Here are the results from the 2023 Senior Assembly Program at Great Bend High School on May 17, where 75 local and county scholarships were given out.
A GBHS senior may receive only one local scholarship and as many county scholarships as they are awarded, so some students received multiple scholarships. Through the local/county scholarship program, students were given a combined amount of over $106,000. With renewable scholarships, this total is over $269,000. This does not include the scholarships students received from their colleges, organizations, or on their own.
The winners of local scholarships were selected by scholarship committees using a variety of characteristics and qualifications.
Dirty Dozen Class Of 1972 Scholarship
Ten friends from the Class of 1972 are offering a scholarship to a graduating GBHS female. The recipient needs to provide a written statement which demonstrates financial need, have a 2.5 or better GPA and be a good citizen with a positive attitude.
Marsha Gerstner and Connie Cale present this award to: Brynn Mermis
Erma And Luther Moore, Jr Memorial Scholarship
Erma Moore established this scholarship for a graduating senior who will be attending a four-year Kansas college or university. Erma and Luther, their three children and six grandchildren all attended Great Bend High School. The scholarship is based on the student’s Christian belief, citizenship, financial need and a 3.0 or better GPA.
Leesa Butler presents this award to: Cameron Harbaugh
American Legion Post #180 Scholarship
The American Legion, Argonne Post #180 is offering a scholarship to a GBHS senior who is applying to any Kansas college, shows scholastic ability, financial need, leadership and citizenship. Consideration will be given to students with family members that are in the military.
Boe Levingston presents this award to: Anna Campbell
American Legion Post #180 Robert Larson Family Scholarship
The American Legion, Argonne Post 180 – Robert Larson Family is offering a scholarship to a GBHS senior who is applying to any Kansas college, shows scholastic ability, financial need, leadership and citizenship. Consideration will be given to students with family members that are in the military.
Jerri Dennett presents this award to: Kaiden Esfeld
Great Bend High School Kayettes Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor students who have been involved with Great Bend High School Kayettes for four years and have displayed good character.
Holly Johnson presents this award to: Lizeth Munoz and Alondra Alvarez
GBHS Class Of 1971 Scholarship
The Great Bend High School Class of 1971 Scholarship is awarded to a son, daughter, nephew, niece, cousin, or grandchild of a 1971 classmate. The student must demonstrate financial need, have a 2.0 GPA or better and be a good citizen with a positive attitude. This year’s scholarship honors all GBHS Class of 1971 classmates that are no longer with us.
Kayla Meadows presents this award to: Alyvia Mingenback, Ellie Peters, Kyndall Blessing
Great Bend Evening Lions Club Scholarship
The Evening Lions Club is offering a scholarship that is renewable to a Great Bend High School graduating senior who plans to attend a two or four year college in Kansas. Qualifications are a 2.75 GPA and must take a minimum of 12 hours a semester.
Past District Gov. Reland Cole presents this award to: Daniel Nieto
Great Bend Masonic Lodge No. 15, A.F. & A.M. Scholarship - Technical
Great Bend Lodge No. 15 is offering a scholarship to a Great Bend High School graduating senior. This scholarship may be used at any accredited technical institution.
Terry Price presents this award to: Kamryn Johns
Great Bend Noon Kiwanis Scholarship
The Great Bend Noon Kiwanis Club is offering a renewable scholarship to two students that attend Barton Community College. The applicants must also show scholastic ability, financial need, leadership, and citizenship.
Matt Althouse presents this award to: Adison Galusha and Hailey Peterson
Great Bend Noon Kiwanis - In Memory Of Becky Dudrey Scholarship
Becky Dudrey was a piano teacher and member of the Great Bend Noon Kiwanis Club for a very long time. This scholarship is available to a GBHS senior who is applying to any university or college. Preference will be given to students who plan to major in Music.
Matt Althouse presents this award to: August Siefkes
Great Bend Noon Lions Scholarship
The Great Bend Noon Lions Club started giving scholarships in 1969. The club motto is “We Serve” and members felt the award was one of the ways in which they could help the youth in our community. The applicant must show scholastic ability, financial need, leadership, and citizenship.
