In the News

Hesston College Theatre to present comic fantasy “Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility”

Hesston College Theatre will take audiences on a whimsical, globe-spanning adventure this fall with its production of “Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility” by Craig Pospisil. Performances will take place at 7 p.m., October 2 to 4, and at 2 p.m., October 5, in Keim Center’s Black Box Theater. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and seniors, available at the door or in advance at hesston.edu/showtix or by calling 620-327-8104.

Theatre Director Rachel Jantzi chose the comic fantasy as a lighthearted counterbalance to last season’s darker themes, pairing it thematically with the upcoming spring musical “Xanadu.”

“Both ‘Poles’ and ‘Xanadu’ have a light, fantastical feel,” says Jantzi. “After last year’s heavier themes, I felt it was important to bring in some cheer.”

The play follows a captivating storyline that blends romance with adventure, taking audiences from jungle to ocean to arctic with dragons, giant squid and monsters from Australia’s outback making appearances along the way.

“It’s like if ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ merged,” Jantzi shares. “I also have a talented cast who is already figuring out the complexities of characters who find themselves in extremely far out circumstances.”

Pushing the limits of the Keim Center’s intimate performance space, the production will combine practical stage effects and sound design to create an unforgettable journey.

“We are bringing in locations from all over the world,” Jantzi explains. “This one relies more heavily on technical effects than in some more recent years, the spectacle should be entertaining.”

Recommended for ages eight and up, attendees can expect an evening filled with laughter and energy.

“I want audiences to expect a good laugh and a great night out,” Jantzi says, “and to leave feeling like there’s still some magic in this world.”

The cast consists of students Chloe Robinson of Moore, Okla.; Angel Sinnet of McPherson, Kan.; Brody Hutto of Bel Aire, Kan.; Dakota Nisbeth of Enterprise, Kan.; Constance Feldt of Wichita, Kan.; Rey Tipton of Hesston, Kan.; Alyssa Coonce of Hutchinson, Kan.; Arlynn Smith of Newcastle, Okla.; Cindy Smith of Park City, Kan.; Misaki Kurata of Habikigaoka, Japan.; Anja Martinez of Topeka, Kan.; Jamie Krehbiel of Hesston, Kan.; and Sebastian Pavlovich of Lindsborg, Kan. Crew members include students Sam Setiawan of Goshen, Ind., and Ava Huynh of Lam Dong, Vietnam.

College hosts photography exhibit “Rooted Heart, Traveling Soul”

Hesston College’s Regier-Friesen Gallery will feature “Rooted Heart, Traveling Soul” Sept. 1 to 28, a photography exhibit by nursing student Audrey Befort of Harper, Kan. The community is invited to view the show during regular gallery hours and attend a public reception honoring the artist on Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

“Rooted Heart, Traveling Soul” offers a visual autobiography blending the heartstrings of home with the irresistible pull of wanderlust. The collection is divided into two distinct groupings of photographs, each providing insight into Befort’s memories, personal stories and the places that shaped her journey.

Regier-Friesen Gallery is located in Laban Peachey Center on the Hesston College campus. Admission is free and open to the public, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about the exhibit, call 620-327-4221.

College to celebrate community and leadership at Homecoming 2025 and Presidential Inauguration

Hesston College welcomes alumni, friends, students and community members to campus September 26 to 28 for a weekend of connection, tradition and celebration, highlighted by the inauguration of the college’s 10th president, Mark Landes, as well as a live performance by Thorn Haze at the family festival.

Saturday morning marks a historic moment in Hesston College’s story as Mark Landes is formally installed as president in a ceremony at Hesston Mennonite Church. The inauguration will celebrate the college’s Christ-centered mission, honor its heritage and open up to a future of growth and impact.

“This is a moment for our whole community to reflect on what makes Hesston College unique and to dream together about where God is leading us,” Landes says. “I’m deeply honored to serve and walk alongside our students, employees, alumni and friends as we pursue that vision.”

The rest of the festivities officially begin Friday, September 26, with events designed to bring people together. From the Golden Gables Luncheon for alumni of 50 years or more, to a meet and greet with our new president and opportunities to connect with past presidents, faculty, staff, current students and other fellow Larks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In the evening, celebrate Lark athletics by cheering on the volleyball team, then mingling with Hall of Fame inductees and current teams, then take in the fun during the alumni softball game.

