Ascension Academy is celebrating a historic achievement by a student in a recent state tournament in tennis.
Sophomore Tinley Stauffer, Class of 2028, has become the TAPPS 2A State Champion in Girls Singles, marking the first time in school history that an Ascension student has earned this title.
Ascension Academy said Stauffer dominated the competition by winning every tournament she entered, solidifying her place as one of the top players in the state.
She competed at the state match on April 16 in Waco, bringing home the title.
Her dedication, consistency, and competitive excellence have set a new standard for Ascension Academy athletics.
Other community news
The Don Harrington Discovery Center will show an adults-only screening of “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” in their Space Theater on Monday evening, May 4. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the movie starting at 7:30 p.m. A wristband ($25) includes admission and unlimited refills on popcorn and their space themed cocktail or mocktail. General admission is $10, with regular concessions available for purchase. Capacity is limited, so guests are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets. Individuals did not purchase a wristband beforehand can do so at DHDC’s front desk. Tickets can be purchased on DHDC’s website at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/star-wars-movie-screening
Friona ISD is proud to celebrate Friona High School senior, Aaron Rosales, for being selected as a Thoma Scholar, one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship programs in the region. “Aaron represents the very best of what Friona High School strives to cultivate,” said high school Principal Matt Tucker. “We are very proud; Aaron’s future at Texas Tech is incredibly bright.” Established by the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation, the Thoma Scholars Program invests in high-achieving students from communities across West Texas, Northwest Oklahoma, and Eastern New Mexico. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing, meals, books, and study abroad. Aaron will attend Texas Tech in the fall of 2026.
This week’s Furry Friend is Iris. “Her fluffy short haired coat has mostly white on her underside, legs, and face with a medium orange color on her backside with darker orange stripes. Iris is a front declawed kitty. She is a very sweet, loving girl that follows you around and probably enjoys a good snuggle. She doesn’t seem to mind the other cats in the building – having a respectful fur-mate is probably fine.” APSCA adoptions can be made at the shelter, 11901 S. Coulter, noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call 806-622-0555, or visit www.amarillospcashelter.com or www.adoptapet.com.
Need a vacation? Donate blood at Wolflin Square on Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to be automatically entered in the One Day, One Chance to Win a Dream Vacation contest. Our Blood Institute at the Coffee Memorial Blood Center and Dream Vacations are teaming up to offer blood donors a chance to win the ultimate getaway. One lucky donor will receive a trip valued at up to $2,000. All successful donors May 2 will also receive a limited-edition Route 66-themed T-shirt; and one free ticket to their choice of Frontier City, Hurricane Harbor or Magic Springs Theme and Water Park. Visit obi.org/events/dream-vacation for rules and regulations. One donation can help save up to three lives; appointments can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Amarillo District is conducting a virtual public meeting with in-person options to share information and gather input from the public regarding proposed ADA upgrades on BI-40 from SW 9th Avenue to Hughes Street. Project elements include the construction of a shared-use paths (SUP) to enhance pedestrian accessibility along the corridor. Pedestrian upgrades will be made at the traffic signal at Western Street and Ranch-to-Market (RM) 1061, and a full traffic signal upgrade will be completed at the intersection of Ninth Street and McMasters Street. The in-person meetings will be held Thursday, May 7 at 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Amarillo College West Campus, 6222 SW 9th Ave. A virtual option will available for viewing online by 2 p.m. Thursday, May 7 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 22 at https://www.txdot.gov/projects/hearings-meetings/amarillo/2026/bi-40-pedestrian-improvements-050726.html .
More than 25 area representatives traveled to Washington, D.C. for the biennial DC Days April 20-23. This year’s federal priorities from Amarillo are centered on funding for the development of Cross Bar Ranch with Bureau of Land Management; defense and energy funding as it relates to Pantex, Bell and other companies in the industry sector with the Department of Defense and Department of Energy; and additional funding for cities as it relates to transportation, emergency management, public safety, technology, community development, and economic development. Events included scheduled meetings with the offices of U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, U.S. Reps. Ronny Jackson and Jodey Arrington.
The Don Harrington Discovery Center will be presenting “Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors” from Tuesday, May 19 to Monday, Sept. 7. In this version of the popular exhibition, visitors will be whisked back in time on a tour of an Earth that’s very different from today. With advanced animatronics, a multi-layered narrative, and cutting-edge research, you’ll experience the Age of Reptiles. The exhibit will be open daily to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a limited engagement. Look for more on this exhibit in an upcoming story.
The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce is hosting their 33rd Annual BusinessConnection Tradeshow in the AmarilloCivic Center on Thursday, May 14. The longest-running annual event offered by the Chamber, it is designed for businesses to network and promote their products and services to an estimated 4,000 visitors. A 10×10 booth for Chamber members to exhibit at the show can be reserved for $400 by contacting the Chamber; non-Chamber Members can reserve a booth for a slightly higher fee. Attending the show to visit the booths is free with a VIP ticket between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or guests can give a business card for entry during those hours. The general public can attend the show 1-4 p.m. for $5 admission. The Tradeshow Food Court will feature food and drinks from local restaurants and caterers, and Food Court tickets are available through May 13 for $10 each or $15 day of. For more information on this show, call (806) 373-7800 or visit www.amarillo-chamber.org/businessconnection.html.
The Bliss Horizon Live is welcoming AC/DC vs OZZY A Rock & Roll Showdown, featuring tribute band Mr Crowley’s Ozzy Experience battling against Noise Pollution The AC/DC Experience. Ten players at the top of their games will give an entertaining blitz of the best hits, capping off at the end of the show with both bands on stage doing a mash up. The concert starts at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 16, and tickets may be purchased at bit.ly/3NQWF8B .
Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas and its Amarillo Career Resource Center (CRC) are launching Financial Foundations, a four‑week financial literacy series led by Amarillo National Bank. Classes begin May 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at 1904 Bell St. To register, call 806-331‑6890. The series will cover Banking Services (May 5), Fraud Prevention (May 12), Credit Management (May 19), and Budgeting (May 26). For more information, visit goodwillnwtexas.org/job-training .
More than 60 Amarillo College students planning to transfer to West Texas A&M University were celebrated at a Signing Day event recently at the Oeschger Family Mall on AC’s Washington Street Campus. The schools honored the AC graduates who are continuing their education at WT through the special event recognizing their transfer commitment.
Amarillo College’s Communications and Marketing earned national recognition in the Collegiate Advertising Awards program, receiving a bronze, two golds, and three silver awards across multiple categories in competition with peer institutions in the 5,001–10,000 student group. The College earned two Gold Awards for the Kids’ College Summer Course Guide and the Creative Mind Lecture Series: Bob Dylan. It also received three Silver Awards for Teaching for Transformation Magazine, the Keep Us Live invitation campaign, and the {Grow / Secure / Drive / Protect / Build} Your Future TV/PSA video series. Additionally, the College was recognized with a Bronze Award for its {Grow / Secure / Drive / Protect / Build} Your Future billboard series.
At the Downtown Women’s Center Spring Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 at the Amarillo Civic Center North Exhibit Hall, DWC will be celebrating its 37th anniversary and recent graduates of its DWC Recovery Program. During the fundraising event, learn more about what DWC is doing for homeless women in recovery from alcohol and other drug addictions. The nonprofit is also serving their children, with many of the same services given to their moms. These services include therapy, groups, fun activities,and professional case management, where dreams are verbalized, goals are set to achieve their dreams, and hope is given that anything is possible if we live clean and sober lives.
Emily Watson of Amarillo was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at Texas Tech University. Elizabeth Thompson of Canyon was also recently elected to membership of the honor society at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Wallace State Community College congratulates Camdyn Clifton of Amarillo on being inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success.
DeBault Title and Andrea’s Project have partnered in a ride initiative to give free Uber rides to and from sponsored events. Michael DeBault, manager of DeBault Title, said Andrea’s Project founder and Andrea’s father, David Elizalde, is a friend of his. When he saw that Uber event sponsorships were an option, he and his wife, Brooke, decided to test it out. “We’re not really putting a limit on the number of vouchers per event. We’re just really trying to make a really hard push to encourage people to not drink and drive, trying to provide an avenue for them to not have to,” DeBault said. To get an Uber sponsorship for an event, contact DeBault at michael@debaulttitle.com or through DeBault Title’s Facebook page.
As part of National Teacher Appreciation Week, Whataburger is inviting teachers and school staff Thursday, May 7 to start their day with a free, hot breakfast during the brand’s annual Whatateacher celebration. From 5 to 9 a.m. local time, educators can stop by participating Whataburger restaurants and enjoy their choice of a free Breakfast on a Bun, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit or Breakfast Taquito with a valid school ID. Promotion hours may vary by location based on operating hours. The offer is available for dine-in, takeout and drive-thru orders, limit one per person. Additionally, Whataburger will award $1,000 classroom grants to 60 teachers across their 17-state footprint, totaling $60,000, as part of their Feeding Student Success initiative. A limited-edition Whatateacher bundle is also available at the Whatastore. For more information, visit Whataburger.com.
From a pool of 21 applicants, Jackson Wyatt from Stratford was selected to serve as the 2026 Tri-State Fair Ambassador Scholar. Throughout the next year, he will represent the organization and promote their mission within the community.
Ashraf Barsham of Amarillo (men’s basketball) is among 13 Angelo State University student-athletes who received ASU’s 2026 Holland’s Awards. As voted on by their teammates, Holland’s Award winners exemplify what it means to be an ASU student-athlete in competition, in the classroom and in the community. The awards were handed out during the ASU Athletic Department’s annual Holland’s Sports Banquet on April 20. See more details at angelosports.com.
At the Goodnight Invention Convention, set for Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Frontier Regiment of the High Plains will bring history to life at the Goodnight Ranch. The free, once-a-year celebration highlights the remarkable inventions that shaped the lives of Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight. Discover hands-on demonstrations of the portable blacksmith forge, the iconic Chuckwagon, and more. Savor treats and refreshments from Porch Swing Eats and Treatz. Learn more on the site’s page on Facebook.
Texas Mutual Insurance Company will be investing $8 million in funding to support Texas nonprofits through its Working Texans Economic Opportunity and Texas Workforce Development grants. Texas Mutual will award funding through two community grant cycles, which will start this month. In the first grant cycle, Texas Mutual will seek to invest in initiatives that stabilize working households so Texans can obtain and sustain employment and participate in economic opportunities. Applications will close at 11:59 p.m. CDT on Friday, May 15. The second grant cycle will bolster workforce development and safety training. Applications will open Aug. 10 and close Sept. 11. Visit texasmutual.com/communityfunding for more information.
The Texas Old Route 66 Association announced the restoration of the historic 1930 Texaco “66 Super Service Station” in Alanreed, which includes the station’s fully restored vintage gas pumps, completed by association partner R & B Body Shop of Pampa. As part of preparations leading up to Route 66’s centennial anniversary, the organization identified key historic filling stations across the Texas Panhandle for restoration — furthering its mission to preserve, protect, and promote the historic highway. More can be found at https://www.rt66oftexas.com/1930texaco66superservicestation
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Ascension Academy student wins TAPPS 2A state title in tennis
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
