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The Clarendon Enterprise - Spreading the word since 1878.
By Sandy Anderberg
In a season that was full to the brim with successes, the 2025 Lady Bronco softball team will long be remembered not only for their history-making time on the diamond, but for their energy, comradery, dedication, academic excellence, and every other descriptive word that can be thought of.
Despite being eliminated in the State semi-final round by the Riesel Lady Indians this past week, the Lady Broncos are winners in every aspect of the game and in life. The seniors of this of this history-making team will move on to their next adventure as they pass the bat to very capable underclassmen.
The Lady Broncos gave their all in the State semi-final game, but dropped game one 1-13 and game two 2-12. Head Coach Brad Elam could not say enough about the Lady Bronco team.
“I’m very proud of these young ladies and all they have accomplished,” Elam said. “It was so fun to watch how they have grown and developed in softball and in their love for each other and God. I could not have asked for a better group.”
Losing has not been common for the ladies who finished at 30-6-1 for the season defeating teams by double numbers and limited innings. The loss to Riesel broke an eight-game winning streak that allowed the Lady Broncos a District, Bi-District, Area, Regional Semi-Final, Regional Final golden glove trophy before adding the State Semi-Final game to their resume.
All season long, the dynamic duo of Tandie and Kennadie Cummins was lethal on the mound, and Hayden Elam was vigorous behind the plate. Maloree Wann owned first base, and Riley Jantz and Shebi Coles grabbed everything hit to the outfield. Chelsea Wright and Gracie Wilkins gave their all for the team as well. Guided by Elam and Jordan Enriquez the team became a determined group to be reckoned with. Backed up by a group of very talented underclassmen, the Lady Broncos’ future is bright to say the least.
However, saying good-bye is not easy. Not only do the underclassmen have to say good-bye to their senior leaders, they are saying so long to one of Clarendon’s best coaches. In his 22 years at Clarendon, Elam is retiring. His success at CHS will go down in history along with the Lady Broncos. Elam spent his first years at Clarendon at the helm of the Bronco Baseball team, which had many successes on the field and participated in numerous playoff games. Who knew four years ago when Elam made the change that his last year, along with daughter Hayden, would be one for the record books. Elam has definitely made a difference at CHS and will be missed along with Enriquez who will be moving on to River Road.
Thank you, 2025 Lady Broncos, you lit Clarendon on fire and played every sport with intensity and determination, and another year is knocking at the door. Seniors, what a ride; you will be missed, but never forgotten.
Clarendon High School recognized Gracie Clark and Maloree Wann the top students for the Class of 2025 during graduation ceremonies at the Harned Sisters Fine Arts Center last Friday, May 23.
Emily Grace Clark, daughter of Gregg and Catherine Clark, is the Valedictorian for the Class of ’25. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA and a place on the A Honor Roll for all of her four years at Clarendon High School. Gracie received Honor C awards in Algebra I Honors, Biology, Principles of Human Services, Geometry Honors, Algebra II Honors, English II Honors, Chemistry, Lifetime Nutrition & Wellness, and Anatomy & Physiology. During her junior year, Gracie participated in UIL Science and was a member of the regional qualifying team. Gracie served as the Vice President of Student Council during her senior year, and as a representative throughout her freshman and junior years. Gracie served as the Vice President of the National Honor Society during her senior year, and as a member during her junior year.
Gracie was a member of the Gifted & Talented Program since Kindergarten. She completed 53 dual credit hours and was on the President’s List for four semesters. She participated in service projects around the school and town such as Snack Pak 4 Kids, Angel Tree program, Highway Cleanup, Vacation Bible School, Bread of Life Food Bank, and Mustard Seed Ministry.
Gracie plans to attend Hardin-Simmons University and major in Communication Sciences & Disorders.
