TASD names Suzie Tyler and Samuel Stuckey IV as 2026-27 Distinguished Alumni
The Texarkana Arkansas School District has named Suzie Tyler, Arkansas High School Class of 1960, and Samuel A. Stuckey IV, Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1966, as its 2026-27 Distinguished Alumni.
The two will be honored at the district’s Distinguished Alumni Reception on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Arkansas High School.
The recognition goes to graduates whose accomplishments and service reflect well on their schools and community, the district said in its announcement. This year’s honorees took very different paths, one through accounting, music and writing, the other through NASA, the Air Force and corporate technology.
Suzie Tyler, Arkansas High School Class of 1960
After graduating from Arkansas High, Tyler attended Anderson Business College and went to work at Red River Army Depot. She later moved to Houston, where she built a long career in accounting.
Along the way she owned a dress shop, worked as a massage therapist, taught beginning piano, managed talent and played for churches and community groups.
Tyler is also a published author. Her work includes a 454-page novel inspired by her own love story, along with children’s stories and novellas. She writes for a local magazine and has more books in progress, according to the district.
At 84, she still serves as pianist at Rhema Baptist Church. The district said she credits her Arkansas High experience and the guidance of influential teachers with shaping her path.
Samuel A. Stuckey IV, Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1966
Stuckey was senior class president and editor of the school newspaper at Booker T. Washington. He went on to Bishop College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science, again served as senior class president and led the college’s chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
He began his career as a systems programmer and analyst for NASA, then joined Texas Instruments, where the district said he became the company’s first African American programmer.
The U.S. Air Force recruited Stuckey for its Space Defense Center Upgrade Project. He rose to 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 Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., the first African American four-star general in the U.S. armed forces.
Stuckey later moved through technical and executive roles at Intercom Inc., becoming director of national operations. In that job he oversaw 147 sites and 124 employees providing engineering and telecommunications support to Fortune 500 companies. He retired with more than 40 years in programming, systems design and management.
His community work 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, the district said.
About the award
TASD has named Distinguished Alumni for more than a decade. Past honorees include former Superintendent Russell Sapaugh and Dr. LaShundra Watson in 2023 and Emmie Jo Gamble, co-owner of KTOY Radio, in 2020.
“Their journeys demonstrate how education, determination, and a commitment to lifelong learning can lead to meaningful contributions across professions and communities,” the district said.