IONA BILBREY TURNS 100!
“Queen of Sundown” Celebrates a Century of Grace and Service
SUNDOWN, TEXAS — March 3, 2026
Sundown is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Iona Lee (Bilbrey), beloved alumna of Sundown High School, Class of 1944, marks her 100th birthday. As the “Queen of Sundown,” Iona’s life reflects a century of excellence, service, commitment, and devotion to her hometown school. As a student at Sundown High School, Iona distinguished herself both academically and socially. In 1944, she was honored as Best All-Around Girl, a recognition reserved for students who exemplified leadership, character, and involvement. Her classmates also selected her as Class Favorite her senior year, an early testament to the warmth and respect she inspired in those around her. Graduating during a pivotal moment in American history, Iona carried the values of perseverance and service with her throughout her life. Those same values later guided her back to Sundown ISD, where she served faithfully as the school nurse from 1976 to 1997. For two decades, she became a steady presence in the halls, offering care, comfort, and reassurance to countless students, staff, and families. Former students fondly recall her gentle spirit, calm demeanor, and unwavering dedication. Whether tending to scraped knees, offering words of encouragement, or simply being someone students could trust, Iona’s impact reached far beyond the nurse’s office. Now, 82 years after her graduation, Sundown honors not only her longevity, but the legacy she has built rooted in kindness, commitment, and community pride. From crowned honors as a student to decades of service as a caregiver, Iona Bilbrey has remained a shining example of what it means to represent Sundown with grace and pride. As the community celebrates her 100th birthday, one title remains fitting and undisputed: Iona Bilbrey is, and always will be, the"Queen of Sundown". Sundown ISD wishes her the happiest of birthdays this 3rd day of March, 2026.
“Queen of Sundown” Celebrates a Century of Grace and Service
SUNDOWN, TEXAS — March 3, 2026
Sundown is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Iona Lee (Bilbrey), beloved alumna of Sundown High School, Class of 1944, marks her 100th birthday. As the “Queen of Sundown,” Iona’s life reflects a century of excellence, service, commitment, and devotion to her hometown school. As a student at Sundown High School, Iona distinguished herself both academically and socially. In 1944, she was honored as Best All-Around Girl, a recognition reserved for students who exemplified leadership, character, and involvement. Her classmates also selected her as Class Favorite her senior year, an early testament to the warmth and respect she inspired in those around her. Graduating during a pivotal moment in American history, Iona carried the values of perseverance and service with her throughout her life. Those same values later guided her back to Sundown ISD, where she served faithfully as the school nurse from 1976 to 1997. For two decades, she became a steady presence in the halls, offering care, comfort, and reassurance to countless students, staff, and families. Former students fondly recall her gentle spirit, calm demeanor, and unwavering dedication. Whether tending to scraped knees, offering words of encouragement, or simply being someone students could trust, Iona’s impact reached far beyond the nurse’s office. Now, 82 years after her graduation, Sundown honors not only her longevity, but the legacy she has built rooted in kindness, commitment, and community pride. From crowned honors as a student to decades of service as a caregiver, Iona Bilbrey has remained a shining example of what it means to represent Sundown with grace and pride. As the community celebrates her 100th birthday, one title remains fitting and undisputed: Iona Bilbrey is, and always will be, the"Queen of Sundown". Sundown ISD wishes her the happiest of birthdays this 3rd day of March, 2026.
Sundown Athletic Booster Program
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fLJUwvd6o7PXZMhX2b2wf0Ffn3N0FqNx/view?usp=drivesdk
Roughnecks hang on to win 11-10 over Sudan in Ralls. Way to work today fellas!
Roughnecks leading 11-5 after 4.
3 complete in Ralls:
Sundown 9
Sudan 2
2 complete in Ralls and the Roughnecks lead Sudan 6-2.
Roughnecks down 2-1 to Sudan after 1 in Ralls.
Roughnecks win 14-5 in game 1 of the day. Will start in 30 minutes against Sudan. Well done boys!
Roughnecks up 10-5 after 2.
Roughnecks lead Petersburg 4-2 after 1 in Ralls.
Softball Final
Sundown 13
San Angelo Lake View 0
13-0 after 3
Destiny Garza HR
Roughettes 10
Maidens 0
After 2
Home runs by Nayleen Morin and Miranda Posadas cleared the bases.
Softball is up 3-0 vs San Angelo Lake View after the 1st inning
Upcoming Track Meet Schedule @ Sundown Roughneck Invitational Relays
MS - Tuesday, March 3rd | Start Time 3:45 PM
HS - Thursday, March 5th | Start Time 3:45 PM
MS Schedule - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CWxC5NzKpqPYOEW1CMVkxrir1nTbmked/view?usp=sharing
HS Schedule - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dafha7VlI0VB5MbuNkWJGvgdiHAcdVjh/view?usp=sharing
Softball update to tomorrow's schedule. The Roughettes will only play 1 game in Seminole at 11:30 instead of 2 games as originally scheduled.
Destiny Garza also hits 2 HR's and the final one ends the game in a 14-1 victory for the Roughettes!! Great day today ladies!
13 Roughneck Band students traveled to Abernathy today to compete in the Region 16 Solo/Ensemble Contest with a chance to qualify for State. These students earned 14 gold medals, and all have qualified for the Texas State Solo/Ensemble Contest, which will take place Memorial Day Weekend in Austin.
Congratulations to the following students!
Brass Quintet: Serenity Mulloy, Ryder Stanley, Bailey Corley, Lincoln Keesler, and Daniel Mauldin
Percussion Ensemble: Carrigan Dietz, Kadyn Belew, Darby Bussell, Karter Hord, Raegan Reynolds, JC Jenkins, Ryder Bufe, and Stellan Sanders.
Euphonium Solo: Daniel Mauldin
When you see these students, please help us congratulate them on a job well done! These students work hard in their classes, athletics, OAP, band….you name it, and they are a part of it! It takes time and dedication to do what they do. We appreciate them and we are proud of them!
Destiny Garza and Nayleen Morin hit solo shots to out the Roughettes up 8-1 after 4.
Nayleen Morin leads off the 3rd with a solo honerun and the Roughettes lead 6-0 after 3.
