Arica (Shepard) (06) Ahlvers Passes Away

Arica Noel Ahlvers, 28, Topeka, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2017.

Arica was born May 1, 1988, in Chanute, Kansas, the daughter of Todd and Beth Cooper Shepard. The family moved to the Rossville area when Arica was in second grade. She graduated from Rossville High School in 2006. Arica had a love for all sports and was a three time All-American in volleyball at Emporia State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with an emphasis in Marketing and was an account manager for hibu. 

Arica and Cole Michael Ahlvers were united in marriage on August 20, 2011, and are the proud parents of Collins Ray Ahlvers. Arica was a wonderful wife, daughter, sister and friend, but most of all a loving and devoted mother.

Arica loved life and wanted to have fun but she also wanted everyone around her to have fun as well. It was always about the people around her. Arica was carefree and confident, had a heartfelt, contagious laugh and a beautiful smile made even more so when she lookied at Collins.

Grateful to have shared Arica’s life are her husband, Cole and daughter, Collins; her parents, Todd and Beth Shepard; twin sister, Ashley Spahn; brother, Justin Shepard; grandmother, Ada Bishop; father-in-law and mother-in-law Keith and Patricia Ahlvers; Cole’s grandparents, Dianne Ahlvers and Grant and Barbara Speaks; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jamie, Whitney and Wade Ahlvers and Matthew Spahn; and many other family and friends. Arica was preceded in death by her grandparents, James and Marilynn Shepard, Floyd Bishop and Raymond Ahlvers.

There will be a Memorial Service for Arica at 11 a.m. Friday at Christ the King Church, 25th and Wanamaker. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Collins Ray Ahlvers Fund at any Capital City Bank in Topeka or Lawrence. 

Arica Shepard Alvers Into KVA Hall Of Fame

Former Rossville Hiigh Volleyball Star Arica Shepard Ahlvers Selected to Kansas Volleyball Hall of Fame.   Click on the image below to read her many accomplishments.

Arica  Passed away very suddenly in 2017. You can resad about her death at:

https://rossvilleksalumninews.blogspot.com/search?q=shepard

You can also read many other articles about Arica by using the SEARCH feature at the upper left hand corner of the screen.

Davis Warton Academic All State

   Shawnee County teens with impressive academic skills, character and a desire to serve the community are members of the 2014 Topeka Capital-Journal All-State Academic Team.

    The four students from Shawnee County have cultivated their leadership skills in organizations both inside and outside their schools. Each also has shown a dedication to community service and good character, which has set them apart from their peers and impressed adults with whom they come in contact.
    One of the four selected for All-State Academic is   ROBERT ‘DAVIS’ WARTON  of ROSSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

    Rossville High School counselor Beth Shepard says Davis Warton is a “true leader” who has been an asset to the school during his four years there.

    This year, he has served as Student Council president, vice president of National Honor Society and captain of the school’s Scholars Bowl team.

    “Davis is an amazing young man with high moral character and honesty, integrity and sincerity that go unchallenged,” Shepard wrote in a recommendation.

    Warton said recently he enjoyed planning homecoming and special Christmas activities as Student Council president because they are important to his classmates.

    “I really enjoy getting to be part of the planning process for that,” he said.

    Shelly Wichman, who has taught Warton in multiple science classes, wrote that he leads by example and works hard in everything he does.

    Shephard agreed, writing that he is a positive role model for younger students.

    “Davis is always open-minded, respectful and accepting of others’ differences and will quickly step up to volunteer help when needed,” she said. “He is someone we can rely on, and often do, to help improve the climate of the school.”

    In Warton’s junior year, he took forensics because he needed an art credit to finish high school. As it turned out, he was good at it. He earned a spot that year on Rossville’s state forensics team, and he continued forensics as a senior.

    “It was outside the box for me,” Warton said. “Sports are kind of my thing, and that was almost the complete opposite of football. The difference made it fun.”

    Warton played football for four seasons and was selected as all-league first team and team captain his senior year. He was named an ACT Scholar and a Kansas State Scholar.

