Hays, KS, September 3, 2026 — Nex-Tech is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 “Break the Rules” Scholarship. This unique scholarship program encourages high school seniors to creatively showcase their passions and explain how those passions have influenced their future career goals. Students submitted a wide range of entries – from essays to videos and presentations – highlighting the outstanding talent and ambition of youth across the region.
Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manager, shared, “This year once again brought an incredible number of scholarship applications! Our students continue to impress us with how thoughtfully they showcase their talents, passions, and goals. Their creativity gives us great confidence in the future. On behalf of the entire Nex-Tech team, we wish each of the recipients continued success as they take the next step in their higher education journey.“
The following ten students will each receive a $1,000 scholarship award for excellence in showcasing their passion and describing how it has shaped their chosen career path:
Mary (Lizzy) Vajnar will be attending Kansas State University, where she plans to study Agricultural & Natural Resources Communications. Lizzy is a graduate of Hays High School and is the daughter of Curt and Mary Ella Vajnar of Hays, KS.
Evelyn Vance, a Norton Community High School graduate, will attend the University of Arkansas, pursuing a degree in Business Management/Organizational Leadership. She is the daughter of Tara Risewick and Steve Vance of Norton, KS.
Ava Biggs will be attending Kansas State University to study Corporate Law. Ava is a graduate of Hays High School and is the daughter of Sara and Barrett Biggs of Hays, KS.
Karson Sasse, a graduate of Smith Center High School, will attend Cloud County Community College, where he plans to study Health & Human Performance with an emphasis in Athletic Training. Karson is the son of David and Sherrill Sasse of Athol, KS.
Brinley Lichter will be attending Kansas State University, pursuing a degree in Nutrition Science/Pre‑Med. Brinley is a graduate of Victoria High School and is the daughter of Tammy and Ryan Lichter of Victoria, KS.
Kelsie St. Clair, a graduate of Stockton High School, will attend Fort Hays State University to study Criminal Justice. Kelsie is the daughter of Brandon and Kristen St. Clair and Jennifer and Eric Pfeifer of Stockton, KS.
Luke Zerr will be attending Fort Hays Tech | North Central College, where he plans to study Construction/Carpentry. Luke is a graduate of Wheatland High School and is the son of Nick and Dusty Ann Zerr of Gove, KS.
Keeli Kimzey, a Hays High School graduate, will be attending Kansas State University to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education. Keeli is the daughter of Tatum and Joseph Kimzey of Catharine, KS.
Moriah Hallam will attend Garden City Community College, where she plans to study Criminal Justice. Moriah is a graduate of Hays High School and is the daughter of Tracy Hallam and John Bridges of Hays, KS.
Chasey Bittel, a Plainville High School graduate, will be attending Fort Hays State University to study Business Management. Chasey is the daughter of Byron Bittel of Plainville, KS.
Additionally, the following five students will each receive a $500 scholarship award for excellence in showcasing their passion and career goals:
Myah Younger will be attending Kansas State University to study Agronomy/Agricultural Business. Myah is a graduate of Victoria High School and is the daughter of Sarah and Mike Younger of Victoria, KS.
Kate Hansen, a Plainville High School graduate, will attend Kansas State University, to pursue studies in Communication Sciences & Disorders. Kate is the daughter of Christopher and Kelli Hansen of Plainville, KS.
Savana Rumback will be attending Fort Hays State University to study Graphic Design. Savana is a graduate of Norton Community High School and is the daughter of Jeremy and Missy Rumback of Clayton, KS.
Miley Pennington, a graduate of Quinter High School, will attend York University, where she plans to study Elementary Education. Miley is the daughter of Dayna and Brenton Pennington of Quinter, KS.
Allison Robinett will be attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney, pursuing a career in Health Sciences/Business Administration. Allison is a graduate of Salina Central High School and is the daughter of David and Christy Robinett of Salina, KS.