001Sh my [ __ ] You know that Hey, where are you? Oh, by the way, I have no idea. Yes. Good morning. I would like to welcome all of you to the Sedan High School school awards and seniors scholarship presentation. Our seniors have a bright future ahead of them and we all can't wait to see what they do. Out of the 27 seniors, 16 are collegebound, two are going into the military, eight are headed to the workforce, and one is headed home to Sweden to finish her high school career. Today's ceremony begins with several awards. We have our first set of awards today that we're proud to recognize several of our students for their outstanding performance on the preac. Through the ACT Rising Stars program, students across the country are recognized for scoring in the top percentage
002percentages nationally on the preac exam. Students who earned the early scholar award scored among the top 35% of students nationwide. a strong accomplishment that reflects hard work and academic potential. We also have one student who earned the rising scholar award, placing them even higher among approximately the top 10% of students in the entire nation. This recognition is national, meaning these students are being compared to and honored alongside students from across the country. I would like for my early scholars to come up. Dusty Wley, come on. John Wade, Michaela Vanderhol, Austin Smeco, Our last is the early rising is the rising scholar which is Morgan. Congratulations to all of the preacct recognition awards. Good job, guys. Okay, next award is the governor scholar which is presented by Jamie Whitig, our superintendent. With this award, we want
003to recognize an outstanding academic honor in the state of Kansas. The Kansas Governor Scholar Program is coordinated by the Kansas Board of Regents and honors the top academic seniors across the state. Each year, students must rank in the top 1% of the graduating class. This year's award goes to Payton Morris. At this time, we would like to recognize two outstanding students with a very special honor this year, the Kansas State High School Activities Association Citizenship Award. The KSHSAA citizenship award is presented to students who exemplify what it truly means to be a positive representative of their school and community. These students demonstrate respect, responsibility, integrity, and leadership both in and out of the classroom. They are the kind of individuals who lead by example, treat others with kindness, and consistently make choices that reflect strong
004character. This award is not just about participation or achievement. It's about though you are a person and how you impact those around you. Today we are proud to recognize two students who embody these qualities every single day. Our first award winner is Miss Mallerie Darnell. Our male award winner is Mr. Landon Wood. Our next presenter is Carla Mudson with the Daughters of the American Revolution. This year we're hearing a lot about the American Revolution. Well, I belong to the daughters of the American Revolution and every single one of our members has verified that we had a ancestor that was loyal to the American cause 250 years ago. Our goals with the FDA are are patriotism, historic preservation, and education. And in um honor of that, we would like to give an award for a good
005citizen this year. And the award goes to Stan Bell. I would like to welcome Vita Jones who will present the Chamberlain Rush Memorial Award. I didn't know we had a perfect gentleman here today. Two of them. Thanks, guys. Hey, hey, hey. This is a good day, right? >> Yes. >> Are y'all excited out there? >> We're pretty excited. And if you can make it just one more day, you're going to be official. It It's be in the books, as they say. And that's the way Mr. Chamberlain of Ohio felt. He was 90 years old when he decided to do this award and he rode a bus from Ohio walking with two canes. So don't think he had tough buddies. He made it down here and he didn't live here, never had lived here, but he
006fell in love here from a teacher and Miss Rush was her name. And so he wanted to do something for the school and the community. And that's what this job uh Chang Rush award is all about. Community service, what you've already accomplished. We don't know what you're going to accomplish ahead, but we know what you've accomplished. We watch you all four years. So be careful what you're doing, people. But anyway, you from now on you will be making choices and every day first choice you make is you get up and are you going to be sad? Are you going to be happy? It's your choice. Remember that. And I I'm like happy myself as most people notice. Happy is so much easier than being sad. So this year we want to give uh male female.
