Features

There’s never been a polar bear reported in Fort Stockton, but a large white Samoyed could play tricks on the eyes from a distance. Pulling into Fort Stockton with the distinguishable breed, David Gonzales of San Antonio was more than happy to talk about his fluffy friend.

Pictured is this year’s Fort Stockton graduating class of seniors when they were in Ms. Valdez’s kindergarten class 13 years ago. Valdez, who is now has the name Bessie Pacheco, submitted the photo to the Pioneer saying, “I’m so proud of you all! love your kindergarten teacher Ms. Valdez.” Courtesy Photo

The Fort Stockton High School Seniors participated in a parade held for them on Dickinson Blvd and throughout Fort Stockton on May 25. Courtesy Photos.

Ms. Crawford’s and Ms. Ogier’s first grade students were learning about liquids and solids in their science lab at Alamo Elementary School on May 24. They students brought home an impressive ball of slime to show off following hours of hard work. Courtesy Photos of FSISD

Midland College WRTTC held a Certified Nurse Assistant and Pharmacy Technician Pinning Ceremony on May 25 at the Fort Stockton Community Theatre. A total of 19 students graduated as either a pharmacy technician or CNA. Health Science Dual Credit Adjunct Instructor Ethny Valenzuela pinned her pharmacy technician students and Health Science Coordinator, Instructor Rosalinda Esquivel pinned her CNA students. Left photo (CNA’s), left to right: Jade Cobos, Nichole Galindo, Elyanah Calderon, Rochelle Quiroz, Esther Tereco, Rosalinda Esquivel, Jenifer Alvarado, Janessa Sanchez, Savannah Petralba, Marisol Mijares, Deziree Garza Garcia, Albany Quezada, Mikayla Alvarez, Reyna Gonzalez. Right photo (Pharmacy Tech’s), left to right: Kianna Payne, Shelby Murphy, Elyss Valenzuela, Ethny Valenzuela, Kendra Estrada, Viviana Gonzalez, Abigail McGuire. Photos by Nathan Heuer

Whether it’s giving back by helping patients and those in need or giving back to the college that enabled her to have the career she long desired, Joann Villesca has always put others first in her life.

Jorge Vasquez, left, and Kayla Prieto, right, were announced as Fort Stockton High School’s Prom King and Queen during Saturday’s dance at the Special Events Center. Courtesy photo of Collette Barragan

It’s not unusual for a traveler to bring a pet along for the ride, but typically the four-legged passenger will be a dog or a cat. “I’m driving with a baby buffalo,” revealed Gavin McKinnon, who was parked at the Love’s travel stop last week.

The phrase “there’s no place like home” rang true for Tom Childs as he pulled up to his parents house with a fleet of bikers from the Rig Riders Motorcycle Club. “I was born and raised in Fort Stockton,” Childs said.