Nearly 150,000 Collin County residents were estimated to lack consistent access to adequate food in 2024, according to newly released data from Feeding America, with the number of children experiencing food insecurity increasing by more than 9,000 in one year.

Feeding America released its 2026 Map the Meal Gap report July 28. The study uses data through 2024 to estimate food insecurity at the state, county and congressional district levels. Food insecurity is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as limited or uncertain access to adequate food at some point during the year.

The numbers present a mixed picture in Collin County.

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The Texas Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert as students across the state return to school.

In 2025, Texas recorded 877 crashes in school zones, a 12% increase from the previous year. Another 2,358 crashes involved school buses. Distracted driving and speeding were the most common contributing factors.

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Jacob Day, Place 6; Stacie Smith, Place 1; and Virdie Montgomery, Place 5, are seeking re-election.

Place 2 will be open after current trustee Mike Williams decided not to seek another term. Brett Fagan, Brandon Thomas and Sam Satterwhite are seeking the Place 2 seat.

Williams, who has served Wylie ISD for nearly 30 years as a teacher, coach, campus principal and trustee, reflected on his time with the district.

“During my almost 30 years of service to Wylie ISD as a teacher, coach and campus principal, and trustee, one thing really stands out: In all positions, we put all students and staff first in all decisions that were made,” Williams said. “Policy, budget, additional campuses, equity for all no matter what side of town you lived — and as a result, our students, staff and community have enjoyed great success academically, athletically, in the fine arts and career education.”

“Our students have been able to reach their potential and become contributors to our community and world,” he said.

Satterwhite previously served on the Wylie ISD board from 2006 to 2009.

The candidate filing period is underway and ends Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. Applications may be submitted Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wylie ISD Educational Service Center, 951 S. Ballard Ave., Wylie, or faxed to 972-941-6005, attention Krystal Smith.

 There is no filing fee.

Candidates for the Wylie ISD board must be at least 18 years old, registered voters and have lived in Texas for at least 12 months and within Wylie ISD for at least six months before the filing deadline. Candidates run for specific places on the seven-member board but represent the district at large.

Early voting is scheduled for Oct. 19-30, with Election Day set for Nov. 3.

The candidates are listed by the district in the order their applications were received. The Wylie News will feature profiles of the candidates in the coming weeks.

For more information about campaign finance reporting, contact the Texas Ethics Commission. 

Election information is available through the Texas Secretary of State, and additional information about school board service is available through the Texas Association of School Boards.

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They made history Sunday at Sachse High School by renaming the gymnasium in honor of a man who left an indelible mark on generations of students. The gym now carries the name of Steve Hammerle.

In inviting the community to the celebration, Garland ISD described the dedication as a “historic occasion,” honoring an educator who “dedicated himself to the students, staff and community of Sachse High School, leaving a lasting impact through his leadership, commitment and service.”

The dedication ceremony drew a large crowd of former students, fellow educators, family members and friends. The Sachse High School Mighty Mustang Band, color guard, drill team and cheerleaders performed before the ceremony.

Hammerle called the recognition “the highlight of my career” and thanked the students he met throughout his years in education “for everything you taught me.”

Hammerle spent nearly 50 years as a public educator, including more than 30 years with Garland ISD, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, middle school principal and high school principal. During his career, he earned Principal of the Year honors at both the high school and middle school levels, TASSP Region 10 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year honors and a PTA Lifetime Membership Award. A graduate of Texas A&M University, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1977 before completing graduate studies in counseling and student services and school administration.

Former Sachse High principal Shae Creel, who succeeded Hammerle in 2016, praised his predecessor’s vision and leadership.

“Stepping into a post that Steve founded was truly special,” Creel said.

Construction on Sachse High began in 2000, and the campus opened in 2002 with an inaugural class of 815 freshmen and sophomores. Additional grade levels were added in subsequent years, with the school’s first graduating class earning diplomas in 2005.

Creel said Hammerle, who oversaw the project from “the ground up,” was dedicated to ensuring “everything was done right” and built a culture that continues to shape the campus today.

Brandy Schneider, a former Sachse High assistant principal, recalled Hammerle’s high standards during construction of the campus.

“Everything must look in 20 years like it does today,” he insisted.

Steve Evans, who met Hammerle while the two attended Garland High School, remembered him as someone who “never had a negative thing to say about anyone” and said he was “passionate about friendships and was always willing to help others.”

The announcement of the dedication on the Sachse High School Facebook page prompted dozens of congratulatory comments from former students and colleagues. Richie Harris wrote, “He was the only reason I graduated from Garland High School in ‘90. He was tough but fair.” Another former student, Charles Stiles, a member of Sachse High’s first graduating class, wrote that Hammerle encouraged students “to leave our mark on the campus,” adding, “You knew he cared about every student that walked in those doors.”

The ceremony also included heartfelt remarks from Hammerle’s son, Sean, who spoke about his father’s decision to adopt him after marrying his late wife, Marlene, former principal of Rowlett High School.

