We asked each of the student nominees to put themselves in our shoes and think of a headline we’ll write about them one day. Their responses made us chuckle and inspired us to dream as big as they do.
They’re children of Kansas, and as they set off to build their futures, we look on with pride and excitement at the great heights they’ll reach as representatives of our state.
To the stars, through any difficulties.
Ordered only by first name alphabetically, these are the 40 outstanding seniors named to the 2022 Gannett Kansas All-State Academic Team.
St. Mary’s-Colgan High School
Council Grove Jr./Sr. High School
The headline we’ll write: 10 billion people, 10 billion full stomachs — How the Earth learned to feed itself
Carson Johnson
Silver Lake High School
Hometown: Silver Lake
Parents/guardians: Courtney and Stacy Johnson
Plans to study: Mechanical engineering
Where they’re going: Kansas State University
What they’ll be: Mechanical engineer at NASA
What they said: “If we would learn how to use nuclear fusion, we would have the ability to produce more energy than we will ever need on this Earth. We won’t have to ever worry about burning fossil fuels or other non-renewable energy sources ever again. The ending of the burning of fossil fuels will help combat global warming. It will provide cheap and limitless energy to nations all over the world, rich and poor alike. It will set forth upon this world a new age — an age of innovation and exploration as things that were previously thought impossible become possible.”
The headline we’ll write: WORLD’S FIRST NUCLEAR FUSION REACTOR SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES
Chaney Finkeldei
Lawrence Free State High School
Hometown: Lawrence
Parents/guardians: Amy and Brad Finkeldei
Plans to study: Biomedical engineering
Where they’re going: Boston University
What they’ll be: Scientific researcher in genome editing
What they said: “Finding ways to edit diseases, ranging from sickle cell anemia to alzheimer’s, out of the genomes of people without disrupting the coding for defense against other diseases is what I hope to research. While some of the science of these techniques are known, I hope to further the research and search for ways to accomplish the same feats while reducing costs.”
The headline we’ll write : Once controversial, but now accepted, en vivo gene editing technique poised to stamp out humanity’s longest-suffered diseases
Connor Douglas Biswell
St. Marys High School
Hometown: Rossville
Parents/guardians: Julie and Douglas Biswell
Plans to study: Biomedical engineering
Where they’re going: Duke University
What they’ll be: Prosthetic designer
What they said: “A dream of mine: to make a prosthetic heart to help those with heart failure. I don’t know if this is ever accomplishable, but it would make a difference. The drive to want to succeed and a reason to do so can go so far in the professional world, and all I need to do is put in work to try to make my dream a reality.”
The headline we’ll write: A decade later, world’s first prosthetic heart keeps beating on
Cooper Sheldon
Holton High School
Hometown: Holton
Parents/guardians: Steve and Lana Sheldon
Plans to study: Mechanical engineering
Where they’re going: Kansas State University
What they’ll be: Production management in manufacturing
What they said: “By getting a degree in mechanical engineering and earning a management position within a growing manufacturing company, it might be possible to place a manufacturing facility in Holton. Manufacturing would provide well paying, local jobs to the younger population. It would also provide tax money for the county, which could be used for much needed infrastructure repair.”
The headline we’ll write: What we know about Sheldon Industries’ $90M investment in new Holton manufacturing plant
Cristina Corrales
Stanton County Jr./Sr. High School
Hometown: Johnson
Parents/guardians: Blanca Corrales
Plans to study: Criminal justice
Where they’re going: Wichita State University
What they’ll be: Business/immigration attorney
What they said: “Obviously, we can’t change the system by just snapping our fingers. We need to use our representation. We need to start voting in local elections, not just the presidential election. We need to start communicating with the people we elect to represent us in the government. We are fortunate enough to live in a democracy where we have the opportunity to make our voices heard, and that is the only way we will get it done.”
