Texarkana Arkansas School District

TEXARKANA, Ark. — The Texarkana Arkansas School District is pleased to announce Suzie Tyler, Arkansas High School Class of 1960, and Samuel A. Stuckey IV, Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1966, as its 2026–2027 Distinguished Alumni honorees. Both graduates exemplify lifelong achievement, leadership, and a commitment to sharing their talents with others.

The Distinguished Alumni recognition honors graduates whose accomplishments and service reflect positively on their schools and community. This year’s honorees represent diverse paths of success, from entrepreneurship, music, and writing to aerospace defense, military service, and technology leadership.

Suzie Tyler — Arkansas High School Class of 1960

Tyler has built a life defined by resilience, creativity, and a love of learning. After graduating from Arkansas High School, she attended Anderson Business College and began her professional career at Red River Army Depot. She later moved to Houston, where she launched a long career in accounting.

Her accomplishments extend beyond her professional work. Tyler owned a dress shop, worked as a massage therapist, taught beginning piano students, managed talent, and shared her musical gifts with churches and community groups.

As a published author, she has written a 454-page novel inspired by her love story, along with children’s stories and novellas. She also contributes to a local magazine and has additional books in progress.

At 84, Tyler continues to serve as pianist at Rhema Baptist Church and pursue new opportunities to learn and create. She credits her Arkansas High School experience and the guidance of influential teachers with helping shape her journey. Grounded in faith and family, she strives to encourage others and make a meaningful difference.

Samuel A Stuckey IV — Booker T Washington High School Class of 1966

Stuckey’s distinguished career spans computer science, aerospace defense, military service, and corporate leadership. At Booker T. Washington High School, he served as senior class president and editor of the school newspaper.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from Bishop College, where he also served as senior class president and president of the college’s Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity chapter. He began his career as a systems programmer and analyst for NASA before joining Texas Instruments, where he became the company’s first African American programmer.

Recruited by the United States Air Force to work on the Space Defense Center Upgrade Project, Stuckey attained the rank of captain and served as a space systems design engineer for NORAD. A distinguished graduate of the Air Force’s Officer School of Military Sciences, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service for his leadership on the project. He also served under General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., the first African American four-star general in the United States Armed Forces.

Stuckey later advanced through technical and executive roles at Intercom, Incorporated, becoming director of national operations. In that role, he oversaw 147 sites and 124 personnel providing engineering and telecommunications support to Fortune 500 corporations. He retired with more than 40 years of experience in programming, systems design, and management.

His community involvement includes the Volunteers in Plano Program and service on the Economic Development Authority for the City of Stonecrest, Georgia. His high school alumni group has also recognized his continued leadership and service.

Through this recognition, TASD celebrates Tyler and Stuckey’s accomplishments and the example they offer today’s students. Their journeys demonstrate how education, determination, and a commitment to lifelong learning can lead to meaningful contributions across professions and communities.

Ms. Tyler and Mr. Stuckey will be honored during the Texarkana Arkansas School District Distinguished Alumni Reception on Thursday, October 22, at Arkansas High School.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Genia Bullock, Director of Public Relations