007Is that the right pronouns we use these days? Persons we're going to give persons. And then last year I started giving a wild card because we have some wild cards out here. amongst. Yeah. So this year we're going to start off with the female early person female persons. But I have to give you wise words first. Quitters don't win. Winners don't quit. Remember that. And I see nothing but winners out here. So, Mom, Dad, you can breathe. Now, the first person to receive this $100 award to do with whatever you want to, Payton Morris. You know, they like to put me in the first room because I take some little time get rid of you immediately. Then the next p person is Brian Herz. Then now that wild card now the wild card, we call
008it a wild card because we never never know what this guy is going to do. I mean outstanding some things, but you never know what he's going to do. It's he's the kind of guy he does the unexpected and that would be twist your mother. I just want to point out he got his invitations in this morning. God, he gets them in. Thank you, FOLKS. Jim Lauren is presenting his Courtney Higs Scholarship along with Courtney's parents, Richard and Crystal Dwey. Hi everybody. My name is Jim Warren and I'm a very proud 1985 graduate of Sedan High School. Yes, we did have color back then. We had running water. It was it was a minute ago. Um I don't think I have to tell anybody the effects that mental illness and substance abuse have had on
009our rural communities. It just seems to get worse and worse. And so to make a difference in the future, it's going to be up to you all. So we look around for for this scholarship with with Courtney. She was a beautiful, bright young girl who had everything in the world going for her, but she was affected by mental illness and substance abuse. So looking for someone who was going to take up the interest to try to help some of the rural communities is a huge part of what we're doing today. So, I would like to announce that Mallerie Darnell IS Our next presenter is Molly Reigns from ICC. Okay, first we're going to be handing out graduation cords to those who have completed and passed at least six credit hours at ICC um while still
010in high school. So if you guys just want to come up and grab those. The first one is William. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Come on. Thank you. So the next is going to be the ICC now transfer scholarship. So these are awarded to students who have completed at least 12 credit hours at ICC and maintained at least a 2.75 IC GPA. This is a books and tuition scholarship that will cover the first year up to 36 hours and it is renewable with at least a 3.0 GPA. The first one is Jasmine Aval. I SATELL Alison Edens, Brian Bird, Payton Morris, Teal and BEAUTIFUL and leaning away. Two students have earned themselves a scholarship to Coffeeville Community College Technical Campus. Zayn Bowers is our first one. Our second one is Monty Davis. Next up is the
011TR Merkantile Scholarship which is presented by Mrs. Think. Hi everyone. I'm Janna Rouse. I'm here on behalf of Tar Merkantile to present the Tar Merkantile scholarship. As proud members of the Tar Merkantile family, we couldn't be more excited to support the incredible students of the community that we've always called home. Got you. Sedan has given us so much love and encouragement since we opened our doors for you four four years ago and now it's our honor to give back. We are especially proud to celebrate you, the class of a group full of talent, determination, and heart. We had a lot of great candidates this year and had a hard time narrowing them down. We finally decided on a candidate who represents hard work, leadership, and dedication. She excels academically and has balanced her schooling, extracurriculars,
012and work gracefully throughout her entire high school career. With that being said, we are proud to announce the recipient of the 2026 Tar Mile Award, Tylen Tan Venol. >> Congratulations to the class of 2026. Your future is bright and you can't see where it takes you. The Jim and Eene Hudday Memorial Scholarship is presented by Gary Hudday. Well, I'm starting into the or I'm in to the latter half of the third decade of honoring my mother and father with these scholarships. I want to congratulate the class of 26 uh in finally reaching the goal of a senior. Uh it makes me feel older and dirt, but so goes. Um this year, uh I have decided to increase the scholarship from $2,000 a year to $3,000 a year. And sadly that comes to still less than
01310% of the cost of attending a state college, state four-year college. So um it's it's a blessing to sedan that there are such a great bless of of of scholarships being awarded and we're either going to have to go to smaller print or add pages. And I think that's very good. So for 2026, the first scholarship goes to a young lady who's going to attend the University of Arkansas uh going into advertising and public relations. pain. The second scholarship goes to another young lady. You gentlemen are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Um, this young lady is going to go to Levette Community College and seek an ultra scan ultrasound technician degree. Allison Edens. The next is a young lady going to attend the University of Kansas seeking a degree in political science and to
014further uh exe excel to a law degree. JULIA HUTCHINSON And the next is to a young lady going to go to college, community college, uh to pursue a degree in pre- nursing to become an RN or an LPN. Tia Vander your class 26 class of 26 uh two-day scholarship recipient. Scholarships were also awarded to Abigail Campbell, Mallerie Draper, Madison Hull, Melody Holt, Madison Kurt, Landria Sears, and Lily Wingfield. And I want to send out a special kudo to a young lady that I have never in my life, I wish everybody could have seen the application, who truly went above and beyond trying to support her goal of getting a college degree on her own. It was the most impressive thing that I have ever witnessed in the nearly 30 years I've done this. This young
