At the invitation of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Gavin Hirsh and Kevin Gonzalez, Great Bend High School seniors, were selected to attend the 40th Annual Governor’s Scholars Awards Program on May 7 in Topeka.

The recognition ceremony honored the top academic 1 percent of Kansas high school seniors.

Scholars are selected from accredited public and private schools in the state. “These high school seniors have shown dedication in their studies and a commitment to learning. They’ve earned this honor, and I want to congratulate them on this achievement,” Governor Kelly said. “We also should recognize their families, teachers, and mentors for helping these outstanding students achieve their academic goals.”

This program is coordinated for the Governor by the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force and is funded by donations from private sector businesses in Kansas.

The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force was formed 40 years ago to strengthen confidence in public education. The following organizations are members of the Task Force: American Association of University Women, Kansas State Board of Education, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas Congress of Parents and Teachers, Kansas State Department of Education, Kansas State High School Activities Association, Kansas National Education Association, Kansas League of Women Voters, and United School Administrators of Kansas.