In year of uncertainties, these 100-plus high school award-winners are a sure thing
You won’t find a finer group of young people to represent Kansas City than this year’s KC Star Scholar-Athlete high school award-winners.
School-by-school honorees are listed here alphabetically by their high schools. Others nominated from each school are also listed. The nominations came from faculty and staff at each of the 100-plus high schools in the KC Star’s circulation area — the Kansas City metro — earlier this year.
School officials were encouraged to nominate as many as three students from their respective institutions. In the event there are no other nominees noted for a particular school, that school chose to nominate only one person.
All candidates were reviewed thoroughly and the field was narrowed down through three rounds of independent judging by KC Star staffers and prominent members of the community, including players from the Chiefs, Royals and Sporting KC. Judges reviewed the nominees’ portfolios for athletic and academic prowess, as well as their community service.
BARSTOW
CAYDEN WILLIAMS
A 4.43 GPA on a 4.0 weighted scale. Earned four varsity letters in soccer and one in baseball. All-state player of the year in soccer. Three-time captain in soccer. Twice class president. National Honor Society. National Merit Finalist. Cum Laude Society.
College: undecided
Also nominated: Amanda Munsell and Ryan Long
BASEHOR-LINWOOD
RILEY TINDER
A 4.3 GPA on a 4.0 weighted scale. Ranked first in a class of 189. Earned four varsity letters in track and volleyball. Part of a school record in 3,200-meter relay and state medalist. Holds school record in kills and digs in volleyball. National Honor Society. Helped with tornado relief.
College: Fort Hays State
Also nominated: Sadie McWilliams and Samantha Fisher
BELTON
MIKAELA AURAND
A 4.07 GPA on a 4.0 weighted scale. Ranked seventh in a class of 329. Earned four varsity letters in volleyball and swimming. Holds school record in kills in a match and career. Holds three individual swimming school records. Vice president of choir. Athletics leadership council member.
College: undecided
Also nominated: Avery Hobson
BISHOP MIEGE
KEVIN HANNON
A 4.61 GPA on a 5.0 scale. Ranked fourth in a class of 162. Earned four varsity letters in swimming. State record-holder in 200 medley relay. State champion in 200 medley relay. National Honor Society. National Merit finalist. Eagle Scout. Tri Music Honor Society president.
College: Kansas
Also nominated: Brian Burns and Molly Lynn
BISHOP WARD
ALIANA RODRIGUEZ
A 2.49 GPA on a 5.0 scale. Ranked 44th in a class of 59. Earned three varsity letters in volleyball, basketball and softball. Made all-conference in volleyball senior season. Co-captain senior year in volleyball and basketball. Senior class treasurer. Four-year member of pep club.
College: University of Saint Mary’s
BLUE SPRINGS
COOPER WILLICH
A 3.93 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 96 in a class of 555. Earned three varsity letters in basketball, two in football and one in track. Made all-state academic team in football. Honorable mention all-conference selection in basketball. National Honor Society. A member of FCA. Made a mission trip to Jamaica.
College: Missouri State
Also nominated: Cherray Wilson
BLUE SPRINGS SOUTH
RAEGAN HECKER
A 4.22 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked 36th in a class of 442. Earned four varsity letters in swimming and three in softball. School record-holder in single-season batting average, hitting .533. Part of two state championship softball teams. National Honor Society. Youth group leader at St. Mark’s Catholic Church.
College: Valparaiso
Also nominated: Lauren Low and Khiara Cox
BLUE VALLEY
EVAN TAYLOR
A 4.33 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Earned three varsity letters in football and wrestling and two in track. Two-time state qualifier in wrestling. Honorable mention all-state in football senior season. National Honor Society. Director of Tiger TV.
College: Pittsburg State
Also nominated: Madelyn Kang
BLUE VALLEY NORTH
LEXY FARRINGTON
A 4.50 GPA. Earned four varsity letters in soccer and basketball and three in track. Kansas 6A state javelin champion. EKL defensive player of the year in soccer. Signed to play soccer at Kansas. Marching band and drum line. National Spanish Society and National Honor Society. Active in Habitat for Humanity.
College: Kansas
BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST
ALISA PRINYARUX
A 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Earned three varsity letters in girls swimming. Kansas 6A singles state champion in 2019, doubles state champion in 2016 as a freshman. Three-time all-state selection. National Honor Society. National Science Honor Society.
