Barton Community College has announced its 2014-15 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 Jordan Tebow of Quinter and Kami Maxwell of Odin.  
This year marked the 11th anniversary of the award. All previous award winners were invited to attend a luncheon and ceremony Friday in the Barton Library’s Cavanaugh Room. The admissions office also honored Presley Smith of Hoisington as the recipient of this year’s “The Rock” award. It is presented to a student who goes 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: Jordan Tebow
Tebow, a sophomore, is involved in Student Ambassadors, Community Service Organization and is the Co-Social Chairman of Phi Theta Kappa. She plans to attend Fort Hays State University to major in Pharmacy.  She is the daughter of Jack and Doris Tebow of Quinter.

Ambassador of the Year: Kami Maxwell
Maxwell, a sophomore, is involved in Student Ambassadors, employed by Central Kansas Upward Bound and is the Co-Social Chairman of Phi Theta Kappa. This summer she will work in the Admissions office as an ambassador. She plans on attending Fort Hays State University and to major in Psychology. She is the daughter of Jim and Kim Maxwell of Odin.

The Rock Award: Presley Smith
 Smith, a freshman, is involved in Student Ambassadors, Phi Theta Kappa and golf. She will return to Barton next year to complete her Liberal Studies degree with in an emphasis in Elementary Education and continue working as an ambassador. She is the daughter of Gary and Dee Ann Smith of Hoisington.

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.