Spearman ISD Announces Gina Bulls Gillispie as the 2026 SHS Lynx Legacy Distinguished Alumni Recipient
The daughter of the late Roy and Charlene Bulls, Gina began her education in Spearman schools in the first grade and graduated from Spearman High School in 1975. Her family’s legacy in the district now spans three generations, with her grandchildren currently attending Gus Birdwell Elementary. After high school, she continued her studies at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and at Texas Tech University before returning home to raise her three children—Grace, Charles, and Mattie—all of whom remain Spearman residents today.
More than twenty years ago, Gina founded the High Plains Observer, the first online newspaper in the region. Through her vision and tireless commitment, the publication has grown into a trusted source of local news, government reporting, and community milestones. With nearly 15 million visits from readers across the globe, the HPO has expanded into six additional Panhandle communities, partnered with a regional radio station, and broadened its reach through podcasts and social media. In 2008, the publication was honored as Business of the Year by the Spearman Chamber of Commerce.
Gina’s entrepreneurial spirit also extended into agriculture, where she pioneered a market for exotic livestock. Her leadership in this field led to two appointments by Governor George W. Bush to the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, serving under then-Texas Ag Commissioner Rick Perry.
Rooted in the artistic legacy of her mother, Gina’s creative influence has left a lasting mark on Spearman’s cultural landscape. She has taught art to more than 100 students, painted murals throughout the Panhandle, and founded the Art Alliance of Hansford County. Through the Alliance, she launched the Barkley Street Art Walk to highlight local talent and fund scholarships for young artists. For many years, she also owned The Zulu Art Gallery, providing a home for community art shows and local creators.
Her devotion to the past is just as strong as her commitment to the arts. Since 1980, she has been a member of the Hansford County Historical Commission, where she recently played a key role in revitalizing the Stationmaster's House Museum and reopening the Annex Building to honor the county’s rich heritage.
Gina’s service to Spearman spans decades and countless organizations. A devoted member of the Methodist Church since childhood, she has served as a Sunday School teacher and supported ministries including VBS, Monday Meals, and Meals on Wheels. As a registered member of the Choctaw Nation, she carries a deep appreciation for her heritage and the natural world, earning her Texas Panhandle Master Naturalist designation in 2026.
Her patriotism is visible every spring when she and her five grandchildren plant flowers at the War Memorial, honoring the service of veterans like her father, Roy.
Gina exemplifies every quality of the Spearman High School Lynx Legacy Distinguished Recipient. Her deep-rooted love for this community, her multifaceted leadership, and the numerous honors she has received over the past fifty years represent the very best of what makes Spearman proud of its graduates.
A Lynxette cheerleader in 1975, Gina has spent the last half-century continuing that role in spirit—cheering for her community, supporting its people, and championing its progress. Her innovation, leadership, and artistic vision remain a profound blessing to Spearman.
The daughter of the late Roy and Charlene Bulls, Gina began her education in Spearman schools in the first grade and graduated from Spearman High School in 1975. Her family’s legacy in the district now spans three generations, with her grandchildren currently attending Gus Birdwell Elementary. After high school, she continued her studies at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and at Texas Tech University before returning home to raise her three children—Grace, Charles, and Mattie—all of whom remain Spearman residents today.
More than twenty years ago, Gina founded the High Plains Observer, the first online newspaper in the region. Through her vision and tireless commitment, the publication has grown into a trusted source of local news, government reporting, and community milestones. With nearly 15 million visits from readers across the globe, the HPO has expanded into six additional Panhandle communities, partnered with a regional radio station, and broadened its reach through podcasts and social media. In 2008, the publication was honored as Business of the Year by the Spearman Chamber of Commerce.
Gina’s entrepreneurial spirit also extended into agriculture, where she pioneered a market for exotic livestock. Her leadership in this field led to two appointments by Governor George W. Bush to the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, serving under then-Texas Ag Commissioner Rick Perry.
