Panola College Rodeo Team. Ranked #12 in the nation by the PBR, Daylon knows the value of hanging on for 8 seconds. But as a little boy, he lived through an event that changed his family forever. And that nightmare probably didn’t last even 8 seconds.

Look closely at Daylon’s gear. He wears a cross on his vest, and a ribbon logo with a hand-tooled leather cross over it on his chaps. That purple ribbon logo is the symbol for Domestic Violence Awareness. Daylon and his little brother Colton witnessed their mother Carrie experience a devastating injury in a domestic abuse crisis that changed their lives.

“I wear the symbol for Domestic Violence Awareness because of what happened to my mom,” Daylon says, “She now does testimonies to help other people. I travel so much, but I have a church program on my phone and when I’m in Carthage, I go with the team to the Still Waters Cowboy Church.”

Once she recovered from her injuries, Daylon’s mom bundled her boys into the truck, left North Carolina and moved to Piffard, New York. Change is hard. Starting over is hard, but sometimes it’s the only choice. Daylon’s mom and her boys needed a fresh start. Rodeo in New York? Piffard is far from New York City, and the town has become a mecca for rodeo in the Northeast.

Carrie settled in, found a man who loved rodeo as much as she did, remarried, and her new husband adopted the boys. “Sam Swearingen is our dad. He adopted us and he is our dad. He was a bronc rider and now he and my mom own our rodeo company called Rawhide Pro Rodeo. Colton and I know we are adopted, and Sam Swearingen is our dad,” he says.

Rodeo is in Daylon’s blood. His mom is a nurse and also a barrel racer and trick rider. She and Sam produce rodeos around the country using a portable arena or they contract with other rodeo venues. They also raise bulls and bucking horses. In the Northeast, the rodeos start in June and run through the end of September.

Rodeo is a family affair for the Swearingens. Daylon’s brother Colton is a calf roper and steer wrestler. He’s currently going to school and competing on a rodeo team at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant.

While Daylon can handle any rodeo event, he is first and foremost a bull rider. “I’ve always enjoyed being around bulls. When I was a kid, I started out riding on sheep and calves,” he said. He kept on riding and practicing and achieved success in high school rodeo.

“I won the high school national finals in bareback rodeo as a senior,” he said. “That was my first big success, but I’ve always been more passionate about bull riding. I was the youngest competitor to the RAM National Circuit Finals in Kissimmee, Florida. This year I’m making it to the NFR and PBR finals, and I’m the youngest to make it to both in the same year.”

Daylon is on the road so much traveling around the country to compete in rodeo events that he is grateful for the opportunity to take most of his Panola College classes online. “Panola really works with you to help you get your degree. This semester all my classes are online, and in the spring, I’ll have one face-to-face class. I’m on track to graduate in May 2020.”

How did a rodeo star from Piffard, New York, find his way to Panola College in East Texas? “I met Coach Jeff Collins at the high school finals,” Daylon said. “I liked his mentality, how he looks at life in general. Coach Collins won the world PRC bareback riding competition in 2000 – he’s done something I want to do. My mom and brother and I came down for a campus visit. When I realized Panola College offers a degree in land and ranch management, I knew this was where I needed to be.”

Daylon arrived back on the Panola College campus at 3 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, and was ready for his interview for this article at 10 a.m. He competes with his team in the Mt. Pleasant Community College Rodeo on Friday, Oct. 18, then he flies out to Nampa, Idaho, for a PBR bull riding event on Saturday, the last PBR event before the World Finals, scheduled for ATT Stadium in Las Vegas in November.

Rodeo is big not only in the United States, but also in Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Australia, so the World Finals draws a huge crowd of international fans.

Rodeo competition is based on a point system. For college students like Daylon who are on scholarship, it’s hard to balance the commitment to the college and making it to the pro events that offer winnings. Daylon said the PBR updated its rules to allow college rodeo team members to miss an event in the “Unleash the Beast” series. “There are only 10 rodeos in college, and I have to make every one count. Last year we won the National College Finals with a great team. I’m proud to be a part of that.”

