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Beaton Recognized with New Media Research Scholarship

We’re excited to share that Honesty Beaton, East High, 2022, has received the New Media Research Scholarship from the Institute for New Media Studies at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Last spring, Honesty took the opportunity to enroll in the “Video Game Creation” course, a sporadically offered class taught by Dr. Carlson. Working alongside five classmates, she co-created a game titled “Ace in Space,” which honed her game design skills and showcased her creative talents. This project led to further collaboration with Dr. Carlson on a research project called “Realtime Video Overlay.” The Institute for New Media Studies works to create projects that are 80% of the industry standard for 20% of the cost, and Realtime Video Overlay does this by recreating sports broadcast graphics, such as football’s first-down line, using cost-effective technology that is accessible to schools of all sizes.

Because of her work on Realtime Video Overlay, Honesty was also offered the opportunity to work with Dr. Carlson and the institute as a Student Mixed Media Reality Developer, allowing her to develop Realtime Video Overlay further and work on other institute projects throughout the year.

Reflecting on her experiences, she shared, “Realtime Video Underlay was one of eight finalists for the 2024 Faulkner Challenge at FHSU, a business proposal competition. It was a fun competition, and although we were not one of the three winners, it was an eye-opening experience to see how a project I have had the opportunity to work on could be used in monumental ways. I think it is a neat project I’ve had the pleasure of working on, and I am excited to continue to develop it further over the next year.”
By Claudette Glenn, ago

Martinez Heads to KU

Rafael Martinez, Maize South, 2024, has decided to attend the University of Kansas this fall. This decision was driven by KU’s extensive community and proximity to home. Rafel also noted that KU’s financial aid opportunities allow him to pursue a high-quality education for an unmatched price.

Rafael plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Economics, aiming to study abroad and minor in global studies. After completing his undergraduate degree, he intends to continue his education by obtaining a master’s degree.

Rafael shared, “I am excited to finally pursue further education in a field I’m passionate about at an institution like KU. I am eager to explore everything college has to offer by going to basketball and football games and joining campus organizations like the Global Business Initiative, Hispanic Business Student Association, or Student Senate.”

Best of luck on your journey at KU, Rafael!  

By Claudette Glenn, ago

Grace Returns from Tokyo

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Katherine Grace O'Shaughnessy Website
Katherine Grace, Collegiate, 2023, recently wrapped up her freshman year at Texas Christian University. She was provided the opportunity to travel abroad to Tokyo, Japan, where she took an Honors College course called ‘Video Games and Culture.’ This unique course took her on a journey through various districts of Tokyo and even to Kyoto, exploring the impact of video games on Japanese culture – a topic with far more influence in Japan than in the United States.

The hands-on learning experience included interactions with students at the world’s top video game high school and creating her own video game, which she presented as her final project. Beyond video games, Katherine participated in calligraphy sessions, observed a sacred Japanese tea ceremony, and visited over fifteen temples and places of worship, making ethnographic observations along the way.
Reflecting on her experience, Katherine shared, “The O’Shaughnessy Foundation granted me a transformative opportunity. It was an incredible experience that broadened my perspective on the world around me. From making ethnographic observations to analyzing the influence of video games on Japanese culture, I stamped my passport in a new and unique way. It was an action-packed trip that stimulated my intellectual curiosity and fostered an intense desire to be a lifelong learner. I am profoundly grateful to the O’Shaughnessy Foundation for making this trip possible.”
By Claudette Glenn, ago

Kanagy Earns Dual Degrees

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We are thrilled to announce that Ben Kanagy, Trinity Academy, 2021, has graduated with two degrees from two colleges within three years. Ben earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Science in Bible/Theology from Manhattan Christian College.
 
This summer, Ben is dedicating time to family, working as a welder for Desert Steel, and getting a head start on his Greek studies in preparation for his postgraduate education.
 
In the fall, Ben will begin to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Exegesis at Wheaton College, where he has been awarded a top scholarship.
 