Rooted in the artistic legacy of her mother, Gina’s creative influence has left a lasting mark on Spearman’s cultural landscape. She has taught art to more than 100 students, painted murals throughout the Panhandle, and founded the Art Alliance of Hansford County. Through the Alliance, she launched the Barkley Street Art Walk to highlight local talent and fund scholarships for young artists. For many years, she also owned The Zulu Art Gallery, providing a home for community art shows and local creators.
Her devotion to the past is just as strong as her commitment to the arts. Since 1980, she has been a member of the Hansford County Historical Commission, where she recently played a key role in revitalizing the Stationmaster's House Museum and reopening the Annex Building to honor the county’s rich heritage.
Gina’s service to Spearman spans decades and countless organizations. A devoted member of the Methodist Church since childhood, she has served as a Sunday School teacher and supported ministries including VBS, Monday Meals, and Meals on Wheels. As a registered member of the Choctaw Nation, she carries a deep appreciation for her heritage and the natural world, earning her Texas Panhandle Master Naturalist designation in 2026.
Her patriotism is visible every spring when she and her five grandchildren plant flowers at the War Memorial, honoring the service of veterans like her father, Roy.
Gina exemplifies every quality of the Spearman High School Lynx Legacy Distinguished Recipient. Her deep-rooted love for this community, her multifaceted leadership, and the numerous honors she has received over the past fifty years represent the very best of what makes Spearman proud of its graduates.
A Lynxette cheerleader in 1975, Gina has spent the last half-century continuing that role in spirit—cheering for her community, supporting its people, and championing its progress. Her innovation, leadership, and artistic vision remain a profound blessing to Spearman.
Congratulations to Ryan Vasquez on his acceptance to The University of Texas at Dallas! 🧡
Ryan plans to study Psychology and pursue a career in General Counseling.
SJH 8th graders had another visit this week from Workforce Solutions. This session students explored careers by using a computer program. Students answer questions and were matched with possible career choices and the pathways involved. Students then chose their top three and created a financial budget. It was exciting to see what the future holds!
Celebrate Mom on May 10th with an arrangement from the SHS Floral Design students
Orders are due by Thursday, April 30th
Email Mrs. Roberts with any questions at darcy.roberts@spearmanisd.net
Orders are due by Thursday, April 30th
Email Mrs. Roberts with any questions at darcy.roberts@spearmanisd.net
Runners take your mark!
Set!
GOOO!
The GBE Track Meet day is just around the corner. May 7, 2026.
9-915am - Kindergarten
920-950am - 1st Grade
955-1015am - 2nd Grade
1020-1050am - 3rd Grade
1055-1125am - 4th Grade
1130-12pm - 5th Grade
1215-1230pm - 4th and 5th Grade Relays
1230pm - Staff Relay
1pm - Ike Challenge - 2nd -5th Grade
***Times are tentative
Set!
GOOO!
The GBE Track Meet day is just around the corner. May 7, 2026.
9-915am - Kindergarten
920-950am - 1st Grade
955-1015am - 2nd Grade
1020-1050am - 3rd Grade
1055-1125am - 4th Grade
1130-12pm - 5th Grade
1215-1230pm - 4th and 5th Grade Relays
1230pm - Staff Relay
1pm - Ike Challenge - 2nd -5th Grade
***Times are tentative
Huge shout-out to our friends at Farm Bureau!
They generously donated cases of water to keep our students hydrated and focused during STAAR testing this week. It takes a village to support our learners, and we are so grateful for Farm Bureau’s investment in our students' success.
Thank you for helping us "quench" the stress of testing season!
#STAARTesting #CommunitySupport #FarmBureau #StudentSuccess #ThankYou
Gordon's Fountain is hosting Senior Night tonight, Thursday, April 23 at 6:00 pm. All seniors are encouraged to attend for an evening of fun and friendship!
Today, we are taking a moment to celebrate the powerhouse of our organization: our Administrative Staff.
To our admin team: You don't just "support" the work—you make the work possible. Thank you for your dedication, your precision, and your unwavering professional spirit.
Please join us in the comments to show some love for our incredible administrative professionals!
To our admin team: You don't just "support" the work—you make the work possible. Thank you for your dedication, your precision, and your unwavering professional spirit.
Please join us in the comments to show some love for our incredible administrative professionals!
