DISTRICT NEWS 

May 08, 2008
K-8 buildings to dismiss early Friday

Hutchinson Middle School will dismiss students at 12:05 p.m. Friday (May 9) as a reward for making adequate yearly progress in preliminary results on Kansas State Assessments.

Friday also is an early release day for elementary schools in the building. The K-6 early release days allow staff collaboration time for the buildings.

May 08, 2008
HHS graduation set

Hutchinson High School will have its 126th graduation ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, in the Sports Arena. To prepare for graduation, there will be a practice at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 16, at the Sports Arena.

Finals for underclassmen at HHS will be May 20 to 22. The final day for classes at all USD 308 schools is May 22.

For more information, contact Ronn Roehm, HHS principal, at 665-4500.

May 08, 2008
HMS to promote students

The annual promotion ceremony for Hutchinson Middle School – 8 will be at 7 p.m. May 22 in the Salthawk Activities Center.

About 300 eighth graders will participate in the ceremony. Following the promotion ceremony, there will be the final middle school dance for the group at HMS-8.

Both campuses of Hutchinson Middle School will hold their final award assemblies of the year on May 22 The eighth grade center will hold its assembly at 9 a.m. The seventh grade center will hold its assembly at 1 p.m.

For more information, contact Michael Ellegood, HMS principal, at 665-4700.

May 08, 2008
Lincoln to host Rep. Jerry Moran

Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., will speak with students at Lincoln Elementary School, 315 East Bigger, at 2 p.m. May 16.

Moran was asked to speak to the students by Glinda Theus, third grade teacher at Lincoln. This is Moran’s second appearance in a USD 308 school in 2007-08. Earlier this year, he visited with broadcast journalism students at Hutchinson High School.

For more information, contact Marilyn Graham, Lincoln principal, at 665-4650.

May 08, 2008
HHS seniors awarded scholarships valued at $2.4 million

During the annual Hutchinson High School Awards Assembly Wednesday, May 7, the class of 2008 was recognized for receiving nearly $2.4 million worth of scholarships from local, state and national sources over four years of college.

The Davis Foundation winners were named. Winners, who each get $6,000 in scholarship money annually for four years, were Karrah Christenson and Trent Thurston. Other finalists for the honor were Jordan Bever, Mackenzie Simpson, Anthony Bronke and Joseph Stallman. The other finalists each get $4,000 a year in scholarship money for four years.

This is the 54th year for the Davis Foundation scholarships. During that time, more than 200 students have received scholarships valued at $1.7 million. When the first scholarships were awarded in the 1950s, the scholarships were $500 a year for four years.

Davis Foundation teachers of the year for USD 308 will be announced in August at the opening convocation for district staff.

The Young American Award went to Luke Fangman. The Young American Award is the oldest award at HHS with this being its 80th year. The award was started by the Oswald family in the 1920s.

Other Young American Award finalists were Jordan Bever, Karrah Christensen, Brett Mallon, Emilee Morris, Riley Seitz, Sam Starks, Trent Thurston, Taylor Veh and Jon Wilson.

A listing of awards and scholarships is below. The information is provided to HHS by the students and their families.

• Teacher of the Trimester: John Brown
• Leaders, Today and Tomorrow: Jordan Bever, Emilee Morris, Reannon Dupree, Courtney Ringler, Luke Fangman, Riley Seitz, Jordan Fee, Sam Starks, Gage McKinnis, Taylor Veh
• Doris Lyman Burton & James Thompson Memorial Scholarship: Emilee Morris
• Orlene Linebarger Memorial Scholarship: Joe Cruz, Elizabeth Jones
• Coberly/Tweito Memorial Scholarship: Lawrence Gomez, Gage McKinnis
• HHS Alumni Scholarship: Lawrence Gomez, Emilee Morris, Amanda Parker
• Reno Co. K.U. Alumni Association Scholarship: Daniel Allen, Noel Rivard, Addison Bell, Joseph Stallman, Karrah Christenson, Sam Starks, Rebecca Dukelow, Brandon Wooten, Wil Heitschmidt, Kelsey Wyer, Amanda Parker
• Central Bank and Trust Company Young Kansas Award: Trent Thurston
• D.G. Lett Masonic Lodge No. 30: Lauren Morris
• Hutchinson NEA Scholarship: Emilee Morris, Erika Allender, Jessica Romero
• Kansas State University School of Engineering & Math & Science Award: Trent Thurston, Anthony Bronke
• American High School Math Awards: Marshall Hayden, Trent Thurston
• Colorado School of Mines Award: Marshall Hayden
• John H. “Jack” Caton Memorial Scholarship: Terra Carnell
• Young Women in Harmony: Amie Heide
• National School Choral Award: Steven Rousey
• Tri-M Master Musician Award: Mandy Laham, Ian Cunningham, Joe Walker
• John Phillip Sousa Award: Louie Armstrong Jazz Award: Miles Batchelor
• National School Orchestra Award: Der Lee
• Moose Lodge Scholarship: Anthony Bronke
• Kiwanis Key Club Scholarship: Erica Dunigan, Erika Allender, Joe Curz, Makenzie Simpson
• Outstanding Athlete Award: Emilee Morris, Romero Cotton
• Wendy’s High School Heismann Nominee Award: Emilee Morris, Jon Wilson
• Hutchinson Recreation Commission Award: Shelli Leiker
• Jason Roberts Memorial Scholarship: Erica Dunigan, Trent Thurston, Kelly Roberts
• Class of “47” John & Bobbi Baker Scholarship: William Thacker
• Class of “53” Educational Grant: Tegan Barrett
• Class of 1965 Scholarship: Brittany O’Dell, Joe Cruz
• American Legion Award: Sam Starks, Taylor Veh
• D. Stewart Oswalt Memorial Scholarship: Zachary Klaassen
• Hutchinson Art Association Marvel Senti Scholarship: Tegan Barrett
• Gold Key Art Award: Karrah Christenson, Emily Galliart, Rubea Stouppe, Julian Stropes
• Jennifer A. Goodman Scholarship: Brittany O’Dell, Cassie Leiker
• Class of “60” Whiteside Allagaroo Scholarship: Joseph Cruz
• President’s Volunteer Service Award: Makenzie Simpson
• Melissa Yost Scholarship: Emilee Morris
• Class of 1957 Scholarship: Morgan Blackim
• Thurston Memorial Scholarship: Kyleigh Edwards
• Recognition of National and Commended Merit: Rebecca Page, finalist
• Recognition of Kansas Scholars: Addison T. Bell, Rebecca Page, Jordan Bever, Trent Thurston, Rebecca Dukelow, Jonathan Wilson, Kyeligh Edwards, Kelsey Wyer, Elizabeth Jones
• Presidential Academic Fitness Award: Aubrey Adams, Luke Fangman, Samantha Riner, Daniel Allen, Brittany Gardner, Courtney Ringler, Andrew Allsup, Kyle Goetz, Kyle Robinson, Joseph Bachand, Lawrence Gomez, Jessica Romero, Megan Barnett, Brandon Hart, Amy Rosales, Miles Batchelor, Wil Heitschmidt, Cody Ruebke, Addison Bell, Joseph Hewitt, Andrew Sandlin, Ashtyn Bell, Elizabeth Jones, Riley Seitz, Jordan Bever, Amanda Laham, Makenzie Simpson, Anthony Bronke, Shelli Leiker, Lucas Singleton, Heather Campbell, Brett Mallon, Jessica St Germaine, Karrah Christenson, Gage McKinnis, Joseph Stallman, Dylan Christner, Emilee Morris, Samuel Starks, Trevor Curiel, Curtis Mullins, Trent Thurston, Lacey Deardoff, Miranda Munds, Taylor Veh, Rebecca Dukelow, Linh Nguyen, Jonathan Wilson, Reannon Dupree, Rebecca Page, Mitchell Wood, Kyleigh Edwards, Amanda Parker, Kelsey Wyer
• Principal’s Leadership Award: Jordan Bever
• George and Belle Pearce Trust Fund Scholarship: Kyle Crank, Katelin Schmedemann
• James A. and Juliet L. Davis Foundation Scholars: Karah Christenson, Trent Thurston
• James A. and Juliet L. Davis Foundation Finalists: Jordan Bever, Makenzie Simpson, Anthony Bronke, Joseph Stallman
• Young American Award winner: Luke Fangman
• Young American Award finalists: Jordan Bever, Riley Seitz, Karrah Christenson, Brett Mallon, Sam Starks, Trent Thurston, Taylor Veh, Emilee Morris, Jon Wilson
• Kansas Board of Regents Curriculum Completers: Aubrey Adams, Tara Esguerra, Baylee Alfaro, Kyle Goetz, Daniel Allen, Elizabeth Jones, Joseph Bachand, Mandy Laham, Addison Bell, Rebecca Page, Ashtyn Bell, Chelsea Pauls, Jordan Bever, Kelly Roberts, Joshua Chambers, Kyle Robinson, Stephanie Cole, Makenzie Simpson, Kelsey Collins, Samuel Starks, Ian Cunningham, Trent Thurston, Lacey Deardoff, Mary Walters, Rebecca Dukelow, Jonathan Wilson, Erica Dunigan, Kelsey Wyer, Kyleigh Edwards
• Kansas Board of Regent State Scholars: Addison T. Bell, Rebecca Page, Jordan Bever, Trent Thurston, Rebecca Dukelow, Jonathan Wilson, Kyeligh Edwards, Kelsey Wyer, Elizabeth Jones

