Dr. Zach Buie is Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Music History at Boise State University.

Prior to accepting his position at Boise State, Dr. Buie was on faculty at Western Wyoming College, where he taught applied brass and directed the symphonic and jazz bands.

Zach was a three-time All-State trumpet player in the Bobcat Band and was a 2003 graduate of Hallsville High School.

Dr. Buie has performed extensively throughout the United State, Europe, Asia, and Central America in various genres.  He has performed with the Utah Symphony, Macao Orchestra, Helena Symphony, and is a former member of the Waco and Round Rock Symphonies.  He has also performed with Dallas Winds, Utah Festival Opera, Imperial Brass of Dallas, Brazos Valley Symphony, Utah Metropolitan Ballet, and several commercial groups.

From 2010 to 2014, he toured with Soul Track Mind, a 7-piece original soul/funk band based in Austin. Featured on three of their albums as a trumpet player, arranger, and songwriter, Dr. Buie and the band were recognized by The New York Times as leaders in the resurgence of soul music. As a soloist, he has collaborated on commissions and performances and is active as a recitalist throughout the region.

In recent years, Dr. Buie led a public-school band program including junior high and high school ensembles in Marfa, Texas.  He has presented masterclasses at numerous institutions worldwide, including several developing countries.  Dr. Buie received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas at Austin, His Master of Music from Baylor University, and his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Utah.

Jesse Casey, a distinguished figure in the Hallsville community, has dedicated his life to education, public service, and community engagement.

Born and raised in Hallsville, Jesse's journey began at Hallsville High School, where he graduated as an honor student in 1979. His academic excellence was recognized with the prestigious API Academic Scholarship.

Continuing his educational pursuits, Jesse earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1983. He holds teaching certifications in Mathematics and Physical Education, a testament to his commitment to academic rigor and physical well-being.

In 1999, Jesse furthered his academic credentials by obtaining a Master's degree in Education from Stephen F. Austin University, along with a Mid Management Certification.

Jesse's career in education spans over three decades, with 16 years as a dedicated math teacher and coach, followed by 19 years as an administrator at Hallsville Independent School District (ISD). His leadership was recognized when he was named Assistant Principal of the Year by Region 7.

During his tenure, Jesse served as Assistant Principal at Hallsville Junior High for 13 years before becoming Principal of Hallsville's first Virtual School and Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).

Beyond education, Jesse has been a prominent voice in the local sports community, serving as a radio announcer for Bobcat football games for 17 years.

In 2017, Jesse took on a new role as the Mayor of Hallsville, bringing his passion for community service to local governance. His leadership extends beyond city limits, serving as the Texas Municipal League Region 15 President and a member of the TML ERCOT Advisory Board.

Jesse's commitment to regional collaboration is evident through his role as a board member of the East Texas Council of Governments. Additionally, he actively contributes to the spiritual and social fabric of his community as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church and as President of the Hallsville Lions Club.

Family remains central to Jesse's life. He has been married to Melissa Warren Casey for 33 years, and they are proud parents to Luke, Carly, and Jacob, all graduates of Hallsville High School. Jesse cherishes his role as "Big Daddy" to 11 grandchildren, finding joy and fulfillment in family gatherings and shared experiences.

Charlie Falconer is a 1979 graduate of Hallsville High School. Charlie is the son of the late Pete and Geneva Falconer. He has two sisters, Jan and Kathy, who both graduated from Hallsville. Charlie is married to his wife of 39 years, Wendee. They have two daughters, Megan and Cali, and three grandsons, Remington, Ryder, and Kash. They are members of the Rush Creek Baptist Church of Arlington, Texas.

Charlie’s hobbies include bird hunting, fishing, horseback riding, classic car shows, and playing music (banjo, guitar, harmonica) every chance he gets.

Charlie attended Texas State Technical College and received an Associate of Applied Science in Instrumentation & Process Control where he graduated Valedictorian in 1983. He also received a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Charlie Falconer exemplifies the true meaning of a Hallsville Bobcat with his work ethic and intellectual and innovative mindset.  

Charlie has worn many hats in his career, serving as a technical support person, senior automation sales engineer, senior account manager, independent factory representative for Wadlow Electric, and independent distributor for Thermaloop Corporation, for which he received many awards and accolades at the national level.

In 2015, Charlie invented and developed a tool called a “hot Iron” for use in the production of the F-35 Strike Fighter Jet manufactured by Lockheed Martin Co. The tool is currently in its third generation of production and is now utilized by various domestic and international manufacturers of composite-based aircraft and drones, as well as the Navy, Air Force & Marine Corp branches of the United States Military. He has received a patent for the tool.  

Congratulations to Mr. Charlie Falconer for his very successful career and for being named as a Distinguished Alumni of Hallsville High School!