KU News Release

LAWRENCE — Students from seven Kansas high schools will be honored Tuesday, Nov. 9, by the University of Kansas Alumni Association and KU Endowment.

A total of 30 seniors from high schools in Osage and Wabaunsee counties will be recognized for their academic achievements and named Kansas Honor Scholars at a 6:30 p.m. dinner and program at Osage City High School, 515 Ellinwood St.

The Kansas Honors Program celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Since 1971, the program has recognized 114,000 scholars, who rank in the top 10 percent of their high school senior classes and are selected regardless of occupational plans or higher-education goals. Each year, the KU Alumni Association and its volunteers host 41 programs that reach all 105 counties across the state.

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.

David Johnston, director of marketing and Internet services at the KU Alumni Association, 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 $15 each.

Community volunteers collect reservations, coordinate details and serve as local contacts for the event. Josi Garland, of Osage City, is the site coordinator.

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

Burlingame High School: Danielle Greenwood, Jodi Roberts and Shelby Creviston

Lyndon High School: Kale Janssen, Heidi Schooler, Chase Vande Velde and Curtis Wendling

Marais des Cygnes Valley High School: Emily Phelon
and Jaime Spencer

Mission Valley High School: Dustin Holthaus, Buddy Lisk, Chisholm Miller and Allison Rudeen

Osage City High School: Rebecca Fendley, Leah Garland, Deidra Jones, Carly Spicer and Caitlin Uyemura

Santa Fe Trail High School: Makala Barnett, Henry Boyd, Zachary Brady, Faith Crook, Rachel Harvey, Angela Hawkins, Hayley Shaffer, Erik Smith and Dustin Turner

Wabaunsee High School: Chelsea Diepenbrock, Melissa Ebert and Catherine Hafenstine