015lady's name is Lily Wakefield. The KY Valley Electric Scholarship is presented by Montana Johnson. The K Valley Board of Trustees has selected three candidates from Sedan for scholarships this year. I don't know much about her because I was not on the committee, but I was chosen to give the award. So, uh, first we have Brian Her. Next, we have Jacob Dar. And last last we have Morris. Presenting the for county mental health scholarship is Dana Davis. Congratulations seniors. For over 19 years, for county mental health center has endeavored to get grant scholarships to those seeking further education in today. It is my honor to present this scholarship in the amount of $250 to Asra Pennington. Next up is Matt Staff who is presenting The Les Davis Blue Devil Scholarship honors the legacy of Les Davis
016and his dedication to Sedan schools students and the Blue Devil community as a whole. This scholarship is presented to students who exemplify school spirit, leadership, determination, and pride in being Blue Devil. The scholarship recognizes seniors who have made a positive impact during their time at Sedan High School. They plan on cons continuing to pursue their goals after graduation. This year, the West Davis Blue Devil Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 is awarded to Miss Payton Morris. The Blue Temple Foundation Scholarship is presented by Brooke Flecker. >> Good morning. One more day and then just do whatever you want. >> I am here representing the Blue Devil Foundation. It was created in 2019 as an independent 501c3 notfor-profit organization dedicated to serving the students of United of USC 286. The goal of the foundation is to
017bridge the gap between student needs and district funding to ensure that our students have opportunities that might not otherwise be available in a small school district. We are pleased to be able to present $1,000 scholarships to create or to continue to bridge the gap for graduating seniors who plan to attend vocational technical schools, learn a trade, or enter the workforce. The Blue Devil Foundation is awarding these three is awarding three scholarships this year. This year's recipients are Monty Davis, Sam Miller. AND THE third recipient is Brian Hurt. Thank you all. Go on to do wonderful things. The Koko Sutton Scholarship is presented in memory of Carolyn Koko Sutton, a dedicated community member and strong supporter of agricultural and youth in Chapa County. Through her involvement in education, 4 and the cattle industry, Koko made a
018lasting impact on the lives of many young people. She believed in finishing with This scholarship honors her legacy by supporting students who demonstrate hard work and commitment and a passion for their future. This year's recipient of the Cocoa Sutton Scholarship in the amount of $500 is Tia Vanderpole. Next up is Lana Williams with the Howard State Bank Scholarship. Good morning everybody. The Howard State Banks scholarship is based on a short summary of your community service. What you believe about your community, some of the community service that you have participated in and give back to them. Your spinner is Brian. Next up is the Sedan Booster Club scholar. scholarship. The students were asked to write an essay. What does it mean to be a Blue Devil? There were a lot of answers, several different topics chosen
019to exemplify what it means to be a Blue Devil. They all centered around community. They centered around how great this place is uh both inside the school, outside the school, how there is pride in the stands when they play sports. um as well as when they're representing me, the Blue Devil. The winner of this scholarship was chosen by the sports coaches voted on. And the winner of the Sedan Booster Club scholarship this year is Miss Mallerie Nell. Up next, we'll have Miss Sarah Hill present the Ler Branch Trust Scholarship. >> All right, seniors. Way to go. One more day. Um, when I call you guys up here, since I've got the camera, can you guys all stay up here and I'll get a group picture with you? All right. Um, in memory of the Lemur
020brothers, this scholarship is awarded to deserving graduating seniors from Sedan High School who plan to pursue a vocational program or college degree or certificate. The scholarship reflects the Lemur family's beliefs in hard work, dedication, and the value of continuing education. This year, we are proud to recognize several outstanding students for their achievements and future goals. The recipients recipients of the Lemur Range Scholarship are an award of $3,000, Peyton Morris, IN THE amount of $2,000. Tia Vanderpool. Another $2,000 award. Nazire Pennington in the amount of $1,500. Celia Hudson And the last award, another $1,500, Kylie Brandstead. Next is Yasmin Wood with the Legacy Regional Community Foundation. Good morning everyone. Thank you for welcoming me here today. I have the privilege of serving as the CEO of Legacy Regional Community Foundation and there we strive to create