Spearman High School Student Council members Kaleb Puentes, Landon Sonnenberg, and Vlad Caro gave an interview this morning on NewsChannel 10’s show, 2nd Cup where they discussed our upcoming Pickleball tournament this Saturday! Come on out and support the SHS Student Council!!!
Cornerstone Methodist Church will be hosting a Senior Supper tonight, Wednesday, April 22, at 6:00 pm. Please see the attached flyer for all of the information. Looking forward to a fun night for the Class of 2026!
Congratulations to Madeline Leach on her acceptance to the University of Montana! ❤️
Maddy plans to major in Geology and pursue a career in Geological Engineering.
Today is Administrative Professionals Day, and we want to take a moment to shine a spotlight on the incredible secretaries who keep our school running like a well-oiled machine.
From being the first smiling face you see in the morning to managing the organized chaos of the front office, our secretaries wear a hundred different hats every day.
Join us in saying a huge THANK YOU to our amazing administrative team today!
From being the first smiling face you see in the morning to managing the organized chaos of the front office, our secretaries wear a hundred different hats every day.
Join us in saying a huge THANK YOU to our amazing administrative team today!
📚The 2025–2026 Yearbooks Are Here! 📚
Don’t miss your chance to capture this year’s memories! Reserve your copy today!
💲 Price: $60 per yearbook
🆕 New ordering process this year! Yearbooks will NOT be ordered through Jostens. We are now using Walsworth Yearbooks.
🔗 Click here to order:
https://bit.ly/4uUN6WX
Grab yours before they’re gone! 🎉
Today, we are taking a moment to celebrate the powerhouse of our organization: our Administrative Staff.
To our admin team: You don't just "support" the work—you make the work possible. Thank you for your dedication, your precision, and your unwavering professional spirit.
Please join us in the comments to show some love for our incredible administrative professionals!
To our admin team: You don't just "support" the work—you make the work possible. Thank you for your dedication, your precision, and your unwavering professional spirit.
Please join us in the comments to show some love for our incredible administrative professionals!
Don't forget about the Pickleball Tournament this weekend! See the attached flyer for more details.
Our students stayed busy feeding baby lambs, chasing chickens and roosters, and cuddling rabbits. We also got to admire the proud peacock and watch the turkeys waddle about—though we made sure to give the "goose with an attitude" plenty of space!
A huge thank you to Jessica Steger for being such a gracious host and providing refreshing watermelon and water. We also loved meeting the farm’s official protectors, Max and Bojangles, who were the perfect welcoming committee.
Special thanks to Mr. Layman for being our expert bus driver and to the SJH administration for supporting this trip. We truly have the best people in Spearman
A huge thank you to Jessica Steger for being such a gracious host and providing refreshing watermelon and water. We also loved meeting the farm’s official protectors, Max and Bojangles, who were the perfect welcoming committee.
Special thanks to Mr. Layman for being our expert bus driver and to the SJH administration for supporting this trip. We truly have the best people in Spearman
Celebrating a Legacy: Jan Howard’s 47 Years at SISD
It is with profound gratitude and admiration that we celebrate Jan Howard for her remarkable 47 years of service to the SISD community.
Jan’s career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to our youngest learners. She spent 34 years as a full-time educator, with the vast majority of that time spent in the kindergarten classroom—the critical foundation where a child’s love for learning first takes root.
Even after transitioning from full-time teaching, Jan’s commitment to SISD never wavered. For the past 13 years, she has served as a vital pillar of our schools as a substitute teacher. Her expertise and steady hand have been especially impactful during her many long-term assignments, where she stepped in to provide stability, continuity, and excellence for students and staff alike.
Congratulations, Jan, on 47 extraordinary years! Thank you for your heart, your hard work, and for making a difference that will be felt for years to come.
It is with profound gratitude and admiration that we celebrate Jan Howard for her remarkable 47 years of service to the SISD community.
Jan’s career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to our youngest learners. She spent 34 years as a full-time educator, with the vast majority of that time spent in the kindergarten classroom—the critical foundation where a child’s love for learning first takes root.
