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  • Board makes it official

    060321 cocisd board 2COURTESY PHOTO | CASSIE GREGORY Executive Administrative Assistant Cindy Elliott administers the oath of office to new school board members William Baker and Ashney Shelly during the May 24 COCISD board meeting.

    Special to the News-Times

    COLDSPRING — The Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD Board of Trustees officially hired Dr. Bryan Taulton as Superintendent of Schools at a special meeting on May 27.

    Taulton was named lone finalist on May 4, but due to state law, there was a 21-day waiting period before the Board could formally vote to approve him for the position. 

    Taulton has 15 years of professional experience in public education and has served as a teacher, assistant principal, junior high principal, high school principal, and assistant superintendent before taking the position of superintendent at Goodrich ISD.

    He currently teaches graduate courses at Houston Baptist University in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, specializing in school law, school business management and finance, instructional leadership and evaluation, and interpersonal communication and public relations.

    At the board’s regular meeting on May 24, the board swore in two new members, elected in the May 1 general election.

    Other items discussed by the board include:

    • the annual review of board policy on ethics.
    • a proposal for the construction of stadium restrooms.
    • awarding the depository contract for the 2021-2023 biennium.
    • revisions to summer school supplemental pay rates.
    • the COCISD 2021-2022 compensation plan.
    • a resolution regarding ESSER III grant funds.
    • the purchase of technology devices and components.
  • COCISD settles on single candidate

    Dr. TaultonCOURTESY PHOTO Dr. Bryan Taulton

    SJNT staff

    COLDSPRING — On Tuesday, May 4, the Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name Dr. Bryan Taulton as the lone finalist for the position of COCISD Superintendent.

    Dr. Taulton is the current superintendent of Goodrich ISD.

    Due to state law, there is a 21-day waiting period before the board can officially hire Dr. Taulton. The board is scheduled to meet about the matter May 27.

    According to Taulton’s LinkedIn profile, he currently is the superintendent of Goodrich ISD in Houston, and had previously been an adjunct professor at Houston Baptist University.

    He holds a Ph.D. in education administration and supervision, which he obtained in 2014.

  • COHS sending 14 entries to region meet

                                   JASON CHLAPEK I SJNT Coldspring-Oakhurst athlete Crystal Ramos finished fourth in the pole vault during last week’s area meet.

    By Jason Chlapek

    COLDSPRING — The Coldspring-Oakhurst boys and girls track and field programs each qualified seven entries for the Region III-Class 3A Meet this weekend in Waco.

    The Trojans finished third in the team standings of last week’s Districts 23/24-3A Area Meet, while the Lady Trojans finished fifth. The meet took place on April 12 at Trojan Stadium in Coldspring.

    The top four finishers in each event qualified for the region meet, which takes place Friday and Saturday at Midway High School’s Panther Stadium in Waco. The top two finishers and top third-place finish statewide in each event qualify for the Class 3A state meet, which takes place May 6 in Austin.

    TROJANS

    A trio of first-place finishes kept C-O in the hunt for the area championship. Edward Brown and Curtis Parker, Jr., won the 100 and 400-meter runs, respectively, and the quarter of Parker, Reagan Roberts, Gavin Trejo and Jared Curry won the 1,600-meter relay.

    Dante Eldridge took second in the shot put, while Carter Currie was the runner-up in the pole vault. Troy Fortenberry finished third in the pole vault and fourth in the 300-meter hurdles.

    C-O had 79 points in the standings to finish third. East Bernard (96.5) and Boling (94) finished 1-2.

    LADY TROJANS

    Five of the seven regional-qualifying entries for C-O took place in the field events, including a pair of first-place finishes. Alexis Moore and Amanda Ready won the shot put and high jump, respectively, to lead the Lady Trojans’ charge.

    Shanaya Gilbert finished second in the shot put, while Alexis Chandler was third in the triple jump, and Crystal Ramos took fourth in the pole vault. Miya Ellis qualified in two events as she finished third in the 100 and fourth in the 200.

  • Coldspring board recognizes top talent

    050621 cocisd 003CASSIE GREGORY | COURTESY PHOTO Coach Thaddeus Gordon with some of the COHS track team members who qualified for Regionals, including Troy Thortenberry who qualified for the upcoming UIL Track & Field State Meet in the Pole Vault event. Shown from left: Troy Fortenberry, Edward Brown, Dante Eldridge, Jared Curry, Curtis Parker, Stephen Torres, Coach Gordon and Carter Currie.

