Scholarships

My name is Jasmine Morey and I will be graduating from Hiawatha High School. Throughout high school, I have been involved in a multitude of activities and have held multiple leadership positions. These include being in cross country, track, forensics, president of Red Hawk Readers, treasurer of International Club, and student council representative for National Honor Society. I love to run, read, and play with my dogs in my free time. I plan to attend Kansas State University and study Pre-Veterinary Medicine this fall. Thank you to the committee for selecting me for your scholarship.

My name is Laura Meyer and I recently graduated from St. John’s Catholic High School. I am the fourth of seven children, and the only thing I care about more than them is my Catholic faith. Throughout high school participated in many activities, including cross country, cheerleading, National Honor Society, and Student Council. In the fall I plan to attend Benedictine College in Atchison and dual major in Secondary Education and Math. I am thrilled to begin this next chapter of my life, and I am extremely grateful to the scholarship committee for their generous support.

My name is Matthew Krainbill, I am an active student at my high school and member of my community. I participated on our debate squad for three years and was highly involved with our band program taking part in Marching Band for four years as well as multiple years in Concert, Symphonic and Jazz bands. I also served my community through 4-H for 12 years taking an active leadership role in the Dog Performance project where I worked on the State Action Team and as a Judge for various dog shows. In January I began training as a volunteer firefighter for Shawnee County and plan to use it as a means of civil service into adulthood. I am a senior at Washburn Rural this year and will be graduating from high school and Washburn Tech with my EMT license in May. Next semester I will be attending K-State Polytechnic where I will be completing my Professional Pilot’s Degree by 2023.

My name is Rachel Weis. I am 18 years old, and recently graduated from Smoky Valley High School. During high school, I kept active by participating in National Honors Society, KAY club, STUCO, studio dance, and National Honors Society for Dance Arts. Upon graduating, I received the Highest Honors award at my school and was selected as a Kansas Scholar Designee for completing the Kansas Scholar Curriculum. Next fall, I will be attending the University of Kansas and majoring in Atmospheric Science.

When I was younger I was the go to guy when my family needed a smaller hand or smaller person to work on machinery. For example, my grandpa once needed to get a wrench into a tight spot to get out a bolt, yet his hand was too big. This is when I would be called out to get my small and dexterous hands into that small area. I would finally get back to the house covered in oil and grime, but I loved fixing things so I did not care. Another experience I remember vividly is how I was always needed to grease the skid loader. One grease zerk was infamous for being a pain. It was difficult to get to because it was deep inside the engine and the crankshaft had to be in the perfect position to grease it. I was persistent each time and once I did finally get the zerk in the right position, I used my slender arms to reach it. It took a while and my arm was always black with grease or oil when I was done. These experiences sparked my interest in mechanics, and they made me feel better about myself since no one was able to do the same thing because of my size. The best feeling during my childhood, was when I thought of a way to get past an obstacle that I couldn’t overcome, like the zerk. I was born in Sabetha, Kansas on March 27, 2001. I was a larger baby, weighing about 8.9 pounds, but since then I have been on the smaller side of life. Now I’m graduating high school a five-foot seven-inch, 120 pound, joyful teenager. Although I am short, I still can compete intellectually with my classmates and was third in my class. Since my time in high school I have expanded my knowledge of auto mechanics. I still find the same enjoyment as I did as a kid when working on a vehicle. Since I liked cars I took automotive classes every year I could and I have shadowed multiple mechanics. Luckily, I landed a job at Durland Auto Parts, your hometown NAPA store. Little did I know that my intelligence would be a setback. After becoming set on the auto mechanic career, I started to hear a question that made me put deep thought into my decision to pursue this career. “But you’re so smart, why do you want to be a mechanic?”. This question has makes me doubt my choice of career. With research, I found out that mechanics seem to be known for their lack of intelligence. People also said, “Have you ever seen a happy mechanic?”, implying that all mechanics are grumpy, making little money, and in pain. However, following much thinking I realized why I liked mechanics. The auto mechanic trade is very large, yet finding a qualified worker is getting harder. Therefore, if I enter this field, I will have a job. Also, I like to work on my own, which mechanics do all the time. Don’t get me wrong, I like to work with people every so often, but working on a car alone is very calming. The reason that really sends it home is all the cool cars I can work on and the fact that the job is not tedious. Realizing all these reasons is why mechanics is still my primary choice for a future career. Eventually, I want to make a difference in the mechanic career field. With the proper education, I can go into a few jobs in this career field. For example, I could be a mechanic, shop owner, or if I really want to put the time in, maybe design cars. How I could change the career is by becoming the “first happy mechanic”, or show that intelligent people can be mechanics and still be happy. I am hoping to start my journey by going to NCK Tech. I plan to get my Associate’s Degree in auto mechanics while working myself though schooling. Once I get that degree, I will decide whether or not I want to continue my education so I can have more credentials to open the possibility of becoming an owner of a dealership. Following my schooling I hope to find a job and begin my adult life. Who knew being forced to help fix a vehicle as a small kid, would create a love for a career?

