Wise County Messenger

Meet the 2025 Character Counts Scholarship RecipientsFree Access

By Austin Jackson
on May 12, 2025

This week, eight graduating seniors from Wise County high schools will be rewarded for who they are and how they’ve brightened the world around them.

The 2025 Reagan Harvey Character Counts Awards Ceremony will be held 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at the Decatur Conference Center. Now in its 12th year, the program recognizes one graduating senior from each high school in Wise County who exemplifies exceptional character.

Free Story Access by Don’s A/C Service, Inc.

Unlike academic or athletic scholarships, the $10,000 award is based solely on integrity, leadership and service.

“We ask [schools] to take grades and athletics out of the equation for this award,” said Brian Stephens, of Stephens, Bastian and Cartwright, the event’s title sponsor. “There’s nothing wrong with it, but there’s already a lot of academic and athletic scholarships available. Our goal from the beginning was to make character a focal point, because some students don’t have athletic ability or desire, and some may not be a great student, but that doesn’t mean they’re not a great person.”

Founded in 2014, the scholarship program has awarded more than $878,000 to local students. Each nominee is selected by a faculty-led committee at their school, with character as the only judging criteria. The program was created to spotlight students whose contributions may otherwise go unnoticed and to send a message that in Wise County, character truly counts.

 

The scholarship is named in honor of Reagan Harvey, a Wise County student who has overcome lifelong health challenges with grace and compassion. Her story continues to inspire the program and its mission. For more information, or to support the scholarship, visit characternow.net or call Stephens Bastian & Cartwright, (940) 627-8888.

Below are this year’s recipients:

Alvord ISD – Kylie Sands

Kylie Sands

Kylie Sands, a senior at Alvord High School, is recognized for her exceptional character, leadership and service both in and out of the classroom. She serves as head cheerleader and is involved in volleyball and basketball. She also holds leadership positions in several organizations, including National Honor Society (vice president), Student Council (secretary) and Spanish Club (president). Teachers describe her as kind, compassionate and dependable. AHS Principal Aaron Tefertiller said her “genuine warmth and positivity shine” in everything she does. Kylie exemplifies what it means to lead by example and make a difference.

Boyd ISD – Halyn Adcock

Halyn Adcock

Boyd High School senior Halyn Adcock is known for her integrity, work ethic and compassion. Mature beyond her years, Halyn leads with quiet strength and is guided by her faith. She consistently demonstrates honesty, kindness and consideration in her relationships with others. Peers and teachers alike view her as an anchor — someone who uplifts and inspires those around her. Halyn is a true example of a young person whose character leaves a lasting impact.

Bridgeport ISD – Anna Green

Anna Green

Anna Green, a senior at Bridgeport High School, is the daughter of Alan and Kristy Green and sister to Aidan. She is actively involved in basketball, track, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Student Council and her church youth group. Anna plans to become a teacher specializing in dyslexia and will play college basketball at Nelson University. “Anna is the type of young lady I would want around my own daughters,” Bridgeport High School Principal Kyle Hatcher said. Her dedication, character and commitment to others make her a role model for students of all ages.

Chico ISD – Rebecca Robinson

Rebecca Robinson

Rebecca Robinson, a senior at Chico High School, is the daughter of Will and Jennifer Robinson and is known for her dedication, perseverance and compassion. She will graduate in May with both her high school diploma and an associate degree from Weatherford College. This year, she served as Student Council vice president, varsity cheer co-captain, and was involved in National Honor Society and Chico FFA. Rebecca is admired for her ability to lift others up, even while balancing rigorous academics and leadership roles. She plans to attend Weatherford College and pursue a future in helping others.

Decatur ISD – Carter Siddoway

Carter Siddoway

Decatur High School senior Carter Siddoway is described as humble, hardworking and service-driven. Whether acting onstage, building in the shop, creating films or volunteering, Carter gives his full effort to every task. He plans to enter the fire service after graduation. Carter is known for his selflessness and strong moral compass. “He’s the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back,” one teacher said. Grateful to his family and mentors, Carter’s philosophy is simple but profound: Build a bigger table so more people can eat.

Paradise ISD – Ayden Winters

Ayden Winters

Ayden Winters, a senior at Paradise High School, is the recipient of the Reagan Harvey Character Counts Award. He has earned multiple honors in football and basketball, including All-State, Wise County MVP and Academic All-District recognition. Ayden is praised for his leadership, integrity and faith, and for mentoring younger students. He is active in church ministries, volunteers with youth sports, and leads Bible studies with his peers. Ayden plans to major in business while continuing to serve others and give back to his community.

Slidell ISD – Isabelle Shackelford

Izzy Shackelford

Isabelle “Izzy” Shackelford, a senior at Slidell High School, is known for her leadership, initiative and strong character. She is a gifted writer and musician who has made a lasting impact on her school. Izzy has excelled in academics, sports and student government, helping bring back the senior trip after a 20-year absence. Her teachers describe her as dependable, driven and a true team player. Izzy is a leader who inspires through action and represents everything the Character Counts award stands for.

