The Quitman School Board honored former Wood County Monitor editor Larry Tucker on Monday, Feb. 12 with a new award called the “Top Bulldog.”

This award is presented to members of the community who go above and beyond in their support of Quitman ISD.

Superintendent Christopher Mason explained that the award was started this year “to spotlight members of our community, our staff and students who go above and beyond in representing what a Bulldog is.” 

Mason and Board President Jeremy Smith spoke about Tucker before presenting the award. They spoke of his dedication to covering not only sports, but anything and everything related to Quitman ISD over the years.

“We wanted to award Larry Tucker due to the fact that he is a staple in our Bulldog community. His tireless efforts to showcase our students, our staff, and our programs through his reporting has had a great impact on our community.” 

“I can’t tell y’all how much I appreciate y’all, thank you for this,” Tucker said as he accepted the award. Tucker also went on to thank the board “for the past,” reminiscing about long ago events such as Board Member Raymond Peek’s assistance in leading the Bulldogs to an undefeated football season in the 1980s. Tucker also expressed his appreciation to the board members individually, speaking of his friendships with each over the years. 

Tucker also thanked the school board for being “open” and “easy to cover.” Tucker said that he thought “we have the best school board in the state of Texas. Tucker added, “Don’t tell any of the others, especially city council, but I’ll probably miss y’all the most.” 

Mason added, “We appreciate his hard work and dedication to Quitman ISD. We wanted him to know that once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.” 

Tucker officially retired from the Wood County Monitor last fall. In January, Quitman’s City Council held a special reception before their monthly meeting to honor Tucker and presented him with a certificate of appreciation to honor all of his years of service.