Rachel Thexton presents this award to: Madelynn Gregg
FUMC: Dan And Jean Swartz Scholarship
Established in 1985 in honor of Dan and Jean Swartz. Dan served as superintendent of schools from 1953-1972. This scholarship is available to those showing an interest and desire for college education at any accredited college or university.
Tim Bever presents this award to: Elle Hutchinson
FUMC: George and Doris Penner Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a student enrolling in a technical or trade school, community college or university and who has a financial need.
Tim Bever presents this award to: Kimberly Reyes Pilo and Madison Regehr
Gertrude Lischesky Chapter Du P.E.O. Scholarship
The Gertrude Lischesky Scholar Award started from an endowment from Mrs. Gertrude Lischesky’s estate to her PEO chapter. Her gift enabled Chapter DU PEO to establish this scholarship. It can be used at any state college in Kansas or at Cottey College in Nevada, Mo.
Leslie Mingenback presents this award to: Aubrey Smith
Optimist Club - Barton Cc Scholarship
The Great Bend Optimist Club established this award in 1972 as a means of helping a graduating senior. The applicant must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be of good character and good citizenship, and plan to attend Barton Community College.
Kathy Davis presents this award to: Kynslee White
Park School Booster Club Scholarship
Park School Booster Club is offering a scholarship to a GBHS senior who is attending any Kansas college, has financial need, and attended Park School for at least two years.
Kelsey Sciacca presents this award to: Valeria Piedra
Jack And Eleanor Bell Memorial Kansas State Scholarship
A scholarship has been established in memory of Jack and Eleanor Bell. Jack was Superintendent of Schools from 1973-1988. Eleanor taught at Barton County Community College and the Great Bend Middle School. This scholarship is available to a graduating GBHS student who will be attending Kansas State University next year.
Rachel Thexton presents this award to: Kevin Gonzalez
Jefferson School PTO
The Jefferson School PTO is offering a scholarship to a Great Bend High School graduating senior who attended Jefferson School for at least four years and has a 3.0 or better GPA.
Kathy Davis presents this award to: Skyler McMullen
Alyson Humphreys Walter Memorial Scholarship
Alyson Anne Humphreys graduated from GBHS in 1982; she was the second oldest of Alice and Don Humphreys’ six children. Alyson was an accomplished student and swimmer in high school and then at the University of Kansas. She graduated from KU with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Alyson especially liked working with children in her career in Occupational Therapy. This scholarship is available to a GBHS senior who is applying to any university or college.
Hank Humphreys and Hutch Humphreys present this award to: Nayomi Olivas
Abigail “Abby” E. Stiner Memorial Scholarship
Abigail “Abby” Elaine Stiner graduated as Valedictorian from GBHS in 2016. Abby was the daughter of Kyle and Aiden Stiner. Abby had one older brother, Kole Stiner and a sister-in-law, Madison. Abby loved being an aunt to her two nephews, Knox and Brooks. Abby attended Washburn University and was a member of Alpha Phi. She graduated from Washburn in 2019 with a major in Marketing and International Business. Her family and friends meant everything to her. She loved spending time with her friends going to concerts, comedy shows, and entertaining them and others with a good karaoke song. She was an avid music listener and loved to travel. Abby had the biggest smile that lit up the room, a contagious laugh, and had the most caring and compassionate heart. This scholarship is available to a GBHS senior who is applying to any university, college, or trade school.
Kyle and Aiden Stiner present this award to: Anita Zecha
PEO Chapter IV Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a GBHS female senior who is applying to any Kansas College or Vocational School, shows scholastic ability, strong character and citizenship.
Elleen Pike presents this award to: Ellyson Somers
Donald And Lilly Penka Memorial Scholarship
Donald retired from USD 428 in 1998 where he worked as a custodian for 15 years. During that time, he worked for Morrison and Riley schools. Lilly was a daycare provider in Great Bend for 45 years where she provided care to hundreds of children throughout the community. Through their employment they were fortunate to be surrounded by the youth of this community. This scholarship was set up by their children to honor their parents and continue to benefit the children of this community. The scholarship is available to a GBHS senior who is applying to any university, college or trade school. Preference will be given to students of classified employees who work or have worked for U.S.D. 428 or students or student’s parents who attended Lil’s Daycare Service.