HCC Athletic/Endowment Association Scholarships

• Baylee Alfaro: Reno County Scholarship, Admissions Scholarship, Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship
• Andrew Allsup: HCC Presidential Book Scholarship, HCC Presidential Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Destiny Anderson: Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, Herman, Esther & Henry Stallman Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Kylee Barnhart: Annual Fund Drive Book Scholarship, Frank & Lelia Smith Memorial, Reno County Scholarship
• Tegan Barrett: Celebrate to Educate Scholarship, Do Art Book Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Miles Batchelor: HCC Jazz Scholarship, HCC Presidential Book Scholarship, HCC Presidential Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Brittany Baxter: Drama Book Scholarship, Reno County Activity Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Jeffrey Beeghly: Annual Fund Drive Scholarship, Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Morgan Blackim: Charles R. Platz Memorial Book Scholarship, Endowment Assn. Scholarship, Grace Paul Trust Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Lindsey Blick: Choral Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Ayla Brown: Glover Family Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Janelle Carey: FA & Cora Weesner Memorial Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Terra Carnell: Doris Hodge Memorial Scholarship, Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, John H. Caton Memorial Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Andrew Carpenter: Reno County Scholarship, Admissions Book Scholarship
• Patrick Castor: Reno County Scholarship
• Corey Childs: Choral Scholarship, HCC Presidential Book Scholarship, HCC Presidential Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Dylan Christner: HCC Presidential Book Scholarship, HCC Presidential Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Tracy Cook: Celebrate To Educate Book Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship, Visual Arts Scholarship
• Kyle Crank: Herman, Esther & Henry Stallman Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship, Music Major Scholarship
• Joseph Cruz: Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, HCC Jazz Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship, Tillman & Ona Dunsworth Scholarship
• Megan Drach: Annual Fund Drive Scholarship, Annual Fund Drive Book Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Grant Dreiling: Reno County Scholarship, HCC Student Assistant Football Coach Scholarship
• TJ Duarte: Reno County Scholarship, HCC Football Scholarship
• Reannon DePree: Endowment Assn Scholarship, Endowment Book Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Brittany Edwards: Reno County Scholarship
• Kyleigh Edwards: HCC Presidential Leadership Scholarship, HCC Presidential Book Scholarship, Presidential Leadership Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Tanner Flores: Annual Fund Drive Book Scholarship, Annual Fund Drive Scholarship, Antonio Flores Sr. Hispanic Scholarship. Reno County Scholarship
• LaDawn Freer: Reno County Scholarship
• Nicholas Garcia: Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship, Tony Flores Hispanic Scholarship
• Brittany Gardner: Reno County Scholarship, Admissions Book Scholarship, Admissions Scholarship
• Ashle Granger: HCC Track & Field Scholarship
• Brandon Hart: HCC Presidential Leadership Scholarship, HCC Presidential Book Scholarship, Presidential Leadership Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Chase Hartman: HCC Football Scholarship
• Amie Heide: Choral Scholarship, HCC Presidential Leadership Scholarship, HCC Presidential Leadership Book Scholarship, Presidential Leadership Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Trenton Heim: Reno County Scholarship
• Kyle Hoffman: Glover Family Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Terrance Jasso: Glover Family Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Brandon Johnson: Reno County Scholarship, Admissions Scholarship
• Melissa Kelley: Admissions Scholarship, Annual Fund Drive Book Scholarship, Annual Fund Drive Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Zachary Klaassen: D. Stewart Oswalt Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship, Admissions Book Scholarship
• Felicia Lamas: HCC Presidential Leadership Scholarship, HCC Presidential Leadership Book Scholarship, Presidential Leadership Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Dustin Law: Reno County Scholarship
• Der Lee: Celebrate To Educate Book Scholarship, Martha & Richard Hamilton Art Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Ashley Legates: Reno County Scholarship
• Cassie Leiker: Grace Paul Trust Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Jenna Lowden: Annual Fund Drive Book Scholarship, Annual Fund Drive Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Vanessa Magana: Reno County Scholarship, HCC Soccer Scholarship
• Brett Mallon: HCC Presidential Book Scholarship, HCC Presidential Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Ryan McFarland: Forensics Book Scholarship, Forensics Scholarship, Reno County Activity Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Gage McKinnis: Presidential Leadership Scholarship, HCC Football Scholarship
• Skyler Mead: Reno County Scholarship
• Joshua Meredith: Reno County Scholarship
• Richard Moorman: Reno County Scholarship
• Ann Mora: Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, Herman Esther & Henry Stallman Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Lauren Morris: Reno County Scholarship, Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, Sandra/Joe McMullen Boys/Girls Scholarship
• Raun Mosley: Reno County Scholarship
• Jacob Mulneix: Choral Scholarship, Drama Book Scholarship, Edward & Judith Markle Choral Scholarship, Reno County Activity Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Danielle Musick: Choral Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship, Admissions Book Scholarship, HCC Football Manager Scholarship
• Blake Nafzinger: Celebrate to Educate Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship, Reno County Activity Scholarship
• Tyler Nelson: Reno County Scholarship, Admissions Book Scholarship
• Tim Newburn: Reno County Scholarship, Theodore R. Wilt Technical Scholarship • Celia Ocon: Admissions Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Brittany O’Dell: Grace Paul Trust Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Samantha Owen: HCC Track and Field Scholarship
• Jason Pattison: First National Bank Scholarship, Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, Grace Paul Trust Scholarship, HCC Jazz Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship, Reno County Activity Scholarship
• Chelsea Pauls: Reno County Scholarship, Band Book Scholarship
• Austin Peterson: Reno County Scholarship
• Samantha Riner: HCC Presidential Book Scholarship, HCC Presidential Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship
• Max Rintoul: Choral Scholarship, Reno County Activity Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Kelly Roberts: Reno County Scholarship, HCC Football Scholarship
• Kyle Robinson: HCC Presidential Book Scholarship, HCC Presidential Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Amy Rosales: Reno County Scholarship, Admissions Book Scholarship, Admissions Scholarship
• Derek Sanchez: Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, HCC Jazz Scholarship, James A & Juliet L. Davis Minority Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Jaime Santos: Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, Herman, Ester & Henry Stallman Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Katelin Schmedemann: Reno County Scholarship, HCC Football Manager Scholarship
• Jessica Smith: Choral Scholarship, HCC Presidential Leadership Scholarship, HCC Presidential Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• J.P. Smith: HCC Football Scholarship
• William Thacker: HCC Football Scholarship
• Aigerim Tulepbergenova: Reno County Scholarship
• John Walker: Herman, Esther & Henry Stallman Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Amanda Wiering: Grace Paul Trust Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Garrett Wilson: Reno County Scholarship
• Matt Wingfield: Reno County Scholarship
• MariBeth Wolf: HCC Presidential Leadership Scholarship, HCC Presidential Leadership Book Scholarship, Presidential Leadership Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship

Hutchinson High School Scholarships

• Allen, Daniel: KU Freshman Scholarship, Reno County Reno County KU Schoolarship
• Allender, Erika: Shocker Support Scholarship: WSU, David & Mary Gunter Scholarship, Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship
• Allsup, Andrew: College of Arts & Science Deans Scholarship, Chancellors Award, Eisenman Scholarship
• Barnett, Megan: KSU Leadership Scholarship, KSU IB Scholarship, KSU Honors Program
• Barrett, Tegan: Reno County Scholarship, Celebrate to Educate Art Scholarship
• Beckerman, Brandon: KU Scholarship, Future Leadership of America, Who’s Who Registry of Academic Excellence
• Bell, Addison: KU Summerfiled Scholarship, KU School of Engineering Scholarship, ALCOA Sons & Daughters Scholarship
• Bell, Ashtyn: Freshman Academic Scholarship – WSU
• Bever, Jordan: K-State Leadership Scholarship, K-State Engineering Scholarship, TUMC Foundation Scholarship
• Blackim, Morgan: Grace Paul Trust Scholarship, HCC Endowment Association Scholarship – HCC, Charus Platz Memorial Book Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Bronke, Anthony: Moose Scholarship
• Carey, Janelle: Reno County Scholarship, FA and Cora Weesner Memorial Scholarship
• Carnell, Terra: Reno County Scholarship, Doris Hodge Memorial Scholarship, Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, Grace Paul Trust Memorial Scholarship, John H. Caton Memorial Scholarship
• Christner, Dylan: HCC Presidential Scholarship, HCC Presidential Book Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship
• Cook, Tracy: Celebrate to Educate Book Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship, Visual Arts Scholarship
• Crank, Kyle: Reno County Scholarship, Esther & Henry Herman Stallman Scholarship, Federal Pell Grant, Music Major, Reno County Activity Scholarship
• Cruz, Joseph: Class of 1965 Scholarship, Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, HCC Jazz Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Cole, Stephanie: New Student General Scholarship
• Dreiling, Grant: Book & Tuition – HCC
• Dunigan, Erica: Southwestern Scholarship, Track/Cross Country Scholarship, USBC Bowling Scholarship
• Edwards, Kyleigh: HCC Track Scholarship, Presidential Leadership Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Fangman, Luke: KSU Foundation Scholarship, KSU Engineering Scholarship, Young American Winner
• Flores, Tanner: Reno County Scholarship, Antonio Flores Hispanic Scholarship, Annual Fund Drive Book Scholarship
• Goetz, Kyle: KSU Engineering Scholarship
• Green, Sadie: Academic Scholarship – McPherson College Athletic Scholarship – McPherson College
• Hart, Brandon: Presidential Leadership Scholarship - HCC
• Heide, Amie: Presidential Leadership Scholarship – HCC, Book Scholarship – HCC, Reno County Scholarship, Choral Scholarship – HCC
• Heitschmidt, Wil: Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship, KU Freshman Achievement Scholarship, State of Kansas Scholarship, Sylvia Mayer Scholarship
• Henderson, Chance: Scholarship – HCC
• Hoffman, Kyle: Glover Scholarship – HCC, Reno County Scholarship
• Keefer, Mollie: Class of 1953 Scholarship
• Kidd, Megan: WSU New Student General Scholarship, WSU School of Performing Arts Scholarship/Selma Miller Trust, Federal Pell Grant
• Klaassen, Zac: Oswalt Scholarship – HCC, Reno County Scholarship
• Laham, Mandy: Theatre Scholarship – Friends University, Music Scholarship – Friends University, Academic Scholarship – Friends University
• Legates, Ashley: HCC Telecommunication Book Scholarship
• Leiker, Shelli: Freshman Scholarship – WSU, Senior Day Scholarship - WSU
• Lowden, Jenna: Book Scholarship – HCC, Reno County Scholarship
• Lyman, Torey: Volleyball Scholarship – Johnson County Softball Scholarship – Johnson County
• Mallon, Brett: HCC Presidential Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship
• Markham, Albert: Books & Tuition – Butler County Community College
• McKinnis, Gage: Football Scholarship – HCC, Presidential Scholarship, Warren McKinnis Scholarship
• Mora, Ann: Reno County Scholarship, Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, Hutchinson Cinco De Mayo Scholarship
• Morris, Emilee: Rosedale Post #345 American Legion Scholarship, Sons of the American Legion Commander Scholarship, Opportunity KSU Scholarship, Leadership Scholarship-KSU, KSU Athletic Scholarship
• Morris, Lauren: Joe & Sandra McMullen Scholarship, Grace Paul Trust Book Scholarship, DG Lett Masonic Lodge Scholarship, Reno County • Scholarship
• Mullins, Curtis: Ebenezer United Methodist Church Scholarship, Creighton Scholarships & Grants, Kansas Youth Choir Scholarship
• Mulneix, Jacob: HCC Choral Scholarship, Drama Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship, Endowment Society Scholarship, YABA Scholarship
• Musick, Danielle: Reno County Scholarship, Choral Scholarship – HCC, Football Manager Scholarship – HCC
• Nguyen, Alexandra: Wichita State University New General Student Scholarship, WSU Presidential Scholarship, Kansas District Ron Barta Scholarship
• O’Dell, Brittany: Reno County Scholarship, Grace Paul Scholarship- HCC
• Owen, Samantha: HCC Track Scholarship
• Page, Rebecca: National Merit Finalist, KU Honors Scholar, Kansas Governor’s Scholar
• Parker, Amanda: KU Freshman Achievement Scholarship
• Pattison, Jason: Grace Paul trust Scholarship, Grace Paul Book Scholarship. First National Bank Scholarship, Reno County Scholarship, Reno County Activity Scholarship, HCC Jazz Scholarship
• Peterson, Austin: Wrestling Scholarship – Pratt Community College
• Riner, Samantha: Reno County Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship – HCC
• Ringler, Courtney: Academic Scholarship – Distinguished Award – Santa Clarita CA., Servant Leader Scholarship, Santa Clarita CA, Tennis Scholarship – Santa Clarita CA
• Rintoul, Max: KU Undergraduate Grant
• Robinson, Kyle: Reno County Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship
• Roubideaux, Gable: Comanche Nation Student Services
• Rousey, Steven: Theatre Scholarship – Independence Community College
• Schmedemann, Katelin: Sports Scholarship- HCC
• Seitz, Riley: Golf Scholarship – Dodge City Community College, Kansas Honors Program from KU
• Simpson, MakenzieL KSU Leadership Scholarship, KSU Agriculture Scholarship, Kansas Honors Scholar
• Smith, Jessica: Reno County Scholarship, Presidential Leadership Scholarship, HCC Choral Scholarship
• St. Germaine, Jessica: Alumni Legacy Scholarship – Oklahoma State University
• Stallman, Joseph: Early Enrollment Scholarship – KU, OAS Scholarship
• Steinert, Christen: Hays City Silver Award, Ft. Hays Biology Scholarship
• Talamantes, Ana: Sidney’s Hairdressing Scholarship
• Thurston, Trent: Putman Scholarship – KSU, Engineering Scholarship – KSU
• Tulepbergenova, Aigerim: Reno County Scholarship, Forensics Scholarship
• Veh, Taylor: Putnam Scholarship – KSU, June Sherrid Scholarship, Phi Betta Kappa South Central Kansas
• Weaver, Destiny: Reno County Scholarship, Stallman Scholarship, Grace Paul Book Scholarship
• Wilson, Jon: Presidents Scholarship – Hesston, Baseball Scholarship – Hesston College
• Wise, Kelley: Shocker Support Scholarship - WSU
• Wolf, MariBeth: Presidential Scholarship – HCC, Reno County Scholarship, JACAM Chemicals Scholarship, Athletic Trainer Scholarship
• Wyer, Kelsey: Admission Scholarship – KU, Watkins Berger Scholarship

