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.