Another weekend highlight is the annual family festival featuring live music from Thorn Haze, a Kansas-born artist blending indie, rock, alternative and blues into soulful lyrics, gritty riffs and unforgettable energy. There will also be food trucks, games and inflatables for the entire family to enjoy. Then stay for the Lark men’s soccer game with a halftime show featuring a dance team performance and recognition of the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.

Additional Saturday activities include an opportunity to attend a photography exhibit by current student Audrey Befort in Laban Peachey Center’s Regier-Friesen Gallery. There will also be student speakers and performers, class reunions, a free tie-dye shirt activity, a book signing with author Michele (Schrock) '81 Hershberger, Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a disc golf tournament and a golf simulator long drive tournament.

Sunday concludes the weekend with worship and fellowship at Hesston Mennonite Church, featuring a message from Loren Swartzenduber, former president of Hesston College, sending attendees home renewed in their connection to the Hesston College community.

In keeping with Hesston’s tradition, this year’s theme verse will be woven throughout the weekend’s events:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23. God’s great faithfulness is visible in many ways across campus, including in the recent growth of the student body, the expansion of academic programs and the deepening of community connections. This Homecoming, Hesston College gathers not only to reconnect with one another, but also to give thanks for the ways God has guided, sustained and opened doors to a bright future filled with hope and purpose.

Visit hesston.edu/homecoming for a full schedule of activities and to learn more.

Hesston College welcomes students with theme of curiosity and belonging

Hesston College launched the 2025-26 academic year with a weekend full of celebration, connection and community, welcoming approximately 400 students to campus. Opening Weekend began with the annual Opening Celebration on Friday, August 15, where students, their parents, faculty and staff gathered to set the tone for the year through music, theatre and reflection from returning and new students.

A quote attributed to Walt Whitman, “Be curious, not judgmental,” served as a guiding thread throughout the Opening Celebration. It was presented through an original skit that included student stories, as well as a cappella performances by Bel Canto Singers. Students shared their experiences of discovering Hesston unexpectedly, finding a welcoming community and reshaping their expectations about college life, academics and friendship.

“What I have found at Hesston College so far is that people don’t care about what I look like,” shared Rey Tipton, a freshman from Hesston, Kan. “They care about who I am on the inside, because that’s what matters.”

“At first, I thought that everyone was going to be really mean or weren’t going to want to talk to anyone else outside of their group,” admitted Cindy Smith, a freshman from Wichita, Kan. “But I’ve quickly learned that it is the complete opposite.”

Following the skit, President Mark Landes delivered an address echoing the skit’s themes while drawing on his experience as a parent and returning member of the Hesston College community.

“I was going to start by saying my hope and prayer for this school year is that everybody can find meaning and belonging here at Hesston College, and I’m not sure that this could’ve been summed up any better than what just happened,” Landes said. “My main thing that I want to encourage everyone to do is to lean in. Lean in and engage your experience.”

He encouraged students to approach the year with curiosity, humility and intentional listening — traits he believes fosters connection and academic success.

Attendees were also encouraged through this year’s theme verse:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23.

The evening concluded with an all-campus ice cream social, followed by a full weekend of activities including registration, orientation sessions, a community picnic and the beloved Nest Olympics — a spirited dorm competition featuring games, costumes and campus camaraderie. As is tradition, President Landes ceremoniously kicked off the games by carrying the Olympic flame (tiki torch) onto Sieber Field. This year’s finale featured a high-energy rock-paper-scissors tournament that crowned a single student victor with campus-wide bragging rights.

Update on Facilities and Classroom Adjustments

While the fall semester began with joy and energy, Hesston College also continues restoration efforts following a fire that affected J.D. Charles Hall of Science and Arts in May. Cleanup is underway, and full restoration of the building is targeted for fall 2026. In the meantime, the college made accommodations to ensure uninterrupted lab instruction:

• Chemistry labs are held at Bethel College on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• A temporary physics lab is set up in Smith Center.
• Biology labs have been relocated to available spaces elsewhere on campus.

