At the invitation of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Kennedy L. Kern of Great Bend and Chase Maier of Hoisington were selected to attend the 39th Annual Governor’s Scholars Awards Program on May 1 in Topeka.
The recognition ceremony honors the top academic one percent of Kansas high school seniors. Scholars are selected from accredited public and private schools in the state.
“These high school seniors have shown dedication in their studies and a commitment to learning. They’ve earned this honor, and I want to congratulate them on this achievement,” Governor Kelly said “We also should recognize their families, teachers, and mentors for helping these outstanding students achieve their academic goals.”
This program is coordinated for the Governor by the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force and is funded by donations from private sector businesses in Kansas. The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force was formed 39 years ago to strengthen public confidence in education. The following organizations are members of the Task Force: American Association of University Women, Kansas State Board of Education, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas Congress of Parents and Teachers, Kansas State Department of Education, Kansas State High School Activities Association, Kansas National Education Association, Kansas League of Women Voters, and United School Administrators of Kansas.
2022 Governor’s Scholars
Central Plains High School, Claflin - Kerrick Benavidez
Ellinwood High School - Gavin Webber
Great Bend High School - Alayna G. Irwin, Kennedy Laine Kern
Hoisington High School - Chase Maier
La Crosse High School - Danielle Wagner
Larned High School - Kathryn Holt
Little River High School - Jessie Smith
Lyons High School - Lily Noel Stansbury
Macksville High School - Emma Jo Hottovy
Nickerson High School - Kieryn Nicole Ontjes
Ness City High School - Taylor Melissa Starr
Otis-Bison High School - Thomas Bahr
Western Plains High School, Ransom - Michael Jameson Hayes
Pawnee Heights High School, Rozel - Adam Hands
Russell High School - LaAries Pacifico Winzerling
St. John-Hudson High School - Elijah Delp
Stafford High School - Makayla Sedore
Sterling High School - Ty Fulbright
Kansas Governor’s
Scholars 2022 statistics:
• 98% participate in co-curricular activities; of these, 6.3% participate in athletic activities only, 24.6% participate in non-athletic activities and 69.1% participate in both
• 99.4% plan to attend college or pursue formal education/training next year; 52.7% in Kansas, 31.1% out of state and 26.2% undecided
