KU News Release

LAWRENCE — Students from seven Kansas high schools will be honored Wednesday, March 3, by the University of Kansas Alumni Association and KU Endowment.

A total of 23 seniors from high schools in Brown and Doniphan counties will be recognized for their academic achievements and named Kansas Honor Scholars at a 6:30 p.m. dinner program at Hiawatha High School, 600 Red Hawk Dr.

The Kansas Honors Program began in 1971 and has honored more than 107,000 students. Scholars rank in the top 10 percent of their high school senior classes and are selected regardless of occupational plans or higher-education goals. Honorees are listed below.

During the ceremony, each student will receive an American Heritage Dictionary, in both hardback and electronic versions, presented by Nikki Epley, director of reunions for the KU Alumni Association.

Ken Audus, dean of the School of Pharmacy will speak to the students and their parents and guests.

Honored students will be guests of the alumni association and KU Endowment; parents and area alumni are welcome to attend at a cost of $11 each.

Community volunteers collect reservations, coordinate details and serve as local contacts for the event. Leland and Debbie Hansen, Hiawatha, will be the site coordinators and county coordinators for Brown County. Mike and Pam Arnold, Bendena, are coordinators for Doniphan County.

The Kansas Honors Program is made possible through KU Endowment and proceeds from the Jayhawk license plate program.

Doniphan West High School: Shayln Fritch, Matthew Henry, Kayla Schmitz, Lisa Scholz and Malia Sisk

Elwood High School: Marina Salazar

Hiawatha High School: Jessica Bauerle, Angeleigha Mendez, Brittany Rygaard, Tanner Smith, Laura Sommers and Kenneth Williams

Horton High School: Nicole Lehew, Colton Oswald, Nicholas Roberts and Joel Schesser

Kickapoo Nation School: Rebekka Schlichting

Troy High School: Kia Grable, Hannah Speaks and Kenneth Tharman

Wathena High School: Kathleen Gallegos-Koons, Mary Nelson and Elliott Nold