The public in invited to tour the school's new arts facilities on Thursday, April 24.

On a recent sunny Sunday afternoon, family and friends of Eugene D. Sanders gathered at the Bartow home of his daughter, Jeana Glover, for a celebration of his life. Gene, formerly of Dumas, Texas, passed away in Bartow on February 24, 2008 at the age of 92.

The crowd assembled around the minister on a grassy lake bank, still damp with morning dew, and the celebration of Gene's life began. It was as though God, the great heavenly conductor, held out his divine baton and cued nature to pay tribute to a man who touched so many during his journey here on earth.

While the minister recounted a life well lived, flocks of birds performed multiple fly-bys seemingly choreographed by their maker. Fish pirouetted intermittently on the lake surface and clouds floated above while a tender breeze twirled a lifetime of photo ornaments of Gene and his family that hung on a lakeside tree.

Born in Oklahoma, Gene's family eventually settled in Dumas where he raised nine children with his wife, Julia, to whom he was married 50 years. He was a self-educated man whose talents and abilities were obvious as a businessman in Dumas. During his life he owned a hamburger stand, a print shop and a boarding house and apartment complex. He founded the North Plains Press, a newspaper that is in publication today as the Moore County News.

Gene was very active in his community over the years. He served in the Dumas Kiwanis Club, Toastmasters, and as a member of the Dumas Chamber of Commerce and the Dumas Church of Christ. He was also an Endowed Member of the Dumas Masonic Lodge, an active degree team member of the Lubbock Scottish Rite and a member of the Amarillo Khiva Shrine.

While his business and community accomplishments were many and of great value, his greatest contribution was the legacy he left behind through his nine children and through his role as "Poppie" to 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Throughout their lives, his descendents were recipients of hand-made toys and gifts, created skillfully and lovingly for them in his workshop. Today, those creations, many of which are displayed throughout the Glover home, stand as testimonials, not only of his talents, but also of his love for family.

Not only is Gene's memory alive at the Glover home, but granddaughter, Terisa Glover, proprietor of The General Store in downtown Lakeland, says she is surrounded by her "Poppie" every day at work in the store. The store, modeled after vintage general stores of an era nearly forgotten, is speckled with Gene's belongings, which serve to add an authenticity to the feel of the store.

A good man's earthly journey is over and he has departed from our midst. As his family and friends grieves his passing, they can be comforted knowing his footprints not only left their mark on them but on the hearts of all those who had the privilege to know him.

1st annual scavenger hunt, 27th anniversary party