We received a real nice donation from James David Rutherford, Class of 1940 of Whittier, California in memory of "my dear friend and classmate", Marjorie Gambrell Hutchins, also Class of 1940 who passed away on October 11, 2007.  Our many thanks to him for such a nice remembrance in her honor.

Our condolences to the family and friends of Erminia Hernandez who passed away November 21, 2007.  She was mom to Anselma Hernandez Castro, Class of 1953 of Belvidere, Illinois.  There were other children, but none among our exes.  She will be missed by many, many folks.

There was a nice picture in the newspaper of Dustin Hobbs, grandson of Martin Hobbs, Class of 1951.  Dustin was signing a letter of intent to pitch for the Kansas State University Wildcats on the first day of the early college signing period in Arbor View High School in Las Vegas, Nevada.  How thrilled Martin must be.

Our condolences to the family of ex-teacher, Cammie Springer who passed away November 14, 2007.  Cammie started this school year in the Thorndale Elementary school, loved by all her young students.  Sure sad to lose one of our young ones.  She will surely be missed by so many.

We need to keep Leroy Niemtschk, Class of 1942 in our prayers.  He and his wife were just admitted to the rest home and he had to have one of his legs removed.  We wish Leroy a speedy recovery.

Nice photo in the paper of Jimmy Sheppard, Class of 1971.  Jimmy works with the Thrall Volunteer Fire Department.  Always so good to know how much our exes help others.

Janet Laffere Schwarz, Class of 1968 of Austin is in need of our prayers.  She has had very extensive surgery at M D Anderson Hospital in Houston.  We hear that the results of the tests after the surgery are very encouraging.  Our "Get Well Soon" wishes go out to Janet.

Just a little history of our scholarships program.  We have given out 159 scholarships, each one $500 except for 3 that were for $750, since 1986.
    In 1986, Rodney Phillips of Austin was the very first recipient and it was from the ex-students scholarship fund.
    In 1987, we could afford to give two and they went to Mary Galban Cass of Caldwell and Evelyn Mitchell of Thorndale.
    In 1988, we had our first memorial scholarship in an individual's name.  This was due to the death of Mrs. Iva Lee Graham, long time teacher and elementary principal in Thorndale Schools and loved by all.  For the next three years, we awarded this scholarship in the amount of $750.00 each year.  Dawn Phillips Puryear of Pflugerville and Terry Richter of Rockdale received the ex-students scholarship that year and Jackie Shillings Newland of Thorndale received the Iva Lee Graham Memorial Scholarship.
    In 1989, the ex-students scholarships (3) went to Ron Gipson of Canton, MI., Kristi Fisher of Conroe and Gladys Martinez of Thorndale.  The Iva Lee Graham Memorial Scholarship went to Scott Bishop of Thorndale.
    In 1990, the ex-students scholarships went to Kevin Menzel of Arlington and Austin Camp, address unknown.  The Class of 1949 awarded a $500.00 Memorial Scholarship to Lora Cargill Kropp of Bartlett.  The Iva Lee Graham Memorial Scholarship also went to Lora Cargill Kropp.
    The ex-students scholarships are all from donations, some in memory of loved ones but not enough to make up $500.  Sometimes we have money left over and we add to these donations to make up a scholarship.  It's such a nice way to remember a loved one.  I will add more to this list at a later time and as space permits.

Now for a few of our "lost" exes from our permanent list  We were so happy to find 3 new addresses when they were last listed.  Hope to do as well this time.
    1991 - Edwardo Barron, Taylor
    1991 - John San Miguel, Jr., Round Rock
    1992 - Melissa Ayala, Thorndale
    1992 - Clayton Culp, Pearsall
    1992 - Angel Morgan King, Rockdale
    1992 - Michael Simmons, Taylor
    1992 - James Lamb, Thorndale
    1992 - Florence Riley, Rockdale
    1993 - Carlos Barron, Pflugerville
    1993 - Cari Robinett Cochran, Thorndale

Had a nice phone visit with Graham Dickerson, Class of 1935.  He had a great Thanksgiving with every single member of his family present.  Said he felt like the richest man alive.  Always good to hear frm him.  He and the rest of the Masons were planning a meal for the Shriners who come in for the Christmas Parade next week-end.  He was our oldest Veteran at Homecoming this year.

Rosalie Biar, wife of Harold Biar, Class of 1949 called to see if we got back on the internet with Total Access.  We haven't, but they have been on a trip to New York City, so didn't know.  Said they had a great time and we know they did.  Glad to have them back home.  Wish I had had better news for her on the internet business.

You can reach us at 512-898-2072 or mail to Thorndale Ex-Students Assn., P. O. Box 393, Thorndale, TX  76577.  We live at 307 West Quinn in Thorndale if you want to stop by.  The new e-mail address is locojo@netzero.com after December 1, 2007.  We love to hear from our exes.

If you have any information for us or if you need information from us, just give us a call or let us know in any way and we'll do what we can to help.  We love to hear from our exes.