College: Rutgers
Also nominated: Emily Farthing and John Gardner
BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST
LAUREN PEAK
A 4.29 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Earned four varsity letters in soccer and three in cross country. A member of two state championship soccer team. All-conference in soccer. Twice competed at state in cross country. National Honor Society. Volunteer at Wayside Waifs.
College: Kansas State
Also nominated: Yan Keuwo and Seth Nitzel
BLUE VALLEY WEST
KATE BANDRE
A 4.35 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Earned four varsity letters in basketball, three in track and two in volleyball. State qualifier in the 400-meter relay. All-EKL honorable mention in volleyball. National Honor Society. National Art Honor Society. Church youth choir member. Involved in CAPS veterinary program.
College: Pittsburg State
Also nominated: Brian Balquist and David Brown
BONNER SPRINGS
KIMBERLY WHETSTONE
A 3.73 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 26th in a class of 152. Earned four varsity letters in volleyball, basketball and track and field. Three-time all-conference in volleyball. Holds school record in rebounds and blocks in basketball. Triple jump school record-holder. Vice president and secretary on student council. National Honor Society.
College: Kansas
Also nominated: Mykael White
CENTER
ZANE PARKER
A 4.03 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Earned four varsity letters in football and two in track. First team all-state in football. Academic all-state in football. Missouri Youth Government. National Honor Society. Worked on school blood drive.
College: Wichita State
Also nominated: Brock Howerton and Analynn Bullock
CENTRAL
JERAMYIAH MARSHALL
A 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked first in a class of 124. Earned four varsity letters in basketball and one in cross country. Two-time all-conference selection. Conference player of the year in senior season. Leadership qualities helped change culture at Central.
College: undecided
Also nominated: Jordan Fortune
CRISTO REY
NEAL PATTERSON
A 3.52 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 12th in a class of 63. Earned four varsity letters in basketball, two in baseball, one in soccer and cross country. Team captain in baseball and basketball. National Honor Society. Student ambassador. Christian leader at Cristo Rey.
College: Drake
DE SOTO
EMILY FUHR
A 4.19 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 22nd in a class of 228. Earned three varsity letters in track and field, two in basketball and one in golf. Three-time state qualifier in track. All-conference thrower of the year. Worked on freshman mentoring program. Volunteered at Cats Care.
College: Kansas State
Also nominated: Corinne Daise and Luke Barger
EAST
ISABELLA HANKE
A 3.86 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked sixth in a class of 320. Earned three varsity letters in soccer and volleyball and two in girls wrestling. All-conference in wrestling and soccer. National Honor Society.
College: Metropolitan Community College
Also nominated: Jennifer Valles and Yara Lara
EUDORA
KEAGAN SHOCKLEY
A 3.94 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 31st in a class of 102. Earned four letters in volleyball and track. First team all-conference in volleyball. Three-time state qualifier in the meter dash, finished sixth as a junior. National Honor Society.
College: Pittsburg State
Also nominated: Jerratt Bradley
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS
MORGAN SCHINDLER
A 4.23 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked first in a class of 168. Earned four varsity letters in volleyball and basketball. Participated in MOKAN all-star volleyball match. Four-time academic all-state in volleyball and basketball. National Honor Society. LINK Crew.
College: Missouri
Also nominated: Breyden Haight and Cameron Huett
FORT OSAGE
RACHEL RELLIHAN
A 4.4 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked sixth in a class of 296. Earned one varsity letter in wrestling. Placed sixth at state. Academic all-state in wrestling Earned two varsity letters in cheerleading. Participated in band for four years. Member of Future Health Professionals. Student ambassador for three years.
College: undecided
Also nominated: Amanda Daniel and Riley Rexford
FRONTIER ACADEMY
AYUB ALI
A 3.06 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked ninth in a class of 38. Earned two varsity letters in soccer. Excelled in classroom while learning new language. Determined to be a role model to younger siblings by going to college.
College: Metropolitan Community College
Also nominated: Vincent Carter
GARDNER EDGERTON
MORGAN MCINTIRE
A 4.14 GPA on a 4.75 scale. Ranked 29th in a class of 353. Earned four varsity letters in volleyball and track. First team all-state in volleyball. Three-time state medalist in the pole vault. Member of National Helpers and National Honor Society. Teacher aide in special-education class.
College: Fort Hays State
Also nominated: Taylor Warner
GRAIN VALLEY
JACKSON KNUST
A 4.02 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked 34th in a class of 290. Earned four varsity letters in soccer and one in football. First team all-conference in soccer and an honorable mention selection all-conference in football. Participated in Missouri Boys State. National Honor Society.
