Highland Community College celebrated student achievement, leadership and perseverance during its Outstanding Student Awards Ceremony Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Culbertson Auditorium.
Faculty, staff, families and community members gathered to recognize students who exemplify academic excellence, campus involvement and personal growth. The event, organized by Dean of Students Lexy Clark, highlighted the College’s mission of fostering opportunity and student success.
The ceremony featured guest speaker Nick Dowell, a 1997-98 member of the Scottie football team, who has spent 24 years as an educator, coach and athletic administrator. Dowell, who also earned degrees from Northwest Missouri State University and Concordia University Irvine, encouraged students to pursue growth, leadership and lifelong learning. He was nominated for Kansas Teacher of the Year in 2021.
Awards were presented across multiple categories by college leadership and staff.
The Rising Scholar Award recognizes growth and academic perseverance was presented by Shannon Wiedmer, Lead Student Engagement Coordinator Entrance Counseling & Advising. The nominees were Makenna Sloop, Veon Claxton, Elliott Hamilton, Autumn Grippin, Clarence Gaspard, Khamari Smith and Zoey Hendrick. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Clarence Gaspard.
The Academic Excellence Award honors outstanding academic achievement and was presented by Eric Ketchum, Vice President of Academic Affairs. The nominees were Damien Moore, Karlee Maudlin, Clarence Gaspard, Cami Dalinghaus, Brian Chandler, Maciah Knight, Ivy Fujibayashi, Cali Honeyman, Hallie Holthaus, Eden Merrill, Shaniya Scott, Henry Rambo, Leah Wilson, Joel Ainomugisha and Jocelyn Waymire. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Brian Chandler.
The Innovation and Creativity Award recognizes originality and creative achievement. Tanner Holte, Multi-media Coordinator, presented this award. Nominees were Brayden Hague, Isaiah John and Asher Burks. This year’s recipient is Asher Burks.
The Career Readiness Award recognizes preparation for professional success. This award was presented by Andrew Gutschenritter, Vice President of Finance and Operations. Nominees were Isabelle Bowen, Reece Pottorf, Tristan Flores Torres, Caroline Fischer and Colin Monihen. This year’s recipient is Isabelle Bowen (not pictured).
The Student Leader of the Year Award honors impactful leadership. Ryleigh Chatfield, Health and Wellness Coordinator, recognized the nominees: Carlee Brown, H’Leigha Idol, Harlee Blackwell, Levi Fleagle, Tristan Flores Torres and Karis Larson. Congratulations to recipient H’Leigha Idol.
The Campus Engagement Award recognizes involvement and campus impact and was presented by Alessandra Alvarado, Student Engagement Coordinator- Student Life. The nominees were Katherine Hardin, Dominic Thomas, Carlee Brown, Veon Claxton, Morgan Hill, Lanna Trembath and Asher Burks. Morgan Hill is this year’s recipient (not pictured).
The Athlete of the Year Award honors excellence in athletics and academics. Jon Oler, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, and Andrea Keller, Head Volleyball Coach, recognized nominees Brenna Westerhold, Hampton Miller, Cali Honeyman, Taylor Johnson, Tavian Tate and Karlee Maudlin. Congratulations to this year’s recipients Tavian Tate (Male) and Cali Honeyman (Female).
The Student Support Services Shining Star Award recognizes resilience and engagement in student support services programs. The award was presented by Kim Bechtold, Assistant Director of Student Success and Career Services, and Heather Mejia, Assistant Director of Student Success and Tutoring Services. The nominees were Remington Killman, Bryson Ballman, Alexis Clemons, Veon Claxton, Karis Larson, Amiylah Lenoir and Miguel Villegas. This year’s recipient is Veon Claxton.
Lastly, the President’s Excellence Award is the College’s highest honor recognizing overall excellence in leadership, service and impact. President Dr. Vincent Bowhay presented the award. Nominees were Saige Wilcox, Clarence Gaspard, Tristan Flores Torres, Karis Larson, Alanna McDougald and Asher Burks. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Tristan Flores Torres.
The event concluded with a celebration of all nominees as attendees were invited to remain for photos and refreshments. Congratulations to all nominees and recipients. We are so proud you’re a part of Scottie Nation.