    Special to the News-Times

    COLDSPRING — The Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD Board of Trustees recognized students and staff for outstanding achievements at its regular monthly meeting on April 26

    Band Director Trent Graves and the Coldspring-Oakhurst High School band were commended for earning a superior rating in Sightreading at the 2021 UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest.

    Additionally, Track Coach Thaddeus Gordon introduced track members who qualified for UIL Regionals, including Troy Fortenberry, who qualified for the state meet. Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Vikki Curry also gave recognition to outstanding teachers who earned Distinguished Trojan awards.

    050621 cocisd 002CASSIE GREGORY | COURTESY PHOTO The Coldspring-Oakhurst High School band was given special recognition for earning a Superior (1) rating at the 2021 UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest on Monday, April 26.

    In other business, the board:

    •discussed a staffing and salary review presentation from the Texas Association of School Boards;

    •approved a shared services agreement with Conroe ISD's Regional Day School Program for the Deaf for the 2021-22 school year;

    •approved the 2021-22 school calendar;

    •certified the 2021-22 Allotment and TEKS Certification;

    •approved the purchase and installation of a greenhouse for Coldspring-Oakhurst High School;

    •approved the 2021-22 CTE Programs of Study;

    •approved repairs to the Coldspring-Oakhurst High School sanitary sewer system;

    •approved a proposal for preparation and repainting of campus exteriors, interiors and entries;

    •approved a student athletic insurance policy;

    •approved an engagement letter for financial audit services for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31;

    •discussed making mask/face covering requirements optional on district campuses and buildings; and

    •authorized the school superintendent to hire a firm to conduct a safety and security audit of all district facilities.

    The next regular meeting of the COCISD Board of Trustees is Monday, May 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Jones Educational Complex.

  • FFA hands out honors

    006CASSIE GREGORY | COURTESY PHOTO The 2020-21 Coldspring-Oakhurst High School FFA Chapter Banquet was held on Thursday, May 13.

    Special to the News-Times

    COLDSPRING — The Coldspring-Oakhurst High School FFA Chapter celebrated a year filled with firsts, lasts, and hope for the future.

    At the FFA banquet on Thursday, 2020-21 Coldspring FFA President Brelynn Ellisor opened the emotional evening.

    "We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for making this a successful year," Ellisor said. "The hard work and dedication of each member has played a role in making all of these accomplishments possible."

    The invocation was led by FFA member Cinco Bailes, followed by a meal prepared and served by Mary Gray Catering with assistance from the FFA Booster Club.

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    The 2020-21 FFA officers — Ellisor, Vice President Camilla Fussell, Secretary Kimberly Blackmann, Treasurer Kylie Curri, and Reporter Kaylen McAdams, with Advisor Ashlie Taylor — presented the year's awards and scholarship winners.

    The evening wound down with a touching end-of-year slideshow and the ceremony for retiring seniors, who hung up their FFA jackets as a symbol of the end of their high school FFA years.

    Before closing the meeting, the names of the 2021-2022 Coldspring FFA Officers were announced: President Kimberly Blackmann, Vice President Brelynn Ellisor, Secretary Cinco Bailes, Treasurer Hayden Richardson, Sentinel Mayci Whitten, Reporter Camilla Fussell and Student Advisor Kaylen McAdams.

  • Pole vaulter heading to state

    042921 track copyCOURTESY PHOTO Troy Fortenberry clears the bar on his leap during the Region 3 3A Track Meet in Waco on Saturday. Troy heads next to the state meet next week.

    SJNT staff

    WACO — Coldspring-Oakhurst Trojan Troy Fortenberry will represent the district in the state track meet next week.

    Fortenberry placed second in the pole vault with a leap of 12’6 at the Region 3 3A meet, held Friday and Saturday at Midway High School in Waco.

    Region 3 Track Meet

    Boys Results

    400 meters

    Curtis Parker, third, 50.95 finals (50.34 prelims)

    300-meter hurdles

    Troy Fortenberry, 16th, 48.40 (prelims)

    4x400 relay

    Jared Curry, Reagan Roberts, Gavin Trejo, Curtis Parker, sixth, 3:30.37 (fourth, 3.31.77 prelims)

    Shot put

    Dante Eldridge, sixth, 44’ 2.75

    Pole Vault

    Troy Fortenberry, second, 12’ 6.