“I knew I was a Hammerle all along,” Sean said. He closed by thanking his father “for showing me what a father should be.” He also recalled family vacations that often turned into impromptu reunions because his father seemed to know someone everywhere they went. “Our family vacations became more like family reunions,” he said to laughter from the audience.

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Proceedings began with the presentation of the Going the Extra Mile, or GEM, Award to Myriam Diaz, who was also recognized for 35 years of service to the district.

The district also introduced two new administrators to the community: Assistant Superintendent of Leadership Michael Arreola and Assistant Superintendent of Safety and Operations Jennifer Duplessis.

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By Andrew Norsworthy | [email protected]

Fortunately, parents can do a great deal to ease the transition and help children begin the school year feeling prepared and confident.

One of the simplest ways to reduce first-day jitters is to make the occasion something to celebrate. Whether it’s preparing a favorite breakfast, taking the annual first-day photo or planning a special after-school outing, creating a family tradition helps turn nervous energy into positive anticipation.

As the first day approaches, it’s also helpful to begin re-establishing school routines. Moving bedtime a little earlier each night, practicing morning schedules and limiting late-night screen time can make those first few days much smoother for everyone.

Families with children attending a new school can benefit from doing a trial run before classes begin. Driving the route to campus, locating the bus stop or practicing the morning commute removes much of the uncertainty that can contribute to anxiety. Even something as simple as walking through the front entrance or finding the cafeteria can make a new school feel more familiar.

Many schools also host meet-the-teacher nights, orientation programs or campus tours before the school year begins. These events give students a chance to meet teachers, locate classrooms and reconnect with classmates in a relaxed setting before the hallways fill on the first day.

Parents can also help children focus on the opportunities that come with a new school year. New classes, electives, fine arts programs, athletics and clubs all provide chances to learn new skills and discover new interests. Talking about those possibilities shifts the conversation away from what summer is ending and toward what the new year can bring.

Another way to build excitement is to review the school calendar together. Mark holidays, field trips, concerts, athletic events, school carnivals and other activities on a family calendar. Looking ahead to memorable events throughout the year helps children see school as more than homework and tests.

Before classes begin, consider arranging a play date, neighborhood gathering or pool party with friends. Spending time together before school starts reminds children they’ll soon be seeing familiar faces every day, making the transition feel a little less intimidating.

Finally, remember that some nervousness is perfectly normal. Parents who encourage open conversations about school and listen carefully to their children’s concerns can often ease fears before they grow. Sometimes all a child needs is reassurance that others are feeling the same way and that it’s okay to be both excited and nervous about a new beginning.

Every new school year offers a fresh start. With a little preparation, patience and encouragement, parents can help children walk through the school doors ready to learn, make new friends and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

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Qualifying items can be purchased tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas. 

The three-day sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 7, and runs through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9.

The comptroller’s office says the sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items bought during the period. Items purchased before or after the sales tax holiday do not qualify for exemption, and there is no tax refund available.

The exemption applies to each eligible item sold for less than $100, and there is no limit to the number of qualifying items you can buy.

Computers, software and textbooks are not included. Jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches and other accessories are also not exempt.

However, delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges by the seller are part of the item’s sales price. If the delivery charge is a flat rate per package, and the amount charged is the same regardless of how many items are included in the package, the total charge can be attributed to any one of the items in the package.

A complete list of school supplies covered by the tax holiday is available at: https://bit.ly/3RkCnpL.

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By Allison LaBrot | [email protected]

The Wylie East Solar Car Team set out on a cross-Texas journey in their newly built vehicle Sunday, July 19, for the annual Solar Car Challenge. The five-day competition sent 24 high school teams on a cross-Texas journey of up to 619.8 miles from Fort Worth to Fort Stockton.

After winning the Advanced Classic division national championships the past two years, the Wylie East team built a new car, “East Beast 2.0,” from the ground up to comply with updated rules for the 2026 competition. 

Planning for the competition started 18 months ago, with construction beginning at the start of the 2025-26 school year. The team has worked continuously, spending two to three days a week on the car this summer and adding in extra workdays over the past month. 

Students contribute to every aspect of the project, from welding and fabrication to aerodynamics, electronics and other critical systems.

Ten of the team’s 16 members competed in this year’s Solar Car Challenge. 

While the 2025 event took place at Fort Worth’s Texas Motor Speedway, students from around the country will travel through several Texas cities this year. Team adviser Matthew Karlsen said there will be three days of tech inspection, called “scrutineering,” before the race. Each race day includes a route with two rest stops and a lunch break.

This year, the team faced challenges during their tech inspection. 

“After two days of repair for an incident that happened on day two of scrutineering, we are ready to start the race,” they relayed on social media,

“Teams can only drive from 9 to 5, so if you don’t get all the way, you must trailer to the destination,” Karlsen said. “Only the miles they drive in the solar car get counted towards their total.”

The winner is determined by total miles driven, with the fastest overall time serving as the tiebreaker. Solar cars are preceded on the road by a truck and trailer and followed by two chase cars with lights and large signs to alert other drivers of the car’s presence. The first chase car also transports a judge who keeps track of mileage and ensures rules of the road are followed. 