021a stronger future for our area. Research has demonstrated that one of the best ways to invest in the future is to support the education of our youth. I happen to represent the many donors that have the growth of the poolled funds is supporting scholarships totaling over $146,000 this year for students in our area. First today, I'd like to present the Fred and Betty Travis Memorial Scholarship. It honors Fred and Betty Travis, longtime educators in Shiake County. The scholarship is open to all Sudan graduates. However, priority is given to students entering the field of education. Students may reapply for this award on a year-to-year basis. So, you're receiving that. Keep that in mind. And to all of the um recipients of legacy scholarships, make sure that you hold your certificate and directions are on the back
022as to how to make sure that we get that to you. Brandster, Alison Edens, Payton Morris, Tia Vanool, and Landon Hood. The Travis Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship. Next, we have the Maline Root Memorial Scholarship. It was established in memory of Maline Root, a longtime Elgen, Kansas resident and supporter of higher education. It is to be awarded to a worthy Sedan High School graduate or graduating senior from Elgen or the immediate vicinity. And we're pleased to be able to present a $300 scholarship today to Tia VANDERPOOL as well as a $600 scholarship to Payton Wallace. And last this morning we have a scholarship established by Mr. Robert Orderer. He was born and raised in Ashton, Kansas. He attended our Kansas City High School and Witchah State University. Following his graduation, Mr. Warner taught band and
023music for over 36 years in Kansas schools with most of those years being right here in Sedan. He had many, many students over the years and was well respected and loved. The first Warren scholarship was established in 2007 following his passing. There are now Warner scholarships available in Sedam Kansas City and Winfield. That's the power of the endowment. the growth that we have seen and experienced here. Warner scholarships were established for graduating seniors who have been in high school music for four years with priority given to those individuals majoring in music education. This is a renewable scholarship through the four years of school and has a value up to $17,000. I'm pleased to be able to award that today to Landon Wood. Pastor Mark Davis and Rayan Davis will be presenting the First Baptist Church
024scholarship. Good morning. >> That's what I was talking about as sleep already. We won't preach a message today, >> but I am honored and privileged to stand before you today on behalf of First Baptist Church in Sedan. The scholarships we are presenting this morning celebrate not only academic excellence, but also the dedication, perseverance, and potential of young people destined for greatness. This year's scholarship recipients have shown incredible dedication to academic excellence, which makes them truly deserving of these awards. I want to name the families of those who generously provided the scholarships. It's in the memory of loved ones that these scholarships are presented. The Floyd family, Funk family, Fate family, Trier family, Reyes family, Greer family, and the Lloyd family. I want to emphasize these scholarships are renewable for four years. So, please take advantage
025of that. uh this year we presented we have uh selected I I believe it's 17 applications seven of which go today to you as your name is called if you would please come forward accept your scholarship. Okay. First is Kylie Runsteader who's receiving a family scholarship. Brian, would you please come forward? Dia Hutcherson, would you please come forward to receive the family scholarship? Please stand forward. Payton Morris, would you please stand to receive a travel scholarship, would you please RECEIVE and Landon Wood, would you please come and receive Elevate Bank Scholarship is presented by Megan Colum. Good morning. Um, we had a lot of really, really good applicants for this and it was definitely not an easy decision, but I'd like to congratulate in the same way. Next up is Rosie Sweeney. She is presenting
026two music scholarships. >> I'm really glad you didn't try to help me up there, making me think I'm old. Um, you know, as I look out at this group of kids, I remember when you guys started kindergarten and just just been a joy to watch you through the years and and see all that you've already accomplished, knowing that you're going to accomplish a whole lot more. The Sedan Music Booster Club was formed many years ago to support the music program at school with a desire of being able to help music students continue their educ excuse me, education. The booster club still helps with fundraisers for trips and other various needs. I know a lot of people think, why am I still hanging around? It's just because I'm trying to help do some of the things
027that I wish I'd had help with more because I know how challenging that job is doing everything. So, um, but the scholarship is selected by reviewing the applications contributions to the music program. It is voted on by the booster club officers and it's my pleasure to present this scholarship which is $250 $125 each semester to two deserving students. TIA VANDERPOOL Aton memorial scholarship. had great love and constantly asked me for ways to help a student whether it was for band rent, paying for reads or a book, whatever they needed. One year we were doing a trip, a band trip to the Liberty Bowl in Memphis and they asked me if there was a student who couldn't go because of money and I did mention a student and they were in within an hour giving me
028a check to pay for that student and I remember the look on his face when I told him that he was going to get to go and his words were I can't believe someone would do that for me. That's just the giving kind of people that they were. So to continue their legacy, a CD was started at the bank to reward a music student with great aspirations to continue their education, not necessarily in music, but just their education. Also, a committee made this decision again based on their applications and their contributions to the music program. And it is my pleasure to award the scholarship to Tia The Sunflower Association of Educational Office Professional Scholarship is presented by Sue Kill. Congratulations, seniors. We're proud of you and those that helped at the um art studio on