    Warton, the son of Bob and Gwen Warton and Randy and Jennifer Bush, will study pre-medicine at William Jewell College. He plans to become an anesthesiologist.

    “It seems like a challenge,” he said of the choice. “I enjoy a challenge, and I really enjoy studying science.”

Rossville's Robert "Davis" Warton practices his chip shot at St. Mary's Golf Course. Warton is the captain of his Scholar's Bowl team, plays golf and football, and is involved in a school group called "Take a Second Make a Difference" (TASMAD).

ESU Mourning Arica's Death

From CJ Online

Emporia State athletics is mourning the recent death of Arica Shepard Ahlvers, a three-time All-American volleyball player and former director of athletic marketing for ESU.

Ahlvers, 28, died unexpectedly this past Thursday according to an ESU news release and Ahlvers’ obituary.

The Rossville native played at ESU from 2006-2009, putting together one of the better careers in program history.

Ahlvers was a three-time AVCA All-American and four-time All-MIAA selection for the Hornets. She holds ESU’s single season and career records in kills, kills per set, double-figure kill matches and 20-plus kill matches.

Ahlvers led the Hornets to an MIAA championship and the NCAA regional championship match in 2009.

Her twin sister, Ashley Shepard Spahn, played volleyball at Washburn.

Ahlvers returned to ESU as director of athletics marketing in September of 2011 and remained at ESU until December of 2013.

She married Cole Ahlvers, a former football player at Benedictine College, in August of 2011. They have a daughter, Collins.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cole, Collins and the rest of Arica’s family. It’s a tragedy to lose someone so young,” Emporia State athletic director Kent Weiser said. “Arica was an outstanding student-athlete and her positive personality was evident on the volleyball court and again when she worked with us as our marketing director.”

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Christ the King Church, 25th and Wanamaker.

Arica Ahlvers--Emporia Gazette Article

When several former ESU volleyball players, on social media, gave the waves that something was horrifically amiss on Thursday, I got uneasy. I couldn’t locate much information for several hours, but I could tell whatever the situation, it was unusually dire.

Now, I was a student at Emporia State from 2006-10. Though I wasn’t immediately attentive toward its athletic programs, there were two I took a quick liking to: volleyball and baseball. As bad as I probably was, I had played both, understood them and ESU had outstanding teams to follow in both cases.

I went to numerous games, including some on the road. Over the years I had gotten to know players, parents, grandparents and other relatives in some cases ... I was part of the family.

So when I got a message from a former volleyball parent around 9:30 on Thursday night, there was no longer uncertainty.

“Did you hear about Arica Shepard?”

My heart, which was already on edge to brace for whatever tragic news would come, sank and shattered almost instantaneously.

Arica (Shepard) Ahlvers was a three-time All-American, four-time All-MIAA player and currently is the only representative of Hornet volleyball whose name resides on a banner in the rafters at White Auditorium.

But I also considered her my friend.

And she is gone.

It had been awhile since we visited. We caught up briefly after the ESU volleyball alumni game in 2015 and on a visit to Allen Fieldhouse for a Hornet men’s exhibition game, I got a message to look up and shared a distant wave, as I was courtside and she, with her family, was almost at the very top.

During her time as the ESU Athletics Marketing Director, there were several visits to her office that revolved around Hornet volleyball, past and present. We discussed coaching philosophies, player roles and skill-sets and a number of other things under the athletics umbrella. She was still learning several of her duties, but often approached her projects with the same fire that helped lead her as a player. From her sophomore season through her senior year, the Hornets were 90-19, ESU’s best three-year stretch in NCAA play. She played in 493 games, tying for the second-highest total ever at Emporia State. Statistically, she is at or near the top of career and single-season marks in most offensive categories including kills, kills per set and digs.

She suffered a blood clot in her brain, a similar fate to Blue Valley football coach Eric Driskell, who experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm Sunday. She was at home, he was speaking to a room full of colleagues, but ultimately the end result was the same.

The memorial service is Friday morning in Topeka, a time I expect will not only be to celebrate her life, but remember her parents, husband and almost 2-year-old daughter and support them with the love she once provided those around her.

