Leverett’s Chapel Independent School District

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!

LC Community- Congratulations to the Lions Baseball Team! The Lions pulled off a big district win over rival Union Hill! That puts us in a tie for 1st place—and the tiebreaker is set. We’ll face Union Hill again on April 18 at Union Hill to decide the district title. Let’s bring it home, Lions! Great job, team—keep the momentum going! Game Highlights: Hitting Standouts: Ethan Williams: 2-4, double, 3 runs, 1 RBI, 2 stolen bases Carson Ford: 2-3, triple, 1 run, 2 RBI Ethan Vaden: 1-4, triple, 1 run, 1 RBI Trent Wheat: 1-4, 1 run, 1 stolen base Pitching Performance: Carson Ford: 4.1 innings, 5 hits, 4 earned runs, 4 walks, 5 strikeouts (Got the win) Davis “Bubba” Tryon: 2.2 innings, 1 hit, 1 earned run, 5 strikeouts (Shut it down for the save) The Lions racked up 7 hits and had a season-best with just 1 error—an outstanding all-around effort! Let’s finish the job on April 18. Go Lions!

Here is the schedule for the Area track meet in Miller Grove tomorrow. If you are free, come support the kids. They are fun to watch!

LC Community- Reminder: School is in session Monday through Friday for all of April—including Good Friday—as a make-up for bad weather days. Please make sure your child is at school and on time every day. Go Lions!

🌟 It's Pre-K and Kindergarten roundup week! From today until Friday, April 11th, come pick up an application for your child who will be in Pre-K or Kindergarten next school year. 📚✨ If your child is currently enrolled in Pre-K, they'll be sent home with a packet for Kindergarten enrollment. Have any questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to DeAnn Thrash at 903-834-3181 or email dthrash@leverettschapelisd.net.

LC Community- Thank You to Gabriel/Jordan Chevrolet We want to give a sincere thank you to Gabriel /Jordan Chevrolet for their generous $500 donation to the Leverett’s Chapel Class of 2025 Project Graduation. Their support means a lot to our students and helps make this event possible. A special thanks to James Take, General Manager, for his leadership and commitment to the community. We also appreciate the entire team at Gabriel/Jordan Chevrolet for standing behind our school: Tim Capps, Scott Jordan, James Take, Tracy Jones, Katie Grant, Ronnie Barfield, Alex Hernandez, Daphane Perry, Janet Acosta, Steven Smith, Mike Kizer, Colby Lambright, Andrew Mitchell, Terran Bynum, and Tina Stracener—thank you all. We also want to recognize Jenna Kirk, one of our own at Leverett’s Chapel, for the time and effort she’s put into making this happen. She’s been a huge part of getting this support for our seniors. If you’re looking for a dealership that truly cares about the community, we highly recommend Gabriel/Jordan Chevrolet in Henderson. They’re not just in the business of selling cars—they’re in the business of showing up for their neighbors. You can learn more about them on their Facebook page: Gabriel/Jordan Chevrolet Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GabrielJordanChevy/ Go Lions!

🌟 Join me, Mr. Everett, this Friday, April 11th, for coffee! ☕ This is a fantastic opportunity for all community members to ask questions, share thoughts, and discuss ideas that impact our schools and students.

🌼 Spring Testing is just around the corner! 🌼 Parents, your support is crucial for our students’ success! Please remember: ✅ Ensure your child is on time and present for testing days. ✅ A good night's rest is essential—let's help them recharge! 💤 ✅ Don’t forget to pack their water bottles! 💧 Let’s encourage our students to do their best; they've been preparing all year!

Tonight's baseball game at Avery has been cancelled due to weather. Thank you for your understanding.

LC Community- Happy National School Librarian Day! Today, Friday, April 4th, we celebrate Mrs. Julia Espinosa, our outstanding school librarian at Leverett's Chapel! Mrs. Julia is the heart of our library—hardworking, kind, and always here for the kids. Whether it's helping students find the perfect book, supporting teachers, or creating a welcoming space to learn and grow, she does it all with a smile. Thank you, Mrs. Julia, for everything you do. LCISD is fortunate to have you! Go Lions!