Even after transitioning from full-time teaching, Jan’s commitment to SISD never wavered. For the past 13 years, she has served as a vital pillar of our schools as a substitute teacher. Her expertise and steady hand have been especially impactful during her many long-term assignments, where she stepped in to provide stability, continuity, and excellence for students and staff alike.
Congratulations, Jan, on 47 extraordinary years! Thank you for your heart, your hard work, and for making a difference that will be felt for years to come.
A special congratulations to Maddox Ortiz, who made it official today! Maddox has signed to become a Chap at LCU, where he will continue his athletic career running Cross Country and Track.
Spearman ISD is rooting for you, Maddox—we can’t wait to see what you achieve at the next level. Go Chaps!
Spearman High School Celebrates David Richmond as Teacher of the Year
Spearman High School is proud to announce that David Richmond has been named the campus Teacher of the Year. Known for his tireless work ethic and his "students-first" mentality, Mr. Richmond’s selection comes as no surprise to the colleagues and students who see his dedication in action every single day.
From the classroom to the bus driver’s seat, Mr. Richmond has proven to be an indispensable pillar of the Spearman ISD community.
At the heart of Mr. Richmond’s recognition is his unwavering commitment to academic excellence. His peers describe him as an educator who doesn't just deliver a curriculum, but ensures every student has the tools to master it.
One colleague highlighted his unique and supportive teaching methods, “This gentleman expends many hours helping students in all of his classes do their very best. He makes extra review tests to prepare them for their exams, ensuring they feel confident and prepared. Mr. Richmond is all about his students and their success. Truly a Teacher of the Year.”
Another nomination echoed this sentiment, noting that his enthusiasm is infectious. “Mr. Richmond is someone who is passionate about teaching and his students. He loves what he does and it shows. He goes out of his way to help them and to help the school.”
Mr. Richmond’s impact stretches far beyond his daily lesson plans. He is a driving force behind several major extracurricular programs, including Academic UIL and the SHS Student Council.
“He is always going above and beyond for the students. He organizes events and gets the students prepared for the events... He is a great asset to Spearman ISD!”
Perhaps most remarkably, Mr. Richmond is known for his willingness to step in wherever the district needs him most. This includes taking on the essential role of a bus driver—ensuring the Lynx Band and other student groups make it safely to football games and contests.
As one peer noted, “It takes a love for the job to take on extra responsibilities.” Whether he is driving a route or tutoring after hours, his coworkers agree that he is always helping where needed.
Spearman High School is honored to have a teacher of David Richmond’s caliber on staff. Please join us in celebrating his hard work, his heart for service, and his well-deserved title of SHS Teacher of the Year!
Spearman High School is proud to announce that David Richmond has been named the campus Teacher of the Year. Known for his tireless work ethic and his "students-first" mentality, Mr. Richmond’s selection comes as no surprise to the colleagues and students who see his dedication in action every single day.
From the classroom to the bus driver’s seat, Mr. Richmond has proven to be an indispensable pillar of the Spearman ISD community.
At the heart of Mr. Richmond’s recognition is his unwavering commitment to academic excellence. His peers describe him as an educator who doesn't just deliver a curriculum, but ensures every student has the tools to master it.
One colleague highlighted his unique and supportive teaching methods, “This gentleman expends many hours helping students in all of his classes do their very best. He makes extra review tests to prepare them for their exams, ensuring they feel confident and prepared. Mr. Richmond is all about his students and their success. Truly a Teacher of the Year.”
Another nomination echoed this sentiment, noting that his enthusiasm is infectious. “Mr. Richmond is someone who is passionate about teaching and his students. He loves what he does and it shows. He goes out of his way to help them and to help the school.”
Mr. Richmond’s impact stretches far beyond his daily lesson plans. He is a driving force behind several major extracurricular programs, including Academic UIL and the SHS Student Council.
“He is always going above and beyond for the students. He organizes events and gets the students prepared for the events... He is a great asset to Spearman ISD!”
Perhaps most remarkably, Mr. Richmond is known for his willingness to step in wherever the district needs him most. This includes taking on the essential role of a bus driver—ensuring the Lynx Band and other student groups make it safely to football games and contests.
