The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) and its affiliate foundations in Columbus, Fort Scott, and Girard are excited to announce their 2026 scholarship recipients. In 2026, a total of $367,462 was awarded across 44 scholarship opportunities to 148 Southeast Kansas students pursuing higher education. In 2026, 900 applications were submitted! A full description of each scholarship is available at SoutheastKansas.org/Scholarships.

“I think this year was really exciting because of the sheer number of applications we received,” said Kara Mishmash, CFSEK Program Coordinator. “It made it difficult during the evaluation process, but it just makes you see how important scholarships are for students and how great the need is.”

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

Ad Astra Endowed Scholarship

• Kendall Crager – Pittsburg High School – Pittsburg State University
• Alexander Beasley – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University

Albright Family Scholarship – Healthcare Related Field of Study

• Briten Wilkinson – Westville High School – Pittsburg State University
• Jennifer Palmer – Stockton High School – Labette Community College

Albright Family Scholarship

• Audrey Hertrich – Pittsburg High School – University of Kansas
• Edin Juarez-Perez – Pittsburg High School – Pittsburg State University
• Maizey Willilams – Southeast High School – Labette Community College
• Michael Smith – Southeast High School – Pittsburg State University

Bill House Agricultural Scholarship

• Aidan Bartholomew – Erie High School – Kansas State University
• Ainsley Viets – Girard High School – Kansas State University
• Alex Scheele – Marysville High School – University of Nebraska
• Allyson Rietcheck – Eudora High School – Kansas State University
• Avarielle Hightower – Prairie View High School – Undecided
• Avery Ziegler – Trego Community High School – Kansas State University
• Blaine King – Crest High School – Kansas State University
• Braden Norwood – Arkansas City High School – Oklahoma State University
• Brayton Brueggen – Louisburg High School – Kansas State University
• Bryce Hoeltzel – USD 384 Blue Valley – Kansas State University
• Calla Higbie – Homeschool – Connors State College
• Cally Miller – Circle High School – Kansas State University
• Clara Gfeller – Chapman High School – Kansas State University
• Conner Hoelting – Mission Valley USD #330 – Highland Community College
• Cooper Newby – Labette County High School – Kansas State University
• Cooper O’Brien – Oswego High School – NEO A&M College
• David Schenker – Parsons High School – Concordia University
• Dustin Denton – Valley Heights High School – Kansas State University
• Elizabet Burciaga – Liberal High School – Kansas State University
• Gail Wright – Chanute High School – Kansas State University
• Jade Peak – Southeast High School – Kansas State University
• Jaiton Bosse – Osage City High School – Kansas State University
• Jewel Endicott – Uniontown High School – Kansas State University
• Joree Bentz – Washington County High School – Oklahoma State University
• Jory Ratzlaff – Canton-Galva High School – Kansas State University
• Josie Kueser – Ellsworth High School – Kansas State University
• Kaylee Lunsford – Homeschool – Oklahoma State University
• Kennedy Holcomb – Dexter High School – Redlands Community College
• Kiser Wiatrak – St. Paul High School – Missouri State University
• Kristin Partlow – Neoga High School – Kansas State University
• Kyndel Randall – Dexter High School – Bethel College
• Lauren Chaney – Grove High School – Oklahoma State University
• Macie Morris – Ballard R-II – Kansas State University
• Maddie Weaber – Wamego High School – Oklahoma State University
• Madelin Beshear – Independence High School – Kansas State University
• Madison McGee – Arkansas City High School – Oklahoma State University
• Maggie McVey – Caney Valley High School – Kansas State University
• Maiya Shelor – Minneola High School – Kansas State University
• Marisa Wasinger – Hays High School – Kansas State University
• Mary Chirpich – St.Pius X Highschool – Kansas State University
• Mary Vajnar – Hays High School – Kansas State University
• Natalia Onelio – Girard High School – Fort Hayes State University
• Owen Murphy – Girard High School – Kansas State University
• Rayleea Russell – Girard High School – Kansas State University
• Ryan Myers – Minneapolis High School – Kansas State University
• Sage Toews – Canton-Galva High School – Kansas State University
• Sydney Heller – Sylvan-Lucas Unified High School – Kansas State University
• Teagan Grady – Derby High School – Kansas State University
• Vanessa Jones – Rock Creek High School – Kansas State University
• Wade Martin – Dexter High School – Kansas State University
• William Adcock – Sedan High School – Clarendon Community College
• Wyatt Martin – Dexter High School – Pratt Community College

Charles & Jane Maxwell Memorial Scholarship (CACF)

• Katelyn Draeger – Columbus Unified High School – Pittsburg State University

Columbus Cares Scholarship

• Jane Doe – Columbus Unified High School – Pittsburg State University

Class of 1986 Friendship Scholarship (CACF)

