The 2025 Early ISD Longhorn Legends have been selected and will be honored at 7:05 p.m. Friday Aug. 29, prior to the Early-Bangs football game at Longhorn Stadium.
This year’s honorees were selected for their positive impact on the Early school district and community as either a former employee or alumni.
The 2025 Longhorn Legends are Tim Schoen, Wanda Thacker- Martin and the late Joy Jannel Hunt.
Joy Janell Hunt made her impact as a legend not wearing a jersey or a cape, but an apron, a smile and had a heart of gold. Her presence in the cafeteria was more than a job, it was a ministry of care, compassion, and love. She served hot meals to students, staff, and the community for 17 years at Early High School until her unexpected death in 1997. Joy was known for her positive spirit, Longhorn pride and devotion to every student. She attended school events, cheering students and staff on, knew them by name and what activities they were involved in. She was remembered as one who “spoiled us, corrected us but most of all how she loved us.” Joy’s impact on her colleagues, friends made her their special “Joy.” Her legacy lives on with deep family roots in Early. Her children all EISD Alumni are Loretta Thompson, Laura Duffer, Shelly Harwell and the late Bobby Jack Hunt Jr.
Wanda (Alston) Thacker-Martin is an Early High School Class of 1972 graduate. While in school she graduated Top 10 of her class, involved in sports, cheerleading, FFA Sweetheart, Class Officer, Student Council, voted Most Spirited, and Most Beautiful. Wanda is the epitome of giving. She and her late husband Dennis, began the Brown County Toys for Kids program in 1997. After his passing in 2006, Wanda vowed to continue this amazing program and today with her family and support of the community serves over 1400 children and more than 500 families. She is the owner of Grand Starz and throughout the year open the doors to many non-profit organizations to hold fund raising events. She continues to dedicate so much love and time to our community. Wanda stated EHS “Taught me to be a team member and a community leader with passion.” Her commitment is shared with her amazing daughters Stacee, Carrie and Krissie.
Tim Schoen, EHS Alumni class of 1996 has been awarded this honor for his unwavering commitment to giving back to our community. While attending Early, Tim was inducted into the NHS and was an honor graduate as well as involved in FFA, football, choir, basketball, speech, and drama classes. Tim earned his BBA from Howard Payne University in 2001. Tim found the Buckmasters American Deer Foundation Chapter in 2006 and started “Rackin Up Dreams Outdoors” in 2023 and serves as chairman of this non-profit organization in our community that allows children with disabilities to hunt. He also gives scholarships to high school seniors and donates to volunteer fire departments. Tim also gives many hours as a member of the Brown County Fair Association and President of “Inspiring Champions Livestock” Board. Tim is the owner of Schmokers Custom Pits and GreenGo Feeders. When he is not working or volunteering Tim enjoys fishing, hunting, cooking, and building metal projects.