Scholarship Winners

Maggie Rector is a 2023 graduate from Ingram Tom Moore High School.  Her agricultural journey began 12 years ago when she joined the 4-H program. Through 4-H, Rector participated in shooting sports, outdoor challenge, and raised market goat projects. She also served in leadership positions on the local and county level, including the roles of secretary, third vice president, reporter, and club delegate. Her involvement in 4-H soon inspired her to join her school’s FFA program, where she has been an active member for the past five years.

Through FFA, Rector has competed in various contests including wildlife, agronomy, quiz, skills, ag advocacy, creed speaking, and agriscience fair. Her agricultural mechanics team recently earned a blue ribbon at the San Angelo Stock Show for the gun safe that they built. Rector also helped to build a trailer hitch game hoist, which was named the division champion at the district ag mechanics show. In addition to LDE and CDE events, Rector currently serves as the chapter president, and has helped facilitate leadership trainings for other FFA members.

In 2023, the Ingram Tom Moore FFA wildlife team won both the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo wildlife judging competition. Rector herself earned the title of High Point Individual at both events.  The team went on to State Wildlife where they won first, and again, Maggie earned the title of High Point Individual, an experience she says has been one of her favorite during her agricultural journey.

Her success in the range and wildlife competitions through FFA inspired Rector to pursue a degree in range and wildlife management from Texas A&M University Kingsville beginning in the fall. She hopes to use this degree to become a wildlife biologist.

Maggie has been blessed to hunt many areas of Texas with her dad and harvest a multitude of species through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Youth Hunting Program. Through her chosen career field she hopes to be able to give back to the land and wildlife inhabiting it, and help to conserve Texas natural resources.

My name is Tess Underbrink. I am a senior at Pleasanton High School and I will be attending Texas A&M University in the Fall where I will be majoring in Ag Communications and Journalism. Throughout high school, I have taken all Pre-AP, AP, and Honors classes while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I have been the Pleasanton FFA Treasurer and Secretary, Fellowship of Christain Athletes Officer, two-year Pleasanton High School Volleyball team Captain, Texas High School Rodeo Region 8 President, Atascosa County Equine Enthusiasts 4-H Club Historian, and two-time Treasurer and National Honor Society member.

When it comes to extracurricular activities I am most active throughout my rodeo career. I have rodeoed for over 10 years and although I have been successful in the arena, I have learned so many life lessons that couldn’t be taught in the classroom. Responsibility has to be the most crucial attribute I have acquired while being involved in rodeo. From the long nights tending to injured horses to keeping them healthy and in shape, it is a 24/7 job. Throughout my time with Texas High School Rodeo Region 8 I have acquired many All-Around Cowgirl and Pole Bending Champion titles. I have qualified for State Finals every year and National Finals in the Jr. High division where I ended up 3rd in the Nation in Pole Bending.

Along with my rodeo career, I have fallen in love with the sport of volleyball. As the setter and captain of the Pleasanton High School Volleyball team my coach held me to a higher standard than the rest of the girls. Although at times I didn’t fully understand the reasons for some of the things he did, I now know that it was to not only better me as an athlete but also a person. I am grateful for volleyball because of the friendships I acquired and the high level of accountability it taught me. I will take these lessons with me for the rest of my life and most importantly to Texas A&M University.

Colby Brown is a 2021 graduate of Mason High School. He is the son of Randall and Peggy Brown. His father, Randall, has been a Game Warden for 27 years and recently retired. Colby has represented Mason High School and the community of Mason by being very active in extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and volunteer service. He participates in FFA, UIL, 4-H, baseball, and golf. He has also participated in basketball, cross county, and track in previous years. He also has involved himself in leadership roles at school by being a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and FFA and Class Officer. Colby and his family attend Hilda United Methodist Church, where he has received the Special Mission Recognition Award for volunteer service at the church by the United Methodist Women. Colby has been accepted and will be attending Texas Tech University. After receiving a bachelor’s degree, he plans to go to the medical field, aspiring to be an anesthesiologist.

Hunter Hinz was born and raised in Italy, Texas, and a 2020 graduate from Italy High School. Hunter has been a lifelong member of Texas 4-H where he has had projects in Hunting and Wildlife, Shooting Sports, Sportfishing and Wildlife Management. His accolades in 4-H include: State Champion NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge, Texas 4-H State Roundup Indoor Archery Champion, Texas 4-H State Games Hunting and Wildlife Overall Reserve Champion, San Antonio Stock Show Zoli Jackpot Shoot-Out Reserve Champion, and a member of the Texas 4-H Hunting and Wildlife Shooting Sports Team that competed at the National Championships were he had several top 5 placings. At high school, Hunter was an active member in FFA with Ag Mechanics projects, a National Honor Society member and a drummer for the Gladiator Regiment Band. As an avid fisherman, he founded the first Italy Gladiator Bass Club and served as President for three years while competing in various high school fishing organizations. Hunter is a lifelong outdoorsman and enjoys all types of hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking and hiking. Whether it’s a game warden, a state biologist, or a ranch manager, he hopes to find a career that will keep him outdoors exploring his life passions. Hunter will be attending Southwest Texas Junior College in Uvalde for their unique, hands-on Associate of Applied Science degree in Wildlife Management.