May 07, 2008
USD 308 recognizes nearly 2,000 years of service

At the annual Retirement/Service Awards Tea Sunday (May 4), 13 Hutchinson Public Schools staff members who will retire this year as well as 129 staff members who have hit milestones in their service were recognized. All told, the tenure of retirees and staff who were honored totaled 1,864 years of service.

The 13 retirees represented 289 years of service to the community. Retirees recognized included with their years of service to the district were:

• Debbie Barnes, 1986-2008, Educational Services Center
• Carolyn Davies, 1997-2008, Wiley
• Jane Easter, 1976-2008, HMS-8
• Glen Fasnacht, 1979-2008, Wiley
• Marilyn Graham, 1975-2008, Lincoln
• Gary Hughes, 1974-2008, HHS
• Patricia Means, 1980-2008, Lincoln
• Debra Nikkel, 1991-2008, HMS-7
• Ruth Pearson, 1998-2008, Morgan
• Nancy Prieb, 1980-2008, Educational Services Center
• Letty Watt, 2003-2008, McCandless
• Shirley Wenner, 1979-2008, Administration Center
• Gene Willich, 1997-2008, HHS

Hutchinson Public Schools recognized 129 staff members at the event as well. Total service from staff members recognized was 1,575 years of service to the district’s students.

45 years

• John Brown, Earth Science, Hutchinson High School

35 years

• Andrea Henne, Title I Reading Support, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen
• Anthony Santangelo, Social Studies, HMS-8

25 years

• Rochelle Berkley, Music/Vocal, HMS-8
• Andrea Ewert, School Counselor, Hutchinson High School
• Judith French, Library Media Assistant, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen
• Kevin Graham, Assistant Principal, HMS-7
• Dawna Harris, Physical Education, Lincoln/Avenue A
• Sondra Pohlman, Secretary, Educational Service Center
• Karla Pruitt, Kindergarten, McCandless Elementary
• Suzann Shea, Grade 3, Faris Elementary
• Vicki Willingham, Grade 1, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

20 years

• Charlene Albert, Resource Room, Morgan Elementary
• Tina Angel, Speech Language Itinerant Consult, Educational Service Center
• Jerrine Bonham, DD/K Itinerant Consultant, Avenue A Elementary
• Brenda Chastain, Secretarial Assistant/Food Service, Lincoln Elementary
• Kelly Curry, Grade 2, Graber Elementary
• Mary Kay Dechant, Speech Language Itinerant Consultant, Educational Service Center
• Aurelia Flores, Custodian, Wiley Elementary
• Debra Hall, Grade 2, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen
• Mary Hughes, Head Start Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center/Haven
• Cynthia Kitch, Grade 1, McCandless Elementary
• Barbara Manny, Grade 1, Faris Elementary
• Virginia Mayfield, Art, Hutchinson High School
• Dennis Perrin, Web Development/Computers, Vocational Center
• Sherri Powell, Grade 4, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen
• Grace Shultz, Grade 5, Faris Elementary
• Susan Smith, US History/Psychology, Hutchinson High School
• Dixie Wedel, Physical Therapist, Educational Service Center

15 Years

• Kent Blessing, Marketing, Vocational Center
• Lisa Bohlen, Grade 5, Faris Elementary
• Shirley Brunn, Custodian/Head Elementary, Hutcherson Center
• Thomas Clark, Physical Education, Hutchinson High School
• Norma Exposito, Grade 3, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen
• Andrea Fisher, Coordinator of At-Risk/Title Programs, Administration Center
• Pam Johnston, Reading Support, Faris Elementary
• Binky Kendrick, Child Care Room Director, Child Care Center
• Sharon King, Four-Year-Olds Program, Avenue A Elementary
• Marsha Matheny, School Counselor, Lincoln/Avenue A
• Debra Nienke, Hearing Impaired Resource, Hutchinson High School
• Catherine Paget, Library Media Specialist, Faris/Avenue A
• Betty Puyear, Kindergarten, Lincoln Elementary
• Saundra Sander, Custodian/Full Time, Morgan Elementary
• Kay Schreiner, Library Media Assistant, Morgan Elementary
• Richard Spencer, Locksmith, Maintenance
• Cassie Sturgeon, Grade 5, Graber Elementary
• Arlene Willems, Resource Room, Morgan Elementary
• Robert Williams Jr., Director of Building and Grounds/Bond Project Manager, Support Services Center
• Jennifer Winters, Grade 3, Morgan Elementary
• Joseph Woody, Language Arts, HMS-7

10 Years

• Bruce Bingham, Assistant Principal, McCandless Elementary
• Traci Bradford, Functional Special Education Class, Faris Elementary
• Patricia Chappell, Custodian/Head Elementary, McCandless Elementary
• John Colle, Science, Hutchinson High School
• Yvonne Danyluk, Grade 1, Avenue A Elementary
• Susan George, Grade 1, Morgan Elementary
• Robin Getting, Building Secretary, Graber Elementary
• Wilma Harber, School Counselor, Morgan Elementary
• Sherri Hart, Assistant Principal, Hutchinson High School
• Ray Hemman, Public Information Officer, Administration Center
• Carla Honeycutt, Library Media Specialist, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen/Wiley
• Patricia Huston, Grade 5, Morgan Elementary
• Karen Johnson, Grade 2, McCandless Elementary
• Ellen Lane, Building Secretary, Morgan Elementary
• Sylvia McCubbin, Building Secretary, Avenue A Elementary
• Ellis Meeks, Computer Lab Aide, Vocational Center
• Peggy Miller, English as a Second Language, Avenue A Elementary
• Scott Miller, Master HVAC, Maintenance
• Jeffery Morris, School Counselor, Hutchinson High School
• Denise Neighbors, Principal, Faris Elementary
• Glenn Nelson, Speech/Debate/Forensics, Hutchinson High School
• Sarah Nicks, Grade 2, Morgan Elementary
• Janean Nusz, Help Desk Facilitator, Technology Support Center
• Ruth Ann Pearson, Music/Vocal, Morgan Elementary
• Linda Perrin, Reading Support, Lincoln Elementary
• Jeanene M. Price, Cook/Server, Morgan Elementary
• Debra Ringler, Art, Hutchinson High School
• Shelley Rodriguez, Grade 5, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen
• Ronn Roehm, Principal, Hutchinson High School
• DeeAnn Romero, Accounts Payable Specialist, Administration Center
• Wanda Schmitz, Activity Treasurer, Hutchinson High School
• Sarah Smith, Secretarial Assistant/Food Service, Wiley Elementary
• Shannon Stuckert, English as a Second Language, HMS-8
Melissa Thorne, Grade 1, Graber Elementary
• Victor Wilkinson, Title I, Avenue A Elementary
• Robin Woodworth, Building Secretary, Morgan Elementary
• Thomas Woodworth, Computer Support Specialist, Technology Support Center 5 Years
• Silvana Albert, Bilingual TA/Bus/Lunch/Obee, Hutcherson Center/Obee
• Melinda Aleman, Title 1 Aide, Avenue A Elementary
• Kathleen Allen, Modified Special Class, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen
• Jennifer Bain, School Psychologist, Educational Service Center
• Gail Bingham, FACS Educational Aide, HMS-7
• Joshua Brooks, Custodian/Head Elementary, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen
• Danna Buzzard, Special Education, Hutchinson High School
• Randy Chambers, Custodian/Part time, Faris Elementary
• Tracey Colbert, Nutrition/Parent Involvement, Hutcherson Center
• Lisha Collins, Certified OT Assistant, Educational Service Center
• Gregory Cox, Custodian/Full Time, Vocational Center
• Diane Ehling, Resource Room, Graber Elementary
• Lois Ehm, Cook/Server, Wiley Elementary
• Susan Evans, Family Support Worker, Child Care Center
• Hilary Hanvey, Director of Food Service, Support Services Center
• Tobie Henline, Drama/Speech, Hutchinson High School
• Nathan Henry, Social Studies, Hutchinson High School
• Laurie Hernandez, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center/McCandless
• Cynthia Hughes, District Accountant, Administration Center
• Christina Jackson, Modified Special Class, Wiley Elementary
• Teresa Jones, School Nurse, Graber Elementary
• Maria Kaiser, Bilingual Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center
• Eunice Kenney, Support Technician/Data Entry, Early Head Start
• Marie Keyser, Title 1 Aide, Lincoln Elementary
• Toni Loewen, English, Hutchinson High School
• Kathy McAllister, Custodian/Part time, Avenue A Elementary
• Lorna Miller, Cook/Server, Wiley Elementary
• Michelle Mora, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center/McCandless
• Jeanie Nunn, French, Hutchinson High School
• Karie Ohnmacht, Family and Consumer Science, Vocational Center
• Jonathan O'Neal, Machine Technology, Vocational Center
• Heather Ramos, Grade 3, McCandless Elementary
• Leslie Ratzlaff, Speech Language Itinerant Consult, McCandless Elementary
• Toni Root, Interdisciplinary Team Teacher, Bob Johnson Youth
• Jodi Ruda, Speech Pathologist, Educational Service Center
• Anne Sellers, Medication Aide/RN, Morgan Elementary
• Charlotte Smith, Day Care Assistant, HHS Day Care
• Loretta Smith, Assistant Fruits & Vegetables, HMS-8
• Jon Spencer, Maintenance, Vocational Center
• Letty Watt, Library Media Specialist, McCandless Elementary
• Angela Wills, Kindergarten, Avenue A Elementary
• Diana Wilson, Special Education, Hutchinson High School

May 05, 2008
HHS places at state forensics

Junior Rachel Shannon placed in two events in the Class 5A state forensics championships Saturday at Topeka. Shannon was fourth in impromptu and sixth in original oration.

