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Graduating seniors recognized for outstanding academic performance at FHSU
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Heather Steckel
Published: May 30, 2020, 8:00 PM

HAYS – Fort Hays State University’s Department of Applied Business Studies, a division of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, recently honored six students as outstanding graduating seniors for the 2019-20 school year. 

Those recognized included Heather Steckel, Russell, a Tourism and Hospitality Management Outstanding Student Award Winner. The Tourism and Hospitality Management program offers courses including, but not limited to, hotel management, event planning, casino management, food and beverage, health and wellness, and sustainable tourism.

The Department of Applied Business Studies creates an environment where students can cultivate and master techniques to become tomorrow’s business leaders. The program’s goal is not only to prepare students for a productive, gratifying career, but also to ensure their growth to become balanced leaders who are interested and invested in their communities. 

The inaugural Outstanding Student Awards recognize graduating seniors who have demonstrated exceptional performance in academics, leadership, and overall excellence in their respective programs at FHSU. The honorees are role models who positively characterize the core values of the awarding programs. 
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.