Recipients

Kaden Wise

Kaden Wise has graduated South Plains with his Associates Degree and is attending Texas Tech to receive a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry. After receiving this degree he plans on attending Medical School to become an anesthesiologist. He is currently a certified pharmacy technician working at UMC. He says this scholarship is helping mold him into the student and man he needs to be for his academic and future career success.

Kaden McPherson

Kaden McPherson has graduated South Plains College with a Associate of Science and is now attending Texas Tech at  The Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering and is trying to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. He says this scholarship has helped with shaping his near future and giving him the opportunity to strive for a field he looks forward to getting into. It also helped him just have time to also spend with family and friends who helped him in this part of his life and he is thankful to everyone who helped get him here.

Shae Valenzuela

Shae Valenzuela was a recipient of the Colton Lee Burran Scholarship in 2020. Unfortunately, Shae passed away on May 6, 2023. At the time of her passing she was  in nursing school at University of Texas Health Science San Antonio. She worked two jobs while attending school as a pharmacy technician and a teacher at a kids gym. She was an alumni of the sorority of Alpha Sigma Alpha. After she graduated she planned on working in a hospital and then becoming a travel nurse. She eventually wanted to specialize in pediatric nursing.

Sidney Fabila

She has finished her Associates Degree, and is now headed straight for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. When she is not at school she works as a secretary at B&S Heating Air, and Construction. Love Always & WRECK ‘EM! 

Caleb Smith

Caleb Smith is a 2019 graduate of Brownfield High School. In addition to being a full time student,  Caleb is a Certified Pharmacy Technician and has worked since graduating from High School. Since receiving the Colton Burran Scholarship Caleb has graduated from South Plains College with and Associates of Science Degree. While enrolled at SPC he was on the Deans list twice. Caleb has been accepted to Texas A&M- Corpus Christi where he will major in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting beginning in the Fall of 2021. Upon graduation he plans to pursue a position in School Finance.

Mikaela Oliver

Mikaela Oliver participated in many activities while in High School. She served as the Vice-President of the National Honor Society. She was a member of Varsity theater, and she was also the cheer captain for the Varsity squad. She also enjoyed volleyball, track, UIL, one-act play, Aces, Spanish National Society, and FCCLA. She volunteered as The Cat in the Hat for Dr. Seuss Day at Colonial Heights. She is also a ventriloquist and performed for the local girl scouts, chamber banquet as well as at Wellman-Union for their “Say No to Drugs” event. She was honored by being nominated as the freshman duchess, senior princess, class favorite, and prom queen. She was the 2017 Harvest Festival Queen and also the KCBD 2015 mascot mania champion. She maintained all A’s and graduated with 36 hours from South Plains College.

Mikaela currently attends Angelo State and majors in Mass Media. She is a member of Delta Zeta. She has served in her sorority as Alumni chair, courtesy chair, VP of new members ed. and was chosen as the new member of the year. She is currently an intern for Flaco Guapo Media in San Angelo. After graduation she dreams of teaching English in South Korea for a year and then going to law school.

Darianne Dorris

Darianne Dorris was actively involved in many things during her four years of high school. She served in key leadership roles in several organizations. She was elected as the FBLA chapter President and served as the Area secretary during her senior year. She was also the color guard captain for two years, and was elected by her own classmates to be Vice President both her junior and senior year. Even though Darianne was actively involved in extra-curricular activities, her academic work came first. She was inducted into NHS, NTHS, and SNHS. She will graduate as Salutatorian of the class of 2018.

Darianne plans to attend New Mexico Junior College and major in Biology with an emphasis in PreMed. She wants to further her education by attending Med-School and becoming a surgeon or Chiropractor.

While many would quake at the thought of majoring in something that would require so much science, Darianne can handle it. According to her science teacher, Mrs. Burris, Darianne took both PreAP Physics and Chemistry her sophomore year, something that is usually not allowed. Mrs. Burris explains that, “Darianne proved that not only was she capable, but she excelled in both. She was a conscientious, hard worker, who remained determined to stay at the top of her class.”