The headline we’ll write: Nearly 15 million undocumented immigrants will receive pathway to citizenship after amnesty bill signature
Eliana Isenburg
Eudora High School
Hometown: Eudora
Parents/guardians: Amy and Carl Isenburg
Plans to study: Computer science
Where they’re going: University of Kansas
What they’ll be: Software engineer
What they said: “As it stands, transgender people are some of the most marginalized people in our nation. Equality will always be an uphill battle, of course, but I think having a transgender person as a U.S. president would be a symbol of total acceptance by the American people.”
The headline we’ll write: U.S. ELECTS FIRST OPENLY TRANSGENDER PRESIDENT
Emily Yan
Olathe West High School
Hometown: Olathe
Parents/guardians: Lisa Yu
Plans to study: Economics
Where they’re going: Vanderbilt University
What they’ll be: Financial analyst
What they said: “Despite multiple studies and personal testimonies about the benefits of learning an instrument, music programs continue to be underfunded or nonexistent. Kids must start receiving music education at school from a young age, especially those that come from less fortunate backgrounds. For music education at elementary schools to become a guarantee, people like me who have benefitted from these programs must advocate for them.”
The headline we’ll write: “A violin for every child — how music advocates got federal legislation to fund universal instrument education in elementary schools”
Emma Jo Hottovy
Macksville High School
Hometown: Haviland
Parents/guardians: Ken and Kim Hottovy
Plans to study: Business
Where they’re going: Northwestern Oklahoma State University
What they’ll be: Licensed real estate agent
What they said: “The issue of whooping cranes is a sensitive, complex issue. I want to eliminate “sides” to the problem and get everyone to work together on a solution. Ultimately there is no perfect answer, but I have strong hope that whooping cranes will one day no longer be endangered. It will be a slow process, but I believe it is attainable.”
The headline we’ll write: Whooping cranes, brought down to just dozens a century ago, removed from endangered species list
Hoang Nguyen
Bishop Carroll Catholic High School
Hometown: Wichita
Parents/guardians: Phu Nguyen and Nhanh Ho
Plans to study: Aerospace engineer
Where they’re going: University of Notre Dame
What they’ll be: Aerospace engineer at NASA
What they said: “This level of achievement would be the culmination of all scientific efforts that humanity has borne — all of human innovation from all fields coming to fruition. It would mean strides in biology, advanced farming methods, physics, environmental engineering, and more. I dream of becoming an aerospace engineer, and any part I can play towards this goal is a success in my book”
The headline we’ll write: It all led up to this’ — How self-sustaining Mars colony became pinnacle of human achievement
Isabella Earp
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Hometown: Shawnee
Parents/guardians: Caryl and Cliff Earp
Plans to study: Chemical or biomedical engineering
Where they’re going: Yale College
What they’ll be: Owner of a medical device start-up in California
What they said: “I am passionate about the ever-changing field of chemistry. I find excitement in the intersections of the many disciplines – such as biology and geology – that come with understanding chemistry to its fullest potential. Chemists, including myself, must work hard to improve worldwide sustainability, while also satisfying the needs of society.”
The headline we’ll write: The chemistry that sustained the world started in this Kansan’s lab
Jessica Wilson
Rose Hill High School
Hometown: Rose Hill
Parents/guardians: James and Catherine Wilson
Plans to study: Elementary education
Where they’re going: Emporia State
What they’ll be: Upper-elementary school teacher
What they said: “The most significant thing I can do as a youth is to use my voice to let both local and global governments know that my generation is not willing to sit idly — that this is our world too. There is fear centered around such a controversial topic, but these conversations need to be held. And even more than that, to have conversions keeping in mind circumstances and empathy. The well-being of our planet directly correlates to the well-being of our people.”