Matt Penka presents award to: Catie Hamberman
David H. Smith Memorial Scholarship
David H. Smith, a Sergeant with the Barton County Sheriff’s Department enjoyed every aspect of his job that allowed him to protect the community he grew up in and loved. In addition to patrol duty, one of his favorite roles in law enforcement was teaching the Drug Abuse Resistance Education D.A.R.E program in classrooms. David was respected amongst DARE officers all over the state of Kansas and served as board president for the Kansas Juvenile Officers Association. David also served as president of the Barton County DARE association which was composed of officers from his department and the Great Bend Police Department, that together put law enforcement in schools with a positive message in Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, and Claflin. David looked forward to the annual DARE magic show held every winter that he opened at no charge to DARE graduates of that year. David believed it is the job of the entire community to develop safety, ambition, and happiness in young men and women. David sadly passed away in 2020 but his legacy and the ideals he impressed upon other DARE officers are forever remembered. Although he tried to hide it sometimes, his smile and loving heart will always be remembered by his family and officers that had the privilege of working with him. This scholarship is available to a GBHS senior who is applying to any university or college. The applicant must be a previous graduate of the DARE program in Barton County.
Jefferson Davis and Paul Millard present this award to: Madison Smith, Jalen Daniels, Kadynce Jean, Jaydon Davis
Barton County/Other Scholarships
County scholarships are open to any student in Barton County and may be received in addition to a local scholarship. The winners were selected by scholarship committees through the examination of a variety of characteristics and qualifications.
Barton County Association Of Churches Scholarship
The Barton County Association of Churches established this award in 1963. Students in Barton County may apply for this scholarship if their church is a member and they must attend a church-related college or Barton Community College.
Kathy Davis presents this award to: Ciera Depenbush
Veterans Of Foreign Wars Auxiliary #3111 Scholarship
The VFW Auxiliary began offering a scholarship in 1971, primarily for children of veterans. Later, the program was expanded to include any student sincerely interested in furthering their education.
Doug Fuhr presents this award to: Elle Hutchinson
Barton County Sheriff’s Reserve - F. Duane Dugan Memorial Scholarship
The Sheriff’s Reserves Program has been a positive force to our young people in our community for many years. In continuing to do so and to promote new employees, the Barton County Sheriff’s Reserves have established a scholarship for a graduating senior from any high school in Barton County. This year’s scholarship will be a Memorial Scholarship to honor F. Duane Dugan, who was a former Chief of Police in Great Bend and an ABC agent with the State of Kansas. Dugan was in law enforcement for 57 years and was still a Reserve Deputy at the time of his passing.
Dena Popp presents this award to: Anita Zecha
Crimestoppers Of Great Bend & Barton County
The primary goal of the Kansas Crime Stoppers Association is to substantially reduce criminal activity in Kansas through the development of community Crime Stoppers programs with citizen involvement.
Jere Buehler presents this award to: Madeynn Gregg
Prince Of Peace Altar Society Scholarship
The Prince of Peace Altar Society is offering a scholarship to a Catholic senior who is an active member of Prince of Peace Parish (can attend either St. Rose or St. Patrick’s).
Cathy Stang presents this award to: Lessley Sanchez, Ellyson Somers, Haley McCormick, Mathew Moeder
Fraternal Order Of Police Lodge #23
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #23 is offering a scholarship to a Barton County senior that has displayed good character. Preference is given to students that are interested in a Law Enforcement career.
Jefferson Davis and Paul Millard present this award to: Analiz Rivas, Madison Smith, Brecken Carroll
The John Hiss Memorial Scholarship – Great Bend Co-Op Assoc.
The Great Bend Cooperative Association is offering a scholarship to a senior in Barton County or surrounding counties. Applicants must attend Barton Community College. Special attention will be given to applicants pursuing an education in an agricultural field.
Matt Penka presents this award to: Daniel Nieto and Dru Penka
FUMC: Clifford And Pauline Getz Scholarship
This scholarship is given in honor of Clifford and Pauline Getz. Clifford was instrumental in the establishment of CKMC and served as the director of development for many years. The scholarship is available to students entering nursing or other health related fields. It is renewable with continued applications.
