Local Stars Shine: Stafford and Silver Lake Natives Honored as Outstanding Graduates at Barton Community College

Barton Community College recently recognized the achievements of its 2024 Outstanding Graduates at the commencement ceremonies on Friday. Evelin Valadez from Stafford and Hayley Wise from Silver Lake received this honor. Angie Maddy, the Vice President of Student Services, presented the awards and highlighted their academic excellence and contributions to the college.

Evelin Valadez earned her associate in science degree and was involved in several college activities. She participated in the TRIO/Student Support Services Program and the Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO). Evelin also joined the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society and volunteered at the Cougar Supply Den, a campus food pantry. She plans to pursue a dental hygienist program at Wichita State University and aims to earn a dentistry degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City.

Hayley Wise, who also completed her associate in science degree, played an active role in the Barton community. She was a member of the Barton cheer team and worked as a peer tutor in the Student Support Services tutoring lab. Hayley, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, will continue her studies at Fort Hays State University, seeking a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She aims to join the Kansas Teacher Apprenticeship Program and become a first-grade teacher.

Both students have shown leadership, commitment to service, and academic excellence at Barton Community College. Their future plans demonstrate their dedication to further education and making positive societal contributions.

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