Preparation for the cross-Texas race differs from what is needed for the track event. 

“Drivers need to practice driving without cruise control to keep a steady foot, study driving hills and getting through multiple stops and starts without consuming precious energy,” Karlsen said. 

The competition began Sunday in Fort Worth and includes stops in Palestine, Round Rock, Fredericksburg, San Angelo before concluding in Fort Stockton. At each stop, community members can view the solar cars during public displays held from 4 to 9 p.m. For more information and race updates, follow the Solar Car Challenge or Wylie East Solar Car Team on Facebook. 

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The June 22 meeting began with a public hearing on the proposed budget and tax rate for the 2026-27 school year. Deputy Superintendent Darrell Dodds presented the proposed General Fund, Student Nutrition Services Fund and Debt Service Fund budgets, noting the tax rate was not scheduled for approval that night.

The proposed tax rate for 2026-27 is expected to remain unchanged at $0.786900. Dodds said certified property values are expected to arrive in July and will be presented to trustees in September.

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By Andrew Norsworthy | [email protected]

What began as an effort to tell a story about one cadet’s struggle to find his place has evolved into a student-produced short film that is drawing praise from educators, military instructors and viewers across the region.

Recent Wylie High School graduate Tuan Nguyen and fellow student filmmaker Phaolo Le teamed up to create “New Beginnings,” a short film highlighting opportunities for students to experience growth, leadership and success through the school’s Air Force Junior ROTC program.

The project was entirely student-led and produced with limited resources, relying on school equipment, faculty guidance and the dedication of students balancing filming schedules with academic and extracurricular commitments.

Nguyen, who served on the AFJROTC Public Affairs team throughout high school, said the idea grew from a desire to help others better understand the program.

“Recognizing this and remembering that I did not fully understand what JROTC was when I first signed up, I dedicated myself to this project in hopes of helping others succeed as I did and understand that JROTC is more than a class,” Nguyen said.

The film follows cadets as they navigate uncertainty, pressure and personal obstacles, emphasizing the mentorship and support available within the program. While many people associate JROTC primarily with military preparation, Nguyen said the film was designed to showcase its broader impact.

“There are many misconceptions about JROTC, so one of our goals was to show what the program truly represents and its positive impact,” he said. “JROTC is meant to help students develop leadership skills, confidence, character and a sense of purpose within a supportive environment that encourages growth.”

The film’s lead role is played by Wylie High graduate Miles Whitmire, whose own experience in AFJROTC inspired much of the story.

According to Nguyen, Whitmire considered leaving the program during his freshman year because he did not see its value. Instead of accepting his decision, an instructor encouraged him to stay and become more involved.

The conversation changed the course of Whitmire’s high school experience. He remained in the program for four years, eventually serving in two of its highest leadership positions. He also enlisted in the Army National Guard, attending basic training in his junior year and is currently completing Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, as part of his training as an indirect fire infantryman.

“If it wasn’t for the instructor to recognize his potential, he wouldn’t likely be where he is today,” Nguyen said. Le, an Audio Visual student at Wylie High, helped bring the story to life through film. Nguyen said he was impressed after seeing one of Le’s earlier projects and invited him to join the production.

Together, they worked to create a film that would resonate with both cadets and those unfamiliar with the program.

Producing the film presented several challenges.

Most filming took place within a single week as cadets prepared for the year’s final drill competition. Weather also created obstacles, with strong winds affecting audio quality and changing lighting conditions forcing the crew to work quickly.

“We used our bodies to shield the microphones from the wind and attempted to get all of the shots before sunset,” Nguyen said.

To create authentic scenes, the filmmakers coordinated with drill team leaders and filmed portions of practices while minimizing disruptions.

The finished product debuted May 1 during the AFJROTC annual awards banquet, where it was viewed by more than 200 cadets, family members and guests.

Nguyen said the reaction exceeded expectations.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “Many teachers approached our actors, director and instructor to tell them how much they loved the short film. Some even shared that they became emotional while watching it.”

Senior Aerospace Science Instructor Lt. Col. Darren James praised both the film and the students who created it.

“The cadets that created this video have taken our PA program to new heights, and the thought-provoking concepts of those in the short film emulate what we hope any cadet can realize about the confidence they need to go out into this world,” James said. “Reflection is a powerful tool for success, and the family atmosphere that our corps continues to maintain each year is emulated within this story.”

The film’s reach has since extended beyond Wylie.

After being shared with an AFJROTC regional director, “New Beginnings” was distributed to instructors across the region. Nguyen said several instructors have expressed interest in showing the film to incoming cadets as an example of how the program can influence students’ lives.

For Nguyen, that impact is exactly what he hoped the project would achieve.

“Some characters are portrayed as pursuing the military path, while others pursue a more normal [traditional] career path,” he said. “No matter their desired destination, they can all benefit from the mentorship, friendships and leadership opportunities the program provides.”

Editor’s note: Nguyen will be attending Texas A&M this fall as a communications major and joining the Corps of Cadets in August.

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