Saturday, May 17, 1997

Reporter-News Salutes

Meeting the challenge

The team of four scholars from Wylie High School emerged victorious in the finale of this year's KTXS Academic Challenge with a convincing 230-40 win over Breckenridge Thursday night at McMurry University. The annual event, sponsored by McMurry and Coca-Cola, puts a field of 32 teams from local and area high schools into "College Bowl"-type competition answering questions that cover the whole spectrum of academic endeavor and thus gives some rare and much-needed recognition to the many students whose achievements are not measured on an athletic field. Wylie's team was composed of team captain Terrance Hines, Wesley Fuller, Dan Coffin and Thomas Owen. Coaches were Amy White and Renee Clark. Congratulations to these winners and to all the young scholars who participated in this year's Academic Challenge.

Volunteers cited

The Mental Health Association of Abilene named Cheryl Cress as outstanding volunteer of the year for her dependability in volunteering for the Crisis Line. The best back-up volunteer award went to Jerry Arther. Meanwhile, Dick Dansby was honored as volunteer of the year by Abilene State School, and Glenda Hillard was recognized for 2,500 hours of volunteer service.

ABWA awards

The West Texas Heritage chapter of the American Business Women's Association named Christy Williams, chapter president, as its Woman of the Year. And Janice Pennington was named the 1997 Business Associate by the ABWA's Western Horizon Chapter.

Examining boards

Abilene architect Steven Ellinger has been appointed by Gov. Bush to the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners to serve until Jan. 31, 2003. Ellinger is a partner and vice president of CADCO Architects and Engineers Inc. of Abilene. Abilene physician Dr. Edward Brandecker has been chosen as an oral examiner for the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He will travel to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., to conduct examinations for candidates seeking board certification.

Top funeral director

The West Texas Funeral Directors Association has named Eastland's Terry Edwards as Funeral Director the Year. Edwards, who has worked in his family's business for 21 years and is involved in a wide range of Eastland civic affairs, helped recover victims of the Oklahoma City bombing.

Congressional art

Cooper High's Angela Parks has been named winner of Rep. Charles Stenholm's 16th annual Congressional Art Competition for her pastel drawing, "East of Abilene." Stephenville High's Crista Carroll won second, and Jessica Wood, also of Stephenville, placed third. Parks' drawing will be displayed for a year in the tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol, alongside winners from congressional districts from across the country.