Additionally, sophomore Allexis Lightsey made semifinals in informative speaking. Also participating in the state tournament was senior Aigerim Tulepbergenova in original oration.

The state forensics tournament ends the regular season for HHS. Memorial Day weekend, HHS will compete in the National Catholic Forensics League Grand National Tournament at Appleton, Wisc. In June, HHS will compete at the National Forensics League National Tournament in Henderson, Nevada.

Glenn Nelson coaches forensics at HHS.

May 01, 2008
HHS DECA students place at ICDC

Eight Hutchinson High School students placed in the International Career Development Conference 2008 Saturday through Tuesday (April 26 to 29) at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

The students are members of the HHS DECA program.

Senior Majed Shaban and juniors Adam Miklos and Adam Pounds made finals in the Learn and Earn Project and placed in the top 10 nationally. Only the top 3 finishers are announced at the conference.

Seniors Amy Rosales and Joe Walker placed in the top 10 percent of the Fashion Merchandising Promotion Plan.

Seniors Courtney Ringler and Jessica St. Germaine placed in the top 10 percent of the Public Relations Project.

Senior Wendy Violette placed in the top 10 percent of the Entrepreneurship Participating Event.

For more information about the conference, contact Kim Hoffman, Reno Entrepreneurial Development Institute director, at 662-6372.

May 01, 2008
Getting named Classified EOY

When Robin Getting arrives at Graber Elementary School in the morning, she isn’t going to work.

Instead, the 10-year district employee looks at what she does in the office at Graber is arriving at her other calling.

Mrs. Getting is the 2008 Classified Employee of the Year for USD 308. The two other finalists for the honor were Jamie Brown, district payroll/benefits coordinator at the Administration Center, and Laurie Stevens, media services/Professional Development Council specialist.

As a secretary at Graber, Mrs. Getting knows that no two days – or even two hours of a single day – will be alike.

“I like that it’s different every day,” she said. “I don’t know what I’ll walk into each morning. It keeps me on my toes.”

Mrs. Getting and her family have lived in Hutchinson for 22 years, moving to Kansas from Idaho where she and husband, Gary, were pastors. Her husband is pastor at the Friends Church in Hutchinson. Mrs. Getting works with the children and is involved is other activities of the church.

She also sees Graber in much the same light. Mrs. Getting knows that the simple smile and “hello” she gives a student first thing in the morning may be the first kind words the child has heard since he left Graber 16 hours earlier.

Or she may sense a student needs a sympathetic ear, and she’ll take a stroll with the student.

“I see I can be more effective here than I can be at church,” she said. “At church, I know most of the people, where they stand and how they live. Here, you don’t know. That’s why I chose to be a secretary in a public school.”

Mrs. Getting has seen changes in the decade she’s worked in the district, including more students with more challenges.

The Gettings have four children – Jill White, 23, a nurse at Hutchinson Hospital; Jenalee Magana Garcia, 22, mom to three children at Pratt; Jordan, 16, a junior at Hutchinson High School; and Jalen, 14, a freshman at HHS.

All four children went to school at Graber. She appreciates the fact she can participate in her children’s education in her job and has flexibility to attend their activities.

Mrs. Getting is the sixth Classified Employee of the Year picked by USD 308 since the program began in 2003.

May 01, 2008
Memorial to be dedicated Friday

Richard Fritschen never met a stranger.

The long-time district principal died last fall. His memory, however, will be marked with two benches and a memorial in the outdoor classroom at Graber Elementary School. A brief ceremony to mark the donation will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, in the outdoor classroom at Graber, 1600 North Cleveland.

Fritschen and his wife of more than 50 years, Lila, were institutions in Kansas education. Both got their starts in Russell County in the late 1950s after graduating from Fort Hays State College, teaching at grade schools there. Both taught together at Centerview School in Russell County before leaving for stints at Scott City and Wamego.

The pair came to Hutchinson in 1968, Lila to teach at Sherman Junior High and Richard as principal at Morgan. After five years at Morgan, Richard served as curriculum specialist and principal at Winans in 1973-74. He then served from 1974 to 1982 as federal programs coordinator at the Administration Center.

From 1982 until he retired in 1997, Richard served as principal at Graber. After he retired, Richard was active in many civic organizations in the community.

Lila was a teacher at Sherman (now HMS-7) until the 1979-80 school year when she spent a year as an administrative intern at the Administration Center. She then served as assistant principal for a year at Sherman and was Sherman principal from 1980 to 1989 when she went to Liberty Middle School (now HMS-8) and served there until she retired in 1997.

For more information, contact Jo McFadden, Graber principal, at 665-4630.

May 01, 2008
HMS to dismiss early May 9

Hutchinson Middle School will dismiss students at 12:05 p.m. May 9 as a reward for making adequate yearly progress in preliminary results on Kansas State Assessments.

May 9 also is an early release day for elementary schools in the building. The K-6 early release days allow staff collaboration time for the buildings.

April 28, 2008
Two place in state Student Congress

Two Hutchinson High School juniors placed in the state Student Congress competition Friday and Saturday (April 25 and 26) at Salina.

Rachel Shannon placed fifth while Ursela Hemman placed ninth. Both juniors will compete next in Student Congress Memorial Day weekend at the National Catholic Forensics League Grand National Tournament in Appleton, Wisc. Shannon also will compete in the National Forensics League Student Congress competition in June at Henderson, Nevada.

Saturday (May 3), HHS competes in the state forensics tournament at Topeka.

Glenn Nelson coaches forensics at HHS.

April 24, 2008
Senior one-act plays slated

As the 2007-08 school year enters its final month, the Hutchinson High School Theater Department will conduct an annual event – senior one-act plays.

HHS will raise the curtain on two senior one-act plays at 7:30 p.m. May 1 and 2 in the HHS Auditorium.

Mandy Laham is directing "Rapunzel Uncut," and Steven Rousey is directing "The Game."

For more information, contact Tobie Henline, HHS drama teacher, at 665-4500.

April 24, 2008
Senior Awards Assembly set

While many schools conduct numerous all-school assemblies during the year, HHS has but one — the Senior Awards Assembly. This year’s assembly will start at 9:30 a.m. May 7 in the Salthawk Activity Center.

This is a time when the district celebrates the accomplishments of its seniors in a very public way. Scholarships earned by the students will be announced as well as other student and staff awards.

Parents of seniors and the public are invited to the event as well.

April 24, 2008
District to honor retirees, service awards

There is a circle of life in every organization but, perhaps, maybe none as powerful as in education.

While schools have colleagues who join the staff virtually every month of the year, most of new staff arrives in August. School staff welcomes new colleagues into their midst. Staff work, learn, break bread and play alongside them throughout the year.

Then each May, some staff members tell colleagues goodbye because they are moving on to new chapters in their lives.

USD 308 will celebrate that circle during the annual district retirement/service awards reception and ceremony will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 4 in the HHS Cafeteria. There will be a short formal ceremony at 2 p.m.

Announcing their intentions to retire so far in 2007-08 are:

• Deborah Barnes, 1986-2008, Educational Services Center
• Carolyn Davies, 1997-2008, Wiley
• Jane Easter, 1976-2008, HMS-8
• Glen Fasnacht, 1979-2008, Wiley
• Marilyn Graham, 1975-2008, Lincoln
• Gary Hughes, 1974-2008, HHS
• Patricia Means, 1980-2008, Lincoln
• Ruth Ann Pearson, 1998-2008, Morgan
• Nancy Prieb, 1980-2008, Educational Services Center
• Letty Watt, 2003-2008, McCandless
• Shirley Wenner, 1979-2008, Administration Center
• Gene Willich, 1997-2008, HHS

Additionally, the district will honor 130 staff members who have accumulated from five to 45 years of service to the district.

April 22, 2008
New program helps children avoid cavities

A new grant will bring improved dental health to young Reno County families.

Reno County Head Start is part of a new initiative called “Kansas Cavity-Free Kids. The Kansas Head Start Association has been awarded two grants to fund a state-wide oral health program targeting pregnant women and families with children birth to 5 years old.

Kansas Cavity-Free Kansas will create a network of children’s oral health services connecting early learning programs, safety net clinics, extended care permit (ECP) dental hygienists and community dentists into a system of care for more than 20,000 young children who are at high risk for oral disease each year.

The initiative will be announced at a press conference at 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at the Reno County Head Start, 330 Charles in Hutchinson.

The Delta Dental of Kansas Foundation will provide $311,548 over five years to fund equipment and supplies, educational materials and a new web-based information system. This is the largest grant awarded to date by the foundation.

Established in 2003, the Delta Dental of Kansas Foundation is committed to addressing the problems of increased access to dental care for underserved populations, building the capacity to provide dental care, increasing public awareness of oral health, and promoting the prevention of oral disease. More information is available at www.deltadentalksfoundation.org or by contacting, Karen Finstad, executive director, at (913) 327-3727.

United Methodist Health Ministry Fund is supporting a full-time director for Kansas Cavity-Free Kids through a two-year grant of $155,760. Since the Health Fund was founded in 1986, grants totaling more than $47 million have supported hundreds of health-related projects in Kansas. The Fund’s objectives for oral health include achieving an effective and sustainable Kansas infrastructure to support oral health, creating access to dental care on a regional basis for low-income Kansans and attracting and supporting innovative ideas for improving the oral health of Kansans. More information is available at www.healthfund.org or by contacting Virginia Elliott, vice president for programs, at (620) 662-8586.

By funding this initiative, these two foundations have shown their continued commitment to help Kansans improve their oral health through better access to care and education for prevention.

Kathy Hunt, RDH/ECP, has been named project coordinator. She has the responsibility to implement this initiative throughout the state. From Wamego, Hunt has worked in private practice and public health for the past 28 years. As an ECP hygienist, Hunt worked with Riley County Head Start and its partner, Riley County-Manhattan Health Department, to establish dental hygiene services for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers. Over the past three years, she has served as a consultant to Oral Health Kansas as a coach for hygienists and community organizations planning to start ECP services.

For more information or to request an interview, contact Kathy Hunt, RDH at (785) 456-2635 or e-mail Kathy at khunt@ksheadstart.org. For more information about Reno County Head Start, contact Chris Baird, program director, at (620) 665-4850. For more information about Head Start in Kansas, contact Mary Baskett, executive director for the Kansas Head Start Association at (785) 856-3132.

