Announcing the 2025 Thoma Scholars

Posted:	May 5, 2025

The Thoma Foundation is proud to introduce the 43 newest recipients of the Thoma Scholarship—an award recognizing exceptional students from rural communities across Northwest Oklahoma, West Texas, and Eastern New Mexico. Each of these outstanding students has been selected for their academic promise, leadership potential, and commitment to their communities.

The Thoma Scholarship is a full-ride award covering the entire cost of attendance—including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and other educational expenses. Scholars also have the opportunity to study abroad, expanding their horizons and deepening their global understanding.

The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation awarded its first scholarships to 14 students at Texas Tech University in the 2024-2025 academic year. In partnership with Texas Tech University and now Oklahoma State University, the Thoma Scholars Program provides more than financial support. Each scholarship recipient receives comprehensive support from their university and the foundation, including career-aspirations coaching, on-campus programming, leadership development, and access to academic support and counseling.

This year’s cohort of 43 scholars represents the talent, resilience, and potential found in rural communities—and the next generation of leaders.

The 2025-2026 Thoma Scholars at Texas Tech University include:

Lynley Albert, Stratford, TX
Quinn Brassfield, Amarillo, TX
Michael (Joe) Clay, Texline, TX
Daniel Duenes Silva, Dimmitt, TX
Cole Essex, Texico, NM
Karol Garcia, Dalhart, TX
Hattie Gifford, Gruver, TX
Tailor Green, Turkey, TX
Audrey Inman, Panhandle, TX
Devin Kotara, Logan, NM
Bradley Lancaster, Amarillo, TX
Luke Mahan, Stinnett, TX
Tyler (Ty) McDowell, Sunray, TX
Fernando Monge, Hobbs, NM
Heaven-Leigh Oestrich, Borger, TX
Emely Perez, Canadian, TX
McKayla Pierce, Hobbs, NM
Jera Pinckard, Beaver, OK
Apolline Rivera, Clovis, NM
Lindsey Valenzuela, Perryton, TX
Maloree Wann, Clarendon, TX

The 2025-2026 Thoma Scholars at Oklahoma State University include:

Brooklyn Beedy, Canadian, TX
Aidan Biggs, Seiling, OK
Davin Budy, Alva, OK
Adrieanna Delgado, Waynoka, OK
Yuliana Dominguez, Booker, TX
Morgan Fury, Clovis, NM
Madi Graf, Woodward, OK
Carter Holloway, Gruver, TX
Harper Houston, Alva, OK
Eleanor Kaluza, Panhandle, TX
Addie Lafferty, Bard, NM
Heath Laubach, Woodward, OK
Jennah McDonough, Pampa, TX
Mason Neelley, Vega, TX
Kamryn Ott, Forgan, OK
Drake Rabe, Childress, TX
Sadie Ratzlaff, Meno, OK
Kadynce Reeves, Portales, NM
Joe Shepherd, Amarillo, TX
Taggert Thrash, Bushland, TX
Paisley White, Fairview, OK
Emily Wildman, Fort Supply, OK