029the community day. We love you did a great job as well as the other students. But anyway, this uh uh scholarship is funded by my nuts that I do each year and I'm down to the last member standing. So anyway, uh my honors go to Tia Ben. And the other award is to Landon WOOD another one to Miley Fles. He was a winner last year. Thank you. The Colton Chase Memorial Scholarship is presented by Garrett Jones on behalf of Heather Chase. First, I want to say congratulations to you guys. Don't be too silly. You still got one more day left. I might not let you walk across stage. We came close one night. The Colt Chase Memorial Scholarship, it holds to a place for me. He was my best friend. And I would like to
030say that kind of like what Anita said, it's kind of wild card. Colton was a wild card. He was a kid that made you smile. He was infectious and he would be very pleased today. And I want to thank Heather Chase and the Chase family for this. This year's award goes to Push >> Baltimore. The Chamber of Commerce is awarding two scholarships this year. Pam Torner will be presenting them. Hi, good morning. I figure I have a nice young gentleman to help me have the stairs. I'm going to take advantage of that. You don't get that all the time. The Chamber of Commerce actually presented these scholarships on Wednesday, but we have just a little bit more information and to recognize you in front of uh other friends and family. So for the uh traditional
031college scholarship, it's going to Kaylee Grandstead. And last year we discovered that we kind of had a hole that was missing for students that weren't going to a traditional college that they were going to a trade school. So this year we have opened that up. Um this is eligible for either a junior or senior and this year it is being presented to Monty Davis. The John and Shirley Glasser Memorial Scholarship is presented by Rosie Sweeney. Trish Bush has presented this the last several years, but she's not been able to be here, so she asked me if I'd do this. Um, I have a little paragraph that they've asked me to read today. It gives me great joy to honor the memory of my parents, John and Shirley Lasser, for their contributions as educators and counselors
032for the community of Sedan and the students of USD286. Dedicated nearly 60 years of their lives work to educating, mentoring, and expanding the horizons of thousands people in southeast Kansas. For those who do not remember my mom and dad, please indulge me with a few words to introduce them to you. My father, John Lasser, grew up on a farm in southeast Oklahoma. He enlisted and served three years in the army infantry during the Korean War. During his time in Korea, he saw live combat five times and was decorated each time for his courage. Upon returning home, he utilized the GI Bill to earn not only a master's degree in education, but also a master's degree and education specialist degree from Pittsburgh State University. He taught business classes at Sedan High School as well as serving
033as an adjunct professor at surrounding community colleges in Independence and Coffeeville. Later in his career, he began became the guidance counselor at SHS where his greatest joy was helping seniors find their way to a postsecary education. My mother, Shirley Lasser, was also born in Southeast Oklahoma, where she met and married my dad in 1956. She completed her degree teaching from Pittsburgh State University and went on to become the Sedan Elementary fifth and sixth grade science and math teacher. Later she would assume her role as home room teacher in room 5A where for 30 years she worked to bring out the best in every fifth grader who walked through her door. I'm just curious, are there any parents here that remember Hawaiian days in fifth grade? Yeah. My my oldest son was fortunate to have Shirley
034as a teacher and that was the the highlight of their year I think. In 1990 she was nominated for Kansas teacher of the year which she referred to in a speech to her beloved teaching sorority Delta Capagama as the greatest professional honor of her life. So today I am honored proud to to honor the following students pursuing their post-secary education goals through technical education and other considerations with the fth annual John and Shirley Lasser Memorial Scholarship. This was written by Caroline Ler Sevel. Uh she was a Blue Devil class member graduate of 1980 and it's my honor to give out four awards. And these are for $1,000 that'll be paid right off the bat when you get the information to Miss Rowdy Bush. So, first one goes to Kylie Grandstead, Jacob Dro. Do you want
035your hand? AND HERE Presenting the Mark Menal Memorial Scholarship and the Epiphany Episcopal Church Scholarship is Tim Hills. I'd like to congratulate each one of you on your accomplishments through your high school career and we look forward to uh seeing what you guys make of yourselves in the future. Mark Ben Menhal scholarship was first awarded in 1973 in memory of Mark who was a classmate of mine and was one of my best friends. He lost his wife in a motorcycle accident or sophomore year of high school in 1972 and his mother put this scholarship together at that time. The scholarship is administered by the Epiphany Episcopal Church. This year, the scholarship will pay $1,000 a semester for the first two years as long as the recipient remains enrolled in the school and in good standing.
