Brandon Osborne had plenty of highlights on his resume right out of college, but it may be what he did next that grabbed employers’ attention. Brandon earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science from Abilene Christian University in 2005. While doing that, he was awarded a V.W. Kelly scholarship, was named the Breakfast Optimist Club’s Outstanding Youth and … [Read more...]
Unstoppable: From Tragedy to Triumph
Life can change in an instant and on June 18, 2020, Heidi Wachtel experienced just that. Wachtel, a Michigan native, was playing on a trampoline in rural Nebraska when the unexpected happened. While doing a backflip, Wachtel was launched from the trampoline to the ground due to an open zipper on the net. The back of Wachtel’s head took the brunt of the impact while the rest … [Read more...]
A Journey to Sweet Success
The beautifully crafted cakes that entrepreneur Michele Kilborn bakes are as sweet as her sunny disposition – but they also represent so much more. The Cakes by Birdie owner said she wouldn’t be where she is today if not for the support of her parents and the Hendrick Home Family Care Program, which helped her get back on her feet after escaping what she called a … [Read more...]
Love Stories That Have Stood the Test of Time
At a recent Golden Anniversary celebration here in Abilene, a question was posed to the attendees: Who has been married for 50+ years in this room? A majority of the audience raised their hands! There is no question that many Abilenians have a legacy of long marriages. How do those marriages stand the test of time? Three couples from around Abilene were invited to share their … [Read more...]
The Heart of a Champion
By definition a competitor is a person that competes, someone that strives consciously or unconsciously for an objective such as a position, profit or prize. By definition, Roy Gamboa is a competitor. Gamboa, originally from Odessa, has called Abilene home since 2007. For his day job, he works for the Abilene Fire Department as a firefighter and medic. Outside of work, he … [Read more...]