Sports often create a distraction from ‘real life,’ from politics, world news, relationships, religion, the whole lot. But entwined in the action, the competition, are people whose lives — more than their performances — can reel things back in and put it all into perspective.

The typical gambit of emotions that surround the mourning process has certainly proven to be a reminder of the mortality we all face. Enjoy the sporting community and the success stories it provides, but also celebrate the people and what they bring to your life outside the field of competition.

Cunningham, Stallbaumer: Students Of Week

Student(s) of the Week: Trevor Cunningham and Colten Stallbaumer took the time to help Mrs. Shepard set up the library for student testing. This was a selfless act that really helped out someone in a time crunch. 

RHS National Honor Society

RHS ANNOUNCES NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERS

Rossville Jr./Sr. High School inducted 19 new members into the National Honor Society at the Spring Awards Night on May 4, 2016. Senior Ashley Broxterman; Juniors Paul Borcherding, Ryan Ehrlich, Bryce Gfeller, Malcolm Gillum, Andrew Hudson, Samantha Murray, Mitchell Porter, and Alyssa Thompson; and sophomores Kylee Badura, Breaira Bergstresser, Tronnie Blair, Maura Buhler, Perry Foster, Cory Hadsall, Abigail McCrory, Hannah Miller, Jalyn Porter, and Ashley Zemek lit the candle of honor and recited the pledge as new members.

RHS existing members are Seniors Katie Conley, Kole Davoren, Rachel Day, Britnee Douglas, Eric Ebert, Riley Falk, Zach Jensen, Chris Johnston, Justin Logan, Kyle Parr, Lauren Steckel, and Willow Stipp and Juniors Taylor Bittner, Morgan Foster, Laura Gillum, Amanda Hill, Ashley Rietcheck, Lora Shinn, Sara Shinn, Sierra Streit, and Emily Woodcock.

NHS officers for the 2016-2017 school year were recently elected and are as follows: President Taylor Bittner, Vice-President Mitchell Porter, Secretary Paul Borcherding, and Treasurer Laura Gillum.

Membership in the National Honor Society is based on a student’s performance in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. In order to be eligible, students must first have a grade point average of at least 3.2 and have made significant contributions to their school and community, as well as maintain strong moral character.

                                                                                            Beth Shepard,  RHS Counselor

RHS Students At WU Leadership Institute

RHS STUDENTS ATTEND WASHBURN LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE

The Leadership Challenge Event™ (LCE™) is hosted annually by the Washburn University Leadership Institute and was held on Mar. 2-3. It is a unique inter-scholastic and inter-collegiate leadership competition which enables high school and college students an opportunity to participate in an organized competition that simulates real-life experiences. Students address a variety of problems and situations where the outcome of the simulation is dependent on the leadership decisions made throughout the course of the competition. Student teams must fulfill the challenges and overcome the obstacles placed before them in a manner that demonstrates exemplary leadership knowledge and execution. This year’s scenario required students to address a food borne illness associated with the annual Honey Daze celebration in the fictitious town of Metropolis that threatened the towns tradition and their livelihood.

Pictured are this year’s Rossville High School LCE™ participants: 

RHS Counselor Beth Shepard, Abigail McCrory, Breaira Bergstresser, 

Ashley Zemek, Emily Woodcock, and Ariel Sherer.

Britnee Douglas Receives WU Awards

Rossville High School senior Britnee Douglas was recently honored at a recognition reception held on Washburn University’s campus on Wed., April 27, 2016. She was among over 200 Shawnee County seniors receiving awards. Each received a certificate and computer bag with the Washburn University insignia. Britnee was awarded an Academic and Presidential Scholarship based on her GPA and ACT scores. Both scholarships are renewable for all four years she attends Washburn. Britnee will be playing softball for the Ichabods while she is pursuing her degree in Nursing.

                                                                                       By Beth Shepard, RHS Counselor

Leadership Challenge Event

Pictured are this year’s Rossville High School LCE™ participants: 

Morgan Foster, Fred Schuler, Emily Woodcock, Mitchell Porter, and Shanel Cooper.