April 22, 2008
HHS places in Texas music festival

Hutchinson High School competed in the Music in the Parks Festival Saturday (April 19, 2008) at San Antonio, Texas, and came home with a pair of top five finishes.

The HHS band’s Wind Ensemble placed second overall with a combined score of 82, which was a single point behind the winning band. The HHS choir placed fourth in its division. Additionally, the choir received the Esprit de Corps trophy for the entire festival, recognizing the group’s overall spirit and deportment at the festival. All three HHS bands participated in the festival.

In addition to performing at the festival, the choir added performances both before and after the event, including a moving performance at the Oklahoma City National Memorial on the weekend of the 13th anniversary of the bombing. The choir also held a “thank you” performance during a Sunday morning service at a church where the musicians were housed for the weekend.

For more information about the festival, contact Sid Showalter, director of bands at HHS, or Mary McMichael, director of choirs at HHS, by calling 665-4500.

April 17, 2008
Kansas Kids' Fitness Day set

An event that will draw hundreds of third graders to Don Michael Field will return for its eighth running Thursday, April 24.

The Kansas Kids' Fitness Day is a statewide event to increase awareness of physical activity and safety for third graders across Kansas.

In Hutchinson, the eighth annual Kansas Kids' Fitness Day will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, April 24 at Don Michael Field, 17th and Severance in Hutchinson.

Hosted by USD 308, the event is expected to draw more than 675 students from Hutchinson, Nickerson, Inman, Buhler, Hutchinson Catholic Schools and Windom. Statewide, the event draws 18,000 students each year at the 40 sites in Kansas.

More than 100 volunteers will be working on the project, including Junior and Senior Leaders from Hutchinson High School under the direction of Cindy Knox, physical education teacher at HHS. The volunteers will staff 32 activity and safety stations during the afternoon.

Others involved in the project include the elementary and high school physical education staff, local firefighters, police officers, Red Cross, Hutchinson Recreation Commission, YMCA and USD 308 Nutrition Services.

For more information, contact Kyle Welliver, physical education teacher, at 665-4670.

April 17, 2008
Author to speak at Lincoln

Author Betty Grice-Alford will share with students in Glinda Theus’ classroom at Lincoln Elementary School at 10 a.m. Friday (April 18, 2008).

An author of children’s books, Grice-Alford is a personal friend of Theus. Grice-Alford has written the book titled The Special Attic.

The Special Attic is a story written to teach young black readers about their heritage and hopefully inspire them to question their own family members about their history and ancestors.

In the story, Angie is a young black girl who is thinking about her summer vacations with her grandparents. Her Grandma Eunice has an "old trunk" in her attic which holds special items that she uses to tell Angie stories.

The author and her husband have been involved with numerous projects relating to Africa. They shipped thousands of books in large containers for citizens of Africa. They also set up programs to teach women how to build houses from start to finish.

April 17, 2008
Author to speak at four district schools

A children’s author will make presentations at four district schools the week of April 21.

Ann Nagda is a children’s author who has written more than a dozen books on a wide variety of subjects.

Nagda dreamed as a child of being a librarian or artist. As a teen, she spent time in Denmark. She ended up getting her degree in mathematics from Bucknell University and became a computer programmer for IBM. After her first child was born, she went after her dream of being a writer and now has traveled the world, living the adventures she craved as a child.

The author will be at Lincoln Elementary School on April 23, McCandless on April 24 and Avenue A and Faris on April 25.

At McCandless, Nagda will present four times to different age groups at 8:15 and 9:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:10 p.m. she also will have lunch with McCandless staff at 11 a.m.

For more information about Nagda, go to her website, www.AnnNagda.com. For more information about her appearances in Hutchinson, contact Letty Watt, library media specialist at McCandless, at 665-4660.

April 17, 2008
HMS hosts Pioneer League music

Some students at Hutchinson Middle School will get the day off on Wednesday, April 23. Officially, there is no school on either campus of the middle school that day.

For many students, however, it will be a “day on.” Hutchinson Middle School will host the Pioneer League Instrumental Music Contest all day.

On the seventh grade campus, band students will perform while on the eighth grade campus, orchestra students will perform.

April 14, 2008
HHS places at two forensics tournaments

The Hutchinson High School forensics squad placed at a pair of tournaments recently.

Thursday, April 10, HHS competed in the Saline County Invitational. Sophomore Zach Taylor was fifth in informative speaking while freshman Kelsi Juarez was sixth in humorous interpretation.

Saturday, April 12, HHS competed at Nickerson. Sophomore Allexis Lightsey was first in both informative speaking and dramatic interpretation. Senior Aia Tulepbergenova was second in original oration.

Friday and Saturday (April 18 and 19), HHS competes in the West Kansas National Forensics League’s individual events qualifier at Salina’s Kansas Wesleyan University.

Glenn Nelson coaches forensics at HHS.

April 7, 2008
HHS qualifies students for nationals

Two Hutchinson High School students qualified in Student Congress for the National Catholic Forensics League Grand National Tournament.

Junior Rachel Shannon placed third and junior Ursela Hemman placed fourth in the Wichita Diocese qualifying tournament April 1 in Buhler. The two will compete at Appleton, Wisc., over Memorial Day in the two-day Grand National NCFL Tournament.

Previously qualifying for NCFL in policy debate for HHS were senior Ryan McFarland and junior Stefan Mattox. Shannon also has qualified in Student Congress for the National Forensics League national tournament in June at Henderson, Nevada.

Also last week, HHS competed in tournaments at Salina South and Wichita Southeast.

At the Salina South 81 Blowout Tournament April 3, Mattox was second in impromptu and fourth in domestic extemporaneous speaking. McFarland was fourth in original oration and fourth in impromptu. Hemman was fifth in impromptu and fifth in original oration. Freshman Kelsi Juarez was fifth in humorous interpretation and fourth in dramatic interpretation.

At Wichita Southeast on April 5, Shannon was sixth in original oration.

This week, HHS competes at Salina Central on Thursday and Kapaun Mount Carmel on Saturday.

Glenn Nelson coaches forensics at HHS.

April 3, 2008
First negotiations meeting set

The first negotiations session for the 2008-09 negotiated agreement between Hutchinson Public Schools and the National Education Association-Hutchinson will be 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at the Administration Center, 1520 North Plum. Except for caucus periods of the individual groups, the negotiations are open meetings. Normally, the two groups meet several times over the spring for negotiations.

April 3, 2008
48th annual Avenue A Mexican Dinner set

One of the longest-running traditions in Hutchinson Public Schools has its 48th installment April 8.

The 48th Annual Mexican Dinner at Avenue A Elementary School will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 at the school, 111 South Madison.

The event is sponsored by the Avenue A PTO. The parent-teachers’ group uses the money for speakers, assemblies, field trips, recognitions for individual students and other types of help for students.

The dinner includes four choices of meals as well as ala carte items. The adult meals cost $5 each with a kids meal priced at $2.50.

In addition to dining in at the school, carry-out orders are available. Orders may be called in to 665-4610 or faxed to 665-4612.

For more information, contact Beth Redinger, Avenue A principal, at 665-4610.

April 3, 2008
Juniors put on ‘Gatsby-Palooza’

Hutchinson High School juniors will participate in the second-annual Gatsby-Palooza from 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 17 in the HHS Cafeteria.

The event is the culmination of reading the novel, The Great Gatsby, and the 1920s research the students have been doing for Junior English B. Between 150 and 175 HHS students will participate in the Gatsby-Palooza.

The project is a cross-curriculum experience that entails knowledge of the novel, the research process and a variety of resource materials selected by each student. Students research topics from American history; politics; entertainment; business and industry; social issues; sports; and much more.

The process enhances students’ knowledge base as well as their abilities to analyze information from a variety of sources.

April 3, 2008
BPA, Graber combine on community project

The Business Professionals of America at Hutchinson High School will do a joint community project with students at Graber Elementary School in April.

BPA and Graber will conduct a fund-raiser for March of Dimes. On April 14, BPA members will speak to all the classes about the work of the March of Dimes. Additionally, the BPA students will provide the Graber students with hands-on materials to help the younger students understand the work of the March of Dimes.

Each student at Graber will receive a little bank to collect money for March of Dimes. The bank can be used to collect money from family members, neighbors and friends. BPA and Grade Representatives from Graber, in turn, will chart class progress throughout the fund raiser on a bulletin board at Graber.

The fund raiser will formally end on April 24. The goal for Graber students is $500. For the students’ efforts, BPA is sponsoring a movie day with drinks and popcorn for the entire school on May 2.

For more information, contact Brian McFall, BPA sponsor, at 665-4500.

April 3, 2008
Week of the Young Child

A coalition of local groups will celebrate the Week of the Young Child 2008, which is April 14 through 19. Special activities are planned for Monday through Friday of the week. The activities are designed for children, birth through age 8 and are free to the public. Adults are asked to accompany children to the events.

Monday, April 14: Kansas Kids Museum will be open for hands on activities from 6 to 8 p.m. The museum is located in the Hutchinson Mall, 1500 East 11th.

Tuesday, April 15: Story hour from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hutchinson Public Library, 9th and Main.

Wednesday, April 16: Parents as Teachers will meet at 330 Charles from 10 to 11 a.m. Then from 2 to 4 p.m., the Hutchinson Zoo will have a presentation in its Discovery Center, 6 Emerson Loop East in Carey Park.

Thursday, April 17: Young children are encouraged to make a masterpiece at the Hutchinson Art Museum, 405 North Washington from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 18: The Cat in the Hat will be at Memorial Hall, 101 South Walnut, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Information booths on early childhood opportunities in the community will be available as will a Reno County Emergency Medical Services ambulance and a Hutchinson Fire Department engine. The HFD’s Smoke House will be open for children that evening.

The coalition includes the Early Education Center, the Reno County Early Childhood Council, the Hutchinson YMCA, Smart Start of Reno/Rice Counties, Family Children’s Theater, Reno County Head Start, Parents As Teachers, the Training and Evaluation Center of Hutchinson, Kansas Children Service League, the Kansas Kids Museum, the Hutchinson Public Library, Horizons Mental Health Center, Hutchinson Hospital, the Reno County Health Department and Hutchinson Zoo.

April 1, 2008
HHS forensics team places at two tourneys

The Hutchinson High School forensics squad placed at a pair of tournaments recently.

Thursday (March 27), HHS competed at the Chisholm Trail Roundup at Newton. Junior Rachel Shannon was first in impromptu and second in oration. Sophomore Alexis Lightsey was third in informative speaking and fourth in dramatic interpretation.

Saturday (March 29), HHS competed at Lyons. Rachel Shannon was first in oration and Lightsey was third in informative. Senior Aia Tulepbergenova was sixth in oration.

This week, HHS competes in three tournaments. Tuesday (April 1), HHS competes in the National Catholic Forensics League student congress qualifier at Buhler. Thursday (April 3), HHS competes at the 81 Blowout at Salina South. Saturday, HHS competes in an invitational at Wichita Southeast.