• Katelyn Draeger – Columbus Unified High School – Pittsburg State University

Commerce Bank Pittsburg Scholarship

• Sydney Ewing – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – University of Kansas
• Leah Caskey – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Kansas State University

Craig Crespino Scholarship

• Maggie Niggemann – Girard High School – Pittsburg State University
• Izabelle Tierney – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – City Pointe Beauty Academy

Dr. Daniel & Jeannette Minnis Oral Health Scholarship

• Noah Freiburger – Verona High School – Pittsburg State University

Dylan Meier “Get Busy Livin’” Foundation Scholarship

• Abigail Albright – Frontenac High School – Pittsburg State University
• Adessah Reed – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Saint Louis University
• Avery Hipfl – Frontenac High School – Labette Community College
• Caleb Humble – Girard High School – Kansas State University
• Carston Simmons – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Faith Kimzey – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University
• Hayden Turnbull – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – University of Kansas
• Kadence Burns – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Neosho County Community College
• Lauren Crawford – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University
• Madison Coester – Girard High School – Johnson County Community College
• Maleia Sukraw – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Michael Smith – Southeast High School – Pittsburg State University
• Parker Pinamonti – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University
• Seth Wilson – Girard High School – Pittsburg State University

Dylan Meier “Get Busy Livin’” Foundation – Dragon of the Year

• Cole Hayden – Pittsburg High School – Fort Scott Community College

Dylan Meier “Get Busy Livin’” Foundation – KPREPS Player of the Year

• Ian Premer – Great Bend High School – University of Notre Dame

Gabriel John Ison Memorial Scholarship

• Ava Freimiller – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University
• Faith Kimzey – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University

Haberbosch Family Scholarship (FSACF)

• Brevyn Campbell – Marmaton Valley High School – Sterling College
• Sophia Heim – Marmaton Valley High School – Kansas State University

Joe & Margarita Sauer Scholarship

• Caleb Humble – Girard High School – Kansas State University
• Josie Gronau – Girard High School – Pittsburg State University
• Megan Bennett – Girard High School – Pittsburg State University

Joe F. Zakowski and Mary Alice Gilmore Zakowski Scholarship

• Addilyn Streeter – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Southeast Missouri State University
• Addisyn Dewey – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Neosho County Community College
• Alexander Beasley – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Anamarija Kalan – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Brady Badart – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Caleb Garner – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Carston Simmons – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Esvin Mendez – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – University of Kansas
• Eve Brown – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Hayden Turnbull – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – University of Kansas
• Izabelle Tierney – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – City Pointe Beauty Academy
• Janessa Davis – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Jayden Brown – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Josie Kendrick – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Leah Caskey – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Kansas State University
• Maleia Sukraw – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Rebekah Landsteiner – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Sadie Fox – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Izabella Sheldon – Northeast High School – Undecided
• Ania Brown – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University
• Brette Pasteur – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Grayson College, Denison TX
• Cannon Loughmiller – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – University of Kansas
• Grace Rogers – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Mid America Nazarene University
• Grace Wilson – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Labette Community College
• Jace Akins – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – University of Nebraska
• Kadin Navaratnam – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Evangel University
• Kalin Manuel – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University
• Kayanna Emery – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Missouri Southern State University
• Kaylee Patrick – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University
• Kya Galindo – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University
• Makayla De Luna – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University
• McKenzi Lee – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Washburn University
• Savana Wisdom – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University
• Sophia Hertrich – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – University of Missouri-Kansas City

Larry & Regina Weaver Scholarship

• Angie Morgan – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University
• Janessa Davis – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University

M.L. (Lee) & Noretta Caldwell Education Fund Scholarship

• Avarielle Hightower – Prairie View USD 362 – Undecided
• Alexia Ludwig – Parsons High School – Labette Community College
• Avery Hipfl – Frontenac High School – Labette Community College
• Grace Wilson – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Labette Community College
• Gretchen Boyers – Girard High School – Labette Community College
• Katelyn Peterson – Paola High School – Undecided

Marcia Smith Memorial Scholarship (CACF)

• Jacianna Heflin – Columbus Unified High School – Pittsburg State University
• Jaxson Bailey – Galena High School – University of Missouri
• Kolby Matson – Galena High School – Undecided *
• Piper Hayes – Columbus Unified High School – Pittsburg State University

Maureen H. Paulsen Memorial Scholarship (CACF)

• Jane Doe – Columbus Unified High School – Pittsburg State University
• Katelyn Draeger – Columbus Unified High School – Pittsburg State University
• Piper Hayes – Columbus Unified High School – Pittsburg State University
• Trinity Green – Columbus Unified High School – Pittsburg State University