The Leadership Challenge Event™ (LCE™) is hosted annually by the Washburn University Leadership Institute and was held on Mar. 31-Apr.1. It is a unique inter-scholastic and inter-collegiate leadership competition which enables high school and college students an opportunity to participate in an organized competition that simulates real-life experiences. Students address a variety of problems and situations where the outcome of the simulation is dependent on the leadership decisions made throughout the course of the competition. Student teams must fulfill the challenges and overcome the obstacles placed before them in a manner that demonstrates exemplary leadership knowledge and execution. This year’s scenario required students to prepare a proposal to acquire new business to the fictitious town of Metropolis.

                                                                                                           Bu Beth Shepard, RHS Counselor  

MEL All League Girls Basketball for 2023-24

by Rick Peterson    for    TopSports.news

Undefeated Class 3A state champion Silver Lake put three players on the All-Mid-East League girls basketball team, selected by league coaches.

The Eagles, who completed a perfect 26-0 season Saturday in Hutchinson, are represented on the All-Mid-East first team by seniors McKinley Kruger (5-foot-6) and Makenzie McDaniel (6-1) and sophomore Kailyn Hanni (5-7).

Rossville put Nora Burdiek (5-10 freshman), Rylee Dick (5-6 sophomore) and Kinsey Perine (5-9 senior) on the All-Mid-East second team.

Silver Lake seniors Kaylee Deiter (5-8) and Kaibryn Kruger (5-7) and Rossville senior Emma Mitchell (5-11) all received all-league honorable mention. 

ALL-MID-EAST LEAGUE GIRLS BASKETBALL

First team

Kailyn Hanni, 5-7 so., Silver Lake; Hayden Heim, 6-3 jr., St. Marys; McKinley Kruger, 5-6 sr., Silver Lake; Anna Lambert, 5-9 junior, Riley County; Makenzie McDaniel, 6-1 sr., Silver Lake.

Second team

Nora Burdiek, 5-10, fr., Rossville; Rylee Dick, 5-6 so., Rossville; Kaci Meseke, 5-8 sr., Wabaunsee; Kinsey Perine, 5-9 sr., Rossville; Brenna Smith, 5-11 sr., St. Marys.

Honorable mention

Kaylee Deiter, 5-8 sr., Silver Lake; Kaibryn Kruger, 5-7 sr., Silver Lake; Emma Mitchell, 5-11 sr., Rossville; Taryn Shepard, 5-8 sr., Riley County; Grace Zeller, 5-7 fr., Wabaunsee.

All-MEL Academic Team

RHS MID-EAST LEAGUE ALL ACADEMIC TEAM

The Mid-East League each year awards a medal to all students who have participated in at least 3 activities sponsored by the Kansas State High School Activities Association and have maintained a 3.5 Grade Point Average in the first 3 quarters of the school year. Rossville High School had 42 students that met the requirements for the 2015-2016 school year:

Freshmen        Sophomores     Juniors           Seniors

Jordan Bittner            Kylee Badura              Taylor Bittner            Alex Cavanaugh

MaKenzie Decklar    Tronnie Blair Paul        Borcherding              Kole Davoren

Katie Dohrman          Rylee Brecheisen        Jacob Bradshaw       Rachel Day

Caila Hill                    Perry Foster                Bryce Gfeller             Britnee Douglas

Phoenix Thomas        Cory Hadsall               Laura Gillum             Riley Falk

                                   Holden Hurla               Dawson Hammes     Tucker Horak

                                   Meg Kirk                     Amanda Hill              Chris Johnston

                                   Abigail McCrory         Danielle Mason         Kyle Parr

                                   Hannah Miller             Mitchell Porter          Christian Roduner

                                   Jalyn Porter                 Ashley Rietcheck     Nick VanderPutten

                                   Cassie Punchard          Fred Schuler

                                   Kathleen Schuler         Lora Shinn

                                   Ashley Zemek              Sara Shinn

                                                                        Emily Woodcock

                                                                                  Reported by Beth Shepard,  RHS Counselor

RHS Curriculum Completers

ROSSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCES CURRICULUM COMPLETERS