    Carter Currie, eighth, 11’

    Girls

    100 meters

    Miya Ellis, 14th, 13.22 (prelims)

    Shot put

    Shanaya Gilbert, third, 35’ 8.25

    Alexis Moore, 11th, 30’ 5

    High jump

    Amanda Ready, fourth, 5’ 2

    Triple jump

    Alexis Chandler, seventh, 33’ 9.75

  • Praise for prowess

    051321 fort 4COURTESY PHOTO Troy Fortenberry accepting award from Rep. Ernest Bailes

    By SJNT Staff

    Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD Trojan Troy Fortenberry receives a recognition from the State Legislature, presented by Rep. Ernest Bailes, noting his participation in the State Track Tournament, held May 6-8 in Austin. Fortenberry, the lone high-school student participating from San Jacinto County, placed ninth in the Pole Vault with a leap of 12 feet 6 inches.

  • Students lend helping hand

    042221 Chemo Kits 1COURTESY PHOTO | CASSIE GREGORY Members of the Coldspring-Oakhurst High School FBLA and the Order of the Eastern Star worked together to collect donations for chemo bags to encourage struggling cancer patients in the Coldspring area. Shown from left: Lisa Lewis, Marissa Martinez, Neveah Piles, Ethan Manshack, Desiree McFadden, Amanda Ready, Marydith Hebert, Luc Butler and COHS Business Teacher and FBLA Sponsor Kelly Presley.

    Special to the News-Times

    COLDSPRING — Under the guidance of Coldspring-Oakhurst High School Business teacher Kelly Presley, COHS Future Business Leaders of America members, together with the Order of the Eastern Star, worked on a donation drive to collect items for chemo bags to present to patients struggling with cancer in the local area.

    The group created 130 handmade cards to be placed into each bag to offer words of encouragement, and collected more than 100 items to help fill the bags.

    042221 Chemo Kits 2COURTESY PHOTO | CASSIE GREGORY COHS FBLA member Desiree McFadden helped fill chemo bags to encourage local cancer patients.

  • Trojans hold banquet for athletes (GALLERY)

    Cross Country MVPsCOURTESY PHOTO | CASSIE GREGORY Cynthia Shehane and Michael Trejo were both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 Trojan and Lady Trojan Cross Country MVPs.

    Special to the News-Times

    COLDSPRING — The Coldspring-Oakhurst High School 2020-21 Athletic Banquet was held on Thursday.

    It was a celebration of Trojan and Lady Trojan athletes from last year and this year, since the 2019-20 banquet was canceled due to the pandemic.

    Congratulations to all of the coaches and athletes for another great year of athletic excellence!

    Easton Dean was named Trojans Baseball MVP. Last year's MVP was Trevor Vaughn (not pictured).
    Baseball MVP
    Easton Dean was named Trojans Baseball MVP. Last year's MVP was Trevor Vaughn (not pictured).
    This year's Trojans Basketball MVP is Duke Lawniczak. Last year's MVP was Jacoby Bishop.
    Boys Basketball MVP
    This year's Trojans Basketball MVP is Duke Lawniczak. Last year's MVP was Jacoby Bishop.
    This year's Trojans Track MVP is COHS senior Jared Curry. Last year's MVP was Curtis Parker (not pictured).
    Boys Track MVP
    This year's Trojans Track MVP is COHS senior Jared Curry. Last year's MVP was Curtis Parker (not pictured).
    Cynthia Shehane and Michael Trejo were both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 Trojan and Lady Trojan Cross Country MVPs.
    Cross Country MVPs
    Cynthia Shehane and Michael Trejo were both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 Trojan and Lady Trojan Cross Country MVPs.
    The 2019-20 Lady Trojans Powerlifting MVP was Andie Seagraves and the Trojans MVP was Caleb Monroe. This year's MVPs are Kynadee Benestante, Cynthia Shehane, and Hayden Richardson. (Shown from left: Cynthia Shehane, Hayden Richardson and Caleb Monroe).
    Girls and Boys Powerlifting MVPs