Now in his second year at Panola College, Daylon says he has learned so much. “Last year, I put a lot of time in my school work. This year, it’s been more of a struggle. But I remember that my mom always preached to stay away from drugs and alcohol. It can lead you astray. I’ve seen that in traveling all over. I try to eat pretty healthy, especially when I’m on the road. If I have a 7 p.m. show that night, I eat at 12 noon, and don’t eat again until afterwards. I like to feel light.”

At 5’6” and 150 pounds, Daylon focuses his fitness routine more on flexibility and balance than weight-lifting. “My routine is similar to Crossfit. I do lots of reps but not with heavy weight. I work on my balance by standing on a yoga ball.”

Standing on a yoga ball…

Panola College has been good to Daylon in other ways. About a year ago he met another rodeo team member named McKenzie Bush, a barrel racer and breakaway roper from Center. “I met her at a meeting here at Panola, and we’ve been together for 11 months.”

Daylon prepares physically and mentally before each rodeo competition. “My mindset is ‘I’m going to go there and win. I’m going to try to do the best I can on whatever animal I draw’.”

And it’s the luck of the draw. Daylon says his hardest bull was Cochise, owned by Gene Owens. “You can’t really size them up by looking at them. I’ve been on the same bull three times, and he’s bucked me off every time. They are smart. Some are mean, but they are all wound up and they are trying to buck you off,” he said.

When Daylon completes his associate degree in land and ranch management, he plans to shift his focus to full time rodeo competition and building toward the future. “I would like to raise bucking bulls and own my own ranch one day,” he said.

Daylon has made significant money on the pro circuit but he covers his own equipment and travel expenses. Right now his sponsors include Wrangler, Total Feeds, and Rather P Chaps. For now, Daylon is focused on earning his associate degree, competing with the Panola College Rodeo Team in collegiate rodeos, and making it to as many pro events as he can.

“I’ve been blessed meeting everyone here at Panola College, and I’ve met so many great friends on the road. I’m already on the pro circuit so I’m doing now what I plan to continue doing next year. My goal is to stay on the bull for 8 seconds, every time,” he said.

Daylon has a vision, a dream, and a network of family, friends, the pro rodeo circuit, and his Panola College team to support him as he holds on for those 8 seconds, whether it’s a bull ride or surviving a life-changing event. He holds on…


Walmart’s grant provides laptop computers that can be checked out by students.

October 21, 2019 - Walmart Community Grants Team has awarded a $1,000 grant to Panola College to purchase Google Chromebook laptop computers. The grant will tie in with a previous donation from the Panola College Foundation to fund hotspots in Carthage, Marshall and Center.

Cancee Lester worked for Center Independent School District before joining Panola College as an adjunct instructor, and now as the Director of Shelby County Operations. Her close contact with students made her aware that many students do not have access to computers in their homes.

“While Panola College offers free access to computer labs, some of our students deal with transportation issues, family and work commitments that prevent them from using the labs,” Lester said.

Lester wrote a community grant proposal requesting funding from the Center Walmart store #364 to purchase Google Chromebooks that students can check out and take home to use for their school work.

“This is a pilot program and we hope to expand it. Right now, the Library, Shelby Regional Training Center, and the Marshall College Center have a limited number of WiFi hotspots and Chromebooks available for checkout,” said Cristie Ferguson, Director of Library Services. “The pilot program allows Panola College students who live outside of town that do not have reliable internet service to check out a laptop and hotspot for a 24-hour period.”

“We are gratified that Walmart approved our grant proposal. It shows the company’s commitment to the students in Shelby County,” she said.

Walmart’s community grant program supports initiatives in local communities. “We are thrilled to support your work in our communities and share your desire to provide local impact. By receiving this grant, you are part of a long history of Walmart’s commitment to giving back to the communities where we operate.  In fact, Mrs. Helen Walton used to say, "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived,” said Kabir Kumar Sr. Director, Community Giving Walmart Giving.

October 21, 2019 - The Fillies improved to 24-7 for the season and 6-2 in conference play sweeping Pearl River twice, along with Coastal Bend and Laredo.