Darby Cox

Darby Cox spent most of her four years being a part of FFA, band, and student council. She was a Harvest Festival Queen Candidate her junior year and spent numerous hours volunteering for the Goodfellows, helping cleanup the highway, and giving out candy at her church’s trunk or treat.

Darbie is going to attend Tarleton State University and major in Animal Science/Pre Vet. With this degree, she plans to become a veterinarian.

Darbie’s strong academic presence left an impact on her school. For Mrs. Pope, the Brownfield High School counselor, words such as, dependable, hard-worker, responsible, and excellent describe Darbie Cox. Because of her outstanding work ethic, her agricultural teacher, Mr. Franks, said, “She is a joy to teach and any college would be lucky to have a student that put the work ethic in like she does.”

Dakota Oliver

Dakota Oliver participated in many things in High School such as football, basketball, track, FFA, Student Council, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. He excelled in these activities and received many awards. He was voted class favorite his freshman, sophomore, and junior years. He served as the Brownfield FFA chapter secretary his sophomore year and participated in the highway cleanup his junior and senior year. However, his success did not just stop in the classroom; it reached far onto the field, gym, and track. He was awarded many 1st team all-district awards throughout his four years of participating in football and was awarded 2nd team all-district in basketball his sophomore year. His academic and sports success was recognized when he received the Academic All State Award his senior year.

He currently attends Texas Tech University and plans on helping out the Brownfield area by becoming a family physician.

He writes that this scholarship holds personal value to him, and that, “Colton was the kind of person I strive to become.”

There is no doubt that he will accomplish his goals, according to his AP Biology teacher who also says, “he is one of the most naturally talented and hardworking students with whom I have had the opportunity to work with.”

Jasmine Fields

Jasmine Fields found success in not only the classroom but in athletics and school organizations. Throughout her three years at Brownfield High School, she was awarded Student of the Month and Outstanding student of the year. She served as the Future Business Leaders of America’s President, as well as Student Council Reporter and Historian, and National Honor Society Historian. She also was inducted into the Spanish Honor Society and National Technical Honors Society. She completed AP classes and 24 hours of dual credit hours from South Plains College. While academics come first for Jasmine, this did not keep her from finding success in her high school basketball career. She was named to the TGCA All-Star Team and the TABC All-District and All-Region team.

Jasmine plans to attend Lubbock Christian University, where she will fulfill her passion by studying Nursing.

According to her teacher Mrs. Calhoun, Jasmine excelled in sports and academics, but none of these achievements can accurately describe the type of person Jasmine truly is. Mrs. Calhoun explains how she was, “genuinely interested and kind to the less popular students.” She even goes on to say, “Jasmine’s kindness and dedication will take her far in life. She will no doubt be successful in any path she chooses.”

Jillian Rolan

Jillian Rolan received several awards and participated in many activities with outstanding achievements in Band as well as being named Freshman Class Outstanding and Sophomore Class Favorite. Her extracurricular activities included Student Body Vice President, Student Body President, National Technical Honor Society, National Honor Society, Regional Qualifier in Literary Criticism in 2015 as well as Trombone Section Leader and Band President. She was also Harvest Festival Queen Candidate for the Boys and Girls Club of Brownfield. Rolan was also involved in Spanish National Honor Society and Thespian Honor Society among others.

She will attend Abilene Christian University and plans to pursue a major in Marketing.

“I want to use my education and skills to come back home after college and to make Brownfield a better place to live and grow,” writes Jillian.

Brooklyn Ryan

Brooklyn’s accomplishments include community service where she raised money for the Boys and Girls Club. She also led the National Honor Society in an animal canned food drive, led the National Honor Society in making blankets for the University Medical Center Children’s Hospital and was a leader in the BeYOUthful Campaign Lock-In.

Her extracurricular activities included National Honor Society, Thespian Honor Society, Yearbook, Student Council, UIL One Act Play, National Technical Honor Society and Fellow Christian Athletes among other organizations. She also has received several awards including sports achievements in Basketball and Tennis.