College: Truman State
GRANDVIEW
REGGIE MORRIS JR.
A 3.4 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 50th in a class of 246. Earned three varsity letters in basketball. Started on two state-championship teams. Holds school record in steals and charges and finished with 1,030 points, ranking in the top 10 in school history. National Honor Society.
College: undecided
Also nominated: Faith Lee and Fatima Flores
HARRISONVILLE
MADISON HOFFMAN
A 4.31 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked second in a class of 201. Earned three varsity letters in golf. Selected to the academic all-conference team in golf. National Honor Society. DECA treasurer. SADD president. Student Council president. FCA. Participated in 4-H Club.
College: UMKC
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN
AYSA BENALLY
A 94.8 GPA on a 100 scale. Ranked 17th in class. Earned four varsity letters in basketball and track. Two-time medalist in track. Second team all-conference in basketball. Made half-court buzzer beater to send team to state tournament. National Honor Society.
College: Haskell Indian Nations University
HOGAN PREP
LEILANI BROOKS-JACKSON
A 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked fourth in a class of 68. Earned four varsity letters in track and field and three in basketball. Holds school record in the javelin and discus. Volunteered over 100 hours at Art Tech Foundation.
College: undecided
Also nominated: Yaria Akers and Tre’veon Gilyard
KANSAS CITY CHRISTIAN
CHARLES HILL
A 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Earned three varsity letters in basketball and baseball. Three-time all-conference in baseball. Holds school record for career home runs. Averaged a double-double in basketball in senior season. Senior class president. Played lead role in two school productions.
College: West Point
Also nominated: Emma Browning
KEARNEY
CAROLINE KELLY
A 3.84 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 42nd in a class of 294. Earned four letters in soccer and basketball. All-state co-offensive player of the year senior season. United Soccer Coaches all-American. Two-time all-conference in basketball. Sunday school teacher. Student council for four years.
College: St. Louis University
Also nominated: Jacob Stevens and Quinn Weakley
LANSING
CAROLINE CRAWFORD
A 3.94 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 31st in a class of 202. Earned four varsity letters in volleyball and two in basketball and track and field. Kansas Class 5A player of the year in 2019 in volleyball. Two-time all-state high jumper. Member of 1,600-meter relay that holds school record. FCA. Volunteered at Harvesters.
College: Kansas
Also nominated: Terry Robinson
LAWRENCE
BANNER WILLIAMS
Earned four varsity letters in soccer. Two-time honorable mention all-conference. Team captain. Senior class president. National Honor Society. Received three varsity letters in debate. LINK Crew. IPS leadership program.
College: Missouri Southern
Also nominated: Henry DeWitt
LAWRENCE FREE STATE
TATE FANSHIER
A 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked first in a class of 415. Earned two varsity letters in football and basketball. National Honor Society. National Merit Semifinalist. One of the school leaders because of his work ethic in football and basketball and in the classroom.
College: University of Florida
LAWSON
GRADY BLAIR
A 4.15 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked 13th in his class. Earned four varsity letters in cross country, three in track, two in football. Three-time academic all-state in cross country. Three-time all-conference in 800 and 1600. National Honor Society. Chaired a student prevention group, participated in freshman mentoring program.
College: Truman State
LEAVENWORTH
MADAILEIN WALTER-SHERRETTS
A 4.08 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Earned four varsity letters in cross country and track and field. Participated in state cross country meet senior year. Holds school record in 2000 meter steeplechase. Student council president senior year. National Honor Society. Fundraiser for local veterans’ hospital.
College: Saint Mary
Also nominated: Ayden Bartlett and Joseph Purvis Jr.
LEE’S SUMMIT
HARPER SNYDER
A 4.45 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked second in a class of 427. Earned four varsity letters in volleyball. MOKAN all-star selection. An Evelyn Gates award nominee. First team all-conference senior season. National Honor Society. Spanish Club. Four-year member of symphonic orchestra.
College: Colgate
Also nominated: Damian Wilson and Eghosa Ogbevoen
LEE’S SUMMIT NORTH
ANNIE MCCORD
A 4.53 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked first in class. Four varsity letters in cross country, three in track and field, two in diving. Four-time state qualifier in cross country, twice qualifier in diving, and holds school record in diving. School record in 800 meter run. Woods Chapel student ministry. Spanish National Honor Society.
