KU News Release

LAWRENCE — Students from six Kansas high schools will be honored Wednesday, Oct. 20, by the University of Kansas Alumni Association and KU Endowment.

A total of 38 seniors from high schools in Anderson and Franklin counties will be recognized for their academic achievements and named Kansas Honor Scholars at a 6:30 p.m. dinner and program at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic School, 514 E. Fourth Ave., Garnett.

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 Jennifer Jackson Sanner, senior vice president for communications for the KU Alumni Association.

Robert Walzel, dean of the School of Music, 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. Charlie and Margy Porter of Ottawa are the Franklin County coordinators. Terry Solander of Garnett is the Anderson County coordinator.

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

Anderson County High School: Evan Bennett, Brennen Holsinger, Justin Mersman, Paige Rockers, Amber Stifter and Christian Weese

Central Heights High School: Marissa Cox, Jennifer Hamblin, Karly Schulte and Karrenna Willcut

Crest High School: Kolbie Gilliland, Nikia Stewart and Docter Wiley

Ottawa High School: Allyson Bittner, Katelyn Doolittle, Andrew Fangman, Lindsay Frank, Zachary George, Adam Gillaspie, Adam Hasty, Crystal Holly, Katerina Sieg, Anna Stone, Jacqueline Sullivan, Logan Swafford, Paul Thomas and Nathan Ward

Wellsville High School: Brandon Ebeck, Cedric Leimkuehler, Lindsey Messer, Trenton Meyer and Caitlin Skiles

West Franklin High School: Megan Giffin, Storm Jackson, Shelby Webb, Joshua Whitaker, Kate Wildeman and Kaylene Wray