The headline we’ll write: The climate change generation is now in office
Karlyn Gustin
Mission Valley High School
Hometown: Carbondale
Parents/guardians: Caryn and Jerod Gustin
Plans to study: Human development and family science, gerontology (emphasis in long-term care administration)
Where they’re going: Kansas State University
What they’ll be: Long-term care administrator
What they said: “As a long-term care administrator, I want to be able to help other administrators provide quality care, and I can do this by creating materials for residents and families about questions that they might have. I want to make this transition easier by providing caring and supportive staff as well as information to help. “
The headline we’ll write: Gustin named U.S. Secretary of Elder Care
Lane Musselman
Clay Center Community High School
Hometown: Clifton
Parents/guardians: Michael and Melanie Musselman
Plans to study: Chemical engineering
Where they’re going: Kansas State University
What they’ll be: Chemical or petroleum engineer
What they said: “Fossil fuels aren’t the only path to making the US energy independent. The expansion of nuclear energy and nuclear power plants would be another route to consider. With a chemical engineering degree, I may find myself with a job as a nuclear engineer. It would be my goal to be part of the group that researches and studies nuclear fusion as the leading source of energy”
The headline we’ll write: U.S. reaches long-sought benchmark for energy independence
Lexi Milne
Inman High School
Hometown: Inman
Parents/guardians: Amber and Shawn Hallbauer
Plans to study: Masters in elementary education, neuroscience and trauma
Where they’re going: Tabor College
What they’ll be: Kindergarten teacher
What they said: “Not only would a pay raise have a positive impact on the amount of people becoming teachers, but it would rightfully give teachers the acknowledgement and pay they deserve. The steps I will take to make this a reality is by being an advocate for teachers and by voting locally for measures that increase the wages of educators. “
The headline we’ll write: Kansas schools doubled teacher pay. A decade later, it’s still paying back dividends
Lily Mooney
Columbus Unified High School
Hometown: Columbus
Parents/guardians: Joe and Kelly Mooney
Plans to study: Biology (pre-physical therapy)
Where they’re going: Pittsburg State University
What they’ll be: Independent pediatric physical therapist in southeast Kansas
What they said: “My goal is to provide the best treatment I can to children in the southeast Kansas area, and to make an impact on as many lives as possible. It will take a lot of hard work and dedication to make this a reality, but I believe that I can do it. “
The headline we’ll write: New pediatric physical therapy center opens in southeast Kansas
Mackenzie Schotte
Marysville Jr./Sr. High School
Hometown: Bremen
Parents/guardians: Jason and Elisa Schotte
Plans to study: Forensic investigation
Where they’re going: Washburn University
What they’ll be: Crime scene investigator
What they said: “By more deeply researching the topic, I can advocate against gun violence in schools and show how much better our society could be without it as part of our culture.”
The headline we’ll write: Nearly 50 years since Columbine, U.S. sees first year without school shooting
Madelyn Seiler
Thomas More Prep-Marian
Hometown: Hays
Parents/guardians: Greg and Heather Seiler
Plans to study: Biology (pre-medicine)
Where they’re going: Kansas State University
What they’ll be: Surgeon
What they said: “Becoming a female medical professional would help inspire and empower women and little girls everywhere. Every time a little girl sees a female doctor, lawyer, engineer, or simply sees a woman simply achieve her goals, hopefully, that little girl might believe that her dreams can come true, too. “
The headline we’ll write: She never saw any women surgeons in rural Kansas, so she became one
Mallory Price
Leavenworth High School
Hometown: Leavenworth
Parents/guardians: David and Kandy Price
Plans to study: Journalism, dance
Where they’re going: University of Kansas
What they’ll be: News reporter or sports writer
What they said: “As an aspiring journalist, I hope that I will be the writer of the long-overdue headline declaring that our planet may have better chances at survival now. I want to break the news, and there is no better news than the fact that the world would no longer have to stress over the price of a tank of gas.”
