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new mom to balance a career and
family, but was able to get through
it with the help of family and
friends. She felt it was important to
share this to help other women who
might have the same issue.
“I share this because I want
people to know it is ok to talk about
and it is important to get help. Now
I have been able to get past that
challenge and enjoy my work life
and home life to the fullest,” she
explained.
Edwards loves giving back to
the community, including serving
at her church, Greenwood Baptist
Church. Her work with the DHCC
to preserve Parker County History
through exhibits and helping to keep
the museum free for the public is
another way she gives back to the
community.
“I love helping to provide free
summer activities for kids to enjoy
at the museum that blend learning
and fun.”
Jamie Bodiford Benevolent Powerhouse
Award — Lauren Glass
Aledo native Lauren Glass of Tara
Stark Realty says that of all the places
that she has lived while growing up
in the cutting horse world, Parker
County has been her favorite place
to live — partly because of the small-
town feel, but also the ever-growing
surroundings that are full of oppor-
tunity. Our beautiful county has
allowed Glass to live in a place that
is comfortable for her, but still pushes
her comfort zone to be the best that
she can be. Glass is the marketing
director for Tara Stark Real Estate
Group, and overcame her own fears,
along with getting out of her comfort
zone, to excel in her position.
“I am not a born extrovert; I do
get anxious before social events,”
Glass explained. “However, it is the
people I get to meet, to learn about
and from, that fuel me with the ener-
gy to enjoy myself and be present in
the moment. I’ve learned that proper
data, instructions and information are
key to success in any circumstance.
Due-diligence creates confidence
and a clear plan toward a mutually
desired outcome.”
A self-described boots-and-blue-
jeans cowgirl, Glass loves what she
does and wouldn’t choose another
career, unless it involved horses.
“I guess if there is a profession
where you get to ride horses every
day, travel the country and take
pictures while doing so, sign me up,”
she said.
The Texas A&M graduate says that
the biggest influence in her life is her
mom, real estate icon Tara Stark, who
has had the most influence on her life
for numerous reasons.
“She is the most incredible
person I have ever met with an amaz-
ing story of overcoming and conquer-
ing. Not only does she demonstrate
servant-leadership, but there isn’t a
thing that will get in the way of what
she wants to accomplish.”
Glass understands the importance
of serving her community, starting
with her job.
“It’s important to understand that
we’re not just helping people buy or
sell a house; we are walking through
a life transition with them. It’s impor-
tant to me that every single person I
serve in real estate knows I am help-
ing them through this journey and it
is their best interest that drives me,”
she said.
She is also active in helping
younger people in our community
find a career that is rewarding to
them, using their God-given skills
and talents in a profession that feeds
their souls and financial needs. Glass
also supports multiple local Parker
County organizations that impact
our communities, including Careity
Foundation, Gracefully Strong, Aledo
AdvoCats, Parker County Children’s
Advocacy Center, our local school
districts and youth livestock
programs.
Roger Grizzard Innovative Educator Award
— Kelly Varhola
64
Sometimes, a career is a true calling,
handed down to members of a family
over generations. In Kelly Varhola’s
case, teaching runs in her blood.
“My mom has always been my
steady role model in life,” Varhola
said. “As early as I can remember,
I know I slept or read under the
desk in her classroom so she could
work on setting up for the next days’
lesson or tutoring a student after
school. After 36 years of teaching,
she continues to work with children
daily. Modeling hard work, dedica-
tion, compassion, and doing what
is best for her students and own
children, I know that my mom is the
reason I am who I am today. I hope
to be half the teacher and mother she
is.”
Hailing from a family of North
Texas graduates, Varhola knows the
importance of education. Not only
was her mother a strong role model
for her, her father also encouraged
her to someday get her doctorate.
An eloquent speaker, she described
her journey towards obtaining her
degree.