Spending time with Celina Mayor Sean Terry and his wife, Angie Terry, is easy. Time flies as you talk with them about their family and the city they call home. The mayor is down-to-earth and speaks about Celina with great pride. We ask him about his motivations, his blessings, and his life.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born at Sheppard Air Force Base in Witchita Falls. My dad Mike was in the air force and that’s where he and my mom, Sheryl, were living at the time. My dad got out of the air force and became a coach and teacher, ultimately retiring as a high school superintendent. I graduated from Gunter High School in 1991 and received a full football scholarship to Texas A&M. My parents have been married for 50 years and set the example of family for me and my brother Scot.
What brought you to Celina?
Growing up, everybody knew that when you wanted to find someone, you'd meet at the "gathering place", the Square in Celina. I knew after I graduated from college in 1995, I wanted to raise a family here. Celina has always had the hometown feel with great Friday night football and even greater people. We have worked hard over the years to keep the Square alive and a place where families and friends can still gather today.
Tell us a little bit about your family.
I met my wife Angie after my freshman year in College. We got married in just six months and we celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary this year. We have been blessed with two great kids. Kylee is a senior at A&M and Kade is finishing up his sophomore year. Both of my kids graduated from Celina High School and were very involved in the school as well as the community. Being on the Fire Department for 11 years and now serving on council/mayor since 2009, a lot of my time is taken. My family has always supported my decisions. My wife and kids make me proud every day.
What could you spend hours doing?
I love to drive and explore. I could get in a car or motorhome and drive all day looking at the countryside. There are no better memories than exploring with the ones you love.
Describe your perfect meal.
A T-Bone Steak with baked potatoes and my Mom’s fried okra.
Why did you get involved in city politics?
I live by the motto "if it's not me, who would it be?" I was approached by past mayor, Corbett Howard, while I was on the fire department. He asked me if I would consider running for Place 6 on the council. I was honored that he asked me and I ran. I ended up winning my first election and the rest is history. I see no better way of making a difference in your community than serving on a board and being involved in the city in which you live. It’s a great honor that I take very seriously.
What has been your favorite experience as Mayor?
There have been a lot of great experiences but I think the best one is being able to honor our students with proclamations. When we are able to recognize all of the outstanding work these kids are doing and bring them into the council chambers, that is very special. From academics, band, athletics and even a Rodeo Queen, we have some very talented kids that deserve to be recognized for making the school and the city a better place.
What is one thing you wish people knew about Celina?
The one thing (really two) that I wish people could see through my eyes are all the amazing people that work so hard making Celina a special place. So much thought goes into every decision the council and staff makes to keep this city great. We have some incredible citizens that make Celina THE place to live. Most of it goes unnoticed but without them we would just be another run of the mill city. People in Celina just want to help people without the recognition or being called out that they did something. They just do it because it’s the right thing to do. From the council and staff standpoint, they do so much work behind the scenes to make sure we are making decisions based on what the majority of the citizens want. It really does take a village and we have wonderful people building it.
Who Inspires you?
My family is my biggest inspiration. My parents have always supported me and pushed me to be the best person I could be as well as setting the example. My wife and kids have always allowed me to serve whenever the calling came. I have been very blessed that my core family has always been supportive and I love them all very dearly for that.
What are you most excited about for the future of Celina?
The most exciting thing about the future is all of the upcoming changes which include lots of parks, walking trails, downtown drainage, connectivity, commercial retail, and new restaurants. It's exciting to be able to welcome new people into our community and show them what makes Celina so great.