Glenn Nelson coaches forensics at HHS.

March 28, 2008
District newsletter appears Monday

The USD 308’s parent and patron newsletter, Apple-cations, will run as an insert in the March 31 edition of The Hutchinson News.

The newsletter includes an update on the $78.8 million bond issue, information about Kindergarten Roundup, a feature on the Wall of Honor class of 2008 and the 2008-09 calendar.

March 27, 2008
Report of BB gun prompts schools lockdown

Staff at Graber Elementary School on Hutchinson’s north side saw what they believed was a man shooting some sort of gun into a tree at mid afternoon Wednesday, prompting USD 308 officials to lock down the school. The school is adjacent to an apartment complex, and the individual was seen going back into the apartments.

Hutchinson High School, which is about a block away from Graber, also went into lockdown as a precaution.

Hutchinson Police were called to the scene and immediately began a search. Officers interviewed several residents of the nearby apartments. Ultimately, officers were able to identify a suspect in the case and found the BB gun. The individual was issued a municipal court summons for discharging a BB gun in the Hutchinson city limits.

Both Graber and Hutchinson High School remained under lock down for about an hour, which extended past the normal release time for Graber.

The following note was sent home with students at Graber Wednesday afternoon.

“Today at approximately 2:15 it was reported by one of our staff members than a man outside of the neighborhood apartments had a gun and was shooting at a bird nest in a tree. All students were brought inside of the building and a 911 call was placed. The Hutchinson Police Department responded and Graber Elementary School was placed in lock down. Students were not dismissed until police officially released the school from lock down.”

March 26, 2008
HHS places at Friends Art Challenge

In the tallest cylinder category, Danielle Dyer placed third. In painting, Jeremy Kidd placed first with his piece “No Soliciting.” In digital art, Julian Stropes’ piece, “One,” placed first.

Azarah Eells piece, “The Paradise Syndrome,” received special recognition at the event as well.

Also competing at the challenge for HHS were Der Lee and Bethany Strasburg.

The Art Challenge Exhibit currently is being displayed in the Riney Fine Arts Gallery on the Friends University Campus through Friday. There will be a reception for the student winners from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday (March 29) with a scholarship award ceremony at 3 p.m. Saturday at the gallery.

For more information, contact Debra Ringler, HHS art teacher, at 665-4500.

March 20, 2008
District closed for Good Friday

USD 308 schools and facilities will be closed on Friday, March 21, for Good Friday.

All schools will be back in operation on Monday, March 24.

March 20, 2008
HHS parent-teacher conferences set

A final set of parent-teacher conferences at Hutchinson High School will be held April 3 and 4. There will be no classes either day at HHS.

On April 3, conferences will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. On April 4, conferences will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. There will be no conferences the afternoon of April 4.

The conferences will be in the Salthawk Activity Center arena style. At that time, students’ proposed 2008-09 class selections will be available for parents to view.

Additionally, Hutchinson Middle School will not have class on April 4 for an in-service. The elementary schools will dismiss class early on April 4 for teacher collaboration.

March 17, 2008
HHS Student qualifies for NFL Student Congress

A Hutchinson High School junior has qualified for the National Forensics League Student Congress Tournament in June at Henderson, Nevada.

Rachel Shannon was second in House competition at the West Kansas District National Forensics League Student Congress qualifier on March 7. The top three students in the House qualified for nationals.

Also placing at the West Kansas tournament were junior Stefan Mattox, eighth; junior Ursela Hemman, ninth and sophomore Katelin Morey, 18th.

HHS’ next forensics competition will be March 27 in Newton and March 29 in Lyons.

Glenn Nelson coaches forensics at HHS.

March 17, 2008
HHS to present dinner theatre

The Hutchinson High School Drama Department will present a dinner theater March 28 through 30.

The Dinner Theatre Murder Mystery Show will be Mayhem in Mayville and will be at 6 p.m. on March 28 and 29 and 12:30 p.m. on March 30. The show will require some audience participation.

Tickets costs $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under and $7.50 for HHS students and staff with ID. To make dinner reservations, email henlinet@usd308.com.

The mystery is a two-act whodunit. The audience is aware that skullduggery has been at play as a pair of men's legs are found sticking out from under a table at Connie's Cup 'O Coffee Cafe. From the moment Connie discovers the supposed mayhem, an investigation is under way. At the appearance of Inspector Mildred McBride, all the regulars become suspects. McBride's skill comes into question when she enlists the help of the audience. Clues appear everywhere; even members of the audience become suspects.

Catering for the event will be provided by USD 308 Food Service. The menu includes hamburger, chips, baked beans and cobbler for dessert.

HHS students in the cast include

• Megan Barnett as Connie Marshall
• Camden Kincy as Frank Delaney
• Ciara Mundhenke as Rona O’Toole
• Billy Unsderfer as Junior
• Lexey Jost as Inspector Mildred McBride
• Tanner Roark as Police Chief Cooper
• Taylor Geiman as Buc Delaney
• Amy Rosales as Gina Meyers
• Megan Mendoza as Lola Meyers
• Townspeople/waiters and waitresses: Hayat Dominguez, Leanna Daniels, Pamela James, Brittany Baxter, Tayah Short, Ashley Scott, Allexis Lightsey, Josh Lightsey, Breia Cape, Cortland Mahoney, Isaiah Narron, Armando Arevalo, Rakeisha Cushinberry, Royce Lassley, Tonya Powers, Tinesha Powers, Cynthia Wynn, Ian Cunningham, Cody Martin, Emilie Stafford, Nichole Flynn, Jaden Bowman, Casey Walker, Michael Reynolds, Tahnee Smith, Summer Gajewski, Tara Esguerra and Melanie Mann

For more information, contact Tobie Henline, HHS drama teacher, at 665-4500.

March 12, 2008
Groundbreaking for Academy set March 17

Ground will be broken for the largest stand-alone project of USD 308's $78.8 million bond issue on March 17.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Career and Technology Education Academy will be at 6 p.m. Monday, March 17, at the site of the academy, which is just west of the North Gym on the Hutchinson High School campus.

A variety of programs will move from the existing Vocational Building on the HHS campus, from the other halls of HHS and from the Quest Center to the Career and Technology Education Academy. Among the programs to be located in the new building are automotive technology, automotive collision repair, recreational vehicle repair, commercial construction, culinary arts, marketing classes and the Reno Entrepreneurial Development Institute (REDI). Additionally, new classes being created in a number of specialties for health careers, commercial construction and recreational vehicle repair and the culinary arts.

The expansion of these programs into the new building will allow other existing programs to expand into space in the Vocational Building as well as move REDI from off-site at the Quest Center to HHS.

The building will have state-of-the art safety systems, including fire alarms and fire sprinklers as well as a communications system. The building will be ADA compliant and will have an events center for use by the district and community.

Students, parents and patrons also will benefit from additional off-street parking near the new building after it is completed.

The groundbreaking is being held in conjunction with two other public events that evening on the HHS campus. There will be an open house of current vocational programs at HHS after the groundbreaking. The HHS Vocational Technical Center offers the widest range of programming in Reno County, serving all county high schools, Hutchinson Community College and high schools in adjacent counties.

At 7 p.m. March 17 families who have eighth graders and want to know more about Hutchinson High School are invited to the Eighth Grade Open House. The Open House begins in the HHS Auditorium.

A majority of USD 308 Board of Education members are expected to be on hand for the March 17 groundbreaking. While Board members will participate in the ceremony, no formal action will be taken by the Board.

The next regular meeting of the Board will be at 7 p.m. March 24 at the Administration Center.

March 11, 2008
USD 308 Kindergarten Round-Up set

With spring's arrival, Kindergarten Round-Up for the 2008-09 school year for Hutchinson Public Schools is near.

Kindergarten Round-Up will provide information for parents about the kindergarten curriculum, developmental screening and items parents need to bring when enrolling the first time. All Hutchinson USD 308 elementary schools have scheduled Kindergarten Round-Up in early April.

Children who will be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2008, are eligible to enroll in kindergarten in Hutchinson Public Schools for the 2008-09 school year.

During Kindergarten Round-Up, parents will have the opportunity to pre-enroll and learn more about their school. Parents are asked to bring their child's record of immunizations and birth certificate to Kindergarten Round-Up.

USD 308 offers all-day kindergarten for families who live in the Avenue A, Lincoln and McCandless attendance areas. Additionally, all-day kindergarten is offered at Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen, which serves the entire district. Families need to make an application to attend the Magnet School, however, prior to enrollment.

Parents who are unable to attend Kindergarten Round-Up for their child may call their neighborhood school to set up an appointment for pre-enrollment.

Families unsure of their neighborhood school attendance area can call Ray Hemman at 665-4429.

Below is the schedule for Kindergarten Round-Up.

SCHOOL	DATE	TIME
a Avenue A Elementary	Thursday, April 10	2,3,4 and 5 p.m.
Faris Elemenatry	Monday, April 7	5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Graber Elementary	Tuesday, April 1	2 to 4 p.m.
a b Hutchinson Magnet at Allen	Tuesday, April 15	8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
a Lincoln Elementary	Tuesday, April 8	Noon to 3:30 p.m.
a McCandless Elementary	Tuesday April 1	5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Morgan Elementary	Tuesday, April 8	5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Wiley Elementary	Friday, April 4	Noon to 3 p.m.

^a Offers all-day kindergarten

^b Families need to make an application to attend Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen prior to enrolling. Contact the school at 665-4600 for application information.

March 6, 2008
Spring Break Hours

Hutchinson Public Schools will observe Spring Break March 10 to 14.

The district’s Administration Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday (March 10 to 12) but be closed on Thursday and Friday (March 13 and 14).

Additionally, district schools will be closed on March 21, which is Good Friday. The Administration Center will be closed for business on March 21 as well.

March 3, 2008
HHS Places at Buhler Forensics Tournament

The Hutchinson High School forensics squad competed at the Buhler invitational Friday and Saturday (Feb. 29 and March 1).

Friday, three members placed in Student Congress. Junior Rachel Shannon was first in House II. Junior Ursela Hemman was third in House I. Sophomore Katelin Morey was sixth in House II.

Saturday, junior Adam Miklos was third in domestic extemporaneous speaking while junior Adam Pounds was sixth in domestic extemp.

Friday (March 7), HHS will compete in the West Kansas National Forensic League Student Congress national qualifier at Salina South.

Glenn Nelson coaches forensics at HHS.

Feb. 28, 2008
Graber holds talent showcase

Student talents will be highlighted during the Graber Talent Showcase tonight (Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008).

The showcase will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Graber Elementary School, 1600 North Cleveland.

For more information, contact Graber Principal Jo McFadden at 665-4630.

Feb. 28, 2008
HHS vocal musicians to perform

Hutchinson High School’s annual Choral Classics concert will be at 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, in the HHS Auditorium.

The concert will feature the high school’s vocalists performing a wide variety of music they will take to regional and state contests later this spring.

For more information, contact Mary Lynn McMichael, HHS vocal music teacher, at 665-4500.