My name is Melissa Filkin. I have recently graduated from Council Grove High School in Council Grove, KS. While in high school, I have participated in many activities including being the president of Future Business Leaders of America, the president of the Spanish Club, and the secretary for the National Honors Society. Also, I have been a part of the volleyball and softball teams during my freshman through senior year. Being active in clubs and athletics have allowed me to gain excellent leadership and teamwork skills. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, exercising at the gym, and being adventurous outdoors. In August of 2018, I plan to attend Kansas State University and major in Accounting, while minoring in Applied Exercise.

My name is Abria Fisher. I live in Quinter, KS and am enrolled in Quinter High School. Throughout school I have made sure I got involved with as many clubs as I could. I participated in Kansas Association for Youth, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, National Honors Society, basketball, volleyball, track, cheerleading, scholar’s bowl and Q-club. Through these activities, I have been given multiple opportunities to develop leadership skills. On top of all my school activities I have been working at the local Dairy Queen for over three years. When I am not working or participating in any activities, I am often found drawing, or learning a new song on my ukulele or keyboard. Fall of 2018 I plan to attend the University of Kansas to major in Music Therapy.

My name is Jana Rosich. I am currently enrolled at Paola High School in Paola, KS. While in high school, I have been active in many extracurricular activities including National Honor Society, tennis, track, cross country, volleyball, and developmental leadership. Because of my involvement in developmental leadership, I have been given the opportunity to help out with many service projects in the community such as Camp Out for Cash and Rural Homelessness Awareness fundraisers. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, and running. This fall I plan to attend Kansas State University to major in kinesiology and pre-health professions.

My name is Lorraine Lowrey and I am a current senior at El Dorado High School. In the fall of 2017, I will be attending Wichita State University with the intent to major in Civil Engineering Technology. I chose to major in civil engineering after spending the past summer as an intern with El Dorado Public Utility in the water and wastewater departments. I describe myself as a determined and strong willed person. I am the current president of the KAY club (Kansas Association for Youth) at my high school. I am also in National Honors Society, Student Council, and Student Safety Council. I have also been in two academics clubs: Science Olympiad and Robotics. Thank you to the selection committee for picking me. Thank you for investing in my future.

My name is Michaela Loewen. I am a senior at Ingalls High School in Ingalls, KS. In the fall of 2017, I will be attending Colby Community College pursuing a major in General Business. After attending Colby, I plan to go to a four-year college to major in Marketing and hope to one day become a Sports Marketer. In my free time, I play golf with my dad but I also enjoy reading and hanging out with my friends and family. During high school, I have participated in boy’s golf all four years and have been a member of the National Honor Society during my junior and senior years.

