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Three Clarendon High School seniors were recognized this summer for their accomplishments in agricultural education by earning the Lone Star Degree, one of the highest honors available to Texas FFA members.

Ronan Howard, Zane Cruse and Parker Haynes each earned the degree through their accomplishments in agricultural education, FFA leadership and their Supervised Agricultural Experience programs.

The Lone Star Degree is awarded by the Texas FFA Association to third- and fourth-year members who meet requirements that include completing agricultural education coursework, maintaining a supervised agricultural experience, documenting their progress through the Agricultural Experience Tracker program, and demonstrating leadership.
The degree recognizes students who have gone beyond simply participating in FFA and have demonstrated hard work, responsibility, leadership, and real-world agricultural experience gained through their high school agriculture classes.

For Howard, FFA has become an important part of his life and has helped shape his interest in agriculture.

“FFA has truly built me into who I am,” Howard said. “FFA has created a passion in me to advocate for agriculture and the organization, as well as to teach brotherhood and community.”

Howard said receiving the Lone Star Degree was a rewarding recognition of the work he put into the program.

“Receiving my Lone Star was an amazing reward for my time in the program and the work I put in through both time in the classroom and working under the AET program,” he said.

Cruse said FFA provided opportunities and friendships she never expected when she joined the organization.

“FFA has given me so many wonderful opportunities that I could never imagine were possible,” Cruse said. “I have made so many friends, and I am so grateful for everything that I have learned through FFA.”

Cruse said earning the Lone Star Degree gave her an opportunity to demonstrate the results of her commitment to FFA.

“Receiving the Lone Star Degree gives me a chance to show all of the hard work I have put into this organization and everything it has given me,” she said.

Haynes credited FFA with giving him opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, including participation in contests and stock shows.

“FFA has afforded me many opportunities through contests, stock shows and working outside the classroom,” Haynes said. “The Lone Star truly rewarded my hard work and dedication through FFA.”

As seniors, Howard, Cruse and Haynes will enter their final year at Clarendon High School with the Lone Star Degree marking a significant milestone in their FFA careers. Their accomplishments reflect the practical agricultural experience, leadership skills, and commitment they have developed through Clarendon FFA.

A Clarendon College employee were recognized with the Texans Caring for Texans Award last Thursday, August 6, at West Texas A&M University in Canyon.

Will Thompson was recognized for his outstanding contributions and commitment to serving others. His CC’s Vice President of Information Technology and a dedicated member of the Clarendon College community.

The Texans Caring for Texans award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in making a positive impact across the state and was established in 1996 by the late State Rep. David Swinford to honor state employees for professional excellence in service to their communities and to Texas. 

Last week’s ceremony recognized Panhandle region employees of state services and higher education institutions. Sixty-three individuals from 23 agencies across the Panhandle were honored. State Representative John Smithee delivered the keynote address for last week’s 32nd annual presentation.

Clarendon CISD is preparing to welcome eligible Hedley students entering grades 7-12 this fall under a transfer agreement between the two school districts.

The agreement comes as Hedley ISD transitions its junior high and high school students to neighboring districts while continuing to serve students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Clarendon CISD Superintendent Dr. Byron May said the district is committed to making the transition as smooth as possible.

Clarendon has scheduled several events for incoming Hedley families. Campus tours of Clarendon Junior High and Clarendon High School will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, July 27, with a make-up tour at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10. Parents also are invited to meet school principals at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 30, in the Hedley School Library. New student registration will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the Clarendon CISD Administration Building.

“Our goal is to make this transition as simple and welcoming as possible for students and families,” May said. “Students coming from Hedley will be full members of our school community, with the same opportunities to learn, compete, participate and belong.”

Under the agreement, Clarendon will accept eligible Hedley students entering grades 7-12 who wish to attend and who have not been expelled under state law. Transfer students will attend Clarendon Junior High or Clarendon High School and will have access to the district’s academic, extracurricular and co-curricular activities under the same standards as Clarendon resident students, subject to University Interscholastic League rules, eligibility requirements and any tryouts completed before the transfer.

Clarendon CISD will provide special education and related services to eligible students while they are enrolled in the district. The two districts also will share necessary student records, with parental permission and in compliance with federal privacy laws, to help ensure a smooth transition.

Hedley ISD will provide transportation to and from a designated bus stop in Clarendon on school days. The districts have identified the Clarendon High School parking lot as the initial pickup and drop-off location. Transportation is expected to arrive by 7:30 a.m. and depart by 3:30 p.m., although those arrangements may be adjusted by mutual agreement. Additional transportation information will be provided before classes begin.

Students transferring to Clarendon will have access to the district’s academic programs, athletics, fine arts, career and technical education, dual-credit courses and student organizations. The districts also agreed to communicate regarding attendance, grades, state assessments, course selections and student participation to help Hedley ISD monitor the progress of its resident students.

The agreement covers students enrolling during the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. Students accepted under the agreement may remain enrolled at Clarendon through graduation, provided they continue to meet district enrollment and conduct requirements.

“We want Hedley students and parents to hear this clearly,” May said. “There is a place for you at Clarendon. Our teachers, students, coaches, sponsors and community are ready to welcome you to Bronco Nation.”

Families with questions may contact Clarendon CISD at 806-310-7220 or by email at [email protected].