On Monday, the Fillies took on the Pearl River Wildcats at home defeating them in three straight sets (25-10, 25-12, 25-8). Nyah Walker led offensively with 10 kills, followed by Maria Idjilov with seven, and Ashton Brown added six. Idjilov dished out 24 assists. Defensively, Erin Perez led with 16 digs, followed by Mikayla Ware with 10, and Brown chipped in five. At the net, Brown led with five block assists and Walker followed with three. 

On Tuesday, the Fillies swept Pearl River again (25-10, 25-13, 25-12). Offensively, Nyah Walker led with nine kills, followed by Ware with seven, while Carol Melo and April Brown added six apiece, respectively. Idjilov ran the offense contributing 30 assists. Hannah Floyd led the defense with eight digs, while Payton Jones, Perez, and Ware added seven of their own. 

Friday, the Fillies swept Coastal Bend to add another conference win (25-18, 25-18, 25-15). Ware led the offense with 12 kills, followed by Mylena Testoni with seven, and April Brown added five. Idjilov dished out 30 assists. Hannah Floyd anchored the defense with 13 digs, followed byTestoni with seven, and Ware chipped in six. 

Saturday, Panola hosted their Dig Pink Match honoring the Fillies and their family members affected by breast cancer, sweeping Laredo to add another conference win (25-15, 25-10, 25-8). Offensively, Ware led with 14 kills, followed by Walker with 10, and Testoni added six. Idjilov ran the offense and dished out 34 assists. Defensively, Perez led with 10 digs, followed by Testoni with nine, while Ware added eight. At the net, Riley Seegers and Idjilov contributed two block assists.

The Fillies return to play on Wednesday, October 23rd facing TJC at home for Sophomore Night starting at 6:00 PM. If you wear your Junior Fillies shirt, Panola Volleyball Camp shirt, or bring your high school ID, you will get in FREE. Lets pack the gym to conclude conference play and support our sophomore's last game in AJ Gym! Go Fillies!!

October 16, 2019 - Panola College will host the 7th Annual Veterans Day Dinner, at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7. The event will be held in the Frances B. Ross Ballroom of the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

“The event is a festive evening honoring our local veterans for their service to our country,” said Brian Naples, government professor, and faculty sponsor for the Panola College Student Government Association.

“The evening will include music, a guest speaker, and recognition of the oldest and youngest veterans. The dinner is free for any East Texas veteran and one guest each,” he said. As part of the program, the nation’s colors will be presented, students will read patriotic poems, and the Panola College band will perform selections including the anthems of the armed forces.

The annual Veterans Day event is hosted by the Panola College SGA and Green Jackets organizations. Student members of both groups invite individuals and businesses to participate as sponsors.

Sponsor levels include $35 for each Flag of Honor, $75 for a seat sponsor, $500 for a table sponsor, and $1,000 for an event sponsorship. All sponsors will be recognized, and memorial flag certificates will be mailed to the donors after the display period.

Naples explained that flags of honor will be displayed along Bird Drive in front of Panola College from November 1 through November 15. The 3’x5’ flags, mounted on 6’ poles, will include a sign with the name of the veteran being honored, branch of service, and a personal message from the donor.

The doors will open at 6 pm. Seating for the dinner is limited. Please RSVP to Brian Naples at 903-693-2043 to reserve your spot. “We hope you will join us in honoring all of our proud men and women who have served our nation at this year’s dinner,” he said.

For more information contact the Panola College Green Jackets, 1109 West Panola St., Carthage, TX 75633, or Bailee Woodall, bwoodall@panola.edu, 903-693-2094.

October 15, 2019 - The M.P. Baker Library of Panola College will be co-hosting a local author showcase with the Sammy Brown Public Library on Monday, October 21st from 2:00 – 4:00 PM in the Murphy-Payne Community Rooms at Panola College. Five East Texas area authors will be on hand to sell and sign copies of their various works. Authors include Ryan Burchett, Dr. Barbara Cordell, Bill O’Neal, Elizabeth Powell, and Louis Powell. Several genres will be represented at the event.

Ryan Burchett is the pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Garland, TX. Ryan graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, and with his Master of Arts in Church Ministries from the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. 