Tim Bever presents this award to: Kevin Gonzalez, Anna Campbell, Kyndall Blessing, Nayomi Olias, Anita Zecha
FUMC: John And Charlotte Henry Scholarship
The John and Charlotte Henry scholarship is awarded to a student who has a desire for post-secondary education. John Henry was a long-time principal at Eisenhower School, and Charlotte was an elementary teacher at Morrison School. The scholarship is also awarded based on financial need. It is renewable with continued applications.
Tim Bever presents this award to: Tyler Stuhlsatz, Kynslee White
FUMC: H.H. And Jennie Kopke Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students who have a genuine desire for an education and promise to contribute to their community. Scholarships are open for students living in Comanche and Barton Counties. Preference will be given to those planning to attend one of the Kansas schools.
Applicants wishing to attend other Kansas colleges or universities may also be considered. Awards are for a period of one year or less. Awards may be renewed on an annual basis.
Tim Bever presents this award to: Kyndall Blessing, Kynslee White, Valeria Piedra, Nayomi Olivas, Kevin Gonzalez, Catie Haberman, Anita Zecha
FUMC: Stone-Reinhardt Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate an interest in a college education and a desire to make a future contribution to their respective community. The scholarship is available to students in Ransom, Ness City and Great Bend.
Tim Bever presents this award to: Ellyson Somers, August Siefkes, Cameron Harbaugh, Ciera Depencusch, Adison Galusha
FUMC: Charley C. Byers Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is available only to FUMC members and is renewable with continued applications.
Tim Bever presents this award to: Cameraon Harbaugh
FUMC: Henry And Jenni Fanshier Scholarship
The Fanshier Memorial Scholarship was established to honor lifelong area residents. The scholarship is available to a Barton County or Stafford County graduating senior who has shown good citizenship and character. The student can attend any accredited college or university.
Tim Bever presents this award to: Skyler McMullen
Golden Belt Community Foundation Scholarships
Ethel D. Holmes Scholarship
Ethel Dell (Peppiatt) Holmes was born in August of 1892, on a farm near Ellsworth. She was an early day school teacher in a one-room schoolhouse. Aunt Ethel was a woman of profound faith. She passed away in 1995, at age 102.
Teresa Powelson presents this award to: Madelynn Gregg and Kevin Gonzalez
Carla M. Yahne Memorial Scholarship
Carla was a lifetime resident of Great Bend. Caring about her community, she was active in numerous organizations including Barton County Desk and Derrick Club, Kansas Oil and Gas Museum, Community Food Bank of Barton County, the Girls’ Home and American Legion Auxiliary. This scholarship honors
Carla’s memory and dedication to our community.
Teresa Powelson presents this award to: August Siefkes
Paul J. Urban Memorial Scholarship
Paul Urban graduated from Fort Hays State University and received his master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado. He was also a graduate of the Command and General Staff College of Fort Leavenworth. He served during World War II and was in the active Army and Reserve for 33 years and retired as a colonel. He taught for St. Joseph’s Military Academy and Great Bend High School for over 20 years. Paul went into real estate in 1973, becoming realtor of the year, and teaching real estate classes at Barton Community College. He was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church and served on various church councils.
Teresa Powelson presents this award to: Kevin Gonzalez, Madelynn Gregg, Kamron Stude
S. Larry Edwardson Memorial Scholarship
S. Larry Edwardson was born in Crisfield, MD and had an extensive career as a Certified Financial Planner in Great Bend. He had a profound appreciation for family and community.
Teresa Powelson presents this award to: Adison Galusha
Kansas State University Scholarship
The Kansas State University Scholarship was established by alumni, businesses and individuals in the Golden Belt area. The scholarship provides financial assistance to local students interested in obtaining a college education from Kansas State University.
Teresa Powelson presents this award to: Ellyson Somers
John And Carole Harris Family Foundation Scholarship
John and Carole Harris were long-time educators raising a family of educators. The John & Carole Harris Family Education Scholarship supports High School Seniors from Great Bend majoring in Education/Administration with a preference for coaching and Pre-School/Elementary Schools.
