168 seniors walk across stage during graduation on May 13

The+class+of+2018+graduated+on+May+13+at+1%3A30+p.m.+at+Gross+Memorial+Colosseum.+There+were+168+seniors+who+walked+at+graduation.++

Bill Gasper

The class of 2018 graduated on May 13 at 1:30 p.m. at Gross Memorial Colosseum. There were 168 seniors who walked at graduation.

The class of 2018 said goodbye to their classmates after attending graduation on May 13.

There were 168 seniors who graduated this year, but Principal Martin Straub said by then end of the summer, they will have graduated a little of 170.

“There are always a few who need half a credit,” Straub said. “We’ll finish them up this summer. It’s a very good class. We really enjoyed them. They did very well.”

The accomplishments of the senior class of 2018 include:

  • One hundred and three seniors were awarded over 280 scholarships varying from academic, vocational, music, art, athletic and more.
  • Thirty-five seniors received Dane Hansen Scholarships totaling $502,000.
  • Two seniors are Kansas Governor’s Scholars
  • Five seniors are Kansas Board of Regents Scholar
  • Nine seniors received the Kansas State Department of Education Award for Exceptional Academic Performance
  • One senior is a Topeka Capital Journal’s All-State Academic Team nominee
  • One senior was awarded the Commended National Merit Scholar
  • Eight-two seniors received Fort Hays State University scholarship awards
  • Three seniors received Kansas State Putnam Scholarships
  • Four seniors received the University of Kansas Chancellor Scholarships
  • Sixty-one seniors earned 3.6 or better cumulative GPA
  • Twelve seniors earned a perfect 4.0
  • Thirty-seven seniors are members on National Honor Society
  • One senior received a full-ride Kansas State University Air Force ROTC Scholarship
  • One senior is the Kansas ACT College and Career Readiness Student Champion
  • Five seniors received the Kansas Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy
  • Eight seniors received Hays FFA Chapter Scholarships totaling more than $13,000
  • Two Marketing students qualified to compete in the International Career Development Conference

    Bill Gasper
    Graduated senior Erin Murihead shakes hands with instructor Dan Balman.
  • Six seniors were involved in the Hays High Journalism program which placed first in the 2018 class 4A Division at the Kansas Scholastic Press Association State Competition
  • The Guidon newspaper and online were both named “All Kansas…” the top state award
  • One senior broadcasting student placed first Kansas Association of Broadcaster Coopetition
  • One senior placed second in the Kansas Student Technology Leaders Awards
  • Three seniors were members of the Championship Team at the National Land Career Development Event and the Reserve Championship in the National Homesite Career Development Event
  • Sixteen seniors received Certificates of Excellence in Art at the Fort Hays State Annual Art Show
  • Fifty-four seniors are part of the band, orchestra and choirs
  • Every music program earned three Perfect Superior “I” ratings at the State Music Festival Competition
Bill Gasper
Graduated seniors Hannah Donaldson and Abby Balman wear their decorated caps for graduation.
  • The “Hunchback of Notre Dame” was nominated for eleven Jester Awards by the Music Theatre of Wichita
  • Five of the nominations won the top Jester Award
  • Thirty-five seniors were case members, stage crew and set production staff
  • Seven seniors earned their CNA certification through the Allied Health Program
  • The Industrial Tech Racing Team, with three seniors, placed first in the High Plains Electro-Rally, first in the Wetlands Electro-Rally and second in the Touchstone Energy West Electro-Rally

19ibraun@usd489.com