My name is Brenden Tomlinson and I will be graduating Valedictorian of my class from Hamilton High School in May.  Currently, I am class treasurer and member and Historian of the National Honor Society. I am active in my church, athletics, FFA judging teams, and many volunteering activities. I recently completed the Hamilton County High School Leadership Program where we spent time learning about local government, local business ownership, as well as many skills to promote leadership in the community.  I was selected 1^st team THSCA Academic All-State Team for varsity basketball, and have been nominated for Top 3A 2019 Athlete of the Year. I will be attending Tarleton State University in the fall in order to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Wildlife Science with the hope of having a career as a Game Warden. I feel like the criminal justice major will give me a better understanding of the law and of the justice system which will help me in my career.

Cheyenne Tant is the daughter of Thomas D. Tant and Debbie Durso. She has been raised in the small town of Port Neches, Texas. While attending high school she has been involved in multiple sports, clubs, organizations, and volunteer work. She is a member of the varsity golf team and competes in the Region V High School Rodeo circuit which keeps her very busy. She is a member of Orange County Cowboy Church, Orange County Youth Rodeo Association, and the Orange County Sheriff's Posse. While juggling all of her extracurricular activities she has managed to maintain straight A’s and perfect attendance. She has been raised by a single father for almost half of her life that had her in a deer stand ever since she was just a few months old. Most of her free time is either spent in the woods or by the water. She will be attending Stephen F. Austin State University pursuing a degree in Forestry Wildlife Management. After graduating from college her life goal has always been to become a Game Warden for the state of Texas. She would like to give credit to her Dad for the support and the Texas Game Warden Association for helping her get one step closer to reaching her dreams.

Hanna Westerman is this year’s recipient of the 2017 Texas Game Warden Association Scholarship. She will graduate as valedictorian of her class at Franklin High School of Franklin, Texas. She is the daughter of Charles and Jan Westerman. Throughout her four years at Franklin High School, Hanna was actively involved in her school’s activities including Student Council, One Act Play, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and the yearbook committee. Hanna has been the Class President for the past three years and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by her classmates. Along with multiple achievements in her school career, Hanna is also largely involved in her church and community. Each year, she participates in many mission trips and community service projects. She usually spends her free time visiting with friends and enjoying the outdoors through hiking, fishing, and water sports. In the fall, Hanna will attend Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas and major in Biology to eventually go on to dental school.

My name is Zane Hunt and I am an Honor Student at Silverton ISD.  I am a member of the National Honor Society and I take my education seriously.  My mother, Audra Hunt, is a school teacher and my father, Clint Hunt, is a Texas Game Warden.  They have instilled in me the importance of getting a higher education degree to further my career field.  I have been accepted to West Texas A & M University.  My course of study includes majoring in wildlife biology and agriculture. I am an active member of the FFA, serving as Chapter President.  I enjoy showing pigs and participating in Agriculture Mechanics.  My biggest project was restoring a 1946 Ford Tractor as an independent project.  I restored my great-grandfathers tractor for my grandfather.   I am also active in varsity sports including football, track and golf. Lettering in State Academic recognition and being recognized as all district defensive and offensive linemen. I enjoy serving others through our church and through community projects.  I believe everyone must give back to their community in order for a community to grow.  Those who take time to give back to others learn so much more than what was first planned. Setting in a duck blind or a deer stand is my favorite way to spend any spare time I have.  I enjoy the time I get to spend with my dad.  We have enjoyed just being together in the great outdoors since I was able to hold a fishing rod and BB gun.  I look forward to hunting season and filling the deer feeder with corn and setting up the game camera, to see what comes to feed.  I shot my first Mule Deer buck when I was 8 years old, on the land behind my house.  It was a 10 point and I have been an avid hunter ever since.  I also love fishing and spending time wetting a hook.  My favorite fishing is fly fishing, because I enjoy the sport of the catch.  I also enjoy heading out on a Sunday afternoon to fish at a local lake and spend time with family and friends.

I was born on September 17, 1996 in Bay City, Texas.  I spent my first 8 years of my life in Palacios, Texas prior to moving to Vernon, Texas.  My parents are, Su and Dyke McMahen. My mother is a school teacher and my father is a Texas Game Warden.  My earliest memories are of fishing in our pond, in the creek behind our house and in the Tres Palacios Bay.   I have grown up around hunting and fishing my entire life and have a passion for the outdoors.

In moving to North Texas, I was introduced to many different opportunities.  I have participated in Youth Hunts and Kid Fishes since I was in 2^nd grade and have progressed from being a participant in the events to now being a guide.

I worked my 8^th and 9^th grade summers in Taylor Park, Colorado as a guide at Adventure Experiences, Inc.  We took groups backpacking in the mountains, whitewater rafting, rock climbing and facilitated groups through the Challenge Course program.  The next three summers, I worked for the W.T. Waggoner Estate, on the maintenance crew, maintaining the Santa Rosa Headquarters.  During hunting season I worked in my off time as a deer, turkey, and waterfowl guide.   With my father, we have trained our Labs to blood trail wounded animals and have helped many locals to recover their game.

