KU News Release

LAWRENCE — Students from 11 Kansas high schools will be honored Wednesday, Sept. 22, by the University of Kansas Alumni Association and KU Endowment.

A total of 133 seniors from high schools in Douglas and Jefferson counties will be recognized for their academic achievements and named Kansas Honor Scholars at a 7 p.m. program and reception at Woodruff Auditorium in the Kansas Union on KU’s Lawrence campus.

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 Stefani Gerson, coordinator of student programs for the KU Alumni Association.

Provost Jeffrey Vitter will speak to the students, parents and guests. Area alumni are also welcome to attend.

Community volunteers collect reservations, coordinate details and serve as local contacts for the event. Teresa Dillon and Rheva Victor, both of Lawrence, are coordinators for Douglas County. Cynthia Lewis of Lecompton is the coordinator for Jefferson County.

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