The headline they’ll write: With three years to spare, world beats deadline for 100% electric vehicle switch
Megan Bogner
Shawnee Mission South High School
Hometown: Overland Park
Parents/guardians: Julie and Kevin Bogner
Plans to study: Art history
Where they’re going: Undecided
What they’ll be: Museum curator/archivist
What they said: “From a young age, I have been fascinated with art and history, and I want to be able to make my mark on these fields by working to organize and classify historical artifacts and artwork, of which millions of pieces lay abandoned and uncatalogued in the cluttered backrooms of museums.”
The headline we’ll write: These treasures could have been lost to time. But this Kansan curator is bringing them to light.
Melissa Ng
Andover Central High School
Hometown: Andover
Parents/guardians: Yeow Ng and Jenny Wong
Plans to study: Biology (pre-medicine)
Where they’re going: University of Oklahoma
What they’ll be: Orthopedic surgeon
What they said: “Not only will I work to climb the employment ladder, but with my leadership, I will encourage and lift the women in STEM alongside me, as well as emphasize the importance of STEM programs in elementary, middle and high schools to motivate young women to join the STEM field.”
The headline we’ll write: Statistics show women aren’t just equally paid In STEM fields. They’re leading them.
Mellany Roenne
Jefferson West High School
Hometown: Meriden
Parents/guardians: Jason and Heather Roenne
Plans to study: Animal sciences and industry
Where they’re going: Kansas State University
What they’ll be: Independent large-animal nutritionist and healthcare provider
What they said: “With the aging population of farmers and ranchers, we as a country need this younger generation to be able to enter the field and make a living for their families. Through my education, I will serve as an animal healthcare provider for the young generations who are taking up the burden of feeding our nation and the world. Although I am just one person, I can save and improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of cows, pigs, sheep, goats and other animals.”
The headline we’ll write: Once thought endangered, America’s farms and ranches are not only secure — they’re thriving
Nicholas Grabon
Wichita Collegiate School
Hometown: Wichita
Parents/guardians: Chris and Scott Grabon
Plans to study: Industrial engineering, computer science
Where they’re going: Northwestern University
What they’ll be: Financial engineer
What they said: “I want to see a new, computerized approach to logistics that will see distribution optimized. Railroads could work together to put their vast networks to use and reduce reliance on inefficient trucks. Modern advances in computing technology mean that new programs can be developed to accomplish this. I plan to study industrial engineering and computer science so that I can help find ways to optimize the efficiency of industrial systems like rail networks by further integrating computing”
The headline we’ll write: They opened the West, and now they’re reshaping it: Why trains are back big for America
Nipam Raval
Olathe North High School
Hometown: Overland Park
Parents/guardians: Niraj and Nimisha Raval
Plans to study: Medical doctorate (six-year program)
Where they’re going: University of Missouri-Kansas City
What they’ll be: Physician
What they said: “Healthcare is a human right, but due to the economic cascade, lack of resources, and overpriced healthcare utilities, only a top percent of the population can get consistent healthcare. I firmly believe that no matter the social or economic class, each person deserves healthcare.”
The headline we’ll write: 31ST AMENDMENT ESTABLISHES HEALTHCARE AS HUMAN RIGHT
Olivia Wessley
Wichita East High School
Hometown: Wichita
Parents/guardians: Christopher and Thanh Wessley
Plans to study: Business management
Where they’re going: Undecided
What they’ll be: Entrepreneur
What they said: “I believe that we live in a society with the freedom to take the risk of operating a business, developing ideas, and expanding those ideas through others with the ability to transform society through innovation and grit. I value this freedom and desire to encourage others to participate in it as well.”
The headline we’ll write: Women-owned business ownership reaches historic high
Rebecca Schlosser
Moundridge High School
Hometown: Newton
Parents/guardians: Lynn and Todd Schlosser
Plans to study: Literature, political science, history
Where they’re going: Bethel College
What they’ll be: Foster mom, political lobbyist
What they said: ” As a foster mom and political lobbyist I would have the unique ability to create legislation from a place of experience and power while helping children personally within the relationships I cultivate. I realize this is a lofty dream, and a glamorized version of just one possible future, but I will do everything I can to make this more than one girl’s hope.”
