Lenora, Kan, 5-16-2024 – Nex-Tech is proud to announce the recipients of the Nex-Tech “Break the Rules” Scholarship. “Unlike most scholarship programs, this one allows high school seniors to depict what they are most passionate about and how that has led to their chosen career path, by sending us any type of entry,” stated Jacque Beckman, Nex-Tech’s Youth Services/Training Manager. “We have received a variety of essays, YouTube videos, and PowerPoint presentations. Our area students are very talented, and this allows them to showcase their strengths and passions in a non-traditional way.”
Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manager, added, “We received a great number of scholarship entries this year – a record number in my ten years with Nex-Tech! The creativity and effort the students put into their scholarship entries truly showcase their talent and passions. On behalf of the entire Nex-Tech team, we wish all students much success as they begin their journey of pursuing a higher education and future career path.”
The following ten students will each receive a $1,000 award for excellence in showcasing their passion and describing how it led to their chosen career.
Colin Clark is the son of Shawn and Niki Clark of Hays, and a graduate of Hays High School. He will attend Fort Hays State University to receive an undergraduate degree, with a career goal to enroll in a PA program at Wichita State University or Kansas State University to become a surgical physician assistant.
Mackenzie Clydesdale is the daughter of Randy and Teresa Clydesdale of Norton and a graduate of Norton Community High School. She will attend Kansas State University to study interior design or graphic design.
Aiden Conrad is the son of Eric and Amy Conrad of Osborne, and a graduate of Osborne High School. He will attend Kansas State University to receive a degree in Agronomy, with a career goal to become a seed geneticist or an agronomist.
Ava Gregg is the daughter of Ryan and Jennifer Gregg of Great Bend and a graduate of Great Bend High School. She will attend Kansas State University majoring in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. Her career goal is to become an early childhood or elementary school teacher.
Rylee Haresnape is the daughter of Michael and Wendy Haresnape of Norton and a graduate of Norton Community High School. She will attend the University of Kansas to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Her career goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.
Mara Kats is the daughter of Mark and Anissa Kats of Prairie View and a graduate of Logan High School. She will attend Colby Community College to major in Beef Cattle Management, with a goal to also attain a Certified Drone License and return to her family farm.
Hannah Klein is the daughter of Kirk and Janie Klein of Hays and a graduate of Hays High School. She plans to complete the dual degree in Nursing Program at Kansas State University and Wichita State University. She plans to receive a bachelor’s degree in health and nutrition from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Wichita State University, with a goal to become a traveling nurse.
Elijah McCullough is the son of Jason and Karen McCullough of Hays and a graduate of Hays High School. He will attend Fort Hays State University majoring in Informatics and Marketing.
Jennifer Odom is the daughter of Ellen Sandelin and Rodney Odom of Hays and a graduate of Hays High School. She plans to attend Fort Hays State University majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Special Education and Psychology. Her career goal is to become a teacher.
Bodie Pfannenstiel is the son of Mike and Leslie Pfannenstiel of Norton and a graduate of Norton Community High School. He will attend North Central Technical College in Hays to complete the HVAC and Electrician program, with a career goal of joining his brother’s business.
Additionally, the following five students will each receive a $500 award for excellence in showcasing their passion and describing how it led to their chosen career.
Wade David is the son of Michael and Pamela David of Lenora and a graduate of Norton Community High School. He will attend the University of Kansas majoring in Chemistry. His career goal is to complete the University of Kansas Pharmacy School and become a nuclear pharmacist.
Doak Guttery is the son of Brice and Shana Guttery of Alton and a graduate of Osborne High School. He plans to attend Kansas State University majoring in Animal Science and minoring in
Business Accounting or Agribusiness. His career goal is to operate a heifer development feedlot.
Mia Lang is the daughter of Greg and LaNae Lang of Hays and a graduate of Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. She will attend Kansas State University majoring in Marketing and Business.
Parker Reling is the son of Jess Reling of Quinter and a graduate of Quinter High School. He plans to receive a bachelor’s degree in business and a minor in Criminal Justice from Fort Hays State University, with a career goal in law enforcement.
Brendan Stults is the son of Steve and Stacey Stults of Hays and a graduate of Hays High School. He will attend Fort Hays State University majoring in Music Education, with a career goal to become a music teacher.