Additionally, the Bonnie Sowers Nursing Center restoration was completed prior to the start of classes, featuring new carpet, ceiling tiles and a fresh coat of paint.

Through creativity, resilience and an unwavering commitment to its students, Hesston College begins this new year rooted in faith, community and the invitation to stay curious.

College Announces Spring Academic Honors

Hesston College Registrar Heidi Hochstetler announced the names of full-time students whose spring 2025 semester grades earned them a place on the Dean’s List (3.90 to 4.00 GPA) and Honor Roll (3.50 to 3.89 GPA).

Dean’s List – first-year students

Blen Bezuwork, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Taiga Goto, Chiyoda-ku, Japan
Beau Johnson, Englewood, Colo.

Dean’s List – sophomores

Gresa Arapi, Cypress, Texas
Brandon Chim, Amarillo, Texas
Mariah Hall, Lawton, Okla.
Sydney Jackson, Marlow, Okla.
Julie Jones, Amber, Okla.
Elsa Rayneau, Malang, Indonesia
Rylee Weishaupt, Goshen, Ind.

Dean’s List – juniors

Devin Miller, Hesston, Kan.
Evangelina Perry, Tulsa, Okla.

Dean’s List – seniors and unclassified

Amy Birkey, Wichita, Kan.
Alyssa Burkholder, Hillsboro, Kan.
Holly Cummins, Potwin, Kan.
Tana Hayworth, Lincoln, Kan.
Riku Iwai-King, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Phoebe Kolb, Milford, Neb.
Alexandria Nickel, Newton, Kan.

Honor Roll – first-year students

Tyler Beckford, West Bay, Cayman Islands
Akiva Brown, Plano, Texas
Jocilyn DeSmet, Winchester, Tenn.
Trinity Garcia, Gilbert, Ariz.
Amy Hunley, Owensboro, Ky.
Misaki Kurata, Habikigaoka, Japan
Trentis Lane, Houston, Texas
Mauricio Ramirez, El Paso, Texas
Jacob Thomson, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Sakura Yamada, Japan
Ryan Ziesch Goddard Kan.

Honor Roll – sophomores

Trista Barrett, Atoka, Okla.
Galo Benedek, Madrid, Spain
Braxton Byers, Mansfield, Ark.
Kaleb Cain, Dallas Center, Iowa
Miriam Castillo, Houston, Texas
Gabriel Clark, Goshen, Ind.
James Cook, Parkville, Mo.
Cambry Duerksen, Hillsboro, Kan.
Ana Espinoza, Ocotepeque, Honduras
Evelyn Gaertner, Newton, Kan.
Dominic Garcia, Spring, Texas
Sarah Hanson Park City, Kan.
Jammial Hicks, Kansas City, Kan.
Carly Lee, Rose Hill, Kan.
Braxton Linden, Sterling, Kan.
Cutter Livermore, Canyon, Texas
Bri’Ellen Mann, Wynnewood, Okla.
Anna McIntire, Lawrence, Kan.
Destiny Ortiz, Burleson, Texas
Colin Pitzer, Omaha, Neb.
Hauw Celline Raharjo, Semarang, Indonesia
Dusti Roberts, Yukon, Okla.
Colton Steinke, Ault, Colo.
Ethan Thompson, Hesston, Kan.
Lissette Tovar, Wichita, Kan.
Ashleigh Williams, Eaton, Colo.
Mrikejda Zogu, Lezhe, Albania

Honor Roll – juniors

Isabella Reece, Wichita, Kan.
Kyndal Simpson, Hesston, Kan.

Honor Roll – seniors

Carson Elonich, Goshen, Ind.
Jessica Raharjo, Semarang, Indonesia

Now Enrolling: Hesston Summer Theatre Camp Offers Youth a Week on Stage

Campers from Hesston College’s 2024 Summer Theatre Camp perform in the final production of “Mean Girls: The Musical.” Each year, the camp concludes with a full-stage performance open to the public.

Hesston College Theatre invites young performers from across the region to bring their energy and creativity to the stage as the college hosts its annual Summer Theatre Camp this summer, June 15 to 21. Open to students ages 11 to 18, the weeklong camp will culminate in a public performance of the musical “Beetlejuice” on Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m. in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary.