Maloree Wann, daughter of Carey and Brandi Wann, is the class Salutatorian with a GPA of 3.93. She attended CISD since pre-Kindergarten. Maloree was an extremely active member in multiple organizations while attending CHS. She was 2025 Class President, NHS President, Clarendon FFA President, Donley County 4-H President, and Student Council Secretary throughout her senior year. Maloree played softball four years and was Academic All-State First Team this year. She also participated in basketball one year, cross country two years, and cheerleading four years.
During her junior year, the Bronco Cheerleaders participated at the UIL State Spirit Competition and made finals. Maloree was a three-time state qualifier in horse judging and horse quiz through Donley County 4-H. She also enjoyed attending the major stock shows with her swine projects. During her senior year, Maloree placed fifth in San Antonio in the duroc class and third in Houston with a different duroc pig. She participated in UIL Academics for four years and was a UIL Regional Qualifier three of those years. Finally, she led and organized the all-campuses canned food drive held during December.
Maloree plans on attending Texas Tech University in the fall of 2025 to pursue a degree in animal science and pre-medicine.
Taylee Ehlert and Javier Valles were named the top students for the Class of 2025 for Hedley High School and were recognized during graduation ceremonies on May 15.
Ehlert was honored as the Valedictorian with a GPA of 3.904. She is the daughter of Thomas and Stephanie Ehlert. She has participated in basketball, track, tennis, One Act Play, cross country, yearbook, Plant ID, and cheerleading. Taylee is a National Honor Society member and was the Young Woman of the Year for Hedley.
Taylee plans to pursue a degree in horticulture and find a career that she truly enjoys.
Javier Valles is the Salutatorian for the Class of 2025 with a GPA of 3.758. He is the son of Patricia Valles. He has been actively involved in FFA, One Act Play, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Javier has received the Hedley Young Man of the Year award and earned a cheerleading scholarship to Wayland Baptist University.
Javier plans to attend Wayland this fall to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.
Hedley High School’s Class of 2025 has received almost $20,000 in scholarships and awards, according to an announcement made during commencement exercises there on May 15.
Kyler Booth was the recipient of a Hedley Lions Club Scholarship worth $200.
Malorie Collins is recipient of the Monroe Family “Lila Kate & Kylie Monroe/Tom Hoobler Memorial Scholarship for $300 and a Hedley Lions Club Scholarship for $200.
Billy Curry received a Hedley Lions Club Scholarship for $200.
Taylee Ehlert is the recipient of the State of Texas Highest Ranking Graduate Scholarship, good for one free year of tuition at a public university valued at approximately $9,300. She also received a West Texas A&M University Merit Award for $2,500 per semester, the Greenbelt Electric Co-op Scholarship for $1,500, the Billy Talley Memorial Scholarship for $1,000, and a Hedley Lions Club Scholarship for $200.
Javier Valles is the recipient of the Cheer Team Scholarship from the 2025 National Cheer America Champions at Wayland Baptist University for $1,500 a semester. Valles also received the Donley County Retired School Personnel countywide scholarship for $350, a Hedley Lions Club Scholarship $200, and the Monroe Family “Lila Kate & Kylie Monroe/Tom Hoobler Memorial Scholarship for $300.
UPDATE: TxDOT has updated the closure date for Kearney Street at US 287. Kearney Street traffic was originally scheduled to be barricaded at US 287 starting next Tuesday, June 3, for work on the bridge behind the Donley County State Bank and Herring Bank. The state now says side street barricades are expected to be erected until June 17.
Southbound traffic will also be blocked from entering Sully, Jefferson, and Gorst streets from the highway.
Christ’s Kids Ministry is in need of monetary donations to provide daily meals this summer for their Summer Lunch Program. They will be feeding around 120 kids each weekday this summer.
To ensure they can continue feeding these children until school starts back, they are still in need of nearly $7,000 to buy food and supplies.
If you are able, please send any donations to Christ Kids, PO Box 45, Clarendon, Texas 79226 or contact Ted Shaller at 806-277-0562.
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