Lenora, KS – August 8, 2025 – Nex-Tech is thrilled to announce the recipients of the “Break the Rules” Scholarship. This unique program stands apart from traditional scholarships, inviting high school seniors to creatively express their passions. Submissions ranged from heartfelt essays to engaging YouTube videos and impactful PowerPoint presentations, showcasing the exceptional talent of area students. These young individuals have demonstrated their remarkable capabilities and ambitions.
Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manager, added that, “We once again received a record number of scholarship entries this year! The students do a phenomenal job of portraying their talents and passions through their scholarship submissions. Their creativity and efforts leave us excited about the future of our youth. On behalf of the entire Nex-Tech team, we wish all students much success as they begin their journey of pursuing a higher education.”
The following ten students will be awarded a $1,000 award for excellence in showcasing their passion and describing how it led to their chosen career.
Annika Nichols will be attending Wichita State University to study Biology. Annika, from Russell, KS, is the daughter of Marc and Jessica Nichols. She will then further her education and enter a PA program at Wichita State Tech.
Addison Poore is set to attend Colby Community College, where she will pursue Dental Hygiene and a Certificate of Marketing. Addison hails from Alton, KS, and is the daughter of Craig and Heather Poore.
Ethan Dague will be attending Fort Hays State University to study Business Management. Ethan, from Hays, KS, is the son of Chad and Tracy Dague.
Keira Vilaysing is heading to Wichita State University to major in Game Design. Keira, from Hays, KS, is the daughter of Somary Vilaysing and Tim Kershner.
Teagen Pfeifer will be attending Pittsburg State University to study Automotive Technology. Teagen, from Russell, KS, is the son of Jason and Beth Pfeifer.
Clay Guttery is set to attend Kansas State University, where he will study Agronomy and Wildlife Outdoor Management. Clay, from Alton, KS, is the son of Brice and Shana Guttery.
Kaitlin Kendig will be attending Kansas State University to study Cyber Security. Kaitlin, from Osborne, KS, is the daughter of Brett and Brianna Kendig.
Serenity Smith is heading to Kansas State University to pursue a career in Law. Serenity, from Quinter, KS, is the daughter of Star Hooper.
Landry Gebhard will be attending the University of Nebraska Kearney to study Elementary Education. Landry, from Long Island, KS, is the daughter of Marvin and Jill Gebhard.
Addison Green-Russell is set to attend Kansas State University to pursue a career in Law. Addison, from Downs, KS, is the daughter of Stephen and Samantha Russell.
Additionally, the following five students will each receive a $500 award for excellence in showcasing their passion and describing how it led to their chosen career.
Brooklyn Countryman will be attending Kansas State University to study Secondary Education. Brooklyn, from Quinter, KS, is the daughter of Toby and Monica Countryman.
Isabelle Jones is heading to Kansas State University to study Biochemistry. Isabelle, from Hays, KS, is the daughter of Stacey and Jarrod Jones.
Ella Juenemann will be attending Kansas State University to study Animal Science. Ella, from Norton, KS, is the daughter of Dustin and Tonya Juenemann.
Grace Schmeidler is set to attend Kansas State University to study Animal Science. Grace, from Hays, KS, is the daughter of Jonathan and Kimberly Schmeidler.
Mareesa Hempler will be attending Kansas State University to study Architecture. Mareesa, from Norton, KS, is the daughter of Shannan and Mitchell Hempler.