Congratulations, Ben! We wish you the best of luck in your future academic endeavors!has graduated with two degrees from two colleges within three years.
By Claudette Glenn, ago

Geromel Named Gatorade’s Kansas Player of the Year

We are proud to announce that Vitor Geromel, Maize South, 2024, has been honored as Gatorade’s Kansas Player of the Year!
 
Through Gatorade’s Equity in Sports Initiative, Vitor was given the opportunity to choose a youth sports organization to receive his $1,000 Gatorade Player of the Year Community Grant. He has chosen to support TOPSoccer’s Kansas branch, an organization dedicated to providing children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to play soccer in a fun, inclusive environment.
 
Vitor explains, “I chose TOPSoccer Kansas branch because I wanted to choose an organization that is local, and TOPSoccer has a program in Wichita that is paired with Sporting Wichita, the club I grew up playing for. I’m grateful to be able to provide support for a program that has such an amazing mission and is part of my community.”
By Claudette Glenn, ago

Tran Graduates from Duke

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We are excited to announce that Jordan Tran, Maize South, 2020, has graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Anatomy, Physiology, and Biomechanics and a minor in Sociology.

Following graduation, Jordan will be working as a research analyst for the Duke Regeneration Center, where he will be working to improve cancer patients’ survivorship and investigating novel medical countermeasures against acute radiation syndrome in the scenarios of nuclear terrorism.

Jordan is taking time this summer to apply to medical schools.

Congratulations, Jordan!

By Claudette Glenn, ago

Kha Graduates Cum Laude

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We are delighted to announce that Michelle Kha, Campus High School, 2020, has graduated from Amherst College with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and Biophysics, Cum Laude.

Michelle’s honors thesis, titled “Visualization and Characterization of Key Neurons Located in the Midbrain and Brainstem Involved in Sensory Processing Responses in Mice,” was conducted under the guidance of the Fénelon Lab at UMass-Amherst. This work qualified her for a degree with Latin honors and led to her induction into the Society of Sigma Xi, the International Scientific Research Honor Society. As an associate member of Sigma Xi, Michelle is recognized for her outstanding research abilities.

This summer, Michelle will spend time at home preparing to apply to graduate school. She also plans to pursue biomedical research programs, continuing her scientific discovery and innovation journey.

Congratulations on your achievements, Michelle! 

By Claudette Glenn, ago

Overton Secures Research Fellowship

We are thrilled to congratulate Kameryn Overton, Northeast Magnet High School, 2020, on her recent graduation from Tuskegee University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental, Natural Resources, and Plant Sciences with a minor in Biology.

This summer, Kameryn returned to Annapolis, Maryland, to undertake a second internship with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. During this internship, she will participate in stakeholder engagement work and assist in coordinating and facilitating a community science event.

Following the summer internship, Kameryn has been selected for a role in the One Health WV Project, a one-year research fellowship in Morgantown, West Virginia. This program aims to connect recent graduates with STEM mentors and prepare them for careers in the One Health field, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health.

Kameryn will collaborate with Dr. Gregory Dahle from West Virginia University on a project investigating the relationship between urban canopy coverage, air pollution, and asthma. Kameryn shared, “I am very excited to work with Dr. Dahle in person and have the opportunity to conduct research from the One Health lens!”

Congratulations, Kameryn!
By Claudette Glenn, ago

Geromel Leads Team in Back-to-Back State Titles

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Vitor Geromel, Maize South, 2024, played a pivotal role in securing back-to-back state championship titles for his high school soccer team.

In his junior year, Vitor led his team to an undefeated 21-0 season, culminating in a state championship and earning a national ranking of 6th in the country. This year, the team made history by earning their consecutive state title, marking the second back-to-back state championship win in school history. As team captain for both championship seasons, Vitor scored in all four state games across both seasons, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

While reflecting on these achievements, Vitor expressed, “I was very fortunate and blessed to captain our team through both seasons, and the second title was the perfect way to cap off our careers as seniors. I’m so grateful to have been a part of that team.”

By Claudette Glenn, ago