Throughout the week, campers will immerse themselves in all aspects of theatre — from acting, singing and dancing to staging and character development — while staying on campus and building friendships with fellow young artists. The experience offers an encouraging environment for students of all experience levels to grow their skills and confidence both on and off the stage.

“Theatre camp gives students the opportunity to take creative risks, collaborate and step into the spotlight,” said Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre at Hesston College. “It’s a fun, fast-paced week that ends in something they can all be proud of.”

The final performance is open to the public, and community members are warmly invited to attend and support the students’ work. The show will take place at 2 p.m. on June 21 at Hesston Mennonite Church, located on the Hesston College campus. Admission is $5 per person.

A limited number of spots remain for students interested in joining the camp. Registration is open through June 13. For campers staying overnight, evening activities such as swimming, movie night, a talent show and bonfire allow for a break from the stage and time for campers to build friendships beyond rehearsals.

For more information and to register, contact the Hesston College Theatre Department at 620-327-8142.

Hesston College Holds 115th Annual Commencement Ceremonies

Kirah Stepps of Wichita, Kan., is a member of the first class to receive Bachelor of Science degrees in engineering from Hesston College.

Hesston College students and their families celebrated with faculty and staff during the 115th annual Commencement ceremony held Saturday, May 17, in the sanctuary of Hesston Mennonite Church.

This year’s commencement featured an address about identity delivered by Nick Ladd, Bible professor and co-campus pastor. After reading Psalm 139:13-16 from The Passion Translation, he highlighted several words used to describe how God created and shaped each of them: skillfully, intricately, carefully, marvelously.

“When people ask who you are, or maybe just when you’re struggling a bit with your own self worth, remember these things,” Ladd shared. “The God of the universe who created all things, who could’ve created anything for companionship or love, created you. God created you. God formed you to be mysteriously complex, to be very good, to hold God’s breath of life, to be uniquely you. No one else can be you. Be you.”

President Mark Landes conferred 26 Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, six Bachelor of Science in aviation – professional pilot degrees, one Bachelor of Arts in business management degree and 53 associate degrees. After launching the program in fall 2022, this was also the first year for the School of Engineering to confer Bachelor of Science in engineering – mechatronics degrees, with four graduates receiving the honor. The graduating class of 2025 includes members from 12 different countries including the U.S.

An engineering bachelor’s degree graduate from Semarang, Indonesia, Jessica Raharjo says Hesston College shaped her into someone who finds joy and fulfillment in whatever she’s doing.

“Not only have I gained important knowledge and skills from the engineering program, I’ve learned a lot about finding joy and meaning in whatever I do,” Raharjo explains. “[At Hesston,] I found my new home and family, a community that kept on challenging and assisting me to be the best version of myself. I have never found a community of faculty and staff and friends to be so supportive of my progress until I came here.”

Following graduation, Raharjo plans to remain in the states and find a job in the engineering field. With her passion for learning, she also hopes to one day pursue a master’s degree, and possibly even a doctorate.

Joanna Gomez Ramirez of Hesston, an associate degree graduate, looks forward to returning to Hesston in the fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and eventually her passion to make a difference in the lives of children through compassionate health care as a pediatric nurse.

“Personally, I’ve grown so much through the community here: learning how to build strong relationships, manage responsibilities and grow in my faith,” Ramirez shared. “I feel ready to take on the next steps in both my career and personal journey.”

The prayer of invocation was delivered by Ana Espinoza, graduate, and her mother, Ana Pineda ’98 de Espinoza, both of Ocotepeque, Honduras. The prayer of dedication was delivered by Dale Beachey, grandfather of graduate Carson Elonich of Goshen, Ind.. Two students, Rylee Weishaupt, associate degree graduate of Goshen, Ind., and Phoebe Kolb, bachelor’s degree graduate of Milford, Neb., were nominated by faculty and staff and voted by their classmates as the graduate speakers to reflect on the Hesston Experience.

