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By Misty Cryer In recognition of Constitution Day on September 17, Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) held a mock election to support get-out-the-vote initiatives and the college’s civic engagement efforts. Eddy County Clerk Cara Cooke provided a draft ballot so students and attendees could “mock vote.” The results were discussed before lunch was served. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) provided voter registration during the event. Flye

By Misty Cryer The 16th Annual Fall-A-Palooza takes place on October 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Beach Bandshell Area. It is a community celebration of faith, family, and fall fun, featuring activities and games. The event is hosted by eight churches; some are new this year, with one returning to assist in bringing this lively event to the community. “Fall-A-Palooza is free; it’s family fun for everybody,” said Brooke De Leon of Legacy Church, which is participating for t

The Corner Piece Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, integrity, and selfless service help hold our community together. Like the corner pieces of a puzzle, they provide strength, direction, and a foundation for others to build upon. Whether under 40 or beyond, these individuals remind us that while every piece matters, some quietly make it possible for the entire picture to come together. Pictured are Kyle Williamson with Intrepid Potash. and Allen Perez with Carlsb

J&J Home Care • Serves as a Home Health RN with J&J Home Care, providing skilled nursing and compassionate care to patients throughout southeastern New Mexico. • Brings experience in home health and hospice care, with expertise in chronic disease management, wound care, IV therapy, patient education, and preventing avoidable hospitalizations. • Mentors nursing students entering the healthcare workforce and has been recognized for excellence in patient care, teamwork, and serv

Xcel Energy • Serves as a Senior Engineer at Xcel Energy, specializing in distribution engineering, system protection, reliability, and electrical grid modernization. • Leads technical work that improves grid safety and resilience, including protective relay settings, fault studies, system planning, and wildfire-safe protection schemes. • Serves on the Carlsbad Soccer League Board and SENMC Board of Trustees Project Committee, supporting youth development, educational opportu

SE-NM Homeschool Hub • Helped build SE-NM Homeschool Hub into a public resource organization serving 400 students across Eddy and Lea counties. • As President, secures grants and community partnerships to provide classes, enrichment programs, and educational materials to families at no cost. • Creates sustainable programs that expand educational access while building community, support, and connection for homeschool students and parents.

CARC Inc. • Advanced from lead teacher at CARC’s Child Development Center to Director, completing the training needed to lead the department full time. • Helps lead a positive childcare culture where children feel safe and loved, teachers are supported, and families have confidence in the care provided. • Supports Carlsbad families through early childhood education and community events that connect children with first responders and other local partners.

CNB • Has spent 11 years with CNB, advancing from MIS Technician to Network Systems Officer and leading efforts to strengthen the bank’s cybersecurity and technology infrastructure. • Helped virtualize CNB’s physical servers, improve system security, and lead a major core systems conversion while also assisting customers with cybersecurity concerns. • Serves on the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad board and its HR and Safety Committee, where he is upgrading network infrastructur

Eddy County • Appointed Eddy County Facilities Director at age 29 after advancing through facilities roles; now oversees county facilities, employees, budgets, and major projects while completing her MBA. • Serves on the boards of Christmas Anonymous and Crime Stoppers and is President of Little Cavemen Cheerleading, dedicating significant time to local families, youth, and community programs. • Known for perseverance and service: she began working at 14, once held three jobs

Carlsbad Medical Center • Promoted from Human Resources to Medical Staff Coordinator, overseeing physician credentialing, onboarding, and medical staff committees. • Named Carlsbad Medical Center Employee of the Year for her leadership, service, and commitment to supporting hospital staff and events. • Actively serves Carlsbad through United Way projects, National Night Out for First Responders, and hospital-sponsored community events benefiting local nonprofits.

Carlsbad Municipal Schools • Has served as an LPN since 2014 and now works as a Health Assistant with Carlsbad Municipal Schools, supporting students through the many demands of school health care. • Is committed to continued professional growth, with goals of advancing her nursing credentials and education while building meaningful relationships with students. • Has volunteered as an Oasis Church youth leader for five years and supports youth events, school activities, and c

Alta Vista • Supports students at Alta Vista in Special Education, advocating for the accommodations, resources, confidence, and independence they need to succeed. • Is pursuing a master’s degree in Counseling and gaining hands-on experience to become a mental health professional serving the Carlsbad community. • Combines education, counseling, and advocacy to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and make support more accessible for young people and families.