2024

Aziere Appointed Undersecretary

2024

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We proudly announce that Eli Aziere, The Independent School, 2024, has been appointed the Undersecretary of Student Experience at William & Mary! In this role, he will work on initiatives such as hazing prevention, promoting inclusion for transfer and non-traditional students, advocating for the arts, and improving fraternity and sorority life.

Eli shared, “What I’m most excited about is being more involved with the inner workings of student government because the Student Assembly has a lot of influence here on campus. We have a three-branch student government, and I’ll be serving in one of ten cabinet departments in the executive branch. My department deals with every walk of student life, from multicultural organizations to club sports, student programming, and philanthropy. I applied to four different departments, but this is the one I wanted to work with the most because I ultimately want every student who walks on this campus to have the best four years of their life, and working in the Department of Student Experience is how I hope to achieve that. I’m very passionate about bringing more awareness to hazing prevention, and during the second semester, I’d like to focus on rethinking how we do some aspects of new student orientation.”

Eli also shared a fun fact about his photo, “The building I’m standing in front of is the Wren Building, built in 1700. It is the oldest college building in the United States, and I have class there three days a week.”

Congratulations on taking on this role and being a champion for change, Eli!

By Claudette Glenn, ago

Martinez Heads to KU

2024

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

Geromel Named Gatorade’s Kansas Player of the Year

2024

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

Geromel Leads Team in Back-to-Back State Titles

2024

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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

Ferguson Takes State & Heads to Nationals

2024

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Sam Ferguson, Trinity Academy, 2024, earned the title of state champion after winning the 3200m (2 mile) race at the Kansas State Track Meet last week. Not only did he win the 3A division, but his time was the fastest among all classes from 1A through 6A.

Sam also competed in the 1600m (1 mile) and secured 2nd place in the 3A division. In a rare feat, he and his teammates swept the podium, achieving 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Sam’s time in the 1600m was the second fastest across all classes.

Reflecting on this accomplishment, Sam shared, “It was an awesome way to end my high school career, and I am very grateful to my teammates, coaches, and family for all their support these past four years.”

Earlier in the season, Sam set a record in the 2000m Steeplechase, a performance that ranked him 3rd in the nation. This has opened the door for another opportunity: competing in the New Balance Nationals Outdoor meet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, later this summer. Sam will compete in the top heat of the 2000m Steeplechase, striving to take the National Title.

Congratulations on a phenomenal season, and best of luck in your upcoming national competition, Sam!
By Claudette Glenn, ago

Aziere Announces College Decision

2024

Eli Aziere, The Independent School, 2024, has officially decided to attend the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, this fall to study History and Anthropology on the Pre-Law track. The sense of community on campus and the potential for internships in the Washington D.C. area or with someone within the school’s extensive alumni network were reasons that helped him make this decision.

“I’m really excited to experience life in another part of the country and become involved with different campus activities like the Wind Ensemble or student government organizations,” Eli stated. 

By Claudette Glenn, ago

Torres Chosen as Rudd Scholar

2024

It is an honor to announce that Israel Torres, senior at Wichita Northeast Magnet, has been awarded the Rudd Scholarship!

The Rudd Foundation states, “We are searching for students who persevere. The ones who, though they get knocked down, get right back up. Those who will strive harder than everyone else and continue to meet their challenges head-on.” This quote perfectly encapsulates Israel’s determination and resilience, making him a truly deserving recipient of this honor.

Let’s give Israel a round of applause for this incredible accomplishment!
By Claudette Glenn, ago

Raif Morgan Secures Internship at Schwan’s Plant in Salina, KS

2024

Raif has accepted the position of Production Operations Management intern at the Schwan’s Plant in Salina, KS. During the 12 week summer internship he’ll manage production, packaging, and bakery lines, ensuring compliance with company and USDA standards. His role involves supervising employees, fostering skills development, ensuring safety measures and policy management, and contributing to a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

Raif eagerly anticipates collaborating with teams, fostering creativity, and embracing the challenges that demand innovative problem-solving approaches. He looks forward to the role’s creative latitude and the daily immersion in diverse scenarios, fostering continual growth.

“I’m hoping to gain a lot of knowledge about the field of operations, especially some of the inner workings of food manufacturing. It has always been a great interest of mine to know what is going on behind the scenes when our foods and beverages are being sourced, manufactured, and packaged! I also believe that interning at Schwan’s this next summer will give me countless opportunities to be in a problem-solving leadership role. It is my hope that being in this role will allow me to continuously learn new things about myself, especially my style of problem-solving and leadership, and how they can be adapted to any situation in my professional life,” says Raif.

By Claudette Glenn, ago