Known for her glass-half-full outlook, Weishaupt admitted she recently found herself slipping into a more pessimistic mindset. In her speech, she reflected on how easy it is to miss beauty when caught in a pessimistic mindset — and how her time at Hesston helped her see it again. She drew on reflections from fellow students who found beauty in cross-cultural friendships, the full inclusion of international students and renewed relationships with God.

“And this beauty, my friends, does not disappear when we graduate. This beauty is something we can hold on to and cherish forever,” Weishaupt shared. “So if you ever find yourself in a pessimistic slump, which may happen after you graduate, I invite you to search for the beauty around you, just like you did here. Who knows, that may just be the catalyst event for something as life altering as Hesston College.”

For Kolb, her time at Hesston reframed how she understood purpose and personal growth. Arriving from a high school where the motto was “Make your story worth telling,” she initially felt pressure to create something extraordinary. What she discovered instead was the quiet power of contributing to others’ stories and finding meaning through shared experiences.

“Accomplishments are not defined by their grandurous scale, but simply by the impact they have on you and those around you,” Kolb said. “I applaud each and every one of you sitting in this room today for the beautiful stories that you have created and the impact you have had on this community…Your stories are ones of growth and perseverance, and I have truly been blessed to learn from each and every one of you.”

The 26 nursing program graduates were honored at a Nursing Pinning ceremony in the sanctuary of Hesston Mennonite Church on the morning of May 17. Graduates received their nursing pins as well as the traditional blessing of hands from Hesston College nursing faculty.

Other commencement weekend events included several music recitals and a theatre showcase. On the evening of May 16, Bel Canto Singers presented a sendoff concert in the sanctuary. The concert kicks off their spring choir tour to the Pacific Northwest.

Fire Causes Significant Damage to Charles Hall; No Injuries Reported

A fire that broke out just before 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9, caused significant damage to Hesston College’s J.D. Charles Hall of Science and Arts. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

According to state fire investigators, the fire has been ruled accidental, though a definitive cause has not been identified. The fire is believed to have started in the space between the original wood ceiling and the roof, directly above a chemistry classroom. This resulted in substantial smoke damage throughout Charles Hall and into the adjacent Bonnie Sowers Nursing (BSN) Center.

“The structural integrity of the building has been severely impacted,” President Mark Landes shared in an email to faculty and staff. “We were told that the roof was damaged enough that it could collapse at any time. As such, nobody is permitted to enter the building.”

While there does not appear to be structural damage within the BSN Center, elevated carbon monoxide levels and residue on surfaces have rendered the facility temporarily unusable. Access to both buildings remains restricted until further notice.

Kauffman Court residence hall, located directly to the west of Charles Hall, was evacuated during the fire out of caution regarding possible chemical smoke exposure. Fire personnel lifted the restriction just before 8 p.m. Friday, allowing students to safely return to their rooms.

The campus community is pulling together to address urgent needs and ensure a successful last week of school. Faculty and staff affected by the building closures have been relocated to alternate offices and computer labs on campus, and replacement computers are being distributed today as they are available. Final exams originally scheduled in Charles Hall and the BSN Center have been reassigned to alternate locations and communicated to students.

“We ask for your continued prayers and patience in the days ahead,” said Landes. “While this is a significant disruption, it has also been a powerful reminder of the strength and unity of our community. The resilience and collaboration I’ve witnessed from students, faculty and staff over the weekend has been extraordinary.”

As the college begins the process of insurance assessment and long-term recovery planning, many details remain to be determined.

“There’s still much to figure out as we move forward,” Landes said. “But I have no doubt that we will face these next steps with the same care, creativity and commitment to our mission that have long defined Hesston College.”

About J.D. Charles Hall of Science and Arts

J.D. Charles Hall of Science and Arts was erected as a result of a study citing needs for more classrooms, office spaces and better-equipped laboratories on campus. More than 600 people gathered for the dedication on February 4, 1952. Originally, the north wing housed science and math departments while lecture rooms occupied the center section and music and art classrooms the south wing. Charles Hall has been the home of a large collection of wildlife mounts, primarily birds, since the mid 1950s. Charles Hall underwent a renovation in the mid 1990s alongside the addition of Lemons Center on the southwest side of the building. Lemons Center was then expanded and renamed the Bonnie Sowers Nursing Center in 2019.

