2020 KACRAO SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Technical College scholarship recipient:
My name is Alexia Torluemke and I grew up in Hoxie, Kansas, graduating from Hoxie High School in 2020. During high school, I was involved in many activities including FFA, FCCLA, FCA, volleyball, and basketball. As a member of the Yearbook Staff, I am serving as Editor this year. Outside of school, I have been very active in my church and CYO where I have been a member of the CYO Leadership Team for three years. Being a waitress and staff member at The Elephant Bistro & Bar has given me the opportunity to meet and serve others. My plans are to attend Manhattan Area Technical School this fall to study nursing.
2 Year College scholarship recipient:
I am Hailey Coates, my life has been full of bumps and turns, but sports have made a huge impact on me. I have played multiple team sports and individual sports, such as High School Varsity Track(indoor and outdoor), Cross Country, Dance, Volleyball, and Roller Derby on the side. In my free time I love to ride horses and do fun activities with my friends. I have ridden horses since I was a baby and work at a horse barn currently, as well as helping an older couple at their farm. All of this has helped me become the bubbly, independent, and outgoing person I am today. I hope to continue this journey at Johnson County Community College in the fall to obtain my degree in Dental Hygiene.
4 year private College/University recipient:
Kaitlyn Shima has been an active student at Topeka West High School for 4 years. She was a three sport athlete playing Varsity Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball. She has maintained an average GPA of 4.45 and has been involved in STUCO, Premier Strings, Choir, National Honors Society, Spirit Club, Link Crew Mentors, and this year was named a Kansas Honors Scholar. She actively participates in her church youth group and church choir. Next year she will be attending Bethel College in the fall to continue her academic and volleyball career.
4 year public College/University recipient:
Bryce Liedtke is a senior at Shawnee Heights High School. Next year he plans on attending Washburn University to major in biology on his way to becoming a doctor. While maintaining a 4.0 GPA and being a part of the National Honors Society, he also participates in varsity soccer and symphonic orchestra as the concert master. He also serves in multiple leadership capacities both within his school and city. In his school he serves as the president of the student body and leader of Fellowship of Christian Students. In the community he is the Chair of the Topeka Youth Commission. He loves seeing youth leaders coming to the table to make their community a better place. Along with becoming a doctor he wants to make Topeka, Kansas a place where youth want to stay and take pride in their community.
Congratulations to all the recipients!