College: Pittsburg State
Also nominated: Andrew Bennett and Mark McGhee
LEE’S SUMMIT WEST
ADDISON MATHIS
A 4.43 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked fourth in class of 494. Earned four varsity letters in cross country and track and field. On state-title XC teams in 2018, 2019 and three state-title track and field teams. National Merit Commended Scholar. FCA and Future Medical Leaders Club. Volunteer Special Olympics.
College: undecided
Also nominated: Cassidy Gann and Sammy Cooper
LIBERTY
COLBY KELLEY
A 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked first in a class of 426. Earned four varsity letters in tennis. First girls player at Liberty to win an individual state tennis title. Set singles record during her career. AP Scholar. National Honor Society. LINK crew.
College: Nebraska Omaha
Also nominated: Abby Howard and Samantha Seggerman
LIBERTY NORTH
BRADEN PRESSER
A 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked first in a class of 423. Earned four varsity letters in track and field and one in football. Two-time state runner-up in the javelin. Academic all-state. Second team all-conference punter. Vice president National Honor Society. DECA and Key Club.
College: Naval Academy
Also nominated: Makayla Armstead and Garrett Linn
LINCOLN PREP
AJANEE BRADLEY
A 4.12 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked 21st in a class of 169. Earned four varsity letters in basketball, three in track and field and one in volleyball. Three-time first team all-conference in basketball. Ran on 800-meter relay team that placed fourth in state. Participated in student council.
College: Highland Community College
Also nominated: Chorus Davis
LONE JACK
BECCA ROTH
A 3.9 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked seventh in a class of 50. Earned four varsity letters in soccer, basketball and volleyball. Helped soccer team to third-place finish in 2018 and 2019. Scored over 1,000 points in basketball. Senior class president and student council president. MulePack volunteer. National Honor Society.
College: University of Central Missouri
Also nominated: Luke Hawes
LOUISBURG
GARRETT ROLOFSON
Earned two varsity letters in soccer and one in basketball and golf. First team all-conference in 2019 and selected conference defensive player of the year. In his one season of varsity basketball, he averaged six points and six rebounds per game.
College: undecided
LUTHERAN
FAITH LEDGERWOOD
A 3.87 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Earned four varsity letters in soccer and basketball and three in volleyball. Second team all-state in soccer. Team captain in soccer and basketball. Two-time all-district honorable mention in volleyball. Member of Scholarly Knights community-service program. National Honor Society.
College: Arkansas
Also nominated: Sarah Brumley and Jayden Anderson
MARANATHA ACADEMY
AALIYAH BUCKNER
A 3.94 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked seventh in a class of 33. Broke school record for blocks in a career. As a junior, helped volleyball team to its first state-tournament appearance. Member of 400-meter relay team that placed first at state in 2017. Class secretary. National Merit Scholar. National Honor Society.
College: John Brown
Also nominated: Brock West and Gina Favero
MIDWAY
CIARA BATTIN
A 3.9 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked third in a class of 29. Earned four varsity letters in cross country and three in track and field. Cross country team captain during her senior season. National Honor Society president. Twice elected class president.
College: Truman State
MILL VALLEY
MORGAN KOCA
A 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked first in a class of 318. Earned four cross country varsity letters and track and field. Key member of team that won two state cross country titles. Three times selected all-state in cross country. Twice state champion in 3,200-meter relay. National English Honor Society. Make-A-Wish officer.
College: undecided
Also nominated: Isaac Ammann and Tyler Green
NORTH KANSAS CITY
EMMA BURKE
A 4.5 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked eighth in a class of 372. Earned four varsity letters in volleyball, three in track and field. Four time academic all-state in volleyball. Captain senior season in volleyball. International Baccalaureate Diploma Program candidate. Founder of Kindness Club. National Honor Society vice-president
College: undecided
Also nominated: Angel Lee and Austin Creekmore
NORTHEAST
MOZAMIL HUSSEIN
A 3.28 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 30th in a class of 111. Earned three varsity letters in football and one in basketball. Second team all-conference in football. Perfect attendance. Displayed leadership qualities when team was struggling, noted a school official.
College: West Hills Coalinga
NORTHLAND CHRISTIAN
SAMANTHA DOBBS
A 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked first in class. Earned two varsity letters in volleyball. Member of two state-championship teams. Made AVCA academic team. Earned varsity letter for dance team. Dominican Republic team member. Made a mission trip. National Honor Society.
College: Spurgeon College
NOTRE DAME DE SION
NINA TROUVE’
A 4.5 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Earned four varsity letters in soccer and cross country. All-state defensive player of the year. All-state first team. Team captain in volleyball and cross country. Yearbook co-editor in chief. Volunteer at Operation Breakthrough. National Honor Society.
