At 100,000 square feet, Esports Stadium Arlington is the largest dedicated gaming facility in North America.
Courtesy Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
A Whole New Ballgame, February
On first thought, esports might seem like an activity reserved for big-city schools and large universities, but this story shows that students from small programs in rural Texas and Co-op Country can compete at the highest levels.
—Travis Hill, communications specialist
Blessing Box Project founder Dawn Compton, who often gets help from volunteers.
Scott Van Osdol
Hope in a Box, March
My hope with this well-written article is that this was able to bring awareness—and maybe more volunteers—to a very worthy cause and group in the Blessing Box Project. The scope of the project is grand, matched only by the size of founder Dawn Compton’s heart.
—Alex Dal Santo, communications specialist
Lyn Sharp awaits the next order in Danibelle’s Lebanese Cuisine food truck.
Tom Hussey
Best in Tow, April
April was the perfect month for this feature as Texans look for things to do outdoors. Tom Hussey’s photos are as fun and engaging as the story. The story’s focus on local winners supports the co-ops’ Concern for Community.
—Grace Fultz, print production specialist
John Jay Cabuay
Speaking to Children, June
María Alma González Pérez is doing all that she can to help young students learn to speak English by writing books that she wishes she had growing up in small-town South Texas. Her story is invigorating for this editor.
—Chris Burrows, editor
Logan Bell and Geer Gillespie feed goats grass freshly picked from their fields at Low Gear Farmstead.
Scott Van Osdol
Connecting With the Land, September
Connecting With the Land makes me want to do just that: Drop everything, move to a pretty parcel of earth, and commune with goats and nature. Scott Van Osdol’s joyful photography pulled me into the story, and I loved learning about the inclusive community the homesteaders are building in Menard.
—Jessica Ridge, communications specialist
This heartwarming story bridged generations, blending heritage and traditions among families with a surprising coincidental connection.
—Jane Sharpe, senior designer
Meter readers have ready friends in Co-op Country. Ready enemies, too.
Illustration by Michael Koelsch
Reading Between the Lines, October
The story is delightfully written. It’s charming and endearing to the history of our co-op community.
—Caytlyn Phillips, digital media specialist
Dawn Hodges serves up a plate of fresh-baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
Scott Van Osdol
Watch Grandma Cook, November
Mark Wangrin took readers with him straight to Dawn Hodges’ charming home outside Bellville where, once there, we got to see for ourselves why this delightful grandma is a popular, if unlikely, TikTok star.
—Tom Widlowski, associate editor