In Walking Together Through Trials: And How God is STILL Good, Ryan tells the story of the ongoing challenges he and his wife, Lindsie, face through her dealings with ataxic cerebral-palsy with neuropathy. Told from his perspective as the caregiver, Ryan is open and honest about the inner struggles he faces, along with Lindsie's physical challenges and how both endure through various challenges, trials, and some victories. 

Dr. Barbara Cordell holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Counseling and Education, Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Cardiovascular Clinical Nurse Specialist, Univ. of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX and several certificates in Holistic Nursing.

Dr. Cordell has published 30+ academic articles in peer-reviewed journals, including three on Auto-Brewery Syndrome. Her work has appeared on National Public Radio, 20/20, and BBC. Cordell is a holistic nurse with forty years of experience and dozens of published articles including research on Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS). When her husband Joe, was diagnosed with ABS she took a deep dive into the literature and research in order to help him and others get well by writing a book on the science and stories of the rare disease.

In My Gut Makes Alcohol!, Dr. Cordell takes a close look at all the science, new and old that surrounds ABS. She reveals the painful experiences of ABS patients and in doing so, exposes the medical community’s resistance to new knowledge and potential for cruelty. 

Texas author, Bill O’Neal has written more than forty books and three hundred articles and book reviews on the American West, including gunfighters, lawmen, and ghost towns; Country music, with emphasis on Texas artists; baseball, such as his study of the Texas League, and children's books, including one on the first Thanksgiving held in Texas. O’Neal’s latest non-fiction title is Billy and Olive Dixon: The Plainsman and His Lady

Billy Dixon triggered the most celebrated shot in the history of the West at the Battle of Adobe Walls in 1874. A few months later, while serving as an army scout, Billy earned a Medal of Honor during an even more desperate engagement, as one of six men battling for their lives against a band of 125 warriors at the Buffalo Wallow Fight. Both of these actions took place in the Texas Panhandle, where Dixon became an icon of heroism. 

A fellow adventure-seeker, Olive King, came to the Panhandle from back East to visit her cowboy brothers. She became a frontier schoolmarm and she met her famous neighbor, Billy Dixon. Billy and Olive fell in love, married, and had eight children. In later years, Olive persuaded Billy to dictate his memoirs to her, and the result was a classic frontier biography, Life of Billy Dixon: Plainsman, Scout and Pioneer. Their story is captured in Mr. O’Neal’s manuscript.

Beth Powell grew up in the small East Texas town of Carthage where she still lives today. In 2005, Beth retired from her career of 34 years as an income tax professional. After retirement, she and her husband, Louis, traveled as much as possible. They have 5 married children and enjoy 15 grandchildren.

In 2010, her husband began going on mission trips. She did not want to go and was not happy being left home alone. But, through time, God changed her heart. In 2018, Beth began a year long journey with a new friend in China. The two have never met, but their hearts are forever joined in friendship and Christian love. This extraordinary friendship caused her to step way outside the box of her happy normal life. Encouraged by her husband, she began to write the story of this friendship. It became a book, Ying Yue and Me. She grew up hearing that God can use anyone, and has chosen to live that truth.

Louis Powell has centered his life around family and work. In July 2010, the day after burying his mother, he left on his first mission trip with his church. It was to Ghana, Africa. The trip changed his life in a profound way and left him with a burning desire to help bring Christian awareness to others, especially those who cannot read. He began to teach about Jesus Christ and the Bible, domestically and then internationally. Through his non-profit organization, Unless They Hear, he distributed thousands of audio Bibles that reached into 50 countries.

Louis has a master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Louisiana Baptist University. He has taught and witnessed to people in 17 countries in Latin America, the Amazon Jungle, Europe, and Asia, and specifically China, having made 19 trips there.

His life changed focus when a young Chinese lady asked him, "Will I be alone in heaven while my family and all my ancestors will be burning in hell, since I am the only family member to hear about Jesus?" For the next several years, Louis concentrated his studies on answering this question from the pages of the Bible. Gaining much more than the answer to this one question, he wrote Seven Resurrections, which mixes God’s plan of salvation with detailed End Time explanations. Louis explains the seven resurrection events of the Bible and presents them as an important truth that many overlook in their biblical studies.

