Senior Spotlight

APRIL 2025 H.S. SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Hayden Catholic High School and the Topeka community have provided me with precious opportunities to give back. I love my summers helping at Vacation Bible School at my parish since teaching children about the importance of faith and community is a priority of mine. At school, I am involved most heavily in Debate and Forensics, which have nurtured my confidence and enabled me to grow into the person I am today (and given me cool, shiny medals). I plan to attend KU and pursue a degree in behavioral neuroscience. 3 things to know about Emily 1. I have a pet bunny named Rexy, who is the best study buddy. 2. I read a lot. My favorite author right now is Murakami. 3. I always prefer listening to music on CDs. My collection is extensive and always growing.

APRIL 2025 H.S. SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: I'm very active at our high school, including my current roles as Key Club President and Student Council Secretary. I'm also part of Viking Brew, Viking Crew, Suicide Prevention Club, National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I have served as head section leader in the Marching Vikes Drumline, and I've participated in volleyball, basketball and softball for four years. I have a small business selling custom-made wood vases, and I plan to attend Washburn Tech to learn Cabinetry & Millwork, and then study further in the Electrical program. 3 things to know about Phoebe 1. I've worked at the school coffee shop, Viking Brew, for four years, but I don't like coffee. 2. I was born in Vietnam, and my family spent 10 days there over Christmas exploring, eating, and shopping! 3. All of my spare money goes toward Sonic drinks, Legos, and my 80-pound dog (Marvin).

APRIL 2025 H.S. SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: I am extremely passionate about STEM education and strive to provide opportunities for elementary and middle schoolers through the Computer Science Honor Society, of which I am Co-President. Additionally, I founded the WRHS Car Club to spread inclusion and create a community for students to come together over a shared interest. I plan on attending Kansas State University to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering and to continue leading initiatives in college and beyond to further support my community. 3 things to know about Parker 1. I restored a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 with my father when I was in middle school. 2. I am a nationally certified Mustang Club of America Concours Judge for 1969-1970. 3. I can name every song released by The Beatles.

MARCH 2025 H.S. SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: I’m a senior at Washburn Rural where I’ve been able to participate in one of the countries premier debate squads. In both my junior and senior years I’ve competed at three different national championships, the Tournament of Champions, the National and Debate Tournament, and the National Debate Coaches Association National Championship. At the NSDT, my partner and I were one of the top 20 teams there. 3 things to know about Jace 1. I participated in jazz, concert band, debate, forensics, scholars bowl, and model UN. 2. I have the cutest dog ever who is named Molly. 3. My friends and I tried and failed to create an ESports club my sophmore year.

MARCH 2025 H.S. SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: I am a current senior at Topeka High School & TALC. I do the web & digital comms program. I am also a part of our Link Crew and a high ranking member of a group known as “High Five”. I have competed in cross country, soccer, swim & dive, and track & field. I have gone to state for swim & dive four times and two times (so far) for track. 3 things to know about Jaxon 1. I own two school records at Topeka High for swim & dive. 2. I did ballet for seven years and yoga for four years. 3. Over the summer I spend my time lifeguarding.

MARCH 2025 H.S. SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: I’m very excited for my future and I plan on continuing my education at Spelman College, in Atlanta, Georgia. I plan to major in political science with a pre-law track, hoping to become a lawyer. During free time I love spending time with family and friends, listening to music, making crafts, and watching movies. I’m highly involved with my community by participating in 12 extracurricular activities. Some highlights include National Honors Society, varsity cheer captain, and Black Excellence Club president. 3 things to know about Danielle 1. I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was in kindergarten. 2. I have three nieces, one nephew, and I became an aunt at 13 years old. 3. I have traveled to Texas nine times and my favorite spot is South Padre Island.

MARCH 2025 H.S. SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: I participate in several activities at Hayden including soccer, swim, track, National Honors Society, forensics, FBLA, and STUCO. These activities have inspired me to help my community through organizations like Top Soccer, a program that helps children with different abilities learn how to play soccer. I’ve also participated in the iCan Bike program through the Capper Foundation, which teaches children with special needs how to ride a bike. I plan on attending K-State to pursue a degree in engineering. 3 things to know about Liam 1. I love to travel. My favorite place I’ve been to is St. Kitts, and I'm planning on traveling to Europe this summer. 2. I spend a lot of my free time playing and learning new things on guitar. I’m a huge R&B fan, it's by far my favorite genre. 3. I’ve seen the Polar Express over 100 times. It's the best Christmas movie ever, by far.

MARCH 2025 H.S. SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: I have grown up in Silver Lake, KS my whole life and started attending CPLS during 8th grade. Throughout my high school career, I have been academically and spiritually challenged, which I am very grateful for. I have been playing softball since I was 5 years old and last spring, I committed to Bethany College to play college softball. CPLS doesn’t have their own softball program, but I am blessed to have the opportunity to play at Topeka High School through our Co-Op agreement and am excited for my senior season. 3 things to know about Lauren 1. I have played softball in 15 different states. 2. In 2020, I went on a missions trip to Mexico and almost didn’t get to come back across the border due to the pandemic. 3. I am a waitress at the Big Biscuit and look forward every week to seeing my regulars.

FEBRUARY 2025 H.S. SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: I am a very involved student and participate in various clubs, the main one being Spirit Club, which I am the president of. I love sports and being outdoors I currently participate in basketball and soccer both of which I have had leadership roles in since I was a freshman. I am highly competitive no matter the game or activity, which has to do with me being the oldest and having 3 siblings. 3 things to know about Anna 1. I have been a soccer referee since 7th grade. I have been at Sunflower Soccer in rain, snow, and sun and have learned referee uniforms leave quite the tan lines. 2. I grew up playing many sports, mainly soccer, basketball, and softball. Last year I committed to playing basketball at Drake University, D1. 3. I’m outgoing and love to support others. I’m always in the student section cheering on my siblings and friends. I was voted spirit princess for participation in events outside my sports.

FEBRUARY 2025 H.S. SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: I’m an International Baccalaureate Program Candidate and am involved in a lot of things at WRHS and in the community, but I’m most proud of being the 2024- 2025 Student Council President. I enjoy spending time with my family, going to youth group at Town and Country, and reading anything historical or political. Next year I plan to double major in political science and psychology on the pre-law track. I aspire to be a constitutional lawyer, US Senator, and President of the United States. 3 things to know about Katelynn 1. I’ve been to Rancho del Cielo twice and have met President Reagan’s son, Michael! 2. I know all of the words to “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel and the entire “Hamilton: The Musical” soundtrack. 3. If you show me any outline of any country, I can tell you what it is.

FEBRUARY 2025 H.S. SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: I have lived in Topeka all my life and have attended Cair Paravel Latin School since 2nd grade. I have acted in all of my school’s dramas and musicals since my freshman year. My favorite musical is Ruddigore. I take great pride in my art and you may see some of my paintings on display in the school. In my free time, I like to tinker with various machines and electronics. I like to repair and build computers. I also have a minor interest in video editing. I plan to attend Washburn University to study computer science. 3 things to know about Bryson 1. I’ve done karate for 7 years at Moore’s Martial Arts Academy. I’m working towards my Jr. Black Belt and help mentor younger students. 2. I enjoy volunteering at Bethel Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School each summer. 3. I enjoy pondering moral & political dilemmas. My favorite class is Great Ideas at CPLS.