036This year, we would like to award our scholarship to Lyn Ben. WOOHOO. THIS SCHOLARSHIP, THE Epiphany Episcopal Church scholarship. Uh this is a new scholarship we just started this year and will be a reward awarded to a graduating senior planning to attend a vocational or trade school to continue their education. It is in the amount of $500. Scholarship honors a hardworking student strong character who is ready to pursue a skilled trade. We value these career paths are proud to support students who are building a strong future for themselves and their community. Um, this was a scholarship that I don't know if everybody remembers Charlie Meadows, but he was always wanting us to put it together a scholarship like this and it just took us a few years to get it done. This year, our recipient
037is Zayn BOWERS HEIGHTS. You want to win technology. Hey guys. Next up is the Tanner Mill Memorial Scholarship and it is in the amount of $500 and it is presented to Payton Morris. The Russell Family Foundation scholarship is presented by Jess Sa. >> Hi, my name is Jessica. I'm here representing Commerce Trust. Um, on a personal note though, I'm a military retiree. So, I hear we have two joining the military. So, I want to say thank you for your dedication and uh, good luck to you. I served for 26 years. And when you go to basic training, I shake your head, boys. And apparently the Air Force will be capital. So, the Russell family scholarship is really neat. Um, it goes to three different school districts in which city is one. And what I really
038like about it is they qualified top half of the class. So, they were very adamant about supporting education, but they wanted to make sure it was fair to a lot of students and available to a lot of students. So, this year we're awarding $10,000 total. Um, so for the four of you are receiving a $1,000 scholarship. So if I could have William Adcock, Alison And then if I could have Yeah, congratulations. If I could have Payton Morris, Mallerie Darnell, Landon Wood, and Jacob Dar. They're being awarded $1,500 and all of these scholarships are renewable as long as they uh continue in school full time. Congratulations all of you. Sedan City Hospital Healthcare Foundation scholarship is presented by Weey Fatherly. >> All right. Yeah. So, I'm Wayne Meline, president of the SH Healthcare Foundation. Talk briefly
039about the foundation. We have six members and we've got Lena Brewster, Jean Dies, Shelley Buck, Michelle Williams, Maggie Hley, and myself. So, we've been up and going for about a year now. The purpose of the combination is to overall help the hospital, help the community, and help the surrounding area. So, one of the ways we decided to help is by So, we got the information out there. We received several applicants And so one of the recipients is here today. The other recipient is over in Cedarville that so if you notice when I talk about the members there's six of us five of them are ladies. So they're way smarter than I am. And so when we started the scholarship then the lady idea two. So it's like how big brain he has to do that.