The casual event will give community members an opportunity to visit with these East Texas authors while hearing about their books. For those interested in learning how to publish their own work, these authors can provide more insight into the process. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information please contact the M.P. Baker Library (903-693-2052) or the Sammy Brown Library (903-693-6741).

October 14, 2019 - The Panola Fillies had a tough week on the road facing #11 TVCC, #2 Navarro, #7 Iowa Western, #5 NMMI and Mineral Area.

On Monday, the Fillies traveled to Athens to compete against #11 TVCC, but came up short (16-25, 23-25, 23-25). Offensively, Mikayla Ware led with 16 kills, followed by Mylena Testoni with 11 and Nyah Walker chipped in eight. Maria Idjilov dished out 37 assists. Hannah Floyd led the defense with 15 digs, followed by Ware with 12 and Idjilov added eight. 

The Fillies continued on Wednesday traveling to Corsicana to take on #2 Navarro, falling short to the Bulldogs (22-25, 25-17, 21-25, 11-25). Ware led offensively with 16 kills, followed by Testoni with nine, while Walker added seven of her own. Idjilov dished out 42 assists while also contributing five kills. Ware also led the defense with 17 digs, followed by Erin Perez with 11 & Floyd and Idjilov added 10 apiece, respectively.

Friday, the Fillies lost a tough five-set match at the Dennis South Memorial Classic against #7 Iowa Western (25-21, 25-23, 24-26, 21-25, 13-15). Once again, Ware led the offense with 16 kills, followed by Testoni with 10, while Ashton Brown and Idjilov added seven apiece. Idjilov ran the offense adding 46 assists. Floyd anchored the defense with 18 digs, followed by Ware with 15 and Perez added six. At the net, Walker led with eight block assists, while Brown followed with seven.

Continuing on Friday, the Fillies had another tough five-set match against #5 NMMI (25-19, 25-21, 19-25, 15-25, 9-15). Offensively, Testoni led with 11 kills, followed by Walker with nine, while Ware added seven. Idjilov dished out 32 assists, while contributing five service aces. Perez led defensively with 23 digs, followed by Ware with 10 & Idjilov and McKenzie Dimery added eight apiece, respectively. 

Saturday, the Fillies swept Mineral Area (25-18, 25-19, 25-15). Ware led the offense with 18 kills, followed by Walker with nine and Testoni chipped in seven. Idjilov ran the offense with 39 assists and led the defense with 15 digs, followed by Ware and Perez who added 13 of their own. 

The Fillies are 20-7 on the season and 4-2 in conference play. The updated schedule is listed below. Go Fillies!

Monday, October 14th @ Home
6:00 PM - Pearl River vs. Panola 

Tuesday, October 15th @ Home
11:00 AM -  Pearl River vs. Panola 

Friday, October 18th @ Home 
6:00 PM - Coastal Bend vs. Panola 

Saturday, October 19th @ Home
1:00 PM - Laredo vs. Panola
*Dig Pink Game

Wednesday, October 23rd @ Home
6:00 PM - TJC vs. Panola
*Sophomore Night

October 7, 2019 - Panola College inducted new members into the Pi Beta Chapter of the national Phi Theta Kappa honor society on Wednesday, October 3. The induction ceremony was held in the Frances B. Ross Ballroom of the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center.

Phi Theta Kappa advisors Emily Zabcik, Chasity Klingler and Roberta Collinsworth, professors of math, along with Mitchell Fountain, Phi Theta Kappa President, inducted the new members. Cristie Ferguson, Panola College Director of Library Services was the speaker.

New inductees include Corey Branton, Timpson; Sarah Kushner, Carthage; Cami Hicks, Carthage; Jason Tillman, Beckville; Perla Mateos, Center; McKenzie Ingram, Beckville; Covie Latham, Beckville; Jaycee Coleman, Beckville; Hannah Menefee, Tenaha, and Hunter Gibson, Shelbyville.

The Pi Beta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is a long-standing organization at Panola College. Members may attend monthly meetings and participate in community service projects. To be eligible for Phi Theta Kappa membership, Panola College students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above, and have completed a minimum of 12 transferable hours through Panola College.

From left, Phi Theta Kappa President Mitchell Fountain, Jason Tillman, Perla Mateos, Sarah Kushner, Cami Hicks, Corey Branton, and PTK Treasurer Milagros Luna.

