SHERMAN, TX, - The Horseman's Association of Texoma (HAT) announced the recipients of its 2009 Higher Education Scholarships during its annual Youth Clinic on May 30 at Moon Shadow Ranch in Sherman. For the second year in a row, HAT is very proud to have awarded two scholarships, one for $500 and one for $400.
Haley Lee Lawhon, a graduating senior at Honey Grove High School in Honey Grove, TX, became the 6th recipient of the annual $500 scholarship. Growing up, Haley learned her horses brought out the best in her, and allowed her to see what she is fully capable of doing. She has shown American Paint Horses for several years, culminating in a Fort Worth Stock Show Top 6 placing in January 2009 with a very special horse in her life named Angel.
In school, Haley was active in both FFA and 4-H. While in FFA, she held the offices of President and Secretary, was a member of the District 2nd place Horse Judging Team, and she also received the Chapter Star Farmer Award. In 4-H, Haley was a member of the Horse Quiz Bowl Team that won State and qualified for the National Championship in Denver, Colorado. She was also the recipient of the Academic Biology Award, and graduated 7th overall in her senior class.
While maintaining an excellent academic record in high school, Haley also completed college courses at Paris Junior College, worked at Hayes Equine Veterinary Services, played Dixie League Softball, served as an elementary and middle school mentor, and still found time for community service work through Project Santa and the 4-H Trash Off.
Haley has been accepted at West Texas A&M University where she plans to major in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She also hopes to become a member of the school's equestrian team. Haley is the daughter of Charlie and Lesa Lawhon of Honey Grove.
Jessica Birdsong, a graduating senior at Caddo High School in Caddo, OK, became the second recipient of the $400 scholarship. Jessica's essay highlighted the numerous benefits of being involved with horses including learning about uniqueness, responsibility and maturity, unconditional love, morals and values, and personal health.
In school, Jessica was active in 4-H, FFA, and numerous horse and rodeo clubs including AQHYA, Caddo Round-Up Club, Durant Round-Up Club, Texoma Junior Rodeo Association, Oklahoma Youth Rodeo Association, Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association, and International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee. She has also spent several summers attending the SOSU horse camp. In addition to working with horses, in FFA she showed sheep and heifers,
including showing at the Oklahoma Youth Exposition and Livestock Show in Oklahoma City. Jessica graduated as valedictorian of her senior class.
Jessica continues to participate in rodeos, playdays, and fairs in both
Oklahoma and Texas, and has won many buckles and prizes.
Jessica has been accepted at Southeastern Oklahoma State University where she plans to major in Animal Science. Jessica is the daughter of Cindy Birdsong of Caddo.
In announcing this year's scholarships, HAT President and Scholarship Committee Chair Sandra Shiver said, "This is the sixth year of HAT's scholarship program, and with each year the competition gets tougher, making the task of choosing winners more challenging. Thanks to the efforts and hard work of many people throughout the past year, it was a thrill for the selection committee and the club to once again present two scholarships.
"As it's been said, the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a
person, and this came shining through not only in all of the applicants'
essays this year, but particularly in our winners. We are so proud to have Haley and Jessica represent HAT as they prepare for the academic challenges that lay ahead.
"Thank you to all the dedicated HAT members, our sponsors, and all who attended, volunteered, or participated in our fund raising events over the past year. Thank you to the selection committee members for devoting our combined efforts to select this year's recipients. And a special thank you to all the students who sent in their applications and essays."
To be considered for the scholarship, students must be graduating seniors at a Texoma-area high school, and must submit an application packet which includes writing an essay describing how their lives were influenced by their involvement with horses. The scholarship funds must be used to pay for tuition or expenses at an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
Haley and Jessica join an elite group of outstanding students who have represented HAT by way of our scholarship. We sincerely wish them much success in attaining their educational and life goals.
Applications for the 2010 HAT Higher Education Scholarship will be available later this year. For more information, please visit the HAT website, www.hat-texoma.org.
Horseman's Association of Texoma (HAT) is a not-for-profit, all-breed group of horse owners and enthusiasts in the Lake Texoma area of north Texas and southern Oklahoma. HAT members have interests in a wide variety of horse breeds, disciplines, and activities. HAT's purposes are to promote good horsemanship, sportsmanship, and fellowship among horse owners. HAT also works to promote the growth and ongoing development of the equine industry in the Texoma region. For more information, please call (903) 819-3669 or
visit the HAT website at www.hat-texoma.org.