Mount Carmel Foundation – Helen Kriegsman Memorial Scholarship

• Briten Wilkinson – Westville High School – Pittsburg State University

Mullendore – Butler Endowed Scholarship

• Afifa Purnata – Field Kindley High School – University of Oklahoma
• Aiden Campbell – Cedar Vale High School – Cowley County Community College
• Haiden Edens-Ranes – Caney Valley High School – Mid America Nazarene University
• Madelin Beshear – Independence High School – Kansas State University
• Madelyn Mills – Caney Valley High School – Kansas State University
• Peyton Morris – Sedan High School – University of Arkansas
• Tialyn Vanderpool – Sedan High School – Cowley County Community College

Nancy Evans Community Health Nursing Scholarship

• Malerie Whittley – JMJ Homeschool – Pittsburg State University

Pat Forbes Scholarship

• Rebekah Landsteiner – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University

Peggy Gannon Memorial Scholarship

• Stewart Davenport – Fort Scott High School – University of Kansas

Ronald W. Murray Engineering Scholarship

• Christian Pielach – Galena High School – Pittsburg State University
• Dakota Bennett – Galena High School – Emporia State University
• Kamden Martin – Galena High School – Missouri Southern State University

Sandra B. Houser Memorial Scholarship (CACF)

• Morgan Richards – Columbus Unified High School – Pittsburg State University
• Trinity Green – Columbus Unified High School – Pittsburg State University

Short Fine Arts Scholarship

• Leo Norman – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University

Stacy Goedeke Scholarship

• Brayton Brueggen – Louisburg High School – Kansas State University

Thomas J. Restivo Memorial Scholarship

• Laila Davis – Fort Scott High School – Pittsburg State University

Tyler R. Jeck Scholarship

• Carston Simmons – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Janessa Davis – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University
• Joseph Lomshek – St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic School – Pittsburg State University

VetLinks.org Brian Kavanagh Scholarship PSU Clin. Psych Grad/Master’s Social Work Programs

• Keatyn O’Dell – Northeast High School – Pittsburg State University

VetLinks.org Brian Kavanagh Scholarship PSU ROTC

• Scott Sloan – Frontenac High School – Pittsburg State University

Vinylplex/Sanderson Pipe Scholarship

• Ania Brown – Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 – Pittsburg State University
• Elijah McCubbin – Frontenac High School – University of Kansas
• Scott Sloan – Frontenac High School – Pittsburg State University

William H. Zimmer Memorial Scholarship

• Andi Nordt – Erie High School – Allen County Community College
• Grant Reissig – Erie High School – Cowley County Community College
• Jaylee Kramer – Erie High School – Labette Community College
• Raegan Holbert – Erie High School – Labette Community College

William J. Sollner Family Scholarship

• Izabella Sheldon – Northeast High School – Undecided
• Teagan Smith – Northeast High School – Pittsburg State University

The Community Foundation would like to congratulate all the recipients and wish them the best of luck on their next adventure!

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $29 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.

 

The USD 234 Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Board Office, 424 South Main, Fort Scott.

Agenda

1. Call Meeting to Order – David Stewart, President
2. Flag Salute
3. Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4. Other Business – Personnel Matters
   • Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
   • Exit Executive Session
   • Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
5. Adjourn Meeting – David Stewart, President

Text scam impersonating Supreme Court targets Kansans

TOPEKA—The Kansas judicial branch is raising awareness about a new text message scam that appears to be from the Kansas Supreme Court about a subpoena over unpaid tolls incurred with the Kansas Turnpike Authority.   Anyone who receives the text message should ignore the requests to respond or visit links. Instead, the recipient should report it as junk and delete it.   Any person can check whether they have a case pending before a Kansas court using the Kansas District Court Records CaseSearch.   If a case exists on CaseSearch, it will also generally show whether there are any unpaid fines or fees. The CaseSearch site links to the KSCourts Central Payment Center where payments can be made online.   The judicial branch encourages the public to check the Spot the Scam webpage whenever they are contacted by someone who claims to be with a court. The page says to be alert for these signs that a contact they did not expect is a scam:   Scammer initiates contact. Scammers will call, text, or email using phone numbers, email addresses, website links, and documents that look real but are fake. Scammers ask for personal information. Never give a Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information to someone you don’t contact on your own. Scammers demand payment. Scammers will pressure you to pay now using gift cards or apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App. They will tell you something bad will happen if you don’t pay now.   The page also gives guidance for reporting scams and a link to contact information for courts statewide.

