"We love West Texas"

We asked the Rankin Twins about growing up in Midland, life in West Texas, and performing in their hometown.

When we flew into Midland for the first time all we could see were tumbleweeds and pump jacks.

We were pretty sure our Dad had just put us in one of his favorite western movies because we had officially moved to the wild wild west. It’s funny because we both drove pickup trucks and I remember the first time encountering a tumbleweed and wondering if we were supposed to drive around it or plow through it.

We quickly figured out what a grill guard was for. We love West Texas and have some of the best friends from living there. We both played soccer at Lee High School as well as on a traveling club team called blast. When we weren’t playing ball you could find us at the Frio River every summer. Midland is home to some of the best Mexican restaurants and every time we come back we have to visit Jorge’s and Rosa’s.

I guess you can say we started really singing for people in Midland because our friend Meredith used to make us sing “Love Can Build A Bridge” to anyone who would listen. So, for those of you who heard that version way back then we are very excited for you to hear us now.

Looking forward to performing at this year’s Junior League event Shotguns & Stilettos with Kevin Fowler on Feb. 20^th.

Beyond the League: Luanne Thorton

Welcome to “Beyond the League.” In this series, we will meet Active and Sustaining members of The Junior League of Midland, Inc. We will learn how they are making contributions to the community, their workplace, and beyond – celebrating how the skills they gained in the League make an impact beyond the League.

Today, we visit Luanne Thornton, Sustaining Member and Past President of The Junior League of Midland, Inc.

Tell us about the organization where you lead or serve.

At the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum (www.petroleummuseum.org) our mission is to share the petroleum and energy story and its impact on our lives. The Museum tells the cultural and technological story of the Permian Basin.

What's your role?

I am the Director of Development and have been with the Museum for 10 years. I help donors make this a great community to live, explore and play.  I am the fundraiser - writing grants, making requests for contributions, planning events, engaging with patrons of the Museum and then whatever else needs to be done. Every day is different and always fun.  Even the bad days are great because I know we are making a difference in the community.

How has your JLM experience helped you lead and serve this organization?

JLM is the reason I got this job! Kathy Shannon, current Executive Director of the Museum, and I were on the Provisional Committee together. (She was Chairman and I was a Trainer.) Due to the knowledge of training we received from the Junior League, she could trust that I would get the Museum job done. They knew I could handle any task that was thrown my way.

How can others get involved? 

There are many volunteer opportunities! Working with kids, adults or quietly in the background. Just give us a call and we will hook you up!

What else would you like to share? 

The Junior League of Midland, Inc. taught me so many things that I never would have learned in school or in the business world. It teaches servant leadership. We all have to be willing to jump in and do any task set before us whether it is really out of our comfort zone or the most menial task. I am eternally grateful for my time in JLM.

Q&A with Scholarship Clearinghouse

Scholarship Clearinghouse is a program which assists college-bound students in finding and applying for college scholarships. JLM maintains a comprehensive and easy to use database of scholarships to assist students living in West Texas. We simplify the overwhelming application process by allowing each student to search for scholarships based on their specific needs, achievements and future plans. Applicants who register for the program will have access to workshops focusing on writing skills, college preparedness, and FAFSA/Scholarship/Grant procedures. Additionally, the committee awards a scholarship to exceptional students utilizing the program.

Q: What is the difference between scholarships, grants, and loans?

A: Scholarships are primarily awarded for academic merit and accomplishments, such as volunteer work, but there are many need-based scholarships available as well.  Grants can come from the state or federal government, from the college you attend, or privately funded.  Scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid.  Student loans can be taken out when scholarships and grants will not fully cover a student’s tuition.  Students who take out loans are required to repay those funds, but they generally do not have to be paid while you’re still in college.

Q: What is the FAFSA?

A: FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  Filing out the FAFSA is one of the first steps in the financial aid process and will determine the amount you can receive from student grants, work-study, and loans.  To find out more about the FAFSA and financial aid check out the following links here and here.

Q: Where do I find the FAFSA?

A: You can fill out your application at https://fafsa.ed.gov/.

Q: When should I fill out the FAFSA?A: Students are encouraged to fill out their FAFSA when applying for college.

Q: What if I am having trouble with determining a major or possible profession?A: There are several different tools students can use to help them determine a career path!  The Myers-Briggs Personality Test offers a free HumanMetrics test, which lists jobs fitting your personality, and it really works!  Take the test here.  Students can also use O*NET OnLine which has detailed descriptions of jobs, which include salary information, open availabilities, and education requirements.  O*NET OnLine can be found at http://www.onetonline.org/.

 Q: What if I am just not sure if college is right for me?

A: Check out this video to see why college is the WAY TO GO!

Q: How can I learn more about local scholarships?

A: The Junior League of Midland, Inc. supports local organizations and can help with the scholarship process. The links below are current scholarship/grant opportunities in the Midland area.

http://www.pbaf.org/

http://www.midland.edu/students/enrollment/scholarships.php

http://www.utpb.edu/admissions/scholarships

http://www.odessa.edu/dept/ia/index.htm

Announcing the Rankin Twins

The Junior League of Midland, Inc. welcomes the Rankin Twins for the Buckshot Bash in February!  

There is a Chinese saying: “Good things come in pairs”. In the music world that would most certainly include The Judds, The Wreckers...and now, The Rankin Twins have become one of the most talked about new duos in contemporary country music thanks to their full length debut album, Moonshine and Maybes and their latest EP, Good Vibes. The identical twins have gained an extensive following in the South by showcasing their impeccably tight harmonies as well as their youthful and energetic stage performances and relatable lyrics.

Amy and April Rankin, or “Number 1” and “Number 2” as they sometimes jokingly call themselves, grew up in a small rural town on the southern coast of Texas with friends and family as their practice audiences. They discovered their love of creating music together, so after college graduation and a brief stint with desk jobs, the sisters realized they couldn't escape the reality of their fate and quickly began their musical journey. However, the ladies’ resolve was tested almost immediately when Amy had to undergo unexpected brain surgery to remove a tumor. The optimism and faith that came from this experience has buried itself firmly into the foundation of their music. Amy explains, “I think the obstacles we've overcome help us to be able to channel our experiences, love, doubts and fears into our music. We make an attitude choice daily to make sure we stay positive.

The buoyant siblings are now on a rapid trajectory to stardom. They’ve released multiple successful singles to Texas radio, including the hits “Rain”, “Holdin’ Pattern”, and “Jezebel”, and two prior EP releases, “Headaches and Heartbreaks” and “Silver Lining”. They’ve maintained a busy touring schedule, gaining the respect of fellow artists and earning them opening slots for headliners like Pat Green and Josh Abbott Band. And with infectiously fresh music, matched with their playful personalities, it’s no surprise The Rankin Twins became one of the Top 3 finalists on NBC Universal/Cozi TV’s new reality series, Next Great Family Band.

The world is just beginning to understand the magnetism of The Rankin Twins. With a video on CMT.com, and features in respected music publications like Texas Music Magazine and Lone Star Music Magazine, the ladies have proven to be a tremendous musical force. Like other duos that came before them - Abbott and Costello, Sonny and Cher, and Logins and Messina - this vibrant pair has carved out a place of their own in the music world, and will continue to prove that good things do indeed come in pairs.