College: Tufts University
Also nominated: Bridget Schumm and Allie Dierks
OAK GROVE
VIRGINIA HAYES
A 4.19 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked seventh in a class of 153. Earned four varsity letters in soccer and two in volleyball. Co-defensive player of the year in 2019. First team all-conference in soccer and volleyball. Earned Star Scout in Boys Scouts. Special Olympics soccer partner. National Honor Society.
College: University of Central Missouri
Also nominated: Clayton Griffin and Tully Thomsen
OAK PARK
HUDSON LEACH
A 3.93 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked fifth in a class of 356. Earned four varsity letters in baseball. All-conference and academic all-conference. Participated in student council. Worked with special-needs students in P.E. class.
College: Creighton
Also nominated: Robert Hill and Paige Allen
ODESSA
COLBY WILSON
A 3.74 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 32nd in a class of 160. Earned four varsity letters in football and wrestling and one in track and field. Defensive player of the year and Bobby Bell award finalist in 2019. Placed at state wrestling senior season. Involved in youth program at First Baptist Church.
College: University of Central Missouri
Also nominated: Abigail King and Bryley Ray
OLATHE EAST
HARRY TJADEN
A 3.96 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 27th in class. Earned four varsity letters in swimming and diving and two in cross country. Twice 500 freestyle state champion. Also finished first in state on several relay teams. Participated in student council.
College: Wyoming
Also nominated: Liz Wasinger and Emily Bachelor
OLATHE NORTH
MANAS MADHIRA
A 4.57 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked sixth in a class of 496. Earned three varsity letters in tennis. Three-time state qualifier in tennis. 2017 National Doubles Championship Sportsmanship Award. Captain of Science Olympiad. Marching band. Scholars Bowl. National Honor Society.
College: undecided
Also nominated: Eylia Love and Jayme Dean
OLATHE NORTHWEST
BROOKE ILLUM
A 4.31 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 40th in a class of 519. Earned four varsity letters in gymnastics and swimming and diving. State gymnastics champion in the all-around, vault and floor in 2019. Four-time state qualifier in swimming and diving. Raven Services Club. National Honor Society.
College: Naval Academy
Also nominated: Ashton Dain and Caden Howard
OLATHE SOUTH
DANI WINSLOW
A 3.77 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 108th in a class of 483. Earned four varsity letters in basketball and track and field. Three-year captain in basketball. KBCA player of the year finalist. Three-time state medalist in the 300-meter hurdles. Grace Church nursery volunteer. Peer mentor for students with special needs.
College: Missouri State
Also nominated: Jacob English and Kianna Skinner
OLATHE WEST
BRETT SEATON
A 4.49 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked second in a class of 279. Earned two varsity letters in tennis. Kansas Class 5A state champion in 2018 and 6A runner-up in 2019. Participated in student council. LINK crew member. National Honor Society.
College: UConn
Also nominated: Wyatt Sharpe and Lindy Milkowski
ORRICK
ABBY NAIL
A 3.73 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked fourth in a class of 18. Earned four varsity letters in basketball and volleyball and three in cheerleading. First team all-conference and first team all-district in volleyball. National Honor Society president. Student council vice-president.
College: Missouri
OSAWATOMIE
JUSTIN BRADLEY
A 3.9 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked ninth in a class of 80. Earned four varsity letters in swimming, three in track and field and two in cross country. Three-time conference champion in the 500 freestyle and two-time state qualifier. Student council co-president. National Honor Society vice president.
College: Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
Also nominated: Grace Hendrickson and Thaid Timblin
PAOLA
ELIZABETH HERMES
A 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. Ranked first in a class of 146. Earned four varsity letters in cross country and three in track. Two-time state qualifier in cross country. First team all-region in cross country in 2019. Student council vice-president. Over 90 hours of community service. National Honor Society
College: Kansas State
Also nominated: Clayton Essex
PARK HILL
TREY CRAWFORD
A 4.02 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked 68th in a class of 432. Earned four varsity letters in wrestling. Placed fifth, third and second at state wrestling tournament. Mentored other athletes. Was a strong advocate for the girls wrestling program.
College: Missouri
PARK HILL SOUTH
QUENTIN WORLEY
A 3.92 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Earned four varsity letters in track and field and three in cross country. School record in the 3,200-meter relay. Individual state qualifier in cross country. Eagle Scout. Honored by Parkville for service project with the nature sanctuary.
