Award winners with a heart for kids

Jean Prescott

“The First Lady of Western Music”

Jean Prescott grew up horseback, living and loving the rural Western lifestyle. She taught herself guitar at 16 and began singing professionally at 18. Her performances have spanned from the National Cowboy Gathering in Elko, Nevada, to Christian youth horsemanship camps, concert stages, campfires and cowboy churches across the country and abroad.

A multiple award-winning singer-songwriter, Jean keeps the history and heritage of the West alive through songs about cowboys, cowgirls and those who love the Western way of life. Her CD with husband Gary, “Satisfied Hearts,” garnered numerous awards; her latest is the gospel recording “Joy.”

Often called “The First Lady of Western Music,” Jean believes the future of Western music lies with our youth. She joined the camp staff in 2019, became Assistant Camp Director in 2021, and works year-round with Judy to prepare for each camp. Jean and Gary live on their ranch south of Abilene, Texas.

JeanPrescott.com ↗

Leah Sawyer

Touring and session fiddler; has performed with Michael Martin Murphey & Red Steagall

Leah Sawyer has been fiddling and singing her own songs since she was five, growing up performing with her family’s band, Simple Gifts. In high school she played with bands in the Fort Worth Stockyards and performed everywhere from national fiddle contests to cowboy music festivals.

Now based in northeastern Colorado, Leah tours with country and bluegrass artists and does session work for artists and filmmakers. She has performed with Michael Martin Murphey, Red Steagall, Jake Hooker and others, and writes original Cowboy and Western Swing music for her own trio.

Dawn Wiseman

Puts the “fun” in camp

Dawn is a CTE teacher at Montgomery High School in Montgomery, Texas, and a veteran of many camps. As activities director she runs the activities room, an essential part of camp, building camaraderie and friendships among campers.

Teresa Burleson

Award-winning Western poet

Teresa Burleson is an award-winning poet whose work is deeply rooted in personal experience, the Western way of life, and the enduring spirit of rural America. Her poetry reflects a genuine appreciation for agriculture, ranching, and the hardworking people who build their lives around the land and livestock.

With a clear, soft Texas drawl and a gift for storytelling, Teresa’s performances can make audiences roar with laughter one moment and quietly wipe away tears the next. Her poetry is soulful, heartfelt, and unmistakably Western, speaking directly to the heart, the humor, and the heritage of cowboy culture.

Waddie Mitchell once said Teresa Burleson’s voice was “like silk,” and that same warmth and authenticity flow through every poem she writes.

Teresa lives in Parker County, Texas, where she lives the country life with her quarter horses, sheep, and border collies, drawing daily inspiration from the land, the animals, and the traditions she holds dear.