    The 2019-20 Lady Trojans Powerlifting MVP was Andie Seagraves and the Trojans MVP was Caleb Monroe. This year's MVPs are Kynadee Benestante, Cynthia Shehane, and Hayden Richardson. (Shown from left:

    Alexis Moore was named this year's Lady Trojans Basketball MVP, (pictured). Last year's MVP was Shaniya Gilbert.
    Girls Basketball MVP
    Alexis Moore was named this year's Lady Trojans Basketball MVP, (pictured). Last year's MVP was Shaniya Gilbert.
    Miya Ellis is this year's Lady Trojans Track MVP. Last year's MVP was Shaniya Gilbert (not pictured).
    Girls Track MVP
    Miya Ellis is this year's Lady Trojans Track MVP. Last year's MVP was Shaniya Gilbert (not pictured).
    The 2019-20 Trojans and Lady Trojans Golf MVPs were Tagen Coulliette and Maci Strickland. This year's MVPs are Tagen Coulliette and Izzy Doggett. (Shown from left: Golf Coach James Smith, Tagen Coulliette, Izzy Doggett and Maci Strickland).
    Golf MVPs

    The 2019-20 Trojans and Lady Trojans Golf MVPs were Tagen Coulliette and Maci Strickland. This year's MVPs are Tagen Coulliette and Izzy Doggett. (Shown from left: Golf Coach James Smith, Tagen…

    The 2020-21 Lady Trojan MVP is Alexis Moore. Last year's MVP award went to Shaniya Gilbert (not pictured).
    Lady Trojan MVP
    The 2020-21 Lady Trojan MVP is Alexis Moore. Last year's MVP award went to Shaniya Gilbert (not pictured).
    The 2020-21 Lady Trojans Softball MVP is Cami Fussell, who also made 1st Team All-District. The 2019-20 MVPs were Harlie Ritchie and Cheyenne Tyson (not pictured).
    Softball MVP
    The 2020-21 Lady Trojans Softball MVP is Cami Fussell, who also made 1st Team All-District. The 2019-20 MVPs were Harlie Ritchie and Cheyenne Tyson (not pictured).
    Jonathan Buchanan was the 2019-20 Tennis MVP, and Cori Amszi was the Lady Trojans MVP. This year's MVPs are Reagan Roberts and Crystal Ramos (pictured).
    Tennis MVPs
    Jonathan Buchanan was the 2019-20 Tennis MVP, and Cori Amszi was the Lady Trojans MVP. This year's MVPs are Reagan Roberts and Crystal Ramos (pictured).
    The Trojan and Lady Trojan Fighting Heart award is given each year to the athletes who show the most dedication, perseverance and hard work, all while maintaining a positive attitude and good team spirit. This year's Trojan Fighting Heart was awarded to Cameron Burleson (pictured). The 2019-20 winner was Vincent Rankin. This year's Lady Trojan Fighting Heart was awarded to Marissa Martinez (not pictured). Last year's award went to Cynthia Shehane.
    Trojan Fighting Heart Award

    The Trojan and Lady Trojan Fighting Heart award is given each year to the athletes who show the most dedication, perseverance and hard work, all while maintaining a positive attitude and good team…

    The 2020-21 Trojan Athletic MVP is Duke Lawniczak. Last year's MVP award went to Jacoby Bishop (not pictured).
    Trojan MVP
    The 2020-21 Trojan Athletic MVP is Duke Lawniczak. Last year's MVP award went to Jacoby Bishop (not pictured).
    Hayden Richardson, shown left, was given the Defense Captain's Award for 2020-21, Trevor Vaughn was awarded the Offense, (not shown). The 2019-20 Captain's Award winner was Jayden Whitten. This year's Football MVP is Contavious Parker-Hardin. Last year's MVP was Tadrean Shaw-Rucker.
    Varsity Football Captain's Award and MVP

    Hayden Richardson, shown left, was given the Defense Captain's Award for 2020-21, Trevor Vaughn was awarded the Offense, (not shown). The 2019-20 Captain's Award winner was Jayden Whitten. This…

    This year's Lady Trojans Volleyball MVP is Alexis Moore. Last year's winner was Marissa Martinez.
    Volleyball MVP
    This year's Lady Trojans Volleyball MVP is Alexis Moore. Last year's winner was Marissa Martinez.
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