May 23, 2025 Update

Clean-up efforts have begun following the May 9 fire in Hesston College’s J.D. Charles Hall of Science and Arts.

An initial assessment has been completed on both buildings affected by the blaze. Bonnie Sowers Nursing Center (BSN Center) was found to have significant smoke damage throughout the building. Charles Hall also has significant smoke damage throughout, in addition to heavy fire damage in the chemistry and biology labs.

After the initial inspection, the insurance company determined numerous experts will need to be brought in to determine the appropriate next steps in Charles Hall. This includes structural engineers and content experts.

The restoration process still has many unknowns, but will be divided into three phases.

Phase 1 includes BSN Center and the hallway connecting it to the south side of Charles Hall. The college received approval to start work on this least-affected area May 16. Restoration crews have been on site since then, and evaluations are still being made to determine the extent and scope of the work. Known updates include replacing ceiling tiles throughout both buildings and the BSN Center will need new carpet throughout.

Phase 2 will pick up in the south hallway of Charles Hall and go around to the front entryway (east side) to the hallway on the north side that leads to the chemistry lab. A timeline will be determined after further review of the damage.

Phase 3 will encompass everything else, including the heaviest damaged areas. A timeline will be determined after further review of the damage.

Hesston College Celebrates Student Excellence at LarkFest

2025 Hesston College Lark of the Year winners Jessica Raharjo and Ashleigh Williams

As the academic year draws to a close, Hesston College gathered to honor outstanding student achievements at the annual LarkFest awards ceremony on Friday, May 9, in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. Earlier in the week, on Monday, May 5, the athletic department also hosted its annual banquet to recognize student-athletes for their dedication, leadership and success both on and off the field.

At LarkFest, awards were presented across academics, leadership, the arts and campus life, culminating in the announcement of Lark of the Year — the college’s highest student honor. This year, the award was presented to Ashleigh Williams, associate degree student from Eaton, Colo., and Jessica Raharjo, bachelor’s degree student from Semarang, Indonesia, recognizing their exceptional leadership, scholarship and service to the Hesston College community. Students are nominated for Lark of the Year by the Hesston Experience team and the recipient is chosen by a faculty vote.

Athletics also celebrated top performers, with Jammial “Jr” Hicks, basketball player from Kansas City, Kan., earning Male Athlete of the Year and Rylee Weishaupt, powerlifting team member from Goshen, Ind., named Female Athlete of the Year.

Other award recipients at LarkFest included:

• Outstanding Student Ambassadors: TJ Bowman (Twin Falls, Idaho), Ky Kougl (Edmond, Okla.), Kristyn Oliver (Amarillo, Texas), Brock Swedlund (Akron, Colo.)
• Lark Leaders of the Year: Anna McIntire (Lawrence, Kan.) as Community Assistant of the Year, AJ Noriega (Marana, Ariz.) as Wellness Assistant of the Year, Rylee Weishaupt (Goshen, Ind.) as Ministry Assistant of the Year
• Peer Educator of the Year: Ethan Connelly (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
• Bill Mason Business Scholars: Gresa Arapi (Cypress, Texas), Amy Hunley (Owensboro, Ky.), Luis Jimenez (Dallas, Texas), Ryan Ziesch (Goddard, Kan.)
• Clayton V. Beyler Award: Rylee Weishaupt (Goshen, Ind.)
• Daniel Gerber Peace and Service Award: Lily Corkill (Olsburg, Kan.), Josalyn Wipf (Huron, S.D.)
• Art: Best in Show: Sarah Hanson (Park City, Kan.)
• Mariann Martin Award: Desirae Rodriguez (Wichita, Kan.)
• Musician of the Year: Caroline Miller (Arlington, Kan.)
• Yoder/Zaid Chemistry Scholarship: Blen Bezuwork (Wichita, Kan.)
• Certificate of Nursing Achievement: Amy Birkey (Wichita, Kan.), Holly Cummins (Potwin, Kan.), Jeremy Schmidt (Wichita, Kan.)
• Outstanding Academic Achievement by an International Student: Elsa Rayneau (Indonesia/India) as associate degree student, Jessica Raharjo (Semarang, Indonesia) as bachelor’s degree student