Kansas Judicial Branch Office of Judicial Administration 301 SW 10th Avenue Topeka, KS 66612-1507 785-296-2256 kscourts.gov

 

 

 

Senator Marshall Joins Major Anti-Fraud Package to Protect Kansans’ Taxpayer Dollars

 

This week, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senate colleagues in introducing the Protecting American Taxpayers Act, a comprehensive anti-fraud legislation package designed to recover stolen funds, protect taxpayer dollars, and crack down on fraudsters exploiting federal programs. The package is projected to save taxpayers $240 billion.

 

The Protecting American Taxpayers Act includes 17 bipartisan proposals focused on three core goals: recovering wasteful funds, protecting taxpayer dollars, and stopping fraudsters while holding them accountable. This includes Senator Marshall’s WALZ Act, which would help prevent fraud by requiring payments to be made as reimbursements only after services have been provided—closing loopholes that have allowed billions in taxpayer dollars to be stolen. The legislation comes after the widespread fraud in Minnesota and beyond exposed the fact that $1.4 billion is stolen from taxpayers each day.

 

Click here to learn more.

 

Senator Marshall Joins Wichita Small Business Roundtable Highlighting Capital Access & Tax Relief

 

Last Friday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined business and community leaders in Wichita for a small business roundtable hosted in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. The discussion focused on strengthening Kansas small businesses, expanding access to capital, supporting workforce development, and ensuring Main Street businesses have the tools they need to grow.

 

Senator Marshall thanked John Gonzales with the U.S. Chamber, Angie Elliott with the Wichita Chamber, and Michael Monteferrante and the Envision team for organizing and hosting the event. During the roundtable, Senator Marshall also highlighted Senate passage this week of his bipartisan Investing in All of America Act, legislation which will direct more private investment into rural communities, low-income areas, manufacturing, and critical technology sectors. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

 

Participants in the roundtable represented a broad range of Kansas industries, including manufacturing, technology, workforce development, aerospace, environmental services, hospitality, and construction.

 

 

Click here to learn more.

 

Senators Marshall Introduces Legislation to Bring Accuracy to CBO Budget Baselines

 

On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) introduced the No Bias in the Baseline Act, legislation that reforms the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) annual baseline to eliminate built-in fiscal distortions that have long skewed federal budget projections toward higher spending.

 

The CBO’s annual baseline projects federal spending and revenues over a ten-year window and serves as the benchmark against which the cost of all legislative proposals in the House and Senate is measured. Currently, CBO is required to incorporate a series of assumptions that distort the baseline.

 

“Kansas families don’t assume last year’s budget automatically carries over to this year. They make tough choices when the numbers don’t add up,” said Senator Marshall. “Congress should be held to the same standard. With our national debt exceeding $39 trillion, this bill brings accountability and honest budgeting back to Washington.”

 

Click here to learn more.

 

Senators Marshall Introduces Legislation to Expand Health Savings Accounts

On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), introduced the Health Savings Account (HSA) Expansion Act, legislation that would expand access to HSAs and give Americans more freedom and flexibility in how they pay for their healthcare.

“As a physician, I saw firsthand how confusing and expensive our health care system can be,” said Senator Marshall. “This legislation gives Americans more flexibility, more choice, and more control over how they manage their medical expenses. Health care decisions belong to patients and families — not Washington. This bill makes that real.”

The bill will expand HSA eligibility to people on Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP, allow a person to pay for their insurance premiums or health care sharing ministry expenses with HSA funds, and more.

Click here to learn more.

 

Senator Marshall: We Must Treat the Root Cause of Mental Health, Not Just Medicate It

On Monday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined a roundtable hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) focused on mental health and substance abuse care.

With more farmers dying of suicide each year than farm accidents, Senator Marshall emphasized the need to address the mental health crisis in farmers. He advocates for targeted solutions rather than just medication, highlighting the work of Kansas State Extension, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Corn, and farm credit institutions for helping identify individuals in crisis and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health treatment in rural communities. With the increase of behavioral health clinics embedded in primary care clinics, more rural Kansans are able to access mental health services than ever before.

Click here to learn more.

 

Senator Marshall: Trump Admin Has Done More for Rural Healthcare & Rural Economy Than Any Admin

 

Click here to learn more.

 

Senator Marshall: President Trump’s Maximum Pressure on Iran is Working.

 

Click HERE for the press release for Senator Marshall’s full interview.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member Bourbon County Arts Council Bourbon County Arts Council Presents Barnaby Bright Thursday, April 30th Doors Open 5:00pm Hearty Appetizer Buffet 5:30-7:30pm Performance 8:00pm Crooner’s/Liberty Theatre 113 S. Main Fort Scott, KS Reservations Required Tickets $50 BCAC Member $60 Non-Member Contact Terri Floyd 620-224-7221 Deb Anderson 620-224-8650 Click HERE to visit Bourbon County Arts Council’s Facebook Page. Click HERE to visit Barnaby Bright’s Facebook Page. Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US