Brooklyn will attend the University of North Texas where she will pursue a double major in Business and Theater Arts.

“I feel confident that she (Ryan) will continue to succeed in her studies,” writes Brownfield High School Principal Paul Coronado in Ryan’s letter of recommendation. “Brooklyn is a dedicated student and thus far her grades have been exemplary. In class, she has proven to be a take-charge person who is able to successfully develop plans and implement them.”

Benito Silva

While attending high school, Benito Silva was involved in National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Student Council, Band and Art. He was a Drum Major and a four-time State Qualifier for Solo and Ensemble. For volunteer work Silva made blankets for a children’s hospital and volunteered with teacher appreciation events.

Silva plans to attend South Plains College and then Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in Pharmacy.

“Benito is very eager to learn,” writes Jill Burns in a recommendation letter for Silva. “He is very intelligent and exhibits astounding leadership skills. He is a hard worker, dependable and is highly motivated to learn and be successful in life. Benito shows great character and is a role model for his classmates.”

Hannah Adair

Hannah Adair is another 2014 recipient of the scholarship and after graduating high school, began pursuing a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Mississippi. Her end goal is to earn a Doctorate degree in Pharmacy.

As for achievements, Adair listed several including National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Academic “A” Honor Roll, University Interscholastic League as well as Provost Scholar at the University of Mississippi.

As for volunteer experience, she mentioned working with the Ronald McDonald House, teaching vacation bible school, working with Meals-On-Wheels and Relay for Life, just to name a few. Other activities listed by Hannah include working as the President and District Secretary of the Future Farmers of America and Student Council Vice President. Adair was also the Harvest Festival queen candidate, sponsored by the Colton Burran Scholarship Committee.

“I never had the opportunity to get to know Colton Burran personally. However, through this experience I heard hundreds of stories about him, and I feel like we had a lot in common,” writes Hannah in her personal statement. “He was an inspiration to so many people from Brownfield to Arkansas. I really identify with one of the more memorable things he said: ‘It is what you do from here that makes your story great.’”

Ishmael Galindo

Ishmael Galindo is a 2014 recipient of the Colton Lee Burran Memorial Scholarship and attends Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi. Ismael isn’t aiming for the stars, but is however shooting for the bottom of the ocean as a budding marine biologist.

Ishmael was a volunteer at the South Plains Food Bank and was a volunteer blood donor. His extra-curricular activities included cross country/track as well as band and UIL. He was also a member of the National Honor Society in 2014. While attending Brownfield High School, Ishmael focused his efforts on school as well as his job, and worked many hours at a local auto parts store.

“Over the past five years I have served as Ishmael’s high school counselor, and middle school teacher,” wrote BHS school counselor Lori Pharis . “Ishmael is a young man that is not afraid to be an individual. He is well liked by his peers without being pressured into conformity. He seems to be decisive in his goal setting and plans to meet those goals. He is realistic and talented. The combination of these two attributes helps him attain success, as he is well grounded in his abilities.”

Kaley Kevil

Kaley is the daughter of Kendra Kevil and Steven Kevil and the granddaughter of Kenneth Willis and the late Ann Willis, the great-granddaughter of Jean Neal. Some of Kaley’s activities at BHS included NHS, SNHS, Music Honor Society, Art Club, Technical NHS, Cheerleading, Band, Varsity Tennis, Varsity Softball, Student Council, UIL Spelling, UIL Calculator, and One Act Play.

Her non-school activities include 2012 Harvest Festival Queen, Goodfellows Christmas deliveries, First Baptist Church Youth Group, FBC praise team and youth choir. Kaley joined FBC mission trips to New Orleans; Gallup, New Mexico; and Durango, Colorado. It was on mission trips that she spent time with Colton. He was a significant role model to her, and she is honored to carry on his legacy of living a Christ-filled life.

Kaley will attend Texas Tech University in the fall of 2013, majoring in accounting.