My name is Crystal Bliss. I am currently enrolled at Logan High School in Logan, KS. While in high school, I have been a part of many activities including National Honor Society, dance, cheer, FCA, KAY, volleyball, track, StuCo, math relays, scholar’s bowl, youth group, and TFC. Because of my involvement in TFC I also have been given the opportunity to go on two mission trips. In my free time, I enjoy camping, baking, and spending time with friends and family. This fall I plan on attending Fort Hays State University to major in Athletic Training.

My name is Brooklynn Guion. I am a senior at Emporia High School in Emporia, KS. In the fall of 2017 I will be attending Flint Hills Technical College to pursue my plans of becoming a dental hygienist. I will be attending the dental assisting program in the fall. Throughout high school I have participated in Student Council, Class Board, Spartan Club, Vice President of Psychology Club, President of Wildlife and Backpacking Club, volleyball team freshman year, swim team and state qualifier/medalist all four years. I am very grateful to receive this scholarship to help pursue my career goals. 

My name is Gwendolyn Sibley. I am a senior at Anderson County Junior/Senior High School in Garnett, KS. In the fall of 2016, I will be attending Kansas University pursuing a major in English Liturature. I hope to someday have a career as an editor and publish books. I adore reading, listening to music, watching movies, and anything else with a story. I have dedicated a large amount of my time to my school’s drama club, where I have assisted with and acted in plays and musicals for the past four years and held leadership positions including reporter and publicity director. I have also been a member of the scholar bowl team as well as state qualifying cross country runner and pole vaulter.

My name is Hayley Taylor and I graduated from Wheatland High School in Grainfield, KS. I will be attending Barton County Community College in Great Bend, KS in the fall. My major will be Early Childhood Education, in the hopes of one day owning my own daycare. In high school, I participated in art, vocal, scholars bowl, yearbook/journalism, cheerleading and golf. I would like to thank the scholarship committee for helping me continue my education by awarding me the Kansas Association of Directors of Plant Facilities Scholarship

My name is Kacie Engel. I currently attend Hays High School in Hays, KS as a senior. I plan to attend Kansas State University in the fall and my major is undecided. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching TV series, shopping, and being with my friends and family. During high school, I have participated in cheerleading for all four years and have been a member of National Honor Society during my junior and senior years. I am grateful for receiving this scholarship to help continue my schooling and would like to thank the scholarship committee.

My name is Riley Angleton and I am a senior at Erie High School. At Erie High, I am currently involved in many activities. This year I am serving as Student Council President and Senior Class Vice President. I am also involved in Kay Club, FCA and FFA. Outside of school, I am involved in the Erie Federated Church Youth Group, Lucky 13 4-H Club and the Neosho County 4-H Council. I am President of both the Lucky 13 4-H Club and Neosho County 4-H Council. This summer, I will be going to Norway on a month-long exchange trip through 4-H in partnership with Kansas International Foreign Youth Exchange Program (IFYE). My plans after high school are to attend Kansas State University to major in Agri-Business Management.

My name is Brandon Bradshaw and I graduated from Kingman High School. Throughout high school I have been involved in basketball, football, golf and FBLA. After high school I plan to attend Hutchinson Community College and study to become a Physical Therapist. I would like to give a big thank you to the scholarship committee for choosing me as a recipient of the Kansas Association of Directors of Plant Facilities Scholarship.

I am Julianna Smarsh. High school was a great experience that taught me to put my best foot forward in my endeavors. I graduated from Andale High School in the Renwick School District on May 10, 2015 in the top 10% of my class. I spent my senior year as the President of both the Drama Club and the Concert Choir. I also participated in many other activities such as National Honor Society, Forensics, Band, and Odyssey of the Mind. I was an All-State musician my sophomore, junior, and senior years qualifying me to sing in the State of Kansas Honor Choir. At the close of my senior year, I received from the faculty of Andale High School the Outstanding Student Award for Theatre and the Outstanding Student Award for Music. In the fall, I will be attending Southwestern College in Winfield majoring in Accounting in hopes of becoming a Certified Public Accountant. I would like to thank you for helping me continue in my education by awarding me the Kansas Association of Directors of Plant Facilities Scholarship.