040And so so we're giving two scholarships like one in Cedarville, one here today. Now looking at this person's application, very clean, very crisp, professional. Person has a 4.0. They've got numerous volunteer hours. Um pretty much perfect attendance. Um they've got three jobs. Um person has a plan. They plan to go to the University of Arkansas and become a razor back and then become a business owner. So, it is my honor to announce the first recipient of the SCH Healthcare Accommodation Scholarship to Pink Morse. Jamie Whit will be presenting the Maulmore Butler Scholarship and the Bill House Agricultural Scholarship. Ronald and Eene Butler were longtime residents of Sedan area. The Mongor Butler scholarship has been created in their memory. The scholarship aims to recognize and support our community's bright ambitious young minds, empowering them to pursue
041higher education and become future leaders, innovators, and community builders. The committee selected two winners. The first scholarship is for $1,000 and goes to Payton Morris. Second scholarship is for $750 and goes to Tia V. At this time, we are honored to present the Bill House agriculture scholarship. Bill House has a deep passion for agriculture and the cattle industry. He believes strongly in creating opportunities for young people to pursue a degree and build a career in agriculture. His legacy continues through the Bill House A scholarship fund which was established to support students who are committed to an agriculture related field of study. This year we are proud to award this scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to a student who reflects that same passion and dedication. Congratulations to Will Ed. Here to present the FFA scholarship
042uh today, the FFA booster scholarship winner is Mr. SAM MILLER. THE LADIES CLUB SCHOLARSHIP IS presented by Jill Gray. On behalf of the Ladies Club, which is a new local organization focusing on faith, fellowship, friendship, and supporting women in our community, I would like to congratulate all the seniors on your upcoming commencement. It's surreal to think that 37 years ago, Becky and I were sitting in those same seats. The ladies club would like to thank the five remarkable senior girls who applied for the first TLC scholarship. TLC wishes the best of luck to all these applicants and the entire graduating class of 2026. The ladies club congratulates TL Underpool as the recipient of the TLC. >> Awesome. At this time, I would like to invite Sergeant Adams of the United States Army to the stage
043to present. >> All right, good morning everyone. Um, so I'm I want to call Brent Buer and uh as well as Lillian Carson. All right. So, first I'm going to talk about Lillian real quick. She is currently in the process of trying to join the Army active duty side. So, unfortunately, since she has not signed her papers yet, she does not get this nice big beautiful check like Mc Britten does. But when she does, she will have the $100,000 GI bill as well on top of a yearly stipen uh for tuition assistance of $4,500 every year that she can use at will whenever she wants. Um, as far as Brent Buer goes, he has signed his paperwork already. He is going to be an electronic warfare specialist for the US Army. Uh, and he also
044gets this nice big beautiful check here. Next, we would like to recognize several students for their outstanding scholarships or and postsecary opportunities. We have one that has earned the Cherokee Nation Scholarship in the amount of $5,000 and it is awarded to Payton Morris. >> Next up is Mr. St. This year, Haley Kunath has earned a basketball scholarship to continue her education and pursue a basketball career at Fort Scott Community College. And finally, earning a scholarship for esports to Independence Community College, Mr. Landon Wood. >> First of all, congratulations to all of today's recipients. Seniors, please make sure that you check your award letters carefully to receive the I can't tell you that. Now, several scholars have also have renewal capabilities and procedures to follow that as well. Here's the summary of today's awards. We had
04536 scholarship donors or organizations. 19 students, 73 73% of the class of 2026 received at least one scholarship today. Many of these students have also received scholarships from the universities that they're going to or the community colleges that they have chosen to attend. Please stand if you have received an academic, athletic, or music scholarship for next fall. YES. If you receive a presidential scholarship, a GPA scholarship, that all counts for that, too. Okay. I like the look of loss there. Okay. Today, the total amount awarded is over $167,000. This amount does not take into account the renewal opportunities and it does not represent scholarships from those colleges. This amount reflects the incredible generosity of our presenters today, of the organizations, the families, and the Shiitaka County community. These families and organizations have made a meaningful
046choice to invest in the class of 2026. The presenters today represented those generous individuals and organizations. Let's give them all a round of applause. Seniors, as you get ready to graduate tomorrow, just remember this isn't the end. It's really just the start of what's next. You've all worked hard. You've pushed through all the challenges. You've grown into who you are today. That's something to be proud of. Take that same determination and carry it with you. Whether you're headed to college, force, the military, or carving out your own path, the world needs what you bring to the table. your ideas, your energy, and your willingness to stand up. Congratulations. We're all proud of you, and we wish you nothing but the best. A reminder at 10:00 a.m. here in the gymnasium includes our awards.