From Write to Recite
ABOUT US
From Write to Recite
The Mesquite Western Poets draw on their western experiences to provide poetry performances throughout the year in Mesquite, Nevada, and the surrounding area. Members currently include:
Russ Westwood was born in Moab, Utah, and has filled his years with horses and rodeos. He is an award winning poet who enjoys reciting the poetry of his great uncle, S. Omar Barker.
Farrel Bott resides in Santaquin, Utah, and still spends every day he can on a horse, a real cowboy. He winters in Beaver Dam, Arizona, where he continues to perform cowboy poetry classics.
Jim Parsons grew up in Oklahoma and spent over thirty years as a part time horse packer throughout the southwest. He has authored two books of cowboy poetry, "Windows into Western Life" and "Paniolo Man."
Kathy Smith hails from Northwest Arizona, part of a pioneer ranching family. She knows feed lots, ranch management, and cowboys. She combines experience and history into her own poetry.
Bruce Bugland lives in Hurricane, Utah. When not writing and performing his own poetry, he competes in Cowboy Action Shooting throughout the West.
2023 SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS
Group Presents two $1,000 Scholarships
Ollin Guzman
Ollin plans to be the first in his family to graduate from college. Raised by a single parent and overcoming significant family struggles, Ollin has been a top student at Virgin Valley High School. He plans on attending Utah State University, where he has already been accepted into their honors program. He will study creative writing toward a bachelor’s degree in English.
Addie Hillius
Addie has been accepted to Utah Tech University where she plans on obtaining a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology. She recently experienced great family loss but refocused on her education. That education has included significant time in 4H, FFA, and rodeo; organizations that Addie credits for providing her with important life lessons.