My name is Leora Beth Seiler and I graduated from Conway Springs High School with honors and as Valedictorian of my class. I currently live on my family’s farm in Garden Plain, Kansas. While in high school I was involved in many activities including volleyball, track, FCCLA, NHS, and I was also a class officer for four years. I also was involved in my community by being a youth soccer coach for two years, and playing club volleyball for two years. In the fall, I plan on attending Emporia State University majoring in secondary education with a focus in physics and biology. I would really like to thank the scholarship committee in choosing me to be awarded with the honor of this scholarship as I am most grateful and appreciative.

My name is Chris Willette and I graduated from Wamego High School. I was recognized as being a State Scholar as well as an Honor Student. In my high school career I participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America, Cross Country, Track, and Band. I was also a Boy Scout and volunteered many hours to my community. This fall I will be attending Kansas State University to major in Architectural Engineering. I am very grateful for receiving this scholarship and would like to thank the scholarship committee

My name is Trevor Rosine and I graduated from Santa Fe Trail High School. I currently live in Scranton, Kansas with my parents, Craig and Belinda Rosine. While at Santa Fe Trail I was involved in many different activities, such as: Cross Country, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Band, Jazz Band, and Students Against Destructive Decisions. Not only was I involved in school activities, but I was also involved in the community and earned over 250 hours of community service. In my senior class I was in the top ten percent and received outstanding senior male student. Next year I plan on attending Central Christian College of Kansas, located in McPherson, Kansas, and I will be majoring in Youth and Pastoral Ministry. I would like to thank scholarship committee for choosing me as a recipient of the Kansas Association of Directors of Plant Facilities Scholarship.

My name is Emily Brack. I attend Hill City Junior Senior High School. I will graduate May 17, 2014 in the top 1/3 of my class. Throughout high school, I have done many activities such as; KAY, FFA, FCCLA, Pep Club, Pep Band, and a manager for Football and Boys Basketball. After high school, I will be attending Fort Hays State University majoring in Nursing. I plan to obtain a degree as a Nurse Practitioner or a Physical Therapist. In my free time, I enjoy taking pictures and videos of everything, and being in yearbook is something I enjoy as well. I would like to give a big thanks to the scholarship committee for choosing me as a recipient of the Kansas Association of Directors of Plant Facilities Scholarship.

My name is Breanne Kruse and I am graduating from Hays High School. I have been involved in FFA, Dance Team, 4H, and National Honor Society throughout my high school. I plan to attend Kansas State University and major in pre-veterinary medicine with the future goal of being accepted into Vet School there. I love animals and horses and grew up on a farm. I also enjoy reading and writing and dancing is a passion of mine. I would like to thank the scholarship committee for selecting me to receive K.A.D.P.F. scholarship. I greatly appreciate it and will use it to help me reach my goals.

Hi my name is Evan Warta. I am a Senior at Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School. I grew up on a farm in rural Ellsworth County. I have an older brother. As a high school student, I chose to take elective classes in Woods and Agriculture technology. I enjoyed building deck chairs in my woods class. My Ag Tech classes focused on welding and small engines. I enjoy working on mechanical projects and rebuilding engines. In my spare time, I have restored a 1961 GMC truck. I did the mechanical restoration on the motor and I did the body repair work in the truck. I also restored the interior to look like new. I was also an active FFA member at my school. During my senior year, I also attend Salina Area Technical School for half of the day and began working on an Auto Body Collision Repair certificate. After high school graduation, I plan to continue my education at Salina Area Technical School in the Diesel Mechanics program. I would like to work as a mechanic for Carrico Implement after Vo-Tech School. My hobbies include riding 4-wheelers, going to the lake for boating and wake boarding, and spending time with my family and friends. I would like to thank the Kansas Association of Directors of Plant Facilities for this scholarship.

