Howdy POC, Seadrift & Calhoun County ISD District 5 Friends,

My name is Max Kipp and I am running for your Calhoun County School Board Trustee for District 5 and would like to firmly and fairly represent both our Seadrift and Port O’ Connor schools.

I am a volunteer at Port O’ Connor Elementary where my daughter, Vivian, attends the 1st grade, her 3rd year as a Dolphin! My wife, Ashley, also works for our school with our incredible school staff. I am also a member of the Port O’ Connor Volunteer Fire Department. I have 37 years’ experience in composite materials business and corporate management, along with multiple business certifications. My family and I are proud native TEXANS. I have been coming to the area for 40 years and we moved our family to Port O’Connor 3 years ago (from Austin, because it changed, and we would not). I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, and anything outdoors. I’m currently a partner at Holeshot Performance Propellers, a small business in our region.

I encourage each of us, Parents, Citizens and Business Owners to be involved with OUR schools. Visit the campuses, talk with our Principles and Teachers, attend a School Board meeting when possible, join or assist PTO’s, become a Mentor for OUR KIDS, or even just pop in for lunch. I promise it will change their day, your day and your perspective for the better.

You are either from our district and stayed or moved here by choice and our schools are likely a big part of those decisions.

My objective will be to represent, fully support and improve our Children’s education and environment – AT THE DIRECTION OF OUR SCHOOL STAFF, PARENTS and COMMUNITIES. Easy to say, challenging to do, it will take seeking your input and presenting information back to our community from our School Board.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions directly 512-426-1875. Thank you for your consideration and support!

Manuel Carriles III, age 78, passed away Monday March 18, 2024, with his beloved wife by his side. He was born in Port O’Connor, Texas, on June 1, 1945, to the late Manuel Carriles Jr. and Guadalupe Ramos Carriles.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of 58 years Mary Ann Carriles, children Criselda Carriles Aguilar of Alvin, Texas, Anabele Carriles, and Lonnie Paul Carriles of Port Lavaca, Texas. Siblings Alberta Hernandez Carriles, Adela De La Cruz (Jaime), and Josephine Lento (Richard) of Port Lavaca, Texas, and Robert Carriles Sr. of Port O’Connor, Texas.

Manuel is also survived by his loving grandchildren. Maricelda Aguilar, Manuel and Tatum Aguilar, Jaylyne and Zachary Gonzalez, Kaylyne and Fabian Sanchez, Lorelei Carriles, his grand dog Pearl Carriles-Swope, and six beloved great-grandchildren, Evangelina Nolasco, Xander Nolasco, Exodus Nolasco, Prescott Gonzalez, Prezton Sanchez, Landon Sanchez, and Eden Sanchez.

Manuel is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Abel Carriles, Paul Carriles, Ben Carriles, and grandson Marlin Manuel Michael Carriles.

A celebration of life was held Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Angel Lucy’s Funeral Home in Port Lavaca. Burial occured at Port O’Connor Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Manuel Aguilar, Fabian Sanchez, Zachary Gonzalez, Phillip Swope, Manuel Lento, Marcos Rodriguez, Juan Pecina, and Anthony Carrera. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Lee Kalisek, Cy Rogers, Gary Cunningham, Robert Carriles, Bobby Briseno, Albert Barrientes, Arthur Maseda, Luis Ruiz, Russell Cain, and Butch Grissom.

Captain Manuel lived a long-blessed life full of love, family, and friends. He wore his white shrimp boots with pride and loved sharing his life on the salt water. He will be missed beyond words by many and all who loved him.

Robin Guice with two generations of students (L to R) Leslie Shirhall, Jacque Callaway with son Quinton, Ceclia Garcia with son Zavian, and Jill Goode.

Our featured guest in the Senior Spotlight column is Robin Guice. Robin was recently featured in the “Community Heroes of Seadrift, Texas” coloring book. She is one of our community heroes and we are proud of the fact that she has been there for so many students through the years at Seadrift School. She has graciously agreed to tell her story. Keep in mind that Robin works at the front desk at the Seadrift School. She has been working there for 33 years and has worked a total of 37 years in public education. So, take a listen and be blessed!

This is what Robin wanted to share with us:

“I always wanted to work with educators and children. I can see the impact that educators make in children’s lives. My aunt, Esther Caddell, will always be my hero. She worked in education for 38 years. I am on my 2nd generation of kiddos – the parents and now the children. I have seen a lot of changes in public schools. I have worked with 8 different principals. I am usually the first voice a parent will hear if their child is not at school. I am the first face people will see when they enter the school. If I have touched one kiddo’s life in a positive way, I have done my job well.

Grandparents are very special to me. My grandparents, Herbert and Betty Caddell, adopted me when I was nine months old. The values they instilled in me made me who I am today.”

Robin and her husband Rod live on the outskirts of Seadrift with their dogs Renee, Silo, Stitch, Rhea, and Carrie. Robin and Rod have one daughter, Sara, who is married to Noel Garza and is currently a student at UHV. Robin’s family have been in Seadrift since the early 1900’s. Robin’s grandmother who adopted her was born in Seadrift in 1917.

In conclusion, Robin had this to say, “I love Seadrift School and the Seadrift Community.
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Thank you, Robin, for sharing your story with us. We are very proud of you and all that you have accomplished.

May 4th is your opportunity to vote not only for the School Board but for the Seadrift City Council.
Early voting for City Council will be at the Seadrift City Hall at the following days and times:
April 22 from 8 to 5; April 23 from 7 to 7; April 24 from 8 to 5; April 25 from 7 to 7; April 26 from 8 to 5; April 29 from 8 to 5; and April 30 from 8 to 5.

for the 3rd nine weeks

All A’s

1st Grade: Scoute Kalina,
Vivian Kipp, Rhys McCauley, Alessia Smith,Sawyer Walker
2nd Grade: Brendan Brandt, Avelyn Hay, Elizabeth Tolar
4th Grade: Mia Blanco

A&B

1st Grade: Emma Brown, Samary Garcia
2nd Grade: Kai Chance, Mason Keller
3rd Grade: Jacob Stryker
4th Grade: Kevin Gutierrez Martinez
5th Grade: Amara Brown, Sofia Guerra Herrera. Liam Hay

Perfect Attendance
3rd Nine Weeks

Pre-K: Cannon Adney
Kindergarten: Alex Gutierrez Martinez, Osvin Gutierrez Martinez, Hunter Kalina,
Andrew Martinez, Shivaay Patel,Everly Pompa
1st Grade: Reef Chance, Samary Garcia, Scoute Kalina, Brooklynn Vossler
2nd Grade: Kynslee Brown, Kai Chance, Elizabeth Tolar
3rd Grade: Addison Mapp, Jacob Stryker
4th Grade: Cora Haschke
5th Grade:Amara Brown, Brynlen Eure, Abigail Gutierrez,
Emily Mapp, Charlie O’Shields