The 2025 Leverett's Chapel Junior-Senior Prom will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 7pm. Tickets may be purchased in the high school office. Tickets are $30 a person or $50 per couple. If your date does not attend Leverett's Chapel, a "Guest Permission Form" may be picked up in the high school office. Ticket money and guest forms are due back no later than April 30th.

LC Community, Every Friday, I send a message to our incredible staff to recognize their hard work and dedication—but today, I felt compelled to share a message with you, our Leverett’s Chapel community. Our school doesn’t survive without the support, involvement, and heart of the people around it. From parents and grandparents to alumni, local businesses, and neighbors—you are the foundation that keeps LC strong. Whether it’s showing up to a game, helping with a fundraiser, volunteering your time, or simply encouraging a student or staff member, your impact is felt every single day. What we do inside the classrooms is only possible because of the support outside of them. So thank you—for believing in us, for backing us, and for continuing to stand with Leverett’s Chapel. Go Lions!

LC Community- LC Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Paul Thompson – A True Leader, A Lifelong Friend This one is special for me. I’ve had the honor of knowing Dr. Paul Thompson for over 20 years, and I can say without hesitation—he is one of the most genuine, kind-hearted, and respected individuals I’ve ever met. Though soft-spoken, Dr. Thompson commands attention and admiration whenever he walks into a room. His humility, integrity, and dedication to service are the kind of qualities we hope to instill in every student who walks through the doors of Leverett’s Chapel ISD. Dr. Thompson graduated from Leverett’s Chapel in 1987, and the foundation built here helped launch a life filled with academic achievement, professional leadership, and community service. I am incredibly proud of all he has accomplished, and I’m even more thankful to call him a friend. Academic Excellence After graduating from LC, Paul began his academic journey at Kilgore College, where he served as vice president of his freshman class, was active in the student senate, and earned a debate scholarship. He went on to complete an Associate’s degree, then earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and later a Doctor of Management in Organizational Development and Change from Colorado Technical University. He’s published a dissertation, several articles, and authored two books. He has presented and lectured across the country and continues to share his knowledge and leadership in every setting. A Career Committed to Service and Safety Currently, Dr. Thompson serves as the Senior School Safety Agent (Director IV) at the Texas Education Agency – Office of Safety and Security, overseeing 185 school districts and charter systems representing nearly 1,000 campuses. Over his more than 30-year career as a Texas Peace Officer, he’s served as patrol supervisor, criminal investigator, and police chief for two municipalities and one school district. His experience includes time as a Safety Coordinator at Region 7 ESC, and he holds multiple licenses and certifications, including Texas Master Peace Officer and Certified School Business Specialist through TASBO. Teaching and Leadership Dr. Thompson has taught as an adjunct professor at both Kilgore College (2017–2019) and the University of Texas at Tyler (2018–present). His leadership has also extended to professional associations: President of the Texas Police Association (2018–19) President of the East Texas Police Chief Association (2013) Member of numerous law enforcement and professional organizations at the state and national level He’s also been a delegate to the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Forum, a panelist for the Texas Supreme Court’s Beyond the Bench Program, and a speaker and mentor to countless law enforcement professionals. Faith, Family, and Community Beyond his professional life, Dr. Thompson has dedicated years to pastoral leadership, serving as pastor of the Center of Hope Fellowship and Faith Christian Center in Kilgore, Texas. He has also contributed through non-profit leadership as Board President of Touching Lives Enrichment Center CDC (2018–2023) and serves as the owner of Thompson Dynamic Solutions, LLC, a business offering leadership and consulting services. A Legacy That Inspires Dr. Thompson’s story reminds us that a small school can produce great leaders. Leverett’s Chapel played a role in shaping who he is today, and his accomplishments reflect the power of perseverance, faith, and hard work. He is proof that it’s not where you start—it’s where you’re headed. Dr. Paul Thompson, we are incredibly proud of you and honored to call you part of the LC family. Thank you for your lifelong commitment to education, safety, service, and leadership. You are truly a shining example for our current students to look up to. Go Lions! #LC4Life