My name is Camille Adams. My father has worked as a custodian at his school in Maize, Kansas where 8 of the 9 years he’s been the head custodian. This gave me the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and also to attend school at Maize High School. Throughout high school, I’ve taken a challenging curriculum with many honors and college classes. I’ve been involved with band and National Honors Society and am graduating as a Kansas Honor Scholar. I’m enrolled to attend Kansas State University to pursue becoming a veterinarian through an animal sciences and industry major. My family and I are very grateful for KADPF choosing me as a recipient for this scholarship. It will help me pursue my dreams and I’ll use it to make the best of every opportunity.

My name is Madison Weingartner. I have been attending the Goddard School District since third grade. I graduated May 21, 2013 in the top ten percent of my class. While attending, I have done many activities such as; KAY, NHS, Spirit Club, Spanish Club, Science Club, Circle of Friends, Soccer for four years and cross country for two years. After high school, I will be attending Wichita State University majoring in Chemistry/Pre-Med in hopes of becoming a dentist. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, watching hockey and going bowling. I would like to thank the scholarship committee for choosing me as a recipient of the Kansas Association of Directors of Plant Facilities Scholarship.

My name is Tyler J. O’Briant. I am a recent honors graduate of Tonganoxie High School where I was highly involved in Theatre, Forensics and several mentoring programs. I was a member of the National Honor Society, a Kansas State Scholar, Kansas Scholars Curriculum Completer, THS nominee for the Prudential Spirit of Community competition and received the Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding Community Service. Most of my spare time was spent volunteering at Children’s Mercy Hospital where I served as Teen Advisory Board president and helped facilitate many new programs that benefit patients of all ages. This fall I’ll be attending Kansas State University majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Leadership Studies. I’ve been accepted into the Honors program, selected as a Premier scholarship finalist for the Nancy Landon Kassebaum competition and was selected to receive the K-State Civic Leadership scholarship for my book drive program at Children’s Mercy Hospital. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and the opportunity to continue my aim for excellence and to making a difference in the community. My father is Thomas O’Briant, Head Custodian at Glenwood Ridge Elementary in the Basehor-Linwood school district, and being selected as a recipient for the K.A.D.P.F scholarship will help me achieve those goals and I greatly appreciate the impact it will make toward it. Thank you!

My name is Danelle Hoard. I graduated from Sylvan-Lucas Unified Junior/Senior High School in Sylvan Grove, Kansas. My father has been the custodian and head of building maintenance for the school district for around nine years. I plan to attend North Central Kansas Technical College and major in Business Management. I will achieve my Associate’s Degree and then I will return home to Sylvan Grove to run the family business. My family loves our community, and in a time when many small towns are fading away, it is my desire to come back to my hometown to help encourage growth. I truly appreciate the KADPF for this scholarship and the opportunity it is providing for me.

My name is Meggie Hall, and I am currently a senior at Sabetha High School. Throughout high school I have participated in basketball for four years, and this year, during my third year of tennis, I placed sixth at the 3-2-1A State Tennis Tournament. Apart from athletics, I have also been involved in various clubs and activities such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Grains for Hope, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, International Club, and Business Club. I am also the vice president of National Honor Society, and I have been a member of the school show choirs for four years. In my free time I enjoy playing sports, singing, playing the guitar and piano, and spending time with family and friends. In the fall I will attend Kansas State University, major in dietetics, and one day pursue a career as a registered dietitian. I would like to thank you for choosing me as a scholarship recipient and for helping me further my education.

My name is Troy Bland. I am a senior and I attend Sylvan-Lucas Unified Jr/Sr High School in Sylvan Grove, Kansas. After high school I plan to attend Fort Hays State University, but I am undecided on a major, though I am leaning towards a major in secondary education and coaching high school sports. I have played football and basketball all four years of high school and received All League honor in both my junior and senior years. I have also participated in Scholar’s Bowl and am a member of the National Honor Society. Last summer, I participated in the American Legion Boy’s State of Kansas. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, watching Denver Broncos football games, and being with my friends.

