Barton Community College has announced its 2013-14 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 Holland Mosier of Great Bend and Kami Maxwell of Odin.  
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the award and 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 Jennica O’Neill of Wamego 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. McKenzie Piland was named an “Honorary Rock” award winner, as she graduated Barton early and transferred to Wichita State in December.  
The award recipients were chosen by their peers and Barton’s admissions staff.
Mosier, a sophomore, is the daughter of Tamara and Robert Mosier. During her Barton career, she participated in choir, Student Ambassadors, Hilltop Singers and the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) National Honor Society and was the PTK President this year. Holland will participate in the Disney College Program and later transfer to Wichita State University where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in business.
Maxwell, a freshman, is the daughter of Jim and Kim Maxwell. She is involved in Student Ambassadors and is the Co-Social Chairman of Phi Theta Kappa. This summer she will work in the admissions office as an ambassador. She will return to Barton next year to complete her psychology degree and continue working as an ambassador.
O’Neill, a freshman, is the daughter of Gene and Jacquie Steinbacher. She is involved in Student Ambassadors and volleyball. She will return to Barton next year to complete her liberal studies degree and continue working as an ambassador.
Piland, a freshman, is the daughter of Greg and Sonya Piland and Verl and Mary Terry of Wichita. She was involved in Student Ambassadors, volleyball and Phi Theta Kappa. She is studying Pre-Med with a focus in psychology and is minoring in Spanish. She is working full-time at Lee Aerospace.

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.
Graduating from Barton with a degree in pre-pharmacy, he was accepted into 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, 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.