May 20, 2016

 

Three graduating seniors at Granbury High School were the big winners of $10,000 scholarships from the Granbury ISD Education Foundation during Senior Awards Night on May 19, 2016.

 

Two of them received the college scholarships as GEF Scholar Athletes, who were selected not only for their involvement in GHS athletics but also for their academic achievements.  They represent a cross-section of high school athletic teams.

 

 

 

Lucas Elliott, a member of the Pirate Golf team, received the Briggs Berry Scholarship presented by Shiner Energy and Consulting Co. president Chad Dowell and fiancé Beverly James.  Elliott is the son of Ross and Maurelda Elliott and plans to attend Sam Houston State University’ PGA golf management program.

 

 

 

A football player, Daniel Valdez was the winner of the Tom and Susan Durant Scholarship presented by GEF president Stacy Mitchell. He is the son of Amelia Perez and will be studying mechanical engineering at Texas A&M University.

 

The two students were among twenty-four Scholar Athletes vying for the scholarships.  Also honored during the evening ceremony were Morgan Arnold, Karis Beasley, Landon Gray, Jessica Gryder, Josiah Hall, Erin Jones, Kaylee Keating, Mackensie Kindel, Makenna Martin, Hunter McKenna, Bryten Otting, Jordan Paff, Andrew Reid, Emily Ritchmond, Sarah Spradlin, Lily Thornton, Clay Walters, Landon Weatherly, Mike Wisely, Lauren Wood, Brady Wright, and Zach Zagrocki.

 

 

 

Zach Zagrocki was the recipient of the inaugural GEF Senior Achievement Award with the Danny and Peggy Hill Scholarship presented by GEF board member Kevin Myers.  In its first year, the separate program is open to all GHS seniors nominated by a teacher of professional staff member.  The GHS senior is the son of Suzanne Gil and Paul Zagrocki and will be majoring in vocal performance at Tarleton State University.

 

Others nominated for the Senior Achievement Award were Morgan Arnold, Isabella Elkins, Lucas Elliott, Reagan Hall, Ashley Joyner, Nicole Kallemeyn, Lauren Kulhanek, Kiersten Mathis, Montana Moody, Yarit Tovar, and Daniel Valdez.

 

“We are grateful for the generous donations made by Shiner Energy, Mr. and Mrs. Durant, and Mr. and Mrs. Hill,” commented Mitchell, who added that the scholarships will likely continue in the coming years with further donations.

 

Also on hand to honor the seniors were foundation board members DeAnna Berry, Kelly Garner, Lyn Goodgion, Shane Knisley, and superintendent Dr. James Largent.  Also attending was Everett Berry along with 2015 scholarship winner Caroline Forrest.

 

Based in Granbury, Shiner Energy is an oil and gas acquisition and consulting company with nearly twenty years of industry experience and is involved in ten states.  The Durants own a number of car dealerships and are also involved in Thoroughbred horse racing, while the Hills are owners of Classic Chevrolet in Granbury.