Heritage Society of Washington County

08/22/2026

07/16/2026

All incoming Freshmen and existing Belles, the new year for 2026-2027 is going to be here before we know it!! 🩵

Make sure you mark your calendars! 🗓️

06/10/2026

Betsy Spiller and Debi Meschwitz provided snacks for the monthly Heritage Society board meeting in honor of National Garden club week for Bluebonnet Garden Club.

04/07/2026

The Heritage Society hosted First Baptist 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students for a local history day. The students toured Toubin Park, The Fire Museum, The Giddings Stone Mansion and The Giddings Wilkin House.

03/31/2026

Several of our Belles had the opportunity to deliver desserts the last few months to Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Rachel Eckert Nordt and Citizens State Bank who purchased the Year of Desserts at the 2025 Gala. Thank you McKenna Marsters, Kylee Liner and Logan Fatheree for getting those delicious desserts delivered!

03/02/2026

While we were in our final hours of Gala preparations this past Saturday, some of our Junior Belles attended the Texas Independence Day Celebration at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park to help greet guests and serve cake!

02/28/2026

Avery Grace Swierkowski is the daughter of Matt and Mari’Brigette Swierkowski, and the granddaughter of Marty Smith, the late Ed Smith, the late Joe Swierkowski, and the late Jack and Gina Duffy.

She is a senior at Brenham High School, where she’s a member of the Brenham FFA Chapter, helping with their community service efforts such as Brenham FFA Adopt-A-Highway and Toys for Tots. As a nationally competing equestrian rider, Avery is a member of the United States Hunter Jumper Association and the United States Equestrian Federation, most recently finishing out her non-pro career at the National Finals, placing top 30 in the nation. At the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, she not only competes there annually but also works as a volunteer where they help the Texas Children’s Hospital. Her love of horses has allowed her to assist children through a therapeutic riding program.

Avery plans to attend Blinn College and then on to Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in nursing, alongside continuing her training to be a professional equestrian rider. Her favorite things about being a Heritage Belle was decorating the mansion for Christmas, as well as giving the home tours where she enjoyed teaching others about the history of Washington County.

02/27/2026

Emma Grace Scheel is the daughter of Josh and Lindsay Scheel, and the granddaughter of Weegie and Deana Scheel and John and Sherry Page.

Emma is a senior at Brenham High School, where she is a member of National Honor Society, as well as the Brenham FFA Chapter. She’s been in the top 10 at various contests across the state in Dairy Judging and Wool Judging. She participates in 4-H, as well as Anchor Club. Emma aided in Brenham FFA’s community service in helping their Adopt-A-Highway efforts. Additionally, she’s helped with basketball and volleyball mini-camps. She also helps out at Equestrian camps for those with special needs. After high school, she plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in Agribusiness. Her favorite thing about being a Belle was learning the history of Brenham- and is now looking forward to her senior Gala.

02/26/2026

Kolbie Fay Parker is the daughter of Grant and Shelby Parker, and is the granddaughter of Lee Fred and Barbara Schroeder, and the late Lebon and Pasty Parker.

She is a senior at Burton High School, where she is an active member of the Burton FFA Chapter. She’s received her FFA Lone Star Degree, and qualified for State in Dairy Judging and Horse Judging. She is a member of Beta Club, as well as Burton 4-H. Kolbie is also the manager for the Burton Volleyball and Softball teams. She volunteers with the Washington County Fair Champion Drive as a Buddy, Blinn S***t Shoot, and serves at the Brazos Valley Food Bank while supporting Burton Bridge Ministry and Hill County Flood Relief.

After high school, Kolbie plans to attend Tarleton State University, where she’ll pursue a degree in nursing, with the end goal of entering an ultrasound technology program. Her favorite thing about being a Heritage Belle was learning about the history of Washington County, and forming many new friendships.

02/25/2026

Avari Jayde Oliver, is the daughter of Jacob and April Oliver, and the granddaughter of Marcus & Debbie Oliver, John & Elaine Telge, Darrell Zwahr, and Tricia Zwahr.

Avari is a senior at Brenham High School where she competes on the swim team and recently advanced to Regionals and has been named Academic All-State Honorable Mention, and is active in the theatre department, as well as the school’s art program. She competed in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event competition with her sculptures project. As a member of the Salem 4-H Club, she exhibited rabbits for many years, having rounded out her senior fair participation year winning Grand Champion Pen of Rabbits at the 2025 Washington County Fair.

After high school, she plans to attend Blinn College and earn a business degree. Her favorite thing about being a Heritage Belle was getting to learn and share the rich history of her hometown, Brenham.