I am Amy Smarsh, and my high school career has been eventful, enjoyable, and successful. As an involved student, I strive for excellence in everything that I do. Most of my interests are within the realm of fine arts, such as painting, acting, singing, costuming, and playing my ukulele. I enjoy sharing my talents with others, and therefore I am heavily involved in my school, including involvement in drama, Odyssey of the Mind, National Honor Society, scholar’s bowl, art club, and forensics. Also, for the past year, I have been working in customer service at Baskin Robbins. In the little spare time that I do have, I enjoy spending time with my family, my friends, and my boyfriend. Next year I plan to attend Fort Hays State University in hopes of attaining a degree in education, so that I may help the next generation to achieve their goals.

My name is Alexis Johnson. I have been attending Onaga since 7th grade. I will graduate May 19 as 8th in my class out of 22. While in high school, I have been an active member of Student Council, KAYS, and basketball for 3 years, Forensics for 2 years, and on the newspaper and yearbook staff for 4 years. After high school, I plan to enroll in the Practical Nursing Program at Flint Hills Technical College in Emporia. As a high school student, I have taken many college classes as prerequisites for Nursing. I have also had a job throughout high school at the local hospital as a Certified Nurse Aide. In my free time, I enjoy being around family and friends, playing sports, reading, and baking. I would like to thank the scholarship committee for choosing me as a recipient of the Kansas Association of Directors of Plant Facilities Scholarship.

My name is Courtney Liebl. I am currently a Senior at Claflin Jr./Sr. High School in Claflin, Kansas and will graduate on May 22. I plan to attend Kansas State University in the fall and pursue a degree in Broadcast Communications. In my free time I enjoy reading, playing sports, playing with my dog, hanging out with friends, and visiting my aunt and cousins. I have participated in basketball for 4 years, tennis for 3 years, All-School Play for 3 years, Scholar’s Bowl for 2 years, Stuco for 3 years and Band for 2 years.

James Neilson was born on August 17, 1992. He attended high school at Rock Hills in Mankato, KS. His mother is a custodian for the Rock Hills school district, and his father is a farmer. James took part of many different school activities. He has participated in band all four years of high school, and had competed in district band contest three years and went on to the state level twice. James also competed in forensics all four years and was in the all school play all four years. Some of James’s hobbies include listening to music from all over the world, playing video games that involve puzzle solving and strategizing, and watching anime, which is animation that comes from Japan. James is going to Sterling College with theatre as his intended major.

My name is Melissa A. Lopez.I was born and raised in Garden City, KS, to Daniel and Anna Lopez. I have three sisters and one brother, for which I have 14 nieces and nephews. I am the youngest of my siblings and am the first to continue on to college. My mother has been working for USD 457 school district as a custodian for 18 years now. She is the reason I had the opportunity to receive this scholarship. I know my parents are very proud and I know my and dad are truly happy for their hard work to give me the opportunity. Things I enjoy doing are cooking, reading, staying active, and spending time with my family and friends. Throughout my high school career, I have accomplished many things that have made me a better person and an exceptional leader. I have worked vigorously with my school curriculum, taking many honors courses and AP classes. I am very proud to be graduating from Garden City High School in the top ten percent of my class. I have also received other wards like being a Kansas Honor Scholar, receiving both academic and athletic letters (Track), and state and national gold medals in FCCLA ( Family Career and Community Leaders of America). Leadership positions I held were serving as treasurer for FCCLA and then lather becoming President for our chapter and District officer. I also severed as Treasurer for National Honors Society. I plan on attending Fort Hays University in the fall and pursuing a major in biology. With the biology degree I strive to be accepted into Optometry school. My ultimate dream is to own my own optometry practice. Throughout college I would like to pursue my interests in mentoring and tutoring students with my academic strengths. I participated as a student tutor at my high school, and a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and for this I found I have a passion to continue.