Beyond the Blue & White Outstanding Student Award 2025

Below you can read the winning essays. As the essays were all handwritten, the formatting, spelling, and grammar have all been preserved as best as possible.

Living in a small town like Olton, Texas is a really special. It's not just a place on the map; it feels like home in every way. When I walk down the street, I see people I know, and they always smile or wave. It's like living in a giant family, where everyone cares about each other.

In Olton, people are so generous. If someone needs help, like if their house gets damaged in a storm, or if they're going through something hard, the whole town shows up. People bring food, help clean up, or just sit and talk. That's what makes Olton so amazing; nobody is ever alone.

Everyone here has a big heart. Whether it's our teachers, neighbors, or the people who work at the stores, they always go the extra mile. I remember when someone in my class got sick, and the whole school made cards and raised money for their family. That's just how Olton is. 

People here are dependable and loyal. You can count on them no matter what. If your car breaks down or you forget something at school, someone is always there to help. And we all show up for each other on like we're all on the same team. 

One of the things I'm most thankful for is our community leaders; the teachers, coaches, pastors, and volunteers who shape kids like me. They believe in us and push us to be our best, even when we don't believe in ourselves. They teach us how to be kind, strong, and to never give up. Because of them, I know I can grow up to make a difference in Olton, just like they do.

To me, Olton is more than just my hometown. It's a place filled filled with love, kindness, and people who truly care. I'm proud to live here, and I know I'm lucky to grow up in a place where everyone has each others back and where leaders guide us with love. That's what makes Olton feel like the best little town in the world.  

It's Sunday evening and your beloved family dog has been injured. There are no veterinarians within 25 miles. What do you do? If I could open a business in Olton, it would be a veterinarian clinic. 

The benefits of having a vet clinic in Olton are numerous. What better way to boost the local economy than to have a business that supports pet families, dairies, ranchers, and feed yards? Having a vet clinic in Olton would also allow quicker response times for animal needs within dairies and feed yards. Dairies and feed yards are becoming more prominent in our area, therefore having a clinic right here in Olton, Texas would benefit our local ag industry.

Having a veterinary clinic would be a great way to incorporate a vet tech certification program within our school. Knowing there is a huge need for pet grooming in our community and surrounding areas. This could also be a great opportunity for my peers or myself to gain these valuable skills. I think the vet clinic would be a great resource for the work that the Olton Underdogs do and to assist with other small community organizations that help manage the stray population. What better way for and Olton High School Graduate to be able to give to the community that supported them along the way.

Imagine having a friendly face to take our family pets to when they are sick or in need. Imagine the time saved by just  going right down the road to take our cattle and horse, which are our livelihood, to  be cared for by local people who we sit next to while watching the Friday night football games, or any other extracurricular event our students participate in. It all comes down to the pride and sense of community Olton is known for. 

Sports have always been a significant part of my life, whether it's watching Sunday night football or participating in on of the four sports I'm involved in. My family adores competitive events, and my freshmen year of high school, I was introduced to Sports Medicine. It was a "love at first sight" moment. The idea of helping those in need and being actively involved in the field captivated my attention completely. I started taking classes and conducting research to delve deeper into this field of study, and I have been hooked ever since. In the fall of 2025, I'll attend Angelo State University to pursue my dream of becoming an athletic trainer. My goal is to earn a Master's Degree in Kinesiology. From there, my future plans depend on God's will, whether I'll work at the high school or college level. I'm passionate about starting a "sports ministry," where I can not only provide physical assistance but also support kids in terms of their mental and spiritual well being. 

Since I'm aiming for a Master's Degree I'll need some financial assistance. While I'm incredibly fortunate, my parents have already supported my older brothers' college education, and one of them is now pursuing mortuary school. They worked tirelessly to finance my brothers' education, and while they value my education equally, the financial burden of supporting multiple children through college is significant. Throughout my academic journey, I've maintained a strong academic record and taken on leadership roles in my school and community. I've been a member of Olton National Honor Society Chapter, served as an ambassador on the Olton Chamber of Commerce Board, held the position of class officer, participated in student council, and captained a sports team. Despite my parents' unwavering support for my siblings and me, I want to take the initiative in securing my own education. With this support, I can fully dedicate myself to making a meaningful impact in my community and beyond. Every hour I spend in class is a step closer to achieving my dream. I would be deeply honored to receive the Beyond the Blue and White Award, and I sincerely thank you for considering my application.