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Afternoon of Christian music to benefit Barton County Emergency Aid
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Members of the Presbyterian Singers pose following rehearsal for their Sunday, Sept. 30 Music for Mission Concert being held to benefit Barton County Emergency Aid. Pictured left to right are: Doris Meyeres, Scott Solether, Judy Fox, Margie Nairn, Nicci Boker, Steve Corn, Terri Horner, and Dusty Jones. - photo by COURTESY PHOTO
Updated: Sep 28, 2012, 3:30 AM
Published: Sep 25, 2012, 9:47 PM


The First Presbyterian church invites Great Bend and Barton County communities to a “Music for Mission” concert which will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30,  in the First Presbyterian Church sanctuary, 24th and Washington. A variety of instrumental and vocal musical groups representing a diverse make-up of churches located in Great Bend will join together for an afternoon of musical praise to God.
Donations will be received at the door and will go to Barton County Emergency Aid, with a small percentage to the Presbyterian Crisis Management program, said Carol Woodmansee, chairman of the Mission/Evangelism Team, Presbyterian Church.
The music program will include the Presbyterian Singers from the host church; a Christian street musicians’ band,  “Rondalla Christiana ReflecSion,” from the Iglesia Adventista, a Spanish language Seventh Day Adventist Church, who will sing and accompany themselves on their guitars; a vocal duet from The First Christian Church; a pianist from First Presbyterian; two orchestra students from Great Bend High School, who will perform on the cello and viola, one representing the First Street Church of God in Hoisington; and an organ/piano duet from Great Bend’s First United Methodist Church.    
A reception will follow the concert in the church parlor.  All churches and persons in the community are invited.
GBHS students bring home top honors at Job Olympics
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Great Bend High School students and teachers pose for a photo following the annual Job Olympics, held March 26 in Hays. From left: Brandi Suchy, interpreter and coach; Payton Edwards, 10th grade; Jamie Patton, 12th grade; MaKayla Cross, 11th grade; Faith Mead, 10th grade; Rhonda Glenn, special education teacher and coach; and Trish Berger, special education teacher, work Study coordinator and coach.
Published: Apr 8, 2025, 2:31 PM
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MaKayla Cross competes in a grocery packing event at the Job Olympics.

Four students from Great Bend High School put their skills to the test and brought home top honors during the annual Job Olympics, held March 26 in Hays.

Representing GBHS at this day-long event were students MaKayla Cross, Jamie Patton, Payton Edwards and Faith Mead. These outstanding students competed in a variety of hands-on events designed to build employability skills and boost confidence for future career success. Their hard work and preparation paid off with impressive results:

• 1st Place – Small Gas Engines, Rolling Silverware

• 2nd Place – Sorting Recyclables, Kids Meals Packaging

The Job Olympics provides students with opportunities to practice real-world job tasks, connect with employers, and engage in meaningful social experiences. The event aims to build motivation to learn job skills, improve social interactions, foster new friendships, and develop self-confidence. Participants also receive valuable feedback on their personal employability skills.

“The students not only gained practical skills that will serve them throughout their lives, but also built friendships with students from other schools and communities,” shared Trish Berger, Vocational Program Coordinator and Special Education Teacher at GBHS. “It’s inspiring to see their growth and enthusiasm during this event.”

Accompanied by three dedicated coaches, the GBHS team embraced every opportunity the Job Olympics had to offer, demonstrating perseverance and a positive attitude in each competition. Events like these reinforce the importance of community partnerships and showcase the talents and abilities of students with special needs.

For more information about the vocational programs at Great Bend High School, contact Trish Berger at 620-793-1521.

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Payton Edwards competes in the grocery stocking event at the Job Olympics.