Local scholarships for Great Bend High School seniors were presented May 18 at the annual scholarship awards ceremony. These are for GBHS students only, and students are eligible to receive only one local scholarship. The winners were selected by scholarship committees using a variety of characteristics and qualifications.
The following script from May 18 includes the recipients and presenters:
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 Andrea Orona Favela
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 Kennedy Kern.
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 Paige Drew.
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. Kayla Meadows presents this award to Tyler Stein.
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 Laura Daniel and Daltrey Kurth.
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 classmates John Gruber and Ruth Schultz Behrens. Sue Ware presents this award to Chayse Gruber and Sienna Cauley.
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 Cameron Stacey.
Great Bend Masonic Lodge No. 15, A.F. & A.M. Scholarship - 2 Yr./4 Yr.
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 2 year/4 year post-secondary institution. Larry Gale presents this award to Brady Wharton.
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. Larry Gale presents this award to Rosa Campos.
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 Allison McReynolds and Bradle Heine.
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. Brad Shirer presents this award to: Makenna Tinkler.
FUMC: Dan and Jean Swartz Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1985 in honor of Dan and Jean Swartz. Dan served as superintendent of schools from 1953-1972. This scholarship may be used at any accredited college or university. Tim Bever presents this award to Carlos Soto.
FUMC: George and Doris Penner Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to a student to be enrolled in a technical or trade school, community college or university and who has a financial need. Tim Bever presents this award to Isaiah Smith.
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, Missouri. Carol Dema presents this award to Alayna Irwin.
Robert (Bob) James Holt Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor Bob Holt who was a graduate of GBHS. Bob was a talented athlete who enjoyed rare hand-to-eye coordination. He could spin a basketball on his finger, juggle, and was a good artist. His athletic ability earned him the nickname “Jumpin’ Holt.” He had a giant heart and loved his family and friends tremendously. This scholarship is available to a GBHS senior who is applying to Kansas State University (K-State) or The University of Kansas (KU) and has been involved in sports while in high school. Tammy Holt presents this award to Amy To.
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: Einar Vargas.
Optimist Club - Ag Scholarship
The Great Bend Optimist Club established this award in 2016 as a means of helping a graduating senior. This award is given to a student who will be attending any higher learning institution in Kansas next year and majoring in Agriculture. The applicant must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be of good character and good citizenship. Kathy Davis presents this award to Taryn Warren.
Park School PTA Scholarship
Park School PTA 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 Arely Reyes.
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.
DeLayne Ewing presents this award to Elysse Ellis.
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. Kayla Meadows presents this award to Malachi Wasson.
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 presents this award to Brody Feist.
Roosevelt Junior High School Scholarship
This scholarship is given to students who plan to attend a community college (2-year school) or technical school in Kansas. Preference is given to students whose parents or grandparents attended Roosevelt Junior High School in Great Bend. Don Learned presents this award to MacKenzie Drewel, Gavin Haberman, Hannah Loomis, and Esten Moore.
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.
Great Bend Firefighters Social and Charity Scholarship
Great Bend Firefighters offer this scholarship to one graduating senior who plans to attend post-secondary education at any Kansas college or trade school. Students must show scholastic ability, leadership and citizenship. Preference is given to those seeking a career in fire, EMS, law enforcement or emergency dispatching. Jordan Elliott presents this award to MacKenzie Drewel.
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 Melyne Fletchall.
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 Taryn Warren.
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. David Paden presents this award to Michael Hestand.
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. David Paden presents this award to Bradley Heine, Michael Hestand.
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 Laura Daniel, Brody Feist, Joseph Moeder and Mariana Castillo.
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. Jay Bachar presents this award to Michael Hestand.
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. This scholarship is available to students entering nursing or other health related fields and is renewable through graduate school. Tim Bever presents this award to Melyne Fletchall, Carlos Soto.
FUMC: John and Charlotte Henry Scholarship
John Henry was a longtime principal at Eisenhower School, and Charlotte was an elementary teacher at Morrison School. This scholarship is given to a student who has a desire for post-secondary education. Tim Bever presents this award to Carlos Soto.
FUMC: H.H. and Jennie Kopke Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to students who have a genuine desire for an education and promise to make a contribution to their community. Tim Bever presents this award to Kennedy Kern, Andrea Orona Favela, Brody Feist, Alayna Irwin, Bradley Heine.
FUMC: Stone-Reinhardt Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to students who demonstrated an interest in a college education, and a desire to make a future contribution to their respective community. Tim Bever presents this award to Joseph Moeder, Brody Feist, Michael Hestand, Kennedy Kern.
Golden Belt Community Foundation Scholarships Frank W. Brinkman Memorial Scholarship
Frank W. Brinkman was a Barton County resident deeply rooted in the banking industry. In 1874, his father established the J.V. Brinkman & Co. Bank in Great Bend. The Brinkman family was known for their charitable acts. Frank passed away in the spring of 1962. In 1964, a scholarship fund was established to forever honor his legacy.
Christy Tustin presents this award to Kennedy Kern.
Charles Lischesky – Great Bend Rotary Club Scholarship
The Great Bend Rotary Club offers this scholarship to honor Charles Lischesky. Charles was born in Wisconsin around 1875. He moved to Great Bend and was the owner and operator of the Lischesky Dry Goods Company in the early 1900s. His wife’s name was Gertrude and they had one daughter, Alberta.
Christy Tustin presents this award to Tyler Stein.
KU Honors Scholarship
This scholarship fund was established to honor elite Barton County students attending the University of
Kansas. Students must be in the top 10% of their class. Christy Tustin presents this award to Kennedy Kern.
Ralph and Elinor Haneke Memorial Scholarship
Ralph and Elinor Haneke were passionate about education. Ralph, an Ellis High School graduate, who enlisted in the Army during World War II instead of seeking higher education, was a successful, self-taught businessman and certified financial counselor. He was dedicated to helping youth through his work in church, Boy Scouts, Lions Club, and Habitat for Humanity. Elinor, a Great Bend High School and Fort Hays State University graduate; whose greatest love other than family were her students, became a 42-year veteran teacher for Great Bend public schools, working at Morrison Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, and finally ending her teaching career at Great Bend High School teaching English. Christy Tustin presents this award to Elysse Ellis.
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. Christy Tustin presents this award to Alayna Irwin.
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. Christy Tustin presents this award to: Elysse Ellis, Kennedy Kern.
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. Christy Tustin presents this award to Tyler Stein.
Ethel D. Holmes Scholarship
Ethel Dell (Peppiatt) Holmes was born in August of 1892, on a farm near Ellsworth, KS. 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. Christy Tustin presents this award to Elysse Ellis, Chayse Gruber, Laura Demel.
Bill J. Mckown Memorial Scholarship
Bill J. McKown had a passion for scouting and art. He worked as a Ranger at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, the summer after his freshman year in college at the University of Kansas. His gift for art was nurtured with lessons since the third grade. He sculpted a bigger than life panther that still stands under glass in the Great Bend High School hallway. He established this scholarship fund to support students attending Barton Community College that have scouting experience or an interest in the art field. Christy Tustin presents this award to Brody Feist.