Rossville Jr./Sr. High School had three seniors this year who completed the required curriculum as set forth by the Kansas Board of Regents and earned the designation of State of Kansas Curriculum Completer. In order to earn this distinction, students must have completed 4 years of English, 4 years of Math, 3 years of Science, 3 years of Social Studies, and 2 years of Foreign Language. The students who met these criteria are Eric Ebert, Kyle Parr, and Willow Stipp

All Curriculum Completers are then eligible to be considered for an additional award. The Kansas Board of Regents on behalf of the Kansas Legislature ranks these Curriculum Completers based on their GPA and ACT scores. Eric Ebert and Willow Stipp were designated as 2016 Kansas State Scholars.

                                                                            Beth Shepard,  RHS Counselor

ROSSVILLE HIGH SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

Rossville High School held its annual Spring Awards Night on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 to bestow awards and scholarships to deserving students. The counselor, administration, and faculty would like to thank all of the scholarship contributors and presenters for their donations and interest in the students of Rossville. Your dedication to our students is greatly appreciated.

The following scholarships were presented:

Custom Wood Products Scholarship: ($1000 renewable)

Presented to Justin Logan. The scholarship was established by Donald and Pamela Lake to further Custom Wood’s commitment to the communities of Rossville and St. Marys.

Rossville Booster Club Scholarship: ($200)

Presented by Traci McCrory to Tyler Sage. The award began in 2012 and the recipient must have participated in a KSHSAA activity throughout high school. Tyler has completed one year of a two year program for certification in Automotive Technology at Washburn Tech and plans to return for his final year.

Bryan Lindstrom Inspirational Scholarship: ($500)

Presented by Dana Field to Justin Logan. This scholarship is a tribute to Bryan, who was an inspiration to others and lost his life to cancer in 2013.

Rossville High School Alumni Association: ($1000)

Presented by Kathy Kovar to Katie Conley and Ashley Broxterman. The Association was founded in 1998 and has awarded over $13,000 to deserving students in this 19-year period. The award’s recipient must meet high standards set out by the association and be a good representative of RHS as they move on through college and begin their career.

Rossville United Methodist Church: ($2000 renewable scholarship)

Presented by Tricia Conley to Katie Conley and Justin Logan

The award is given to seniors that are members of the church.

Kaw Valley Education Association: ($250)

Presented to Rachel Day. KVEA annually raises money and presents scholarships to an RHS and SMHS student planning to pursue a career in education. Rachel will attend Kansas State to study Secondary English Education.

Duane Parr Memorial Scholarship: ($500)

Presented to Rachel Day. This scholarship was established by J.D. Parr and his family and friends as an endowment to honor Mr. Parr, who passed away in January of 2006. Since the Parr family has a strong interest in music, the recipient must have participated in high school band. Rachel has participated in band all 4 years and is this year’s drum major. At state music festival this year, she received a “1” rating for Large Group Band and a “2” rating for her clarinet solo. At league and regional music festivals she received a “1” rating for her clarinet solo. She is also a member of the Northeast Kansas District Honor Band and is the first with this honor from Rossville in 10 years.

Kansas Masonic Grand Lodge Essay Contest:

Presented by Jim Dodge. 1st place—Eric Ebert-$100

2nd place—Zach Jensen and Katie Conley-$50

Each year, Rossville High School juniors and seniors participate in an essay contest conducted by the Masonic Grand Lodge of Kansas. Delia Masonic Lodge organizes, selects, and provides awards to the school winners. This year, students were asked to write an essay on how their personal involvement in serving others has made a positive impact on their community.

Doug Perine Memorial Scholarship: ($500)

Presented to Gabe Marney. The scholarship was established in 2012 to honor Doug, a longtime community figure, and is given to an RHS student planning to continue their education. Gabe plans to attend Highland Community College to study Accounting.

Les Hallmark Memorial Scholarship: ($200)

Presented to Rachel Day. The scholarship was established by Dorothy Hallmark and is awarded annually in memory of Les who was an Art teacher at Rossville High School for many years.