As one peer noted, “It takes a love for the job to take on extra responsibilities.” Whether he is driving a route or tutoring after hours, his coworkers agree that he is always helping where needed.
Spearman High School is honored to have a teacher of David Richmond’s caliber on staff. Please join us in celebrating his hard work, his heart for service, and his well-deserved title of SHS Teacher of the Year!
Spearman Junior High Celebrates Julie Pittman as Teacher of the Year
Spearman Junior High is delighted to announce that Julie Pittman has been named the campus Teacher of the Year. Known for her calming presence and her ability to inspire both students and staff, Mrs. Pittman has become a cornerstone of the junior high community through her leadership and her heart for service.
One of the most remarkable things about Mrs. Pittman is her unique ability to command respect through kindness. While junior high can be a high-energy environment, her colleagues note that she has a specialized gift for reaching every student in her care.
“Mrs. Pittman has many great qualities to her person. She is a great teacher who effectively teaches her students and reaches all of them. Her soft-spoken tone is taken very seriously and all students respect her,” shared one fellow educator.
This sentiment is echoed throughout the campus, with peers noting that her influence goes beyond academics; she creates an environment where students truly want to excel. As another nomination stated, “Mrs. Pittman brings joy to the junior high campus. She always has a great attitude and spreads that across to other staff members and students. She has a way of engaging students to make them want to learn. Her love for the students shines in everything she does.”
Beyond her daily classroom instruction, Mrs. Pittman has stepped into several vital leadership roles this year, proving herself to be an invaluable team player for Spearman Junior High. From student government to academic competitions, her impact is felt across the entire campus. She took over the Student Council this year and has already implemented "great things in such a short amount of time." Additionally, she stepped up to volunteer for UIL, helping with all necessary preparations for the competition. Beyond these duties, she is a cornerstone of campus culture, known for her consistent positivity with one colleague noting, “She always has a smile on her face and brightens up my day.”
Whether she is organizing a school event or engaging a classroom with her signature soft-spoken authority, Julie Pittman embodies the dedication and joy that define a "Teacher of the Year." Her ability to balance effective instruction with a genuine love for her students has made her a standout educator in the district.
Please join Spearman Junior High in congratulating Julie Pittman on this prestigious and well-deserved recognition!
Spearman Junior High is delighted to announce that Julie Pittman has been named the campus Teacher of the Year. Known for her calming presence and her ability to inspire both students and staff, Mrs. Pittman has become a cornerstone of the junior high community through her leadership and her heart for service.
One of the most remarkable things about Mrs. Pittman is her unique ability to command respect through kindness. While junior high can be a high-energy environment, her colleagues note that she has a specialized gift for reaching every student in her care.
“Mrs. Pittman has many great qualities to her person. She is a great teacher who effectively teaches her students and reaches all of them. Her soft-spoken tone is taken very seriously and all students respect her,” shared one fellow educator.
This sentiment is echoed throughout the campus, with peers noting that her influence goes beyond academics; she creates an environment where students truly want to excel. As another nomination stated, “Mrs. Pittman brings joy to the junior high campus. She always has a great attitude and spreads that across to other staff members and students. She has a way of engaging students to make them want to learn. Her love for the students shines in everything she does.”
Beyond her daily classroom instruction, Mrs. Pittman has stepped into several vital leadership roles this year, proving herself to be an invaluable team player for Spearman Junior High. From student government to academic competitions, her impact is felt across the entire campus. She took over the Student Council this year and has already implemented "great things in such a short amount of time." Additionally, she stepped up to volunteer for UIL, helping with all necessary preparations for the competition. Beyond these duties, she is a cornerstone of campus culture, known for her consistent positivity with one colleague noting, “She always has a smile on her face and brightens up my day.”
Whether she is organizing a school event or engaging a classroom with her signature soft-spoken authority, Julie Pittman embodies the dedication and joy that define a "Teacher of the Year." Her ability to balance effective instruction with a genuine love for her students has made her a standout educator in the district.
Please join Spearman Junior High in congratulating Julie Pittman on this prestigious and well-deserved recognition!