Feb. 28, 2008
Spring String Fling set

The largest orchestra concert of the year will be Tuesday at Memorial Hall.

The annual Spring String Fling will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, at Memorial Hall, 101 South Walnut.

The concert brings together hundreds of orchestra students from sixth grade through high school. The event is a chance for students to play with what may be the largest group they ever will in their lives. It also gives parents a chance to hear what their children are doing as well as what others are doing in the district. For younger students, the concert also gives them a chance to see what is in store for them in the future in orchestra.

For more information, contact Bruce Boyd, HHS orchestra teacher, at 665-4500.

Feb. 28, 2008
Date, time of Board meeting changed

Because of USD 308’s Spring Break, the first Board of Education meeting for March has been moved.

The meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, at the Administration Center 1520 North Plum. The meeting was moved to earlier in the evening to allow Board members and the public to attend the Spring String Fling orchestra concert at 7:30 p.m. March 4 at Memorial Hall.

The second March meeting for the Board will be at 7 p.m. March 24.

Dates to remember

• March 4: Board of Education meeting, 5:30 p.m., Administration Center
• March 10 to 14: Spring Break

The Hutchinson High School forensics team competed at the Salina Central invitational Friday and Saturday (Feb. 22 and 23).

In Student Congress on Friday, junior Rachel Shannon was the presiding officer in House II. Sophomore Katelin Morey was fourth in House II. Junior Stefan Mattox was sixth in House I.

Saturday, senior Aia Tulepbergenova was fifth in original oration and 12th in prose. Sophomore Allexis Lightsey was seventh in informative speaking and 10th in dramatic interpretation. Junior Adam Pounds was 11th in domestic extemporaneous speaking. Sophomore Jamee Mulford was 12th in impromptu speaking. Freshmen Hannah Cohen and Cortland Mahoney were 12th in duet acting.

This Friday and Saturday (Feb. 29 and March 1), HHS competes at Buhler.

Glenn Nelson coaches forensics at HHS.

Feb. 22, 2008
Groundbreakings set for Feb. 28

USD 308 will break ground Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, for the first two projects funded by the $78.8 million bond issue.

Ground will be broken on two projects, which will provide additions and renovations to two schools. At 10:30 a.m., the district will break ground at Wiley Elementary School, 900 West 21st. Then at 1 p.m., we will break ground at Morgan Elementary School, 100 West 27th.

The event will be simple – a few comments by district officials and the contractor – Wiens & Company Construction, Inc., followed by the ceremonial digging into the Kansas sod. Students from both schools will be on hand for the events as well.

Feb. 22, 2008
HHS to host Class 5A state wrestling

Hutchinson High School will host the Class 5A state wrestling tournament Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22 and 23, in the Salthawk Activity Center.

The tournament has been moved out of the Coliseum near Park City for a year. HHS hosts Class 5A while Class 6A will be at Wichita State University’s Koch Arena. Class 4A will be in Salina with Classes 1 through 3A at Hays.

HHS will not be in session on Friday, Feb. 22. The second trimester has ended with Feb. 22 being a staff in-service day. K-8 schools also will be out of class on Feb. 22 for an in-service/records day.

For more information about the Class 5A wrestling tournament, contact Eric Armstrong, HHS activities director, at 665-4516.

Feb. 22, 2008
HHS Art Show at Stringer

The annual Hutchinson High School Art Show will formally kick off with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at Stringer Fine Arts Center on the Hutchinson Community College Campus.

The art show will be open during regular hours at Stringer through March 31.

The HHS Student Council is sponsoring the reception with Art Club students serving food made for the event by Birdfeeder students. The HHS orchestra, under the direction of Bruce Boyd, will play during the reception. Dr. David Flowers, USD 308 superintendent, will make comments during the reception.

For more information, contact Debra Ringler, HHS art teacher, at 665-4500.

Feb. 22, 2008
Mass Bands Concert Set

In terms of sheer numbers, the biggest musical event of the school year sounds off at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Sports Arena.

The 21st annual Mass Bands Concert features about 600 USD 308 students in grades six through 12. There will be performances by elementary bands, middle school bands, high school bands and jazz bands before the actual mass bands performance, which brings together all the students.

The district has been doing the Mass Bands Concert since 1988. The event is a chance for students to play with what may be the largest group they ever will in their lives. It also gives parents a chance to hear what their children are doing as well as what others are doing in the district. For younger students, the concert also gives them a chance to see what is in store for them in the future in band.

For more information, contact the HHS music staff at 665-4500.

Feb. 19, 2008
Page advances to finalist status

Hutchinson High School senior Rebecca Page has been named a National Merit finalist for 2008.

Earlier this school year, Page was named a semifinalist in the program.

The National Merit® Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability. To qualify, students had to take the 2006 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. More than 1.4 million juniors took the test last fall from about 21,000 high schools nationwide.

Out of the 1.4 million students who took the test, approximately 16,000 semifinalists were named.

To become a finalist, a semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the school principal and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier qualifying test performance.

Of the 16,000 semifinalists, 15,000 were expected to become finalists. The finalists are eligible for consideration for a Merit Scholarship award.

All winners of Merit Scholarship awards are chosen from finalists, based on their abilities, skills and accomplishments. A variety of information is available for scholarship selectors to evaluate, including the finalist's academic record, information about the school's curricula and grading system, two sets of test scores, school official's written recommendation, information about the student's activities and leadership and the finalist's own essay.

There are three types of Merit Scholarship awards – National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards and college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards.

Feb. 18, 2008
HHS places in McPherson forensics tourney

The Hutchinson High School forensics squad placed in the McPherson invitational Friday and Saturday (Feb. 15 and 16).

On Friday, HHS competed in Student Congress. Junior Rachel Shannon tied for first in Varsity House II. Junior Ursela Hemman tied for second in Varsity House I. Sophomore Jamee Mulford was fifth in Varsity House I. Junior Stefan Mattox was sixth in Varsity House I.

Saturday, HHS competed in individual events and as a squad placed third overall in the sweepstakes competition.

Senior Alishia Armstrong was second in poetry. Sophomore Allexis Lightsey was third in informative speaking and fourth in dramatic interpretation. Freshman Isaiah Narron was fifth in dramatic interpretation. Junior Adam Miklos was fifth in domestic extemporaneous speaking. Freshman Erica Gianakon was sixth in prose. Senior Aia Tulepbergenova was sixth in original oration and seventh in prose.

Additionally, the top novices for each event were recognized. Gianakon was the top novice in prose. Narron was the top novice in dramatic interpretation. In poetry, there was a tie between freshman Hannah Cohen and sophomore Tonya Powers.

This Friday and Saturday (Feb. 22 and 23), HHS competes at Salina Central.

Glenn Nelson coaches forensics at HHS.

Feb. 18, 2008
Bid opening set for Academy

Bids for the Career and Technology Education Academy will be opened at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 in the Board Room of the Administration Center, 1520 North Plum.

This is a public bid opening.

A majority of a quorum of our Board of Education members may be in attendance at the bid openings as observers. No Board action will be taken on Feb. 21.

The district also has tentatively set two groundbreakings for Feb. 28. The groundbreaking for additions and renovations for Wiley Elementary School will be at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 28 at the school, 900 West 21st. Groundbreaking for additions and renovations for Morgan Elementary School will be at 1 p.m. Feb. 28 at the school, 100 West 27th.

Additional details on the groundbreakings will be released later this week.

Bids on Wiley and Morgan were approved by the Board on Feb. 11. The projects are part of the $78.8 million bond issue USD 308 voters approved in November 2006.

Feb. 15, 2008
Tickets remain on sale for Wall of Honor

Tickets remain on sale for the Wall of Honor banquet at Hutchinson High School.

The 10th class of the Wall of Honor at Hutchinson High School includes Hutchinson leaders in business and non-profit organizations and a test pilot.

The 2008 honorees are Susie Christopher, executive director for First Call for Help; the late Stuart “Joe” Conklin, Conklin Cars owner; and the late Robert L. Sieker, experimental aircraft test pilot.

The trio will be inducted during the annual Wall of Honor Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, in the Hutchinson High School Cafeteria. Reservations are due by Monday, Feb. 18, and may be made by calling the HHS main office at 665-4500. The banquet costs $10 for adults and $5 for children under age 12.

Additionally, the recipients or their families will be recognized during a faculty breakfast on Feb. 22.

The project, a joint venture of the HHS Student Council, the Renaissance Club and the HHS Alumni Association, recognizes three outstanding graduates of Hutchinson High School each year.

Plaques honoring the alumni are located in the lobby of the Salthawk Activities Center. For more information, contact HHS Assistant Principal David T. Patterson at 665-4542.

Feb. 15, 2008
HHS to host Class 5A state wrestling

Hutchinson High School will host the Class 5A state wrestling tournament Feb. 22 and 23 in the Salthawk Activity Center.

The tournament has been moved out of the Coliseum near Park City for a year. HHS hosts Class 5A while Class 6A will be at Wichita State University’s Koch Arena. Class 4A will be in Salina with Classes 1 through 3A at Hays.

HHS will not be in session on Friday, Feb. 22. The second trimester ends next week with Feb. 22 being a staff in-service day. K-8 schools also will be out of class on Feb. 22 for an in-service/records day.

For more information about the Class 5A wrestling tournament, contact Eric Armstrong, HHS activities director, at 665-4516.

Feb. 15, 2008
Vocational building bid opening set

The next bid opening for USD 308’s $78.8 million bond issue will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008, in the Administration Center, 1520 North Plum, for the Career and Technology Education Academy.

The academy will be built on the northwest side of the HHS campus, just west of the North Gym.

For more information on the Career and Technology Education Academy, go to http://www.usd308.com/bondproject/bidsummaries/bidsummary004.pdf.

Feb. 15, 2008
HHS art show at Stringer

The annual Hutchinson High School Art Show will formally kick off with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at Stringer Fine Arts Center on the Hutchinson Community College Campus.

The art show will be open during regular hours at Stringer through March 31.

The HHS Student Council is sponsoring the reception with Art Club students serving food made for the event by Birdfeeder students. The HHS orchestra, under the direction of Bruce Boyd, will play during the reception. Dr. David Flowers, USD 308 superintendent, will make comments during the reception.

For more information, contact Debra Ringler, HHS art teacher, at 665-4500.

Feb. 15, 2008
Red Cross honors HHS

The Central Plains Region of the American Red Cross has honored Hutchinson High School for exemplary service in 2006-07.

A spokesman for the organization said that HHS had committed to conducting a blood drive in December 2006 that ended up falling on a day when there was no school for a celebration. HHS honored the commitment, and students contributed 108 pints of blood, which included 99 first-time donations.

The award was made at Tuesday night’s HHS vs. Derby basketball games.

HHS has been hosting blood drives for the Central Plains Region since 1982 and has been one of the most consistent schools in the region, which includes most of Kansas and northern Oklahoma.

For more information, contact Cindy Knox at HHS at 665-4500. Knox coordinates the blood drives at HHS.