College: Missouri
Also nominated: Chloe Norris and Chan’Tice Phillips
PEMBROKE HILL
AUDREY LU
An A+ on an A+/F scale. Earned four varsity letters in volleyball and three in swimming and soccer. First team all-district in volleyball. State qualifier in the 200 medley relay. Dartmouth College Book Award. National Merit Commended.
College: undecided
Also nominated: Nora Sjue and Ty Toney
PIPER
GRACE BANES
A 4.13 GPA on a 4.0 weighted scale. Ranked 11th in a class of 117. Earned four varsity letters in basketball and three in softball. All-state in softball. All-state in basketball. State runner-up in basketball and softball. Officiates youth basketball leagues.
College: Iowa
Also nominated: Rylie Porter
PLATTE COUNTY
GABE HARMON
A 4.18 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Earned three varsity letters in football and wrestling. First team all-state and first team all-conference. Honorable mention all-conference in wrestling senior season. National Honor Society. Participated in the R.O.C.K. character program.
College: Missouri
Also nominated: Will Hay and Addi Long
PLEASANT HILL
RACHEL WILHOIT
A 4.38 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked second in a class of 163. Earned two varsity letters in softball. Academic all-conference and academic all-state. All-state in choir. Gold rating at state music contest. Students Against Destructive Decisions officer. Planted trees as a service project. National Honor Society.
College: Missouri
Also nominated: Jayden Reyes and Hunter Fannin
PLEASANT RIDGE
CAITLYN HERBIG
A 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked first in a class of 46. Earned four varsity letters in basketball and softball. Was always willing to help classmates, one nominator said, and her hard work in the classroom and sports set a good example for teammates. One of three Pleasant Ridge valedictorians.
College: undecided
Also nominated: Logan Beying
RAYMORE-PECULIAR
BRADEN ZANER
A 4.05 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 31st in a class of 386. Earned four varsity letters in cross country, three in track and field. Placed fourth at state cross country in 2019. Two-time all-state. School record-holder in distance medley relay. National Honor Society. Red Cross Club. Coordinated Volunteer Day at Heart-n-Hand Ministries.
College: Pittsburg State
Also nominated: Gabriel Sappington and Gracyn Kloth
RAYTOWN
MARISSA POOLE
A 4.15 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked 14th in a class of 318. Earned three varsity letters in soccer and volleyball. Second team all-conference in volleyball. Academic all-state in volleyball in 2019. Team captain in volleyball. Kansas Scholar recipient. Math Club.
College: Washington University
Also nominated: Taylor Iverson and Lillian Rhodes
RAYTOWN SOUTH
REBEKAH NUNN
A 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked fifth in a class of 250. Earned four varsity letters in cross country and swimming and three in track and field. Sectional qualifier in cross country. Second in conference in 100 backstroke. Missouri Girls State. National Honor Society.
College: Longview
Also nominated: Ciara Corley and Derek Porter
RICHMOND
ABIGAIL VANDIVER
A 4.01 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked fifth in a class of 86. Earned four varsity letters in softball, two in basketball and track and field. Two-time all-conference in softball. Conference defensive player of the year in 2017 and offensive player of the year in 2019. National Honor Society president. Senior class president. Cadet teaching.
College: William Jewell
Also nominated: Colby Stigall and Natalee Weber
ROCKHURST
WESLEY PORTER
A 3.97 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Earned three varsity letters in cross country and two in track and field. State champion in cross country. Holds school record in the 5,000. Recorded third-fastest time ever and course record at state meet. Weekly driver for church. Mission trips to Costa Rica, Cambodia. National Honor Society.
College: University of Virginia
Also nominated: Dylan Nill and Tommy Eckels
RUSKIN
EDGAR FLORES
A 3.11 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 75th in a class of 241. Earned four varsity letters in soccer. Second team all-conference in 2019. All-district defender in 2019. Student council representative. Leadership 20/20. National Honor Society.
College: Metropolitan Community College
Also nominated: Zakeria Blount and Mujahid Smith
ST. JAMES ACADEMY
KATIE MOORE
A 99.5 GPA on a 100 scale. Earned four varsity letters in cross country, three in track and field. Finished second at state cross country as senior, third as sophomore. Part of state-title XC team in 2017 and state-title track team as junior. National Honor Society. St James Greenhouse manager. Over 130 hours of community service.
