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Outstanding students honored at Jr. Rotarian luncheon
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Outstanding seniors at Great Bend High School were recognized at the annual Jr. Rotarian Luncheon on May 12. Pictured, front row, from left: Club President Rebecca Popp, McKenzie LaViolette, Danica Cline, Ailey Williams, Kylie McCormick, Ava Carter, Clarisse Snapp, Jillian Reimer, Jasmine Figueroa, Dixie Gallant, Mya Higgins, Tory Arnberger (Club President-Elect). Back row: Caleb Hayes, Trey Milsap, Diego Pasos, Carson Umphres, Darcy Feist, Griffin King, Marissa Boone. Not Pictured: Alex Allen, Steven Guillory, Anna Bitter, Matt Williams, Bryce Steffan, Laura Alvarez, Cailyn Murphy, Jacklyn Garcia, Anderson Luttrell, Josephine Mazouch, Hannah Crathorne, Blake Streck, Elle Anne Reed, Thomas Armatys, Slade Mohr, Jay Creamer and Brody Schoebelen.

The Great Bend Rotary Club hosted its annual Jr. Rotarian Luncheon on May 12, continuing a tradition of recognizing outstanding seniors from Great Bend High School. This partnership has been going strong for over 25 years.

Each year, Great Bend High School guidance counselors work together to identify exceptional senior students to serve as Jr. Rotarians, with counselor Rachel Thexton coordinating the nomination process. Teachers are invited to nominate students, who then attend Rotary meetings throughout a designated month, typically in groups of four to six.

At each meeting, students introduce themselves, share their parents’ names, describe the extracurricular activities they are involved in, and talk about their future plans after graduation. This program not only celebrates academic and leadership achievements, but also fosters meaningful connections between the Rotary Club and the next generation of community leaders.

“Our members really enjoy getting to know these young leaders,” said Mark Mingenback, activities chairman for the Great Bend Rotary Club. “It’s inspiring to see the talent and dedication these students bring, and we’re proud to recognize their accomplishments.”

The keynote speaker for the event was Kansas State Senator Tory Blew, who delivered an inspiring message to the students. She shared her remarkable journey of being elected to the Kansas House of Representatives at the age of 23, followed by her election to the State Senate in 2024. In addition to her political achievements, she spoke about her personal life, including getting married and becoming a mother to her one-year-old daughter, Brynn. Senator Blew emphasized the importance of setting goals and staying focused, even noting that she keeps her personal goals listed in the “Notes” app on her phone.

The Jr. Rotarian program remains a valued Rotary tradition that strengthens ties between education and civic service in the Great Bend community.

For more information about the Great Bend Rotary Club and its programs, visit the Great Bend Rotary Club Facebook page.