Barton Community College has announced its 2019-20 Brant J. Ballhorst Student Ambassador of the Year awards. Named in memory of Brant J. Ballhorst, the award recognizes two outstanding Student Ambassadors each year. The winners this year were Karsyn Smith of West Plains, Mo. and Joanna Lockwood of Hoisington.
This year marked the 16th anniversary of the award. The Admissions office also named BrayLynn Anshutz of Macksville as the recipient of this year’s “The Rock” award. This award is presented to students who go above and beyond the call of duty in assisting the Admissions office. The award recipients were chosen by their peers and Barton’s Admissions staff.
Ambassador of the Year: Karsyn Smith
Smith is a sophomore involved in softball and the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She plans to transfer to Ottawa University to pursue a degree in secondary education history and will play softball there as well. She is the daughter of Melissa and Jeff Smith.
Ambassador of the Year: Joanna Lockwood
Lockwood is a sophomore who is involved in Student Ambassadors and is the Phi Kappa Theta honor society president. She is also the president of the Community Service Organization (CSO) and Barton SPARK and is a board member for each as well. She plans to go to continue her college experience at Fort Hays State University to complete her degree in history education. She is the daughter of Kenton and Cynthia Lockwood of Hoisington.
The Rock Award: BrayLynn Anshutz
Anshutz is a freshman who is involved in the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, CSO and Barton SPARK. She plans to continue studying at Barton next year, serving as a Barton Ambassador and is working towards a physical education major and becoming a health teacher. She is the daughter of Brian and Rhonda Anshutz.
About Brant J. Ballhorst and the award
From Smith Center, Ballhorst was a 2002 Barton graduate and former Student Ambassador. Despite health concerns throughout his time at Barton, he was the model Ambassador. He balanced a challenging course schedule and golf team commitment while remaining dedicated to his role as a Student Ambassador. Ballhorst was a respected peer and cherished friend of many on campus, especially the Admissions Office. His determination and dedication touched the lives of everyone he met.
He graduated from Barton with a degree in pre-pharmacy and attended the School of Pharmacy at the University of Kansas. He was a student at KU until his death on Aug. 5, 2004. He always had a good attitude about his illness and joked that it was good education for his major. He was the son of John and Gayle Ballhorst of Smith Center.
Barton will continue to honor Ballhorst’s achievements, character, personality and work ethic by awarding future Ambassadors of the Year in his memory. A permanent plaque dedicated in his honor is displayed in the corridor of the Kirkman Activity Center on Barton’s campus.
For more information, contact Director of Admissions Tana Cooper at coopert@bartonccc.edu or 620-792-9241.