College: Iowa
Also nominated: Daniel Schermerhorn and Maureen Reilly
ST. MICHAEL’S
ABIGAIL SALANSKI
A 4.76 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked fourth in a class of 69. Earned varsity letters in volleyball and soccer and three in basketball. Three-year team captain in volleyball. Made first team all-district in volleyball, soccer and basketball. National Honor Society. Christian Leadership Community captain. Spanish National Honor Society.
College: Rockhurst University
Also nominated: Lucy O’Connor and Justin House
ST. PIUS X
KATE PARRISH
A 4.28 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Earned four varsity letters in cross country and soccer and one in basketball. Two-team all-state in soccer. Qualified for state in junior year. Class president. National Honor Society. Student ambassador.
College: Missouri
Also nominated: Lauren Widman and Edward Omecene
ST. TERESA’S ACADEMY
BROOKE FALLIS
A 99.37 GPA on a 100 scale. Earned four varsity letters in soccer and swimming/diving. Helped soccer team reach quarterfinals in 2018. As a senior, had four state-qualifying times in swimming. Founder of Relay for Life at St. Teresa’s, helping school raise $20,000-plus. Over 90 hours of community service. National Honor Society.
College: Tulsa
Also nominated: Elise McGhie and Macie Washington
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
ISAIAH GAVIN
Earned three varsity letters in football and two in basketball and track and field. A member of the 2018 state-championship football team. Qualified for state in track in 2019 in the 1,600-meter relay. Volunteered at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.
College: West Point
Also nominated: Claire Thomas and Danny Eckerberg
SCHLAGLE
CAMILLE EVANS
A 3.71 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 12th in a class of 223. Earned four varsity letters in basketball and three in track and field. Three-time all-conference selection in basketball and helped team to two state-tournament appearances. State qualifier in sprints in track. National Honor Society.
College: Missouri Western
Also nominated: Kendall Brewer and Alia Green
SHAWNEE MISSION EAST
BROOKLYN BECK
A 4.6 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Earned four varsity letters in gymnastics, three in track and field and two in cross country. Seventh place all-around in 2019 and eighth place all-around in 2018. Qualified for state in cross country in 2019. FCA. National Honor Society. Advent Health Hospital volunteer.
College: Creighton
Also nominated: Josephine McCray and Jack Slaughter
SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH
HARDEN BOLDT
A 4.7 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked fourth in class of 315. Earned three varsity letters in swimming/diving, two in cross country, one in track and field. Part of three school records on swim-relay teams. Member of cross country team that finished fourth at state. DECA president. NJROTC national qualifier. National Honor Society.
College: Naval Academy
Also nominated: Alex Williams and Madison Koller
SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST
TY LINDENMAN
A 4.21 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked 58th in a class of 340. Earned three varsity letters in football and basketball and two in baseball. Nominee for Kansas Gatorade football player of the year award. First team all-state in football. FCA. Cougars Caring for the Community.
College: Illinois
Also nominated: Scott Klein and Rylee Garrett
SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH
TYLER WISSELL
A 3.53 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Earned three varsity letters in football, two in basketball and tennis. Elected team captain in all three sports. Never had a bad snap in his three years as long-snapper, one nominator said. DECA chapter president. LINK crew.
College: undecided
Also nominated: Simone Kohl and Mariana Ochoa-Guerra
SHAWNEE MISSION WEST
ASHLYN HENRIE
A 4.70 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked 14th in a class of 362. Earned four varsity letters in soccer and basketball. Captain for soccer and basketball teams. Member of 2018 regional championship team. Ranked third in conference in steals in basketball. National Honor Society. Westside Family Church volunteer.
College: Southern Illinois
Also nominated: Hannah Silverstein and William Frankel
SMITHVILLE
MASON HEDGECORTH
A 4.2 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked 12th in a class of 223. Earned four varsity letters in football and wrestling. Academic all-state in football. State qualifier in wrestling in 2019 and helped team to fourth-place finish at state meet. National Honor Society.
College: Missouri
Also nominated: Mahlee Wohlford and Rylee Ambroson
SOUTHEAST
DRE’ONA FRIDAY
A 3.4 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked ninth in a class of 164. Earned a varsity letter in volleyball and three in cheerleading. Team captain of cheer senior year. Attended Hawaii cheer camp in 2018. A school leader because of her dedication in classroom and athletics while working outside of school, one nominator said.
College: undecided
SPRING HILL
AVERY ANDERSON
A 3.64 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 40th in a class of 168. Earned four varsity letters in track and basketball, three in volleyball and two in softball. State qualifier in the long jump. Freshman class president. National Honor Society. Yearbook. LINKS crew leader.