October 7, 2019 - The Panola Fillies improve to 19-3 on the season and 4-0 in conference defeating Lee College (25-12, 25-18, 20-25, 20-25, 15-9) and #16 Blinn College (25-21, 25-21, 27-25).

On Friday, the Fillies traveled to Baytown to face Lee College in a tough five-set match. They were able to persevere and pull out their third conference win of the season. Mikayla Ware led offensively with 20 kills, followed by Nyah Walker with 14 and April brown added 12. Maria Idjilov dished out 44 assists. Defensively, Hannah Floyd led with 22 digs, followed by Ware with 15, while Erin Perez added 10 and Nina Hauff and McKenzie Dimery chipped in nine apiece, respectively. 

On Saturday, the Fillies traveled to Brenham sweeping #16 Blinn College for their fourth conference win. Offensively, Ware led with 21 kills, followed by Mylena Testoni with 13 and Walker added 11. Idjilov ran the offense contributing 48 assists. Floyd anchored the defense with 23 digs, followed by Ware with 11 and Perez chipped in 10. At the net, Ashton Brown and Walker led with two block assists. 

The updated schedule for the week is listed below. GO FILLIES!

Monday, October 7th at TVCC
7:00 PM - Panola vs. #10 TVCC 

Wednesday, October 9th at Navarro
6:00 PM - Panola vs. #2 Navarro 

Iowa Western Tournament

Friday, October 11th at Iowa Western
1:00 PM - Panola vs. Iowa Western
5:00 PM - Panola vs. NMMI 

Saturday, October 12th at Iowa Western
12:00 PM - Panola vs. Mineral Area
4:00  PM - Panola vs. Seward


Current and former students with Karen King at TETA Theatrefest include, from left, Jasmine Ryan, Panola Graduate 2019, Sam Houston, JR; Niki Lawhorn, Panola Graduate, 2018, Sam Houston, Senior; Karen King; Nathaniel Endsley, Panola Graduate, 2019, SFA, JR, Maria Mejia, Panola Sophomore, Catalina, Zoyquilla, Panola Sophomore.

October 2, 2019 - Panola College students, along with drama professor Karen King, earned recognition at the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TETA) Theatrefest 2019 in Dallas, September 25-29. King was presented with the 2019 TETA Founders Award.

Karen King, Panola College drama professor, accepts the 2019 TETA Founders Award. With her is Matt Perry, theatre director for Martinsville High School.Students participating were selected to serve as interns during the event. They include Bethany Crowe, Eric Dominguez, JoBeth Eddings, Raven Farmer, Justin Gonzales, Austin Graham, Haley Green, Tony Jeter, Clayton Jones, Keath Kibbey, Nicholas McCalister, Maria Mejia, Sarah Owens, Abigail Parrish, Peyton Proffitt, Hannah Williams and Catalina Zoyoquila.

Bethany Crowe, a current Panola student, won the TETA's GOT TALENT Show. Universities were on hand for student auditions during the event, and Keath Kibbey received an acceptance letter from the University of Texas at Arlington, and scholarships offers from Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas Lutheran, University of the Incarnate Word, Texas A&M Commerce, and others.

"Our Panola College students were chosen to go to TETA and were awarded internships, which meant that these students had rooms at the Hyatt Regency Reunion Tower, convention fees of $120 per student, and eight meals comped for the five-day event.  This amounted to a value of around $12,000," King said.

October 1, 2019 - Panola College’s Shelby Regional Training Center and Shelby College Center are hosting a children’s book drive throughout the fall semester.

“We are looking for new books suitable for children in pre-K through second grade,” said Cancee Lester, Director, Shelby County Operations. “The schools can keep the books for their programs or give the books to children to take home and read with their families.”

The books will be donated to Shelby County schools and the Head Start Program in Shelby County. Donations can be made at the Shelby Regional Training Center and the Shelby College Center.

Lester said the book drive is to encourage and support early literacy. “We hope that by adding new books for teachers and students to choose from we can help make reading fun,” she said.

For more information, contact Lester at 936-591-9075, or email her at clester@panola.edu.

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