Amarillo community news: Register for Chalk It Up; FFA champions; drum corps

TxDOT's SL 335 Expansion Project enters next phase

This week, the Texas Department of Transportation began the next phase of work on the SL 335 expansion project from Southwest 9th Avenue to FM 1719 with Webber, LLC serving as General Contractor. The $133.8 million project is scheduled for completion in June of 2027.

The project consists of improving the existing four-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway with ramps, one-way frontage roads and grade separations over intersecting cross streets. Improved signage and illumination are planned for the intersection of RM 1061 as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations via an 11-foot shared use path adjacent to each frontage road.

Drivers will see earth and bridge work during the first phase of the project with no impacts to the traveling public expected until June of 2024.

For inquiries, contact Ginger.Wilson@txdot.gov or (940) 937-7288.

AC’s annual sidewalk art contest encourages folks to Chalk It Up

Chalk It Up, the sidewalk art contest that traditionally unfolds at Amarillo College each final Saturday in July, once again draws near.

Registration is now open for the competition event, collaboratively sponsored by AC and Panhandle PBS, which takes place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 29. It is free to enter, and the first 40 entries will be accepted.

Interested participants can register online at: info.actx.edu/chalkentry.

The artists – they can register as individuals or teams of up to four – will create their works on 8-foot squares at the Oeschger Family Mall, located between the Ware Student Commons and the College Union Building on AC’s Washington Street Campus. Prizes will be awarded for First, Second and Third places, and to the Fan Favorite. Each of the awardees will receive a share of the $900 prize pool.

“The community has thoroughly embraced Chalk It Up,” said Kevin Ball, AC’s vice president of communication and marketing, and CEO for Panhandle PBS. “Just watching the masterpieces take shape is a true celebration of the creative spirit that everyone can’t help but enjoy."

This will be the fifth Chalk It Up since its inception in 2017 — the event was a pandemic casualty in 2020 and it was rained out in 2022 — and, as always, artists will have from 8 a.m. to noon to complete their creations.

A panel of judges representing the local arts community will assess the handiworks at noon and announce the winners shortly thereafter.

NWTHS Behaviorial Health to host summer youth program

Northwest Texas Healthcare System Behavioral Health will be hosting two series of mental health programs for kids ages 12-17 beginning June 20. The sessions will be held Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. Session 1 will run June 20-July 14, and Session 2 will be held July 18-Aug. 11.

For many teenagers, the shift in daily routines and lack of formal structure and support they are accustomed to during the school months may lead to increased isolation, lack of motivation and loneliness. The benefit of school is not only the stimulation through school activities and academics but peer support. Group therapy can be a great way to combat depression and anxiety symptoms by connecting with peers.

This structured group allows teens the time to discuss what they are experiencing and to help them gain understanding. Education will be provided to empower teens with skills to improve their overall health and self esteem. The session will include several fun and engaging activities that will include Field Trip Fridays, Nerf Wars, Art projects, Music therapy and more.

To register or for more information, call 806-354-1835.

Canyon FFA students achieve success at state, moving closer to nationals

CANYON — Canyon High School’s FFA students who recently participated in the Area Level Proficiency Applications competition have advanced to the State Level, where their outstanding dedication and hard work were recognized by a panel of esteemed agriculture teachers from across the state. Out of the 11 applications submitted by CHS FFA, seven students emerged as state champions. Additionally, all 11 applications were ranked at the highest level of quality, earning the prestigious Gold rating, according to a news release.

The state champions will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship at the upcoming Texas FFA Convention in July, which will take place in Dallas. The following students earned the title of State Champion:

• Ag Education - John Paul Klose

• Ag Processing - Kade Lawrence

• Ag Services - Tyler Schoenenberger

• Nursery Operations - Bree’Anna Williams

• Poultry Production - Canon Rosser

• Turfgrass Management - Surcy Peoples

• Wildlife Management - Sterling Boyles

“These individuals have not only demonstrated exceptional proficiency but have also exemplified the core values of the Canyon FFA,” said Canyon HS FFA Teacher Jeff Klose. “Their dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence have set them apart, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.”

The seven state champion applications will now move forward to compete at the national level, where they will undergo evaluation by a distinguished panel of judges, and the top four students from each category across the nation will earn the opportunity to interview for a National Championship in Indianapolis this October.

For more information and updates, please visit the official Canyon FFA Facebook and Twitter pages.

DHDC and WBNC offer Father’s Day discount

The Don Harrington Discovery Center (DHDC) and Wildcat Bluff Nature Center (WBNC) are offering free admission for all caregivers on Father’s Day, Sunday June 18.

DHDC’s hours on Sundays are from noon to 4:30 p.m., and WBNC’s trails are accessible from sunrise to sunset.

For more information on upcoming events, follow DHDC and WBNC on Facebook and Instagram.

The special is one of several happening for Father's Day around Amarillo and the area.

National tour of top drum corps returning to WT for July 17 performance

CANYON — West Texas A&M University’s Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium will be thundering July 17 with the return of some of the country’s best drum and bugle corps.

Drum Corps International’s West Texas Drums will kick off at 7:30 p.m. July 17 in the stadium on WT’s campus in Canyon. Tickets are $35 to $55 for reserved seating and $25 for general admission.

The evening will feature the Blue Knights from Denver; the Troopers from Casper, Wyoming; the Mandarins from Sacramento; The Academy from Tempe, Arizona; Pacific Crest from Diamond Bar, California; the Seattle Cascades from Seattle; and the Guardians from Houston.

Corps are traveling the country throughout the summer to perform in various competitions such as West Texas Drums. The season will culminate at the 2023 Drum Corps International World Championship Finals on Aug. 12 in Indianapolis. This is the third year WT has hosted West Texas Drums. DCI, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, features the world’s most elite and exclusive marching ensembles of student musicians and performers.

WT drum major Tobin Brooks, a junior music major from Canyon and son of Dr. Brooks, is one of the drum majors for Troopers. Canyon native Laura Gill, a sophomore music major at Abilene Christian University and daughter of Dr. Kristina Gill, associate professor of mathematics at WT, is a drum major for the Blue Knights.

Canyon ISD Hosts Inaugural Literacy Conference: Readers are Writers

CANYON — Canyon Independent School District (CISD) organized its first-ever Literacy Conference with the theme "Readers are Writers." More than 140 ELAR (English, Language Arts & Reading) teachers from Canyon ISD and across the district gathered at West Plains High School Thursday for a day filled with professional development and collaborative learning.

The Canyon ISD Literacy Conference, held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., brought together educators committed to enhancing literacy instruction and empowering their students. Teachers dedicated this day of their summer break to further develop their teaching techniques and explore innovative strategies that foster a love for reading and writing among students.

Lisa Hill, Canyon ISD Director of Literacy and Instruction, spearheaded the conference, aiming to create a platform for teachers to learn from one another and exchange best practices. She highlighted the significance of the event, stating, "Teachers learning from other teachers allows us to better understand how to implement the best practices we have within our district. They are learning from their peers within CISD, which creates a strong support system and enables professional growth."

The conference provided a unique opportunity for educators to dive into discussions surrounding effective literacy instruction while aligning with Canyon ISD's educational values. In addition to the informative sessions, attendees had the chance to win exciting door prizes, enjoy giveaways, and savor delicious fare from a food truck, adding a touch of camaraderie and celebration to the event.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area Our Town briefs for the week of June 18, 2023