Hardin High School siblings Mallory and Dane Fitzgerald proved their grit and determination at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, walking away with top honors, scholarship money, and a collection of awards.
The pair, who competed in the HLSR calf scramble in March 2024, returned to Houston this month to show their scramble calves during the HLSR scramble show. Mallory, now a junior at Hardin High School, placed 1st in her class, while her brother Dane, a sophomore, earned 8th in his class. The siblings are the children of Dane and Jaime Fitzgerald of Hardin.
Their achievements didn’t stop in the show ring.
Dane impressed judges with his business plan, securing 1st place. Mallory took 1st with her 500-word essay and 3rd with her 1,000-word essay, accomplishments that earned her the prestigious title of HLSR American Wave Supreme Scrambler for 2025.
The siblings’ journey began during the 2024 scramble event, where Dane successfully caught a calf and Mallory received the “Hard Luck Award,” given to a scrambler who showed great effort despite not catching a calf. That determination clearly paid off.
Together, the Fitzgerald siblings brought home three H trophies, a supreme champion buckle, and additional scholarship funds.
Their hard work and perseverance not only reflect their dedication to agriculture but also shine a bright light on the future of rural youth in Liberty County.
