George Scott always had a vision that students from Italy High School that desired to attend college would be able to do so. He also realized that in reality, some students could not afford to do so. Had he not passed away in 1991, he could see today that his dream has become a reality due to the hard work of several people and the generosity of many others.

1 comment

Sunday, October 26, 2008, was exciting for Central Baptist Church of Italy, as the Church called Todd Gray to be its new pastor. Todd and his wife, Tammy, are coming to CBC from San Antonio, where for the last two years he was the pastor of Larkspur Christian Fellowship and also taught senior adult Sunday School for Churchill Baptist.

The Italy National Junior Honor Society hosted their annual induction ceremony on Monday night in the band hall. Marjorie Bridge is the Chapter Advisor and she is very proud of her upcoming group.

You alone can make a difference in your community!

Monday morning at 9 a.m. students at Stafford Elementary began Red Ribbon week activities. Accompanied by Mrs. Bedard, school counselor, and Rita Garza, school nurse, children put their hand prints on a huge red banner signifying their desire to live a drug free life.

There was a scheduled Chamber of Commerce meeting Monday evening, 8 p.m., at Express Electronics. Some of the concerned citizens of Italy wanted to begin again, to re-establish the Chamber of Commerce for Italy, to help make the community grow.

Saturday afternoon Milford ISD was filled with compassionate, loving and caring citizens of Milford, Texas. Everyone came out in support of little Chloe Evan’s need of a hearing aid. The response to her need was heartwarming and heartfelt.

If you were at the IHS football game on Friday night, you saw old friends and the hustle and bustle of activities. Some even may have won a prize.

Scruffy is a male Terrier mix. He is one year old. He is a little shy at first but once he gets to know you he is wonderful. He is a very sweet dog. He will need a soft hand in training. He wants to have a permanent home.

Homecoming week has been phenomenal this year. Fun things from daily contests to bonfires and parades. Italy High School students participated in the best time of their lives.

In the past, Italy High School was able to celebrate Homecoming with a bonfire. Then for many years, because of the burn ban or other inabilities to organize, the Seniors did not have one. This year, though not a school sponsored event, they have come full circle and achieved the bonfire once more!

Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Red Oak Municipal Center the fight was on. What fight, you may ask? The fight against cancer. There were 20 to 25 ladies and two men discussing strategies on how to wage war on cancer.

On Thursday afternoon, Trinity Mission was rocking and rolling with Clyde Farrell and his guitar. Tunes such as; “I Love Texas”, “Angelina”, “Whiskey Drinking”, “Western Tale”, “Gate Post”, “Outlaw Billy”, “Old Cowhand” and many more could be heard everywhere you went.

At Italy High School, you can see colors running everywhere. The contest is to see how many students dress in the color assigned to their class. Mrs. Ann Hyles, freshman sponsor, said, “This is TAKS retesting week, as well as Homecoming. The main objective is to teach. But we are still wanting to have some fun, but we keep it low key.”

As the lights shown on Willis Field Friday night, the honors did as well. Annalee Lyons became the 2008 Homecoming Queen.

ITALY — The Italy Gladiators steam rolled over the Wortham Bulldogs 39-0 on Friday night for their homecoming game. Italy hit the field ready for the contest and never let up until the final buzzer.

It is time for box top collecting again! The children at Stafford Elementary are being asked to collect box tops. The box tops will be counted once every six weeks. They will be collected by each grade (Pre-school through 6th grade) and every six weeks the grade that collects the most box tops will win a “Box Top Party” sponsored by one of the local businesses.

In 1986, George E. Scott started a scholarship fund to help deserving Italy High School graduates with money to attend college. The George E. Scott Memorial Scholarship Committee continues that vision. They are hosting a barbecue dinner fundraiser Friday, October 24 in the High School Cafeteria from 5-7 p.m. for $6 per person. Bubba’s of Ennis will cater the dinner. Come share the spirit of Homecoming, the vision of George Scott and some great barbecue.

The Lady Gladiators hosted Covington this week. The volleyball teams were equally ready to play, but the Lady Owls were brought to a screeching halt at the end of the night.

Success has decided to follow the Italy Gladiator Regiment Band wherever it marches! With that kind of following, it’s no wonder the IHS Band stands tall in the winner’s circle shining the brightest gold for this new school year. Last week’s two marching contests affirmed that Italy’s band is making an impression by outscoring all district competitors.

Tuesday night, was the IYAA bonfire and what a night it was. You started your evening off with pizza, pizza and more pizza! Parents and their children did not go hungry.

Well, apparently it is a lot of fun to hit an object with a sledge hammer. It doesn’t matter if you are male or female. Just ask the students at Italy High School.

Bring Mom, Dad, Grandma and the kids to the Annual Monolithic Dome Tour on Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 177 Dome Park Place, right off of Kinfolk Lane in Italy.

For the life of me I cannot understand why some young people become so special to me, but it just happens. Out of the blue, a kid will come along that just gets to me. Several years ago Rodney Shaw was that kid. We bonded from the first time we met — he ended up being like a son to me. Since he passed away in 1990, there is an empty spot in my heart.

First Baptist Church of Italy youth began selling barbecue Saturday and will continue to have fundraisers until their goal is met.

The Italy School Board of Trustees named Craig Bales athletic director and head coach at the board’s monthly meeting held Monday evening.

Gladiator fever has hit and is definitely evident around town. You know when you drive down Main Street that it is Homecoming week because of the displays on the merchant’s windows. Shiny gold bows also have been tied around posts to boost spirit.

Tonight Italy’s city council will hold a called meeting to review résumés, interview candidates and possibly take “necessary action” regarding the position of city administrator/secretary. The council also plans to act on employee pay raises. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the Italy Municipal building at 105 Main Street. All are welcome to attend.

Shaggy is a three-year-old male Briard mix. He weighs 60 pounds and is the best dog. He is good with a crowd, good with other animals and good with kids. He is house trained, walks on a leash — just a great dog.

The winds of change are blowing through Gladiator Land. The new head coach for the girls basketball team is Stacy McDonald and she has some new plans for the Lady Gladiators.

Do you shop at Belk’s Department Store? If you don’t now, you might change your mind when you read about the charity event they are hosting. The closest store is located on Hwy 77 near the Target in Waxahachie. On Saturday, November 15, Belk is hosting a sale to benefit First United Methodist Church of Italy and other local charities.

HUBBARD — Trying new plays paid off for the Italy Gladiators Friday night with a 28-8 win over the Hubbard Jaguars. Quarterback Jasenio Anderson led the Gladiators with 109 yards rushing and 163 yards passing. He hit his receivers 10 of 13 for 141 yards in the first half alone.