Scholarships

Braylen Lusby is a dynamic and driven senior at Spearman High School, where the spirit of community and support is a way of life, and a reflection of who she is.

Her commitment to excel in both academics and extracurricular activities have made her stand out as one of our 2024 scholarship recipients. Sports have played a pivotal role in shaping her life. As a dedicated athlete, she has run varsity cross country for three years, making it to the state competition twice and earning a bronze medal. Her accomplishments outside of sports are equally impressive. Ms. Lusby has served in many leadership roles from her time as vice president of student council , secretary of the National Honor Society, and treasurer of 4-H and FFA . With a heart to serve, she has also volunteered at local food banks, and takes pride in being able to give back to the community that helped shape her.

What is most impressive about Braylen is that in the midst of all the many things she’s involved in, she managed to graduate high school with a 4.0 GPA. Her resume and academic merit, have proven that she is a worthy recipient of both the Lee and Dortha Keys Scholarship, as well as the North Plains Electric Cooperative Scholarship.

This Fall she will attend West Texas A&M University and study health sciences to become a Nurse Esthetician. She believes that with this career path, she will be able to help patients find their inner beauty and confidence.

Evan Born, a graduate of Perryton High School, is a true testament to the phrase, “the sky is the limit.” He has not only soared high academically, but also as a pilot. At the age of 15, Evan started taking aviation classes, and has since become a licensed pilot. “Flying co-pilot with my dad as a junior high boy and experiencing the wonders of privatized flying soon caused my interest in flying to become a deep passion. I knew from those first flights with him that I wanted to pursue a career in flying.”

He is ambitious and attributes much of his success to being raised on his family’s farm and learning the importance of hard work at an early age. Maintaining a family business can be a challenge, but the knowledge he’s acquired has inspired him to create his own website, https://evanborn05.wixsite.com/website, where you can learn about his passion for aviation, and shop his clothing line, “Born to Fly.”

His achievements have earned him the North Plains Electric Cooperative Scholarship, as well as an award from the Ranger Academic Enrichment Foundation. While he is now a college student at Oklahoma State University, studying Aerospace Administration and Operations, Evan intends to keep flying high. He aspires to become a professional pilot after he graduates, and in 10 years, envisions himself as a master of the open skies .

Kade Lawrence, recipient of the Hazlewood Scholarship has a story, and compelling plan for the future that align greatly with the contributions Senator Hazlewood made to the Texas Panhandle. As the son of an Animal Science Professor and successful Equestrian, Kade is rooted in agriculture and is determined to have a lasting career as a Professor of Animal Science Research.

Kade recalls the earlier years of his life being spent competing in Livestock and Beef Skillathon competitions, where he developed a desire to better understand the beef industry, and how a changing world could impact it. Over time, he has participated in many competitions, and helped his Livestock Quiz Bowl team earn the title of National Champions at the North American International Livestock Exposition.

With inspiration from his father, Kade will study at West Texas A&M University and plans to use research as a way to contribute to the innovation of animal science. He states, “I aim to teach students nationwide about the complexity of livestock production and meat science through hands-on instruction in the field while interacting and learning from industry professionals. Continuing in my father’s footsteps, I aspire to conduct and publish groundbreaking animal and meat science research that constructs new production practices and opportunities.”

As an esteemed graduate of Holy Cross Catholic Academy, Madison Mirelez finished in the top 3 of her senior class. She represents a generation that is drawn to technology, the logistics behind it, and ways it can be improved. She credits her love for the industry to growing up in an era in which technology has been ever-evolving, and allows her a chance to be both creative, and a problem solver.

While in high school, she was a member of honor programs like the National Hispanic Recognition Program, and the National Honor Society. She also participated in charitable events across the Panhandle. Despite heavy involvement in extracurriculars, Madison remained focused, hardworking, and dedicated to staying true to herself. Being that she is more reserved than most her age, Madison recalls being influenced by Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, and Steven Spielberg because they exemplify how self-observation and humility can lead to remarkable achievements.

Her passion and perserverance have earned her the Association of Information Technology Professionals Scholarship which will support her in her journey to becoming an expert in Computer Science. Upon graduating from West Texas A&M University, she aspires to work for a top-tech company and have a positive impact on her community. In her essay she states, “maybe one day I will be part of a team that develops software that can assist in sustaining our environment or better diagnose diseases.”