The headline we’ll write: Congress passes landmark Schlosser Act, reforming U.S. foster care standards
Renee Liou
Blue Valley Northwest
Hometown: Overland Park
Parents/guardians: Elaine and Changbor Liou
Plans to study: Undecided
Where they’re going: Amherst College
What they’ll be: Attorney
What they said: “My work at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens showed me the opportunities that overcoming a predisposition, like a ear of nature, can provide. I learned that to find your passion, you just need to open the doors that you have closed on your own. Using what I have learned, in combination with my determination, I hope to open a prosperous arboretum where I can share the beauty of the world’s greens. “
The headline we’ll write: Trees were a childhood nightmare for her. Then she opened the country’s fifth-largest arboretum.
Samantha Hoeme
Scott Community High School
Hometown: Scott City
Parents/guardians: Isac and Leanna Hoeme
Plans to study: Aviation maintenance management
Where they’re going: Kansas State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus
What they’ll be: Aviation mechanic
What they said: ” I want to learn the ins and outs of the aviation industry, from working on aircraft to the business aspects of the field. I want to see my hometown grow and succeed. By expanding my community with a business I enjoy, then everyone can succeed.”
The headline we’ll write: New $50M airport to bring the world to Scott City
Seth Aistrup
Paola High School
Hometown: Paola
Parents/guardians: Greg and Kendra Aistrup
Plans to study: Aerospace engineering
Where they’re going: Wichita State University
What they’ll be: Aeronautical engineer for Spirit AeroSystems, US military or SpaceX.
What they said: “I will leave my legacy in optimizing our future by applying my engineering knowledge in as many areas as possible — from satellites, travel, space exploration, agricultural drones, military UAVs and missiles, to the unconventional aspects of the industry, such as race car aerodynamics, wind turbine blades and the flight performance of a golf ball.”
The headline we’ll write: Kansas-based Aistrup Aerospace, Inc. lands massive $1.3B NASA contract
Spencer MacLaughlin
Arkansas City High School
Hometown: Arkansas City
Parents/guardians: Rhoda MacLaughlin-Ramirez and Patrick Ramirez
Plans to study: Civil engineering
Where they’re going: Cowley County Community College, Kansas State University
What they’ll be: City engineer
What they said: “America’s infrastructure has been crumbling for far too long. We must recognize this problem and confront it head on. I would absolutely love to use my career path of civil engineering to be at the forefront of this action. Our state’s motto, “Ad Astra per Aspera,” is more than just a few words on a flag. It defines us.”
The headline we’ll write: In Kansas, find America’s beating heart of infrastructure
Taryn Dial
Shawnee Heights High School
Hometown: Topeka
Parents/guardians: Nicole Johnson and Scott Dial
Plans to study: Biology, chemistry (pre-medicine)
Where they’re going: Shawnee Heights High School
What they’ll be: Developmental pediatrician
What they said: “Cancer is a beast that has taken too many lives. I believe to cure cancer, as a society, we must take steps to prevent it. This begins with nutrition, physical activity, and protection. With my future goal of becoming a pediatrician, I believe I can have an impact by implementing healthy habits in children’s lives.”
The headline we’ll write: After decades of advancement and prevention, lung cancers no longer considered terminal diseases
Victoria Wagner
Washburn Rural High School
Hometown: Topeka
Parents/guardians: Jordan and Rebecca Wagner
Plans to study: Engineering physics
Where they’re going : Colorado School of Mines
What they’ll be: Research physicist
What they said: “(Blood donation) is not remarkably difficult nor the outcome especially unlikely. But it will not happen unless there are people willing to put in the work, and it will not happen overnight. It is something that almost anyone can help achieve, and almost no one does. I hope to bring people together as a community, devoted to making positive change in the world, one donation at a time.”
The headline we’ll write: How this Topeka woman changed blood donation practices and saved millions of lives