Victory Christian Academy – Ainsley Hawk

Ainsley Hawk

Ainsley Hawk, a senior at Victory Christian Academy, is the school’s 2024–25 Character Counts Scholarship recipient. Ainsley has excelled in academics, athletics and ministry during her time at VCA, earning All-State and All-District honors in basketball and cheerleading. She has completed 15 dual credit hours and will attend Oral Roberts University to major in theology, focusing on Christian caregiving and biblical counseling. Known for her kindness, leadership and faith, Ainsley also leads worship at school and volunteers at her church and in missions. Her character is a reflection of her deep love for God and people.

Past recipients: 

2024

  • Alvord ISD – William Mann

  • Bridgeport ISD – Iva Marquesen

  • Boyd ISD – Hayden Pegues

  • Chico ISD – Austin Cox

  • Decatur ISD – Emma McAlister

  • Paradise ISD – Koby Dickens

  • Slidell ISD – Dakota Smith

  • Victory Christian Academy – Emily DeNoon

2023

  • Alvord ISD – Daniel Mora

  • Bridgeport ISD – Adan Santoyo

  • Boyd ISD – Jenny Oliva

  • Chico ISD – McKayla Hedrick

  • Decatur ISD – Nelly Rodriguez

  • Paradise ISD – Levi Waggoner

  • Slidell ISD – Emmy Hayhurst

  • Victory Christian Academy – Ashlyn Stanford

  • Weatherford ISD – Hannah Turnbow

2022

  • Alvord ISD – Van Taylor

  • Bridgeport ISD – Ashley Marschall

  • Boyd ISD – Ella Wissmann

  • Chico ISD – Trevor Melton

  • Decatur ISD – Diya Patel

  • Paradise ISD – Cade Pearson

  • Slidell ISD – Tyler Pruett

  • Victory Christian Academy – Rigo Hernandez

2021

  • Alvord ISD – Andrew Bloomer

  • Bridgeport ISD – Logan Walsh

  • Boyd ISD – Zeb Souder

  • Chico ISD – Natalie Rodriguez

  • Decatur ISD – Anna Evans

  • Paradise ISD – Trey Valentine

  • Slidell ISD – Easton Vanover

  • Victory Christian Academy – Clay Earp

2020

  • Alvord ISD – Rami Fritz

  • Bridgeport ISD – Jadon Maddux

  • Boyd ISD – Jacie Lamance

  • Chico ISD – Jose Rodriguez

  • Decatur ISD – Breeanne Fuller

  • Paradise ISD – Mitchell Sellers

  • Slidell ISD – Ema Howerton

  • Victory Christian Academy – Trenten Byrd

2019

  • Alvord ISD – Kinly Walker

  • Bridgeport ISD – Christian Hand

  • Boyd ISD – Abby Hays

  • Chico ISD – Kellyn Evans

  • Decatur ISD – Anahi Oliva Aldape

  • Northwest ISD – Kayla Rudd

  • Paradise ISD – Tanner Forsyth

  • Slidell ISD – Kaitlyn Reynolds

  • Victory Christian Academy – Erica Blackburn

2018

  • Alvord ISD – Alondra Bolanos

  • Boyd ISD – Macey McCune

  • Bridgeport ISD – Diana Delgadillo

  • Chico ISD – Samantha Hernandez

  • Decatur ISD – Kallie Boner

  • Northwest ISD – Morgan Owens

  • Paradise ISD – Hunter Rogers

  • Slidell ISD – Shelby Johnson

  • Victory Christian Academy – Samantha Boswell

2017

  • Alvord ISD – Valerie Martin

  • Boyd ISD – Cheyenne Rose

  • Bridgeport ISD – Reginald Lane

  • Chico ISD – Whitney Renfro

  • Decatur ISD – Parker Hicks

  • Northwest ISD – Lindsay Klasek

  • Paradise ISD – Austin Medlin

  • Slidell ISD – Lisbet Licea

  • Victory Christian Academy – Vista Fullingim

2016

  • Alvord ISD – Ashton Peterson

  • Boyd ISD – Morgan Taylor

  • Bridgeport ISD – Megan Sturdivant

  • Chico ISD – Amber Huff

  • Decatur ISD – Joely Diaczenko

  • Northwest ISD – Hannah Walker

  • Paradise ISD – Makenna Wise

  • Slidell ISD – Norberto Martinez

  • Victory Christian Academy – Bryce Miller

2015

  • Alvord ISD – Joe Randall

  • Boyd ISD – Aaron Hammett

  • Bridgeport ISD – Keaton Vawter

  • Chico ISD – Austin Collins

  • Decatur ISD – Justin Myers

  • Northwest ISD – Domingo “Eli” Ponce IV

  • Paradise ISD – Austin Hogan

  • Slidell ISD – Jessy Goode

2014

  • Alvord ISD – Lauren Hart

  • Boyd ISD – Kayla Laraine Boaz

  • Bridgeport ISD – Derrick Stanford

  • Chico ISD – Misten Kittrell

  • Decatur ISD – Billy Carr

  • Northwest ISD – Rachel Smith

  • Paradise ISD – Katy Skogberg

  • Slidell ISD – Issac Davis

Loading Comments