Shelly Mowery Courageous Cowgirl Award
- Madison Ward
As the Media Marketing Coordinator/Intern for Group W Productions, Madison
is heavily involved in the world of rodeo. She began taking riding lessons at
age 12 and broke into the rodeo world when she was 15.
That was a difficult year for Madison as it was the year her mother died.
But, ever a survivor, she began earning money for college by competing in
rodeo pageants.
She won the prestigious title of Miss Rodeo Austin Princess and plans to
run for Miss Rodeo Texas in June of 2017. One of Madison’s biggest accomplishments is being able to graduate in May from Texas Tech completely debtfree. Through scholarships and grants, she has been able to be fully financially
supported throughout her college career, not something most college graduates
can say. After realizing her passion for public speaking, she decided it was the
thing she would like to do for the rest of her life. Madison would like to work
in the western rodeo industry and continue to promote the sport she loves. She
would like to someday get a job that allows her to travel while promoting the
world of rodeo. Some advice she would give to others coming into this field
is don’t be afraid to bring new ideas to the table, and always be your original
self.
James Doss Benevolent Banker Award - Luke Elliott
Like Mr. Doss, Luke has risen through the ranks from his starting position as a teller in 2003 to his position today as
executive vice president.
A Weatherford native, Luke came back to his roots after graduating from TCU.
He majored in European History. Luke began his career in banking, viewing it at
first as “just a job” to have an income while he worked on his master’s degree, but
soon he realized that he’d found his perfect fit at Texas Bank Financial. Now as
executive vice president, he “enjoys the challenge” of the bank’s daily operations,
helping the bank’s customers and crunching numbers.
“There isn’t a better group of people to work for,” Luke said. He’s dedicated
to investing in others as they have done for him. He’s grateful to be a part of such
an important award and credits his community that has always been there for him
and especially his parents for “raising him right.”
For this reason, Luke is zealous about giving back to the community and turns
most of his charitable efforts to raising funds and volunteering with the Careity
Foundation and the Parker County Education Foundation.
This is why he has such a high commitment to people, treating them in the
best possible way. For those of you looking to be in the banking industry, Luke is
a good role model with this guidance, “take the advice you are given and apply
the wisdom from others that are investing their time in you.”
Jim Wright Political Science Award - Ashley Duncan Conlon
MAY 2016
PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY
Parker County native Ashley Duncan Conlon is well-known as a successful realtor.
“I do it because I want to give back to a community that has given so much to my
family and me,” Ashley said, proudly adding that she is a graduate of Weatherford
ISD. “I also want to affect the futures of all the students. I believe that a district that
provides opportunities for all students helps foster future success and improves the
community.”
Education has always been a priority to Ashley. Her mother, Susan Duncan, was a
teacher with WISD and her father, Jim Duncan, is a renowned realtor and has been a
long-term supporter of WISD.
After graduating from Weatherford High Sc hool, Ashley earned her BBA from
Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business.
She was torn between pursuing a career in real estate or working in education.
Ultimately, Ashley found a way to pursue both her passions.
“I enjoy honoring educators,” Ashley said. “Our society places so much value on
professional actors and athletes, but our real heroes are the teachers who give their
lives to making sure our students are educated, productive citizens.”
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