Feb. 12, 2008
HHS Places in Student Congress

Four Hutchinson High School students placed in the Student Congress hosted by HHS Friday (Feb. 8, 2008).

In Varsity House I, junior Ursela Hemman was first. In Varsity House II, junior Rachel Shannon was presiding officer and sophomore Jamee Mulford was seventh. In Senate, sophomore Katelin Morey was eighth.

This weekend, HHS competes Friday and Saturday (Feb. 15 and 16) at McPherson.

Glenn Nelson coaches forensics at HHS.

Feb. 7, 2008
HHS hosts Salt Talks

Hutchinson High School will hold the annual Salt Talks Forensics Tournament Feb. 8 and 9.

Beginning at 4 p.m. Feb. 8, HHS will host student congress and Lincoln-Douglas debate. During student congress, competitors introduce and debate resolutions in a mock legislature. Lincoln-Douglas debate is a one-on-one debate with topics that vary during the year. The current LD topic is “Resolved: It is just for the United States to use military force to prevent the acquisition of nuclear weapons by nations that pose a military threat.”

Individual events will begin at 8 a.m. Feb. 9. These events include acting and speaking events.

For more information, contact Glenn Nelson, HHS forensics coach, at 665-4560.

Feb. 5, 2008
Weather forces changes at USD 308

The potent winter storm moving into south central Kansas prompted USD 308 officials to postpone several events Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Hutchinson High School’s girls’ and boys’ basketball games at Maize were postponed. A make-up date has been set for Feb. 14 at Maize.

Hutchinson Middle School’s basketball tournament for both boys and girls has been postponed to Thursday, Feb. 7. The HMS wrestling match at Andover also has been postponed with no make-up date set.

Hutchinson Middle School wrestling matches previously slated for Goddard have been rescheduled for 3:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Goddard.

Lincoln Elementary School also postponed its PTO Family Fun Night, which had been set for Tuesday. A make-up night will be announced later.

Feb. 4, 2008
Three more to be added to HHS’ Wall

The 10th class of the Wall of Honor at Hutchinson High School includes Hutchinson leaders in business and non-profit organizations and a test pilot.

The 2008 honorees are Susie Christopher, executive director for First Call for Help; the late Stuart “Joe” Conklin, Conklin Cars owner; and the late Robert L. Sieker, experimental aircraft test pilot.

The trio will be inducted during the annual Wall of Honor Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, in the Hutchinson High School Cafeteria. Reservations are due by Monday, Feb. 18, and may be made by calling the HHS main office at 665-4500. The banquet costs $10 for adults and $5 for children under age 12.

Additionally, the recipients or their families will be recognized during a faculty breakfast on Feb. 22.

The project, a joint venture of the HHS Student Council, the Renaissance Club and the HHS Alumni Association, recognizes three outstanding graduates of Hutchinson High School each year.

Plaques honoring the alumni are located in the lobby of the Salthawk Activities Center. For more information, contact HHS Assistant Principal David T. Patterson at 665-4542. Brief biographical sketches of the 2008 class follow.

Susie Christopher
Community Service
Class of 1971

Susie (Bateman) Christopher, executive director for Hutchinson’s First Call for Help, graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1971. She has been described as a “giant” in her community and has dedicated her life to helping others.

Christopher’s list of community projects is impressive. She has served as a board member for the Reno County Food Bank, the Emergency Energy Fund and the Community Relations Advisory Board. Her passion is helping disadvantaged families, working with various agencies such as Housing for the Homeless, SRS and Salvation Army Disaster Services. Among the projects with which she has been involved are Leadership Hutchinson, Girl Scouts, the “Know to Say No to Drugs” program and the Coalition for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Perhaps Christopher’s greatest contribution to Hutchinson has been her fervent work in building First Call for Help, an agency providing social services such as housing, food, medicine and assistance in leaving abusive relationships. Little did she know when she took over in 1989, First Call for Help boasted a balance of only $12.10.

The leader soon turned that around, appealing for help from local churches, the media and local individuals and businesses. She continues to serve the community by creating projects such as Teen Christmas and Operation Back-to-School. She speaks to church and civic organizations about various needs at First Call for Help and serves as a resource for several other agencies in the area. She is efficient and thrifty with financial resources donated to her various causes.

Stuart “Joe” Conklin, Jr.
Community Leader
Class of 1950

Stuart Conklin, Jr., affectionately known as “Joe”, left us in 2003, but will always be remembered and respected for his compassion and dedication to the Hutchinson community.

Conklin graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1950. He earned his degree at the University of Kansas, graduating in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.

The businessman began building an empire of car dealerships in 1972, when he bought his father’s business. Conklin was in the car business for 47 years, receiving the title of Kansas Motor Car Dealer of the Year several times and earning a nomination for the NADA “Man of the Year.” He also developed a unique marketing plan for his dealerships with nearly everyone in his hometown remembering him for his witty car commercials and jokes.

Perhaps Conklin’s greatest legacy was his passionate dedication to the community. He was profoundly interested in the mission of the church, often hosting pastors and representatives from other countries.

Additionally, Conklin was instrumental in bringing an aquatic center to the local YMCA, raising $2.3 million for additions to the building, and he served on the board of directors. He helped raise countless dollars for TECH’s Early Education Center project as well, and helped develop the “Market Hutch” program for the Chamber of Commerce.

The pastor of Conklin’s church said, “He didn’t do what he did for recognition, he did it because he loved the community he lived in.”

Robert L. Sieker
Service to Country
Class of 1939

Robert “Bob” L. Sieker, experimental test pilot, graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1939. Although he left this world in 1957, he will always be remembered for his patriotic service to his country.

Sieker earned his wings at Randolph Field in San Antonio, Texas. Bob was an Air Force pilot from 1942 to 1948 and served in World War II. He was recognized for training pilots during the war as well. After the war, he ran a crop-spraying business in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, eventually joining Lockheed Aircraft Corporation in 1951 as a test pilot.

In September of 1955, Mr. Sieker became the fourth person to pilot the U-2, a revolutionary experimental aircraft, during its development. The U-2 spy plane made state of the art advancements in intelligence collection and tactical war strategy during the Cold War.

Sieker flew test flights with various stealth configurations out of the mysterious Area 51 in Nevada. He died April 4, 1957, when a clasp on his face mask snapped due to loss of pressure at an altitude of 72,000 feet; he eventually succumbed to hypoxia and crashed in the remote desert.

At the time, it was reported that Sieker was piloting a “weather” plane. Only the top echelon of the United States government, however, knew the truth. He had been testing the U-2, a staple of America’s intelligence network since 1955.

For his sacrifice, Sieker was posthumously awarded the Agency Seal Medallion from the CIA. His story has been documented in several books and a PBS documentary. Sieker paid the ultimate price in service to his country.

Previous Wall Honorees

This 10th group of honorees joins nine other trios on the Wall of Honor in the Salthawk Activities Center. The first honorees who were inducted in 1999 were Jesse W. Corsaut, Kenneth Goertzen and Rainer Martens.

The second class of honorees was James Cordell Dick, Martin Grimes Colladay and the late Juanita Murphy. The third class for the Wall included George Pyle, David Dillon and Dorla Jane Abbott. The fourth class for the Wall included Merl Sellers, Sarah Maloney and Byron Batthauer.

The fifth class for the Wall included Donald G. Coyne, Robert Gilliland and Ronald Parker. The sixth class for the Wall included Clyde Cochran Berger, Dr. Ronald Linscheid and Lois Ritthaler-Schlickau. The seventh class featured Delores “Dodie” Myers Brown, the late Chester Isaac Lewis and Charles W. Oswald. The eighth class included Donald Worster, Terry Byer and Ernest Friesen. The ninth class included the late James Fee, insurance executive with the Fee Insurance Group; Richard Glaze, retired firefighter and retired head custodian at Hutchinson High School; and Nation Meyer, chief executive officer of First National Bank.

Feb. 4, 2008
Scholastic recognizes 14 HHS art works

Hutchinson High School has 14 pieces of art work recognized during the 2008 Scholastic Art Awards, including four Gold Key Awards.

Additionally, HHS had two Silver Key Award winners and four honorable mentions.

In all, 274 pieces were entered in the competition from 44 Kansas schools. Top pieces of art work are on display at the Wichita Center for the Arts, 9112 East Central, in Wichita through Feb. 24. Additionally, students will be recognized during the Scholastic Art Awards ceremony at 2 p.m. Feb. 9.

Two Hutchinson pieces received special recognition. Karrah Christenson’s mixed media piece, “Strained,” received a $50 cash award from the National League of American Pen Women. Emily Galliart’s jewelry design “Springtime Reflection” received the Debra Ringler Ceramics and Sculpture $50 cash award.

Below are the full results for HHS.

• Karrah Christenson, “Strained” (Mixed Media), Gold Key, National League of American Pen Women $50 cash
• Emily Galliart, “Springtime Reflection” (Design: Jewelry), Gold Key, Debra Ringler Ceramics and Sculpture Award $50 Cash
• Rubea Stouppe, “Wallflower” (Painting), Gold Key
• Julian Stropes, “One” (Digital Imagery), Gold Key
• Baylee Alfaro, “Melancholy” (Drawing), Silver Key
• Azarah Eells, “The Apple” (Digital Imagery), Silver Key
• Danielle Dyer, “Blue Alligator Vessel” (Ceramics and Glass), Honorable
Mention • Emily Galliart, “Memories of Hawaii” (Ceramics and Glass), Honorable Mention
• Jeremy Kidd, “No Soliciting” (Painting), Honorable Mention
• Bethany Strasburg, “Disruption” (Drawing), Honorable Mention
• Tegan Barrett, “Tegan Shmegans” Self Portrait (Painting), General Award
• Taylor Dennis, “Bubbles” (Ceramics and Glass), General Award
• Jeremy Kidd, “Is There In Truth No Beauty?” (Sculpture), General Award
• Dustin Law, “Wood Turned Bowl” (Sculpture), General Award

Feb. 4, 2008
HHS places at Newton forensics tourney

Hutchinson High School speech and drama students placed in several categories at Newton High School’s invitational forensics tournament Saturday (Feb. 2, 2008).

Freshman Cody Martin and senior Steven Rousey were second in duet acting. Rousey also was fifth in poetry. Freshman Isaiah Narron was second in dramatic interpretation and sixth in humorous interpretation. Sophomore Allexis Lightsey was third in informative speaking. Senior Aigerim Tulepbergenova was third in original oration. Senior Alishia Armstrong was third in poetry. Senior Ana Talamantes was fourth in poetry and fifth in dramatic interpretation.

This weekend, HHS hosts the annual Salt Talks forensics tournament on Friday and Saturday.

Glenn Nelson coaches forensics at HHS.

Feb. 4, 2008
Bid Openings for Morgan and Wiley Elementary Schools

This is an exciting and hopeful time in USD 308. Bid openings for the first major construction projects in the district in more than a quarter century are set for 2 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008, in the Board Room of the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 North Plum.

The bids are for construction of additions and renovations at Morgan and Wiley Elementary Schools