Teresa Powelson presents this award to: Catie Haberman
Murphy Russel Woodmansee Memorial Scholarship
A lifetime Great Bend resident, Murphy was a sophomore at Hoisington High School, where he was active in golf and band. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Great Bend and Boy Scout Troop #157. Murphy enjoyed working at his first job, Wetlands Waterpark, during the summer and playing video games, which allowed him to build and maintain valuable friendships. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with family, camping, canoeing, and kayaking. The Murphy Russel Woodmansee Memorial Scholarship supports Current High Seniors/Graduates of High Schools in Barton County. Preference Field of Study is E-sports, Leadership, Accounting/Business, Computers and/or Music.
Marissa Woodmansee and Teresa Powelson present this award to: August Siefkes
Scholarships From Organizations/Colleges/Universities
Great Bend Rotary Club Junior Rotarian Scholarship: Rachel Thexton presents this award to: Madelynn Gregg, Noah Jerke
Central Kansas Catbackers Scholarship: Brenda Kaiser presents this award to: Kevin Gonzalez, August Siefkes, Aubrey Smith
GBHS After Prom Party Scholarship: Daryl Moore presents this award to: Beau Burkhart, Anna Campbell, Kaiden Esfeld, Dylan Ferguson, Bradley Hopkins, Shamara Mora, Cayden Scheuerman
PEO STAR Scholarship - Chapter DU: Susan Bauer presents this award to: Alyvia Mingenback
PEO STAR Scholarship - Chapter IV: Debbie Koelsch presents this award to: Ellyson Somers
PEO STAR Scholarship - Chapter HR: Rachel Thexton presents this award to: August Siefkes
Hopkins Kenneth M. Smith Scholarship (JAG National): Jennifer Hopkins presents this award to: Ashley Reddig
Kip Wilson Wheatland Electric Senior Scholarship: Kip Wilson presents this award to: Nayomi Olivas
Innovative Livestock Scholarship: Bronson Smith and Rita Montes-Council presents this award to: Analiz Rivas, Kendryk Turner, Lakyn Smith, Braylon Council, Elsasildai Lopez
Dade Cannon Memorial Siblings Scholarship: Deb Reif and Christy Huslig present this award to: Kynslee White
Barton County Farm Bureau Scholarship: Roger Long presents this award to: Jalen Daniels, Ellis Long
Kansas Insurance Department Scholarship - JAG-Kansas: Jennifer Hopkins presents this award to: Ashley Reddig
Wheatland Electric Junior Scholarship: Kip Wilson pressents this award to: Madelynn Gregg, Nayomi Olivas
Great Bend Kids Wrestling Club Scholarship: Tim Freiss presents this award to: Skyler McMullen
First Presbyterian Church Scholarship: Kayla Meadows presents this award to: Kendryk Turner
Cornerstone Automotive - Sean & Heidi Stoskopf Scholarship - American Petroleum Institute Scholarship: Rachel Thexton presents these awards to: Anna Campbell
Barton Community College - Barton Bound Scholarship: Tana Cooper presents this award to: Roselyn Bayona, Kyndall Blessing, Anna Campbell, Jaydon Davis, Aaron Deason, Ciera Depenbusch, Adison Galusha, Madelynn Gregg, Catie Haberman, Iris Ibarra, Emma Isaac, Gisela Jaquez, Kamryn Johns, Elsasildai Lopez, Haley McCormick, Autumn McHenry, Brynn Mermis, Mathew Maeder, Lizeth Munoz, Daniel Nieto, Nayomi Ol’ivas, Kimberly Reyes Pilo, Analiz Rivas, Charley Sander, Kennedy Sandy, Xanna Smith, Levi Stevens, Tyler Stuhlsatz, Kamron Stude, Aracely Talamantes, Kendryk Turner, Kynslee White, Anita Zecha
Barton Community College Foundation Scholarships
Ramona J. Goering Keenan Memorial Music Scholarship: Daryl Moore presents this award to: Gisela Jaquez
