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Spearman ISD Names 2025 Lynx Legacy Distinguished Alumni
Spearman ISD is honored to announce Gary Ellsworth as the recipient of the 2025 Lynx Legacy Distinguished Alumni Award. This prestigious award aims to identify, recognize, and celebrate alumni who have made significant contributions through public service, academic excellence, and professional achievement. Recipients must be graduates of Spearman High School and have graduated at least ten years prior to receiving the award.
Gary Ellsworth, son of Alton and Peggy Ellsworth, began his education in kindergarten at Mrs. Womble's home in Spearman. He then attended Spearman schools from first grade through graduation, finishing with the Class of 1967. His class was the first to complete all four years in the new high school building -- the same facility that current students still use today.
Ellsworth's legacy of service spans nearly five decades, during which he has had a profound impact on the Spearman community and beyond. In 1976, his family purchased the Lyric Cinema, which he later acquired in 2001. Since then, he has faithfully operated the cinema, continuing to serve Spearman and neighboring areas. He is known for welcoming school groups into the theater and has generously provided free popcorn and drinks to more students than one can count. Lyric Cinema was honored as Business of the Year in both 2005 and 2022.
In 2008, Ellsworth received the Letter of Commendation for Excellence Service Award from the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center of Austin. For nearly twenty years, he has been a faculty member with the Center, educating new judges on a wide range of topics including traffic safety, legal updates, and judicial ethics. He also taught at Regional Judges Schools across the state, sessions often attended by seasoned judges, covering topics such as legislative updates and defendant's rights workshops.
Ellsworth's judicial impact is further demonstrated by his term as President of the Texas Municipal Courts Association (TMCA) from 2022 to 2023. During his presidency, a major milestone was achieved: the revision and modernization of the Association's By-Laws. He was also recognized as Municipal Court Judge of the Year by TMCA for 2010 - 2011 -- a testament to his longstanding dedication to justice and education in the municipal court system.
His commitment to public service goes far beyond the bench. Ellsworth was appointed by Hansford County Judge Benny Wilson to serve as the Hansford County Emergency Management Director, where he was responsible for developing and overseeing the County Emergency Management Plan. Additionally, he served as the Executive Director of the Spearman Housing Authority helping address local housing needs and community development.
Ellsworth was actively involved in youth and faith-based initiatives, serving as the youth director at First Christian Church for fifteen years. During his tenure, he, along with Steve Donnell and Scott Taylor, helped launch the first of four annual "Thirtysomething" youth events. These gatherings focused on Christian teachings and values, offering inspiration and guidance to the young people of the community.
He was a core member of Families in Action, played a key role in founding The Hideout, a youth center for students in grades 7 - 12, and was instrumental in launching the Just Say No Campaign, partnering with the school district to educate students about making responsible choices. Through the Partners in Education program, he supported fourth-grade students by providing weekly character count lessons for several years.
Locally, Ellsworth has been actively involved in numerous initiatives: Read with a Buddy, Little League coach and President, District Education Improvement Committee, Stationmaster's House Museum Board member and treasurer, and Meals on Wheels. He's also been the voice of Spearman sports as an announcer for football and basketball for nearly 35 years.
Ellsworth has served as Municipal Judge for 32 years, acting as interim judge in Gruver, Stratford, and Texline when needed. He was asked by the State Commission of Judicial Conduct to mentor a judge that needed additional training in Due Process.
His nominator shared:
"Gary Ellsworth has been a vital part of this community for years. He has donated countless hours to our youth. There is no doubt the impact he has had on this community through all of the programs he has dedicated himself to over the years. He makes it his goal to shape our youth in the community to have character and integrity. All of his contributions do not reward him with monetary value. Watching these kids that he has mentored grow and become successful members of this community is his reward."
Congratulations to Gary Ellsworth on this well-deserved recognition. His lifelong dedication to service, education, and community embodies the very spirit of the Lynx Legacy Distinguished Alumni Award.
Ellsworth will be recognized at the Spearman High School football homecoming pep rally, September 26, 2025. A reception will follow the event.
Gary Ellsworth, son of Alton and Peggy Ellsworth, began his education in kindergarten at Mrs. Womble's home in Spearman. He then attended Spearman schools from first grade through graduation, finishing with the Class of 1967. His class was the first to complete all four years in the new high school building -- the same facility that current students still use today.
Ellsworth's legacy of service spans nearly five decades, during which he has had a profound impact on the Spearman community and beyond. In 1976, his family purchased the Lyric Cinema, which he later acquired in 2001. Since then, he has faithfully operated the cinema, continuing to serve Spearman and neighboring areas. He is known for welcoming school groups into the theater and has generously provided free popcorn and drinks to more students than one can count. Lyric Cinema was honored as Business of the Year in both 2005 and 2022.
In 2008, Ellsworth received the Letter of Commendation for Excellence Service Award from the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center of Austin. For nearly twenty years, he has been a faculty member with the Center, educating new judges on a wide range of topics including traffic safety, legal updates, and judicial ethics. He also taught at Regional Judges Schools across the state, sessions often attended by seasoned judges, covering topics such as legislative updates and defendant's rights workshops.
Ellsworth's judicial impact is further demonstrated by his term as President of the Texas Municipal Courts Association (TMCA) from 2022 to 2023. During his presidency, a major milestone was achieved: the revision and modernization of the Association's By-Laws. He was also recognized as Municipal Court Judge of the Year by TMCA for 2010 - 2011 -- a testament to his longstanding dedication to justice and education in the municipal court system.
His commitment to public service goes far beyond the bench. Ellsworth was appointed by Hansford County Judge Benny Wilson to serve as the Hansford County Emergency Management Director, where he was responsible for developing and overseeing the County Emergency Management Plan. Additionally, he served as the Executive Director of the Spearman Housing Authority helping address local housing needs and community development.
Ellsworth was actively involved in youth and faith-based initiatives, serving as the youth director at First Christian Church for fifteen years. During his tenure, he, along with Steve Donnell and Scott Taylor, helped launch the first of four annual "Thirtysomething" youth events. These gatherings focused on Christian teachings and values, offering inspiration and guidance to the young people of the community.
He was a core member of Families in Action, played a key role in founding The Hideout, a youth center for students in grades 7 - 12, and was instrumental in launching the Just Say No Campaign, partnering with the school district to educate students about making responsible choices. Through the Partners in Education program, he supported fourth-grade students by providing weekly character count lessons for several years.
Locally, Ellsworth has been actively involved in numerous initiatives: Read with a Buddy, Little League coach and President, District Education Improvement Committee, Stationmaster's House Museum Board member and treasurer, and Meals on Wheels. He's also been the voice of Spearman sports as an announcer for football and basketball for nearly 35 years.
Ellsworth has served as Municipal Judge for 32 years, acting as interim judge in Gruver, Stratford, and Texline when needed. He was asked by the State Commission of Judicial Conduct to mentor a judge that needed additional training in Due Process.
His nominator shared:
"Gary Ellsworth has been a vital part of this community for years. He has donated countless hours to our youth. There is no doubt the impact he has had on this community through all of the programs he has dedicated himself to over the years. He makes it his goal to shape our youth in the community to have character and integrity. All of his contributions do not reward him with monetary value. Watching these kids that he has mentored grow and become successful members of this community is his reward."
Congratulations to Gary Ellsworth on this well-deserved recognition. His lifelong dedication to service, education, and community embodies the very spirit of the Lynx Legacy Distinguished Alumni Award.
Ellsworth will be recognized at the Spearman High School football homecoming pep rally, September 26, 2025. A reception will follow the event.
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