College: Northwest Missouri State
Also nominated: Alex Johnson
STALEY
HAYDEN GREGG
A 3.98 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 22nd in a class of 377. Earned three varsity letters in football, wrestling and track and field. Simone and Buck Buchanan finalist. Two-time first-team all-state in football. State qualifier in wrestling as 2019 team finished third. FCA. National Honor Society. Two years in How to Life Movement.
College: Colorado School of Mines
Also nominated: Alexandra Hamre and Jack Warner
SUMMIT CHRISTIAN
RILEY PAINTER
A 4.0 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked ninth in a class of 63. Earned four varsity letters in basketball, three in soccer and one in softball. Regional offensive player of year in soccer. Two-time captain in basketball; helped team to first conference title in school history. Twice student council president. National Honor Society.
College: Arkansas
Also nominated: Jake McIlhaney
SUMNER ACADEMY
KELVIN BELL
A 3.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 32 in a class of 172. Earned two varsity letters in cross country and one in track and field. Lead programmer for robotics team. Eagle Scout.
College: Kansas State
TONGANOXIE
CONNOR SEARCY
A 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked first in class. Earned four varsity letters in football and wrestling. First team all-state. Bobby Bell award nominee. Placed fourth at state wrestling tournament in 2018. National Honor Society. Kansas Honor Scholar.
College: Washburn
Also nominated: Jake Edholm
TRUMAN
KARA AMOS
A 3.89 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 34th in a class of 354. Earned four varsity letters in softball. Holds three single-season records — batting average, hits and doubles — and career record in doubles. Four year all-conference. Yearbook editor. National Honor Society. Student council president.
College: Missouri Southern
Also nominated: Aaron Porter
TURNER
HANNAH HUYETT
A 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked first in a class of 179. Earned two varsity letters in basketball, softball and volleyball. National Honor Society. National Honor Society vice-president. Yearbook managing editor.
College: Kansas State
Also nominated: Jeremiah Coleman
UNIVERSITY ACADEMY
JAYDEN JOHNSON
A 3.56 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked sixth in a class of 50. Earned three varsity letters in football and track and field. All-conference in football. Team captain in football. National Honor Society. Spent time in Albania through Student Diplomacy Corp.
College: Wichita State
Also nominated: Ariyonna Baston
VAN HORN
BREANNAH PACE
A 4.51 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked second in a class of 203. Earned four varsity letters in basketball, cross country and soccer. Team captain in all three sports. Three-time conference medalist in cross country. Student council representative. McCoy Academic award.
College: Kansas State
Also nominated: Caleb Tanis
WASHINGTON
DESHAE GONZALEZ
A 3.9 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked sixth in a class of 243. Earned three varsity letters in track and field and two in basketball. Team captain in both sports. Conference champion in the high jump. Section leader in marching band. Air Force JROTC. Over 70 hours of community service.
College: Park University
Also nominated: Mekhi Brening and Benjamin Van
WEST PLATTE
VICTORIA NORMAN
A 3.94 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked third in a class of 40. Earned four varsity letters in track and field and three in volleyball and basketball. Team captain in all three sports. Academic all-state in volleyball and track. Placed second in state in the 800-meter relay. FCA. Science club president. National Honor Society. FBLA member.
College: Iowa State
Also nominated: Faith Stevens and Coy Taylor
WILLIAM CHRISMAN
EVELYN BOUGHAN
A 4.16 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. Ranked 12th in a class of 294. Earned four varsity letters in cross country and track and field. All-conference junior year in track and field and all-conference senior year in cross country. Team captain in both sports. French National Honor Society. McCoy Award winner. ACE club volunteer.
College: Missouri
Also nominated: Samuel Hawley and Mallory McGraw
WINNETONKA
HAYDEN SHAY
A 3.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 16th in a class of 324. Earned four varsity letters in football and three in baseball. Two-time all-conference defensive back and two-time all-conference catcher. Academic all-state in both sports. National Honor Society. Renaissance mentor to underclassmen. Sportsmanship council.
College: Truman State
Also nominated: Allison Schoonbeck
WYANDOTTE
BAO YANG
A 3.93 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Ranked 15th in a class 287. Earned four varsity letters in volleyball and two in soccer. First team all-district senior year in volleyball after making second team all-district junior year. KC Scholar. LINK crew. KCKCC culinary arts team.
College: Kansas City Kansas Community College
Also nominated: Sarai Tinajero-Isidro and Kevin Munoz
This story was originally published June 7, 2020 at 5:00 AM.