2025 RECIPIENTS
An exceptional group of 16 applicants vied to be this year’s recipients of the Spirit of ’72