I have participated in athletics, FFA, and FCA for all four years of High School.  I am a 4 year Varsity Letterman in Track and Football. I’ve been a Regional Qualifier for all 4 years in discus. This year, our team won the District Championship in Football and I was selected as Defensive MVP of the District and First Team All-State Linebacker for 4A division 1 and 2. I have been blessed to receive a partial football scholarship to Midwestern State University, where I plan to major in Criminal Justice.  With my degree in Criminal Justice degree, I am planning to pursue a career in law enforcement.

After graduating from Brazoswood High School and completing her freshman year as an Aggie, Haley Goff will continue pursuing her degree in chemical engineering this fall at Texas A&M. She swam all four years in high school and served as the team captain of the girls’ swim and water polo teams. Other school organizations in which she participated were NHS, Spanish NHS, Habitat for Humanity, and SWE, Society of Women Engineers. Haley spends her time during the summers with the Lake Jackson Swim Team, where she enjoys her work as a coach, organizing practices, swim meets and helping others improve their swimming skills and times. Haley also likes drawing, painting, fishing, and boating activities such as wakeboarding and innertubing.

This year’s recipient for the Texas Game Warden Association’s scholarship is a distinguished graduate of Franklin High School’s class of 2013. Clark Westerman came into the world on June 9, 1995 in Lufkin, Texas.  He is the eldest child of Charles and Jan Westerman of Franklin, TX and proud grandparents of  Mr.  & Mrs. Tucker Westerman and Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Hatchell, all of Lufkin, TX.  Most of his life was spent in Lufkin surrounded by abundant love of family, friends and his church family until his dad’s new career as a Texas Game Warden moved him to Franklin, Texas in Robertson County the summer going into his sophomore year.  Franklin welcomed Clark and his younger sister, Hanna, with open arms.  He immediately jumped into football practice before school began and with his easy going nature, didn’t seem to miss a beat.  Clark played and lettered in football for the next 3 years as well as playing baseball all 4 years as the Franklin Lion’s first baseman.   He has had the privilege to be a team player with 2 Bi-District baseball championships and this year’s Regional football championship.

Clark was active in boy scouting from a Tiger cub in the first grade to attaining his Eagle rank at 14 years old shortly before his move to Franklin. Church youth group, scouting and community service have always been at the forefront of Clark’s life, earning over 80 hours of community service his freshman year.  He also earned his 50-Miler Award through a 10 day, 68 mile hike at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico with First Christian Church’s Troop 134.   He continued that volunteer spirit through high school with various projects like Franklin Methodist Church’s youth group, a UM Army Mission trip and Roland Reynolds Elementary School’s Pride Pal Mentor.  His honors include Spanish National Honor Society, World Conservation Award and God & Church Award.

Like his father, Clark loves the outdoors, hunting and being on the water.  He is an avid wake boarder and water skier.  He was accepted into and attended Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Buckskin Brigade in 2011 at Stasney’s Cook Ranch in Albany, TX.  Clark’s well rounded experiences should help him succeed as he attends Texas A&M University in College Station this summer as a construction science/management major.  Clark’s nature is that of a tree, strong but flexible, enduring and adaptable.  He and his family feel very blessed to have been the proud recipient of this year’s Texas Game Warden Association’s scholarship.  The seeds of support and encouragement that are given are investing in a plentiful yield for a bright and successful future that will be passed on to others.

Karah Seamands is a graduating senior from Wall High School in Wall, Texas. Karah has been active in sports and involved in various clubs in her school including National Honor Society, M*A*S*H (Movements Against Stupid Habits), Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P.A.L.S (Peers Assisting Leadership Skills), and Student Council. She has participated in track all four years of high school and was a Regional Qualifier her past three years in the sprint relay, 800 meter relay and the 200 meter dash. Karah was nominated as Homecoming Queen, Ms.WHS, and to the Prom Court. She was voted Most Friendliest by her peers. She is also an active member in her church Youth Group, and enjoys doing servant events throughout her community. She also loves being outdoors and enjoys hunting, fishing, and riding four-wheelers. After graduation, Karah plans on attending Angelo State University to study in the medical field.

Tanner Hoffmann is a student athlete from Cuero, Texas. He has been involved in many extracurricular activities throughout high school including, National Honor Society, Junior Engineering Technological Society, Invisible Children, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Baseball, and Football. He was named to the All-State football team and baseball team as well as the District 28AAA MVP in both sports. He has also maintained a high GPA and will graduate number five in his class. Tanner will attend Texas State University in the fall to work towards becoming a physical therapist in the near future.

Carter Wallace has been involved in many extracurricular activities throughout high school including National Honor Society, Student Council, Interact, and theater. Carter will be attending Midwestern State University working on a bachelors degree in theater. In the future he hopes to achieve his Master of Fine Arts degree and teach high school and/or college theater as well as be involved with community theater.