Student Kudos: Olney Kids Earn Honors In Arena, Classroom

From the rodeo arena in Fort Worth to university campuses across Texas and beyond, Olney-area students are collecting honors this winter.

Marlee Lane of Olney FFA was awarded a $500 Calf Scramble purchase certificate at the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

Sponsored by Acme Brick, the certificate was presented during one of the Stock Show’s 23 rodeo performances on Jan. 31. During each performance, 20 students compete to catch one of 10 calves. Those who succeed earn certificates to purchase a heifer.

Students who complete the program and exhibit their heifer at the 2027 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo will be eligible to compete for scholarships ranging from $500 to $16,000.

Ms. Lane is a member of Olney FFA.

Giesi Gardner named to ACU Dean’s Honor Roll Giesi Gardner of Newcastle was named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s Honor Roll at Abilene Christian University.

Ms. Gardner is a sophomore majoring in Child and Family Services. To qualify for the honor roll, students must complete at least 12 credit hours and earn a GPA of 3.6 or higher for the semester.

Two Olney students graduate from MSU Texas Two Olney students were among the Fall 2025 graduates of Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls.

Fatima Nataly Marquez earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.

Autumn Abigail Schoonover earned a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health.

Midwestern State University reported 485 undergraduate and graduate students completing degree requirements in Fall 2025.

Hayden Altmiller named to UND Dean’s List Hayden Altmiller of Olney was named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List at the University of North Dakota.

More than 1,900 students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement during the semester. Students named to the Dean’s List must rank in the top 15 percent of enrollment within their college or school and complete at least 12 semester hours.

Camden Thorne earns University of Arkansas Dean’s List honor Camden Thorne of Olney was named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List at the University of Arkansas.

Students named to the Dean’s List must earn a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99 while completing at least 12 credit hours during the semester.

From livestock to law books, from local arenas to research universities, Olney students continue to make their mark — a reminder that small-town roots often stretch a long way.