Hi everyone, I hope you have had a wonderful week.

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In this week’s column, I am happy to share the story of a beautiful young Valley Home girl, Miss Avery Cornett. Avery is a former Valley Home School student. She just celebrated her 15th birthday on Saturday, Sept. 20. This birthday was a very important birthday for Avery, her quinceañera. Avery was surrounded by family and friends on her very special day. She was dressed in an ivory ball gown with a western sequined hat. She arrived in a beautiful white horse drawn carriage followed by her court of honor. She was followed by her cousins and her sister Alexis Cornett in another amazing horse drawn carriage. The beautiful Avery was celebrated with an outdoor blessing. The ceremony was followed with a reception. Avery is a freshman at Oakdale High School. She is excited to embrace her next journey. She puts 100 percent of her heart and soul into everything she sets herself to accomplish. Also, she is an amazing athlete and this year Avery is the varsity quarterback for flag football at the high school. Her passion is softball, which she has been playing since T-ball. She has been on travel ball teams for years. Her positions are pitcher, shortstop, second base and outfield. Avery also finds time to keep up with her horses and animals. She works hard in school and is very proud of her grades. She loves the outdoors, camping, fishing, water activities, riding her horse and most importantly spending time with family. This amazing young lady is a friend to all who know her. She is a very special Valley Home girl. Keep up the great work Avery.

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As promised, I’d like to also update you all on our Oakdale Thunderbird. Technical Sergeant Wyatt Bankus is a former Oakdale High student. Before joining the United States Air Force, Wyatt was a champion rodeo cowboy. His Oakdale Ag teacher remembers Wyatt very fondly. He remembers him as a very hard-working student and they still keep in touch today. Wyatt enjoyed his rodeo time in Oakdale and even earned a scholarship to go to college. His heart turned to the military and he made the decision to join the United States Air Force. Over the last few weeks, Wyatt and his fellow U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds found themselves at Air Shows in Cleveland, Ohio for six days; Québec, Canada for eight days; then off to Maryland for another six days. Now, they are off to Colorado for a two-week tour!

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Please remember these important meetings:

Oct. 3, PTC Meeting at school, 3:30pm, Library

Oct. 8, MAC Meeting at school, 6:30 pm in the Bonnie Gellerman Gym

Oct. 9, Fire Board Meeting at our Valley Home Fire Station

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Let’s all remember to pray for those who need our prayers so very much. Blessings to each of you, this week and every week.

As always, you may reach me by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com or by telephone at 209-985-5233.

Until next time, “Happy Trails to All!”