Laurel Stone Jackson Scholarship: ($500)

Presented by Laurel Jackson to Ashley Broxterman

This is the first year for the scholarship established by Mrs. Jackson following her retirement as the school librarian. Applicants are required to write an essay over a book they have read. Ashley will attend Washburn University to study Mass Media.

Rossville Band Booster Scholarship: ($250)

Presented by RHS Music Director Garrett Jones to Nick VanderPutten. This is the 1^st year for this scholarship and is awarded to a student that has been in Band or Choir for their entire senior year and at least 5 semesters prior. Nick plans to attend Washburn University to major in Music Performance and has received a WU Band and WU Cheer Scholarship.

Cecile Zlatnik Memorial Scholarship: ($250)

Presented to Justin Logan. The scholarship is presented annually to recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding character, service, and leadership. Justin has also received the Shawnee County Master Gardener Scholarship.

Cole Arnold Memorial Scholarship: ($500)

Presented by Toby and Ann McCullough to Katie Conley.

The award is presented annually in memory of their son Cole who died in a car accident the summer before his Senior year.

Rossville Community Development Committee (RCDC) Scholarship: ($300)

Presented by Morgan Hansen and Sonia Dick to Justin Logan. The scholarship is based on achievements, community involvement, and contributions to the community of Rossville.

Rossville Rustlers 4-H Scholarship:

Presented by Laurie Glotzbach to Justin Logan, Tyler Carver, and Derek Gentry.

Justin will attend Fort Scott Community College to study Ag Tech Management and has also received the FSCC Meat Judging Scholarship. Tyler will attend North Central Kansas Technical College for Welding and has also received the Kansas Masonic Lodge and NCKTC Academic Scholarships. Derek will attend Barton Community College to study Business and wrestle.

P.E.O. Scholarship: ($300)

Presented by Sarene McCrory to Ashley Broxterman. This scholarship is awarded annually to young ladies from each of the area high schools.

Pete Darting Memorial Scholarship: ($150)

Presented by Dennis Darting to Justin Logan. The award was established in 2008 by the Darting family to honor Mr. Darting, an avid supporter of the Rossville Dawgs.

RHS Opportunity Scholarship:

This is the 4^th year for the award, which is provided by anonymous donors. Recipients are chosen based on GPA, ACT, resume, strength of schedule, and an essay over an experience that made an impact in their life.

Eric Ebert received a $600 scholarship. He plans to attend Emporia State to study Pre-Med and has also received an ESU Academic Scholarship.

Zach Jensen received a $200 scholarship. He plans to attend Hutchinson Community College to study Engineering and has also received an HCC Academic Scholarship.

Shawnee County Farm Bureau Association Scholarship: ($500)

Presented by Randol Walker to Katie Conley. Katie plans to attend Kansas State University to major in Kinesiology and has also received the KSU Activity and Memorial Scholarships and the Kansas Masonic Scholarship.

Harriet Hayes Austin Memorial Scholarship: ($1000)

Presented to Britnee Douglas. The scholarship was established in the year 2003 in memory of Ms. Austin to carry on her legacy of caring for others. The recipient of the award must plan to pursue a degree in nursing. Britnee plans to attend Washburn University to major in Nursing and play softball for the Ichabods. She has also received the WU Academic, WU Softball, WU Presidential, WU Alumni, WU Leadership, and YWCA Future Leaders Scholarships.

Ron Monhollon Memorial Scholarship:

Presented by Ronda Channel to Tyler Sage. The award is given to a student planning to continue their education in a vocational program.

CNA Certification:

Rossville High School would like to recognize the following students for completing their programs of study at Washburn Tech:

Ashlyn Miller—Health Care Tech, receiving her CNA certification

Ronny Lee Hester—Automotive Technology

Austin Lekanoff—Cabinetry and Millwork

Congratulations on your accomplishments!

