Gracelann Brown with her palomino, Dolly.

TTU K-12 Rodeo Star Takes Home $10K Scholarship

By Leslie Cranford, Section Manager

Finishing up her junior year in Texas Tech University High School, Gracelann Brown has come a long way since she was first introduced here in January 2022.

In fact, she was able to compete in the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in February and win a $10,000 scholarship, a buckle, $600 cash, a $100 gift card and a few other items.

Angie Brown, Gracelann's mom, said by being at home with self-paced school, Gracelann has come far in her rodeo journey.

“TTU K-12 is a great alternative to going to public school in person,” Angie said. “It is not the easiest but definitely has been worth it for Gracelann. She has been able to practice and grow in her sport with TTU K-12.."

Among many achievements and accolades lately, Gracelann qualified for state in pole bending and leaves for that competition June 3. She also recently won sixth place in barrel racing, out of 260 horses, in one of the long go races at the Martha Josey Ranch Jr. World Barrel Races.

Gracelann echoed her mom's appreciation for the flexibility of the Texas Tech High School program.

“I love being a part of the TTU K-12 online public school system because it gives me the opportunity to get an amazing education while also being able to train with my horses,” she said. “I can make my own school schedule around my practice times, and it gives me the capability to take a few days off for big rodeos or bring my work with me. It has opened so many doors for me and I can't wait to see what's next.”

Gracelann also is a member of the Texas High School Rodeo Association (THSR) and the National High School Rodeo Association. Texas is the only state with regions and has 10, making it the toughest state in which to compete. She is in Region V and is the reporter from that region, reporting on all the things happening in and from the region and earning a $250 scholarship for her work. She was even asked to be the reporter again next year.

Angie also said there are several sponsorship opportunities for participants in THSR. Gracelann applied for several and was chosen as a Rock and Roll Denim High School Rodeo team member-sponsored athlete. She received a gift package from them that included shirts, patches, a gift card for apparel from the company and other items.

“This 2022 season was really awesome at our local arena too,” Angie said. “Gracelann was reserve champion (second) in the 1D barrels and won a tack set. She was the 2D saddle champion in barrels and the youth 1D champion in barrels. She was the pole champion for 1D and holds the arena record in poles.”

Gracelann aspires to become a veterinarian by way of attending the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo.