Lifestyle

After many years of time spent toiling classrooms and study halls, many students welcome graduation. Graduating high school or college is a major milestone. It is associated with many symbols that have endured for some time. As graduates prepare to receive their diplomas or degrees, they might be curious to know what's behind some notable symbols of graduation ceremonies.

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news@kaufmanherald.com The Kaufman High School Class of 2026 graduation will take place on Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m., at The Opportunity Central, located at 680 Innovation Blvd. in Forney.

Kaufman Police Captain Jason Stastny was honored during his official badge pinning ceremony recently at Kaufman City Hall. “This milestone represents not only a new title, but years of dedication, leadership and commitment to serving the Kaufman community with integrity and professionalism,” City of Kaufman said on social media. “Captain Stastny consistently demonstrates the character and work ethic that define our department, and we are proud to see him step into this important leadership role.”

After 17 years of incredible service, Lone Star CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) announces the retirement of Child Advocacy Specialist Chris Hoffmeyer. The organization is proud to celebrate Chris’s outstanding contributions, dedication, skill, and compassion in service to children and families in Rockwall and Kaufman Counties.

Sunday, February 1, 2026, members of the Cedar Creek Country Club Women’s Golf Association (WGA) gathered to present the proceeds from the 2025 Tee It Up for Kids golf tournament to the Children’s Advocacy Center’s board President, Randy Squibb, and the Center’s Executive Director, Shannon Gardner. The tournament raised $48,269.27 for the benefit of the Center. Standing to the right of Mr. Squibb is Ms. Rita Files, WGA’s Past President and current Secretary, and to the left of Ms. Gardner is Ms. Mary Ann Anthony, current WGA President. Joining these four are representatives of the WGA, who are 70+ members strong.

Kemp ISD recognized Johnny Wilson - a dedicated Kemp Band parent and volunteer since the 2009–10 school year. His children — Brittnee, Zac, Connor, Ben and Dylan — were all proud members of the band program. Even after all his children graduated, Mr. Wilson has continued to generously give his time and energy to support the organization and its students.

Popular male vocalist and social media personality Chris Ruggiero will be performing his hit show “Teenage Dreams & Magic Moments” live in concert at the Jamie Foxx Performing Arts Center stage located on the campus of Terrell High School on Thursday evening, January 12, 2026. The curtain goes up at 7:30 PM.

For many years, back in the day when I simply could not afford to drop my game off at a processor, I learned to do the processing at home. As a youngster, I watched my dad butcher hogs every winter and learned the basics skills necessary to transform game into ‘meat’ ready for the freezer. My duty was to haul water for scalding the hogs before scraping and do the ‘grunt’ work. As a young boy I didn’t relish hog killing day but looking back I did learn the skills that would later serve me well.