Lake Ridge Football Makes District History by Going to State Championship

Coach Thor and quarterback Jett Duffey embrace after winning
the state semifinal game. Courtesy: Dallas Morning News.

For head coach Kirk Thor, the journey has been surreal. He went from starting Lake Ridge High School’s football program in 2012 with a record of 0-10 to going into the 5A Division I state championship game as an undefeated team three years later.

The 2015 matchup is the first time Mansfield ISD has reached a state championship game in football.

“I knew it would be a tough road, but it energizes me to build programs and people,” said Coach Thor.

“We have a tremendous coaching staff, and our focus is on the process and building a culture of acceptance. We love you for who you are, and we want you to do your best at all times. It’s not about the scoreboard.”

The Lake Ridge Eagles became runner-ups in the championship game against George Ranch Longhorns on Dec. 18, but Thor said he still has plenty to be happy about.

The 2016 senior class at Lake Ridge High School will be the first class that has been at the school all four years. Coach said it has been amazing to see his team grow throughout the years and accomplish so much.

The Lake Ridge football team gathers together after a victory.

“I’m like a proud dad,” Thor added. “It’s been fun as a coach to see these boys develop into the great young men they are today.”

Thor noted that senior quarterback Jett Duffey, who has committed to Texas Tech University, stays humble even after winning so many awards and recognitions for his athleticism. He said his entire team deserves the spotlight and there are plenty of unsung heroes.

Being able to make it all the way to the state championship game has been a great ride for coach. He said he is thankful for the community support he has received along the way.

“To be able to make it that far is exciting,” said Coach Thor. “It’s a neat experience, and we’re humbled and very grateful.”

Middle School Students Show Spirit of Giving to Neighboring Elementary Students

Several gifts adorned the table for one of the 18 adopted children.

Walking through the hallways of Rogene Worley Middle School, it felt a lot like Christmas morning. Holiday tunes were playing, presents were underneath decorated Christmas Trees, and several presents were piled underneath the trees.

It wasn’t your typical end-of-the-year party, though. All of the gifts and activities were for a group of 18 children who otherwise may not have received much for Christmas this year.

Worley Middle School’s annual tradition is to adopt kids in need from nearby Alice Ponder Elementary School and give them a special day to remember. It’s the 25th year the middle school has held its Adopt-a-Child Day, and Worley’s principal said it’s one of her favorite events.

A Ponder student opened her gifts with the help of Worley students.

“I love watching our kids appreciate the joy on the faces of these younger children,” said Principal Julia McMains. “In the age of social media and self-absorption, it’s nice to see these teens have real and meaningful interactions. They’re showing their true caring selves, and I love it.”

Adopt-a-Child Day is coordinated by Worley’s student council. The elementary school students go to different classrooms set up with decorations, food, and presents just for them. A teacher noted that some of the middle schoolers didn’t ask their parents to give. Instead, the students contributed in their own way.

“One of my students came up to me and said that he bought a big basketball hoop with a gift card he received,” said Jill Melchiorre, eighth grade science teacher. “I just started crying right then and there because I was touched to see his compassion.”

A Ponder student was happy to unwrap her new backpack.

Smiles were on full display in each room. Children’s faces lit up as each gift was being handed to them, the middle schoolers watched in delight to see their gifts make an impact, and staff grinned in delight viewing the selflessness of it all.

“It really was a whole team effort,” said eighth grader Naomi Nebe, who is also a student council member. “We were all so excited to set it up and create these great memories for the kids.”

Mansfield ISD Toys for Tots 2015 Brings in More Than 30,000 Toys!

The entire Mansfield ISD community came out to show record-breaking support for the fourth annual MISD Toys for Tots event. With the amazing generosity of everyone involved, more than 30,000 toys and approximately $9,000 was donated to the campaign.

Campuses and departments held several contests to encourage students and staff to give to the cause. On the night of the Dec. 9 event, community members came out to the MISD Center for the Performing Arts to drop off even more donations.

Attendees brought their donations and were able to stay to enjoy free activities, such as a snow sledding hill, Santa photos, live reindeer, bounce houses, crafts, and student performances.

“I am always amazed at the amount of enthusiasm our students, parents, staff, local businesses, and other community members have for MISD Toys for Tots,” said Lynn Wilkie, sales and marketing coordinator at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts. “So many people have given so much of their time, energy, and resources to make sure this event was a hit, and I am truly appreciative to everyone for that. Words cannot describe it.”

The number of toy donations received for MISD Toys for Tots has continually increased since its inception in 2012. In its first year, 16,000 toys were given. 20,000 toys were given in 2013, and 26,000 were donated in 2014.

Event organizers said they are already thinking of new rides and activities to “wow” the crowds for next year. View a video, photos, and a social media collage of all the MISD Toys for Tots fun.
Special thanks to: The U.S. Marine Corps, Mansfield ISD campuses and departments, The City of Mansfield, FOX 4 News, Two Men and a Truck, Mansfield FFA, Texas Trust Credit Union, Top of Texas Photography, Mansfield Methodist Medical Center, Starbucks, First United Methodist Church of Mansfield, Hawaiian Falls Water Park, Raising Cane's, Mellow Mushroom, Art Ballet Academy, Lifetime Fitness, UpStage, Common Grounds Community Network, Chisolm Trail Jeep Club, Sports Clip, Canales Furniture in Arlington, Lone Star Irrigation, and the Mansfield ISD community.

MISD Teacher Shares Story of Fighting Breast Cancer While Pregnant

Janie Woolsey back in the classroom after delivering
a healthy baby boy in May 2015.

Within the span of one year, third grade teacher Janie Woolsey experienced three life-changing events: the death of a child, a diagnosis of breast cancer, and the birth of her son.

“I’ve always heard that God won’t give you more than you can handle. Apparently, He thinks that I can handle quite a bit,” said the Willie Brown Elementary School teacher with a chuckle.

Woolsey’s 12-year-old daughter died suddenly of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in July 2014. She said she wanted to have another child so that her son would have a sibling, so she became pregnant two months later.

In the sixth month of her pregnancy, she detected signs of breast cancer. Her suspicions were confirmed after a series of medical exams.

Woolsey keeping a cheerful attitude
while undergoing her chemo treatments.

“I was so scared,” Woolsey recalls. “I didn’t know what to do and how the cancer would affect the baby.”

Woolsey started her rounds of chemotherapy. She took a break from the treatments to give birth to a healthy baby boy, and then resumed the treatments afterwards. Her radiation therapy will continue through the end of the year.

“I really hope everything goes well. If the doctors see no growth and no new masses, I’ll be very happy,” said Woolsey.

Woolsey said the support she received from her campus and the community during her cancer diagnosis was overwhelming. Staff members, students, and parents from Willie Brown Elementary School and the surrounding community raised money through “Woolsey Warriors” t-shirt and wristband sales. The total amount raised was approximately $10,000.

She said the extreme generosity showed to her makes her proud that Mansfield ISD launched the Colors for Caring initiative this school year. Colors for Caring takes place on the first Monday of the month, and the community is encouraged to wear a color that represents a cancer that affected the life of a loved one.

The Willie Brown Elementary community showing
support for their beloved teacher.

“It makes the people going through it feel supported. It’s a great feeling to know that someone cares and that people are thinking of you.”

Through it all, Woolsey has kept her contagiously cheerful spirit and chooses to look for a silver lining to her situation. She has personally felt the power of community and wants to pay it forward.

“I think Colors for Caring is an awesome idea. It brings people closer and lets them know that they're not alone,” she added.

View the Colors for Caring photo gallery here.