The athletic banquet showcased achievements from across the Lark sports teams, with coaches honoring athletes for their contributions in their respective programs. In addition to Hicks and Weishaupt, other athletic awards included:

Volleyball

Freshman of the Year: Laura Rojas Gomez (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain)
Defensive Player of the Year: Sarahi Paez (Arlington, Texas)
Offensive Player of the Year: Audrey Garrison (Wiesbaden, Germany)

Men’s Soccer

Team MVP: Alexander Radu (London, England)
Goal of the Season: Paul Torres (Paris, Texas)
Offensive Player of the Year: Tyler Beckford (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)

Women’s Soccer

Offensive MVP: Rena Itoga (Saitama, Japan)
Defensive MVP: Nevaeh Bowman (Derby, Kan.)
Most Improved: Annabelle Ortega (Portales, N.M.)
Bookworm Award: Lissette Tovar (Wichita, Kan.)

Men’s Basketball

MVP: Jammial Hicks Jr. (Kansas City, Kan.)
Hard Hat Award: Trent Thompson (Okmulgee, Okla.)
Highlight of the Year: Terryon Stebbins (Stone Mountain, Ga.)

Women’s Basketball

Newcomer of the Year: Akiva Brown (Plano, Texas)
Pick Me Up: Hanah DeBelle (Castle Rock, Colo.)
Brick Wall: Anna McIntire (Lawrence, Kan.)

Disc Golf

Women’s MVP: Josalyn Wipf (Huron, S.D.)
Men’s MVP: Devin Miller (Hesston, Kan.)
Most Improved: Phoebe Kolb (Milford, Neb.)

Flag Football

Iron Will Award: Lauren Payne (Geuda Springs, Kan.)
Game Changer Award: Destiny Ortiz (Fort Worth, Texas)
Heart of the Team Award: Mikayla Lucas (Las Vegas, Nev.)

Cross Country

Culture Award: Sebastian Pavlovich (Lindsborg, Kan.)
Most Improved Athlete: Ethan Thompson (Hesston, Kan.)
MVP: Angelo Jenkins (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Program Award: Maddy Ralph (Colwich, Kan.)

Track and Field

Culture Award: Sebastian Pavlovich (Lindsborg, Kan.)
Most Improved Athlete: Gabriel Clark (Goshen, Ind.)
MVP: Jaylon Hatcher (Plano, Texas)
Program Award: Michelle Lewis (Brownsboro, Texas)

Men’s Golf

MVP: Mark Neeley (Arlington, Texas)
Hardest Worker: Ivar Bruce (Gävle, Sweden)
Best Teammate: Braxton Linden (Sterling, Kan.)

Esports

Team of the Year: Rocket League
Lark’d In Award: Anja Martinez (Topeka, Kan.)
F.A.M.I.L.Y Award: Ethan Connelly (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Level Up Award: Corbyn Oden (Iowa Park, Texas)

Baseball

Offensive Player of the Year: Lucas Dunn (LaMarque, Texas)
Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Cammllarie (McKinney, Texas)
Pitcher of the Year: Luke Richard (McKinney, Texas)
Team Player of the Year: Beau Johnson (Englewood, Colo.), Peyton Rush (Oxford, Kan.)

Dance

Leadership Award: Amy Hunley (Owensboro, Ky.)
Spirit Award: Evelyn Gaertner (Newton, Kan.)
Principal Dancer: Phoebe Kolb (Milford, Neb.)

Softball

Table Setter: Carly Lee (Rose Hill, Kan.)
Silver Slugger: Alysha Kendrick (Beaumont, Calif.)
Every Day: Serena Hewes (Battle Ground, Wash.)

Powerlifting

Male Lifter of the Year: Corbyn Oden (Iowa Park, Texas)
Female Lifter of the Year: Rylee Weishaupt (Goshen, Ind.)
Most Valuable Teammate: Brock Swedlund (Akron, Colo.)
Spark Plug Award: Evan Bernal (Alice, Texas)
“Each of these students represents the heart of the Hesston College community,” says President Mark Landes. “We’re proud of their achievements and excited to see how they continue to grow and lead beyond our campus.”