Fred & Renee Schmitt Memorial Scholarship: Daryl Moore presents this award to: Elsaildai Lopez
Ralph & Michael Reffelock Scholarship - Golda Underhill Bailey Scholarship: Daryl Moore presents this award to: Kamron Stude
Cloud County Community College
Track and Field Scholarship: Kayla Meadows presents this award to: Madison-Regehr
Fort Hays State University
Football Scholarship: Kip Wilson presents this award to: Gayden Scheuerman
Black and Gold Scholarship: Kip Wilson presents this award to: Elle Hutchinson
Kansas State University
Royal Purple Scholarship - Engineering Scholarship - Maitland Smith Housing Scholarship - Additional Books & Fees Scholarship: Daryl Moore presents this award to:Kevin Gonzalez
Wildcat Traditions Scholarship: Daryl Moore presents this award to: Cameron Harbaugh
Keyboard Scholarship - Percussion Scholarship - University Scholar Scholarship - College of Arts & Sciences - Excellence Scholarship: August Siefkes
Royal Purple Scholarship - College of Health & Human - Sciences Scholarship: Daryl Moore presents this award to: Ellyson Somers
Wildcat Traditions Scholarship: Daryl Moore presents this award to: Aubrey Smith
Limestone Scholarship: Daryl Moore presents this award to: Lakyn Smith
Kansas Wesleyan University
Trustee Scholarship - Hagan Foundation Scholarship - Discretionary Award for Men’s - Bowling Scholarship - Power of AND KWU Scholarship - ACT Scholarship: Kathy Davis presents this award to: Jalen Daniels
Tabor College
Football Scholarship: Kip Wilson presents this award to: Skyler McMullen
University of Kansas
Chancellor Merit Scholarship: Tim Friess presents this award to: Gavin Hirsh
Crimson & Blue Scholarship: Tim Friess presents this award to: Ashley Reddig
Washburn University
Merit Scholarship: Kip Wilson presents this award to: Valeria Piedra
KSHSAA True Blue Scholarship - Freshman Academic Scholarship - Cecile Strohm Brunt Scholarship: Kip Wilson presents this award to: Sahara Rziha
Wichita State University
School of Music Scholarship - Morrison Merit Scholarship: Daryl Moore presents this award to: Natalie Williams
Senior Scholastic Awards - Top 10% - presented by Tina Mingenback and Martha Rivas
Alondra Alvarez, Ty Boone, Anna Campbell, Ciera Depenbusch, Kaiden Esfeld, Kevin Gonzalez Madelynn Gregg, Catie Haberman, Gavin Hirsh, Iris Ibarra, Ellis Long, Mathew Moeder, Nayomi Olivas Analiz Rivas, Sahara Rziha, August Siefkes, Aubrey Smith, Ellyson Somers, Kynslee White, Natalie Williams
Governor’s Scholars - presented by Tim Friess
Gavin Hirsh, Kevin Gonzalez
GBHS Scholars - presented by Tim Friess
Gavin Hirsh, Kevin Gonzales, Aubrey Smith
Exceptional Academic Performance -presented by Tim Friess
Ellis Long, August Siefkes
Kansas Board of Regents - presented by Kayla Meadows
Alondra Alvarez, Maddix Pokorski, Kevin Gonzalez, Ellyson Somers, Ian Jennings, Natalie Williams
State of Kansas Scholars - presented by Kayla Meadows
Alondra Alvarez, Kevin Gonzalez, Maddix Pokorski, Ellyson Somers, Natalie Williams
Kansas State Seal of Biliteracy - presented by Gui Burley
Alondra Alvarez, Roselyn Bayona, Bryan Omar Chacon, Guillermo Flores, Kevin Gonzalez, Gisela Jaquez, Elsasildai Lopez, Johana Perales, Nineth Pereyra Zuany, Juan Pulido Guerrero, Kimberly Reyes Pilo
Accomplished Biomedical Scholar - presented by Andrea Stalcup
Guadalupe Cruz, Jaydon Davis, Madelynn Gregg, Emily Hernandez, Kadynce Jean, Brynn Miller Nayomi Olivas, Kimberly Reyes Pilo, Kennedy Sandy, Brantley Schaffer, Sage Simon, Aubrey Smith
