At the Crime Stoppers State Board Conference, held earlier this year in Great Bend, The Kansas Crime Stoppers Association Inc. awarded two scholastic scholarships.

One scholarship was awarded to graduating Great Bend senior Stephan Johnson, who attended the conference and has shown a strong interest in the purpose of Crime Stoppers. The $300 check was presented to Johnson during the monthly meeting for Crime Stoppers of Great Bend and Barton County.

Johnson was presented his check by local board president Stan Behrends. Also attending the presentation were directors Chris Ramsey, Amy Boxberger, Erica Brining, Shannon Wittig, JP Postlethwaite, Mick Lang, Kathy Bahe, Kelly Burton and Barton County Sheriff’s Office liaison David Paden.

The state board gives two scholarships each year at the state convention and it includes all high schools throughout the state. Johnson is the first local student to receive this honor, sponsors said. He is attending Barton Community College in Great Bend.