Treg Lindsey

While attending BHS, Treg was actively involved in Varsity Tennis, One-Act Play, National Honor Society, and a member in the Thespian Club. He was District Champion in Boy Singles and a State Qualifier in Team Tennis. Treg ranked number 10 in his class. He was involved in his church, helping with VBS and other outreach programs.

Treg’s plans for the future are to attend Angelo State University, majoring in Communications/Mass Media with a minor in History. After college he would like to work in a radio station as a Sound Engineer.

“I have always put God first in my life, and after seeing the impact Colton made on so many lives, I realized how much more I needed to put into my faith. I never knew Colton personally, but I can look at the things he has done and say that’s the kind of person I need to be.”

Cade Powell

At BHS, Cade participated in National Honor Society, President, Spanish National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle Leader, Student Body Vice President, One Act Play, football and basketball team captain and First Team All-State Academic selection in both sports, and Band Drum Major. Cade graduated as Salutatorian of his class.

Cade plans to attend Lubbock Christian University in the fall of 2013 to major in athletic training. After three years at LCU, he plans to apply to Texas Tech’s Master’s Program, and graduate with a Master’s Degree from Texas Tech and a Bachelor’s Degree from LCU at the same time within 5 years. After that, Cade wants to become a trainer for a professional or college sports team.

Cade says that Colton was that guy every young guy looked up to. “I once walked up to him at McDonalds after a basketball game of his and just tugged at his pants to get his attention, then walked away. Definitely someone we should all strive to be like.”

Jade Garza

Some of Jade’s activities and honors at BHS include Band, All-Region, All-State Band, UIL, GenTX Leadership Team, Student Council, National Honor Society President, Spanish National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and Horatio Alger Distinguished Americans National Scholar.

Jade will attend the University of North Texas, where she will participate in the Green Brigade Marching Band and the Honors College. She will major in Political Science with a minor in Business. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree, she will attend Law School and pursue a career in either International Business or Family Law. Eventually, she would like to become involved in politics at the state level.

Morgan Murry

While attending BHS, Morgan participated in Varsity Tennis, One-Act Play, Yearbook, National Honor Society, and Spirit of the Plains Band.

Her plans for the future are to attend a private Christian college–McMurry University in Abilene. She plans to major in Psychology with a focus on family counseling. She remembers many conversations with Colton saying that he had a way of making her feel better about herself and offering her advice. Morgan would like to carry on Colton’s legacy of helping teenagers with social issues and helping them to feel better about themselves just like she feels he helped her.

Grant Browning

The son of Scotty Browning and Kimberly Brassfield, Grant graduated seventh academically in his senior class. Among his high school honors were National Honor Society, National Honor Society of Scholars, Spanish National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Best in Class (English III), Varsity Tennis Team, District Tennis Doubles Champion, Regional Tennis Qualifier, UIL Headline Writing, UIL Feature Writing, UIL News Writing.

His non-school related activities included Calvary Baptist Church Youth Leader, New Orleans (LA) mission trip, Tokyo, Japan mission trip, Youth Leadership Camp, Calvary Baptist Church Bible School, Starving Kids in Africa 30-Hour Famin, Calvary Baptist Church Spring Break Community Clean-up, Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Community Play (Willy Wonka).

Grant plans to enroll at Sul Ross State University in Alpine in the Fall 2011 semester.

DeNell Duncan

Daughter of Shelby and Elizabeth Duncan of Brownfield. She graduated 10th academically in her graduating class.

Her high school honors: All A Honor Roll, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Technical National Honor Society, Terry County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Queen, Harvest Festival Queen Candidate (Miss Spirit), 4-H Bronze, Silver and Gold Star Awards.

Her school and non-school related activities included 4-H Stock Shows (showed pigs, steers, lambs), various other 4-H projects, FFA Wool Judging Team, Cross Country, Basketball, Track, Softball, Terry County Summer Camp Counselor, Teen community Emergency Response Team, Brownfield Youth Council, First United Methodist Church Youth Group.