                                                                                        Beth Shepard,  RHS Counselor

ROSSVILLE HIGH AWARDS

During the annual Spring Awards Night at Rossville Jr./Sr. High School 

held on May 4, 2016, the following awards were presented:

KSU OUTSTANDING MATH & SCIENCE AWARD = Eric Ebert

Each year, in conjunction with Kansas State University’s College of Engineering, Rossville High School’s math and science teachers are asked to nominate one individual they believe is the best student in each of these two subjects.

AMERICAN LEGION AWARDS (presented by Derek Froning) = Kyle Parr & Britnee Douglas. The American Legion Jimmy Lillard Post 31 awards two students each year with a certificate and medal. The students are chosen by the faculty based on the criteria of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service.

TOPEKA CAPITAL-JOURNAL ALL STATE ACADEMIC AWARD = Eric Ebert

This award is sponsored by the Topeka Capital-Journal. Every Kansas high school selects one individual to represent their school based on academic and extracurricular performances. (Topeka Capital-Journal Honorable Mention All-State Academic Team)

KSHSAA CITIZENSHIP AWARDS = Lorenzo Mason & Rachel Day

The Kansas State High School Activities Association each year awards one male and one female student from each high school with a citizenship award. Individuals receiving this award must demonstrate respect for fellow students, the citizens of the community, adults, and their country. They must also show respect and tolerance for others, good sportsmanship, and good citizenship.

DALE DENNIS AWARD = Eric Ebert

The Dale Dennis Excellence in Education Award was established in 1996 by Kansas administrators to honor the long and valuable service that Dale Dennis gave to Kansas education. It is based on Citizenship, Service, Scholarship, and Common Sense.

BENNY STACH AWARD = Zach JensenBenny Stach was a Rossville student who lost his life in an auto accident during his Senior year. His classmates and family began the award in Benny’s memory.  It is awarded to an RHS student who displays many of the qualities Benny possessed. Nominations and the final selection are made by the faculty based on several qualities, including friendliness, helpfulness, understanding, and warmth for others.

U.S. ARMY SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARDS = Tucker Horak & Britnee Douglas

Recipients of this award are determined by faculty nominations and must demonstrate commitment to both academics and athletics.

U.S. MARINES OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARDS

SSgt. Samuel Wallace of the U.S. Marine Corps presented awards in three different categories. The Scholastic Excellence Awards were presented to Chris Johnston and Riley Falk for their academic achievements. The Semper Fidelis Award was given to Rachel Day for excellence and commitment to the band program. The Distinguished Athlete Awards were presented to Isaac Luellen and Heidi Nitsch for their accomplishments in sports throughout the school year.

JOHN JOHNSON LEADERSHIP AWARD = Kole Davoren

The John Johnson Leadership Award was created to honor Mr. Johnson for his years of dedication to the students of Rossville High School. The award began in 2007 and is presented annually to the student who demonstrates quiet leadership and service.

SENIOR INSPIRATION AWARD = Ashley Broxterman and Alex Cavanaugh.

Ashley always maintains a positive outlook on life. She places others above herself and is always ready to volunteer no matter what is asked.

Alex meets challenges head on with spunk, perseverance, determination, and an amazing work ethic. He doesn’t take others support for granted and shows his appreciation and respect for others by his actions in daily life.

MICHAEL KELLER AWARD = Justin Logan

The Michael Keller Award is presented to honor the long and dedicated service provided to RHS by Mr. Michael Keller. Mr. Keller began his teaching career in 1978 and dispensed his wisdom, sense of humor, and discipline to countless students over this 35-year period. The recipient of this award must display strong citizenship, respect for others, attention to details, and have excellent attendance and punctuality.

RONALD REAGAN STUDENT LEADER AWARDS = Britnee Douglas, Eric Ebert, Justin Logan, and Kyle Parr (receiving a certificate and silver coin)

Students selected must exemplify the meaning of student leadership to honor Pres. Reagan’s legacy of leadership and service. Students were chosen for their participation in extracurricular activities and pursuit of leadership roles that make a positive difference in their school and community. Recipients must value education, have an affinity for discovery and lifelong learning, and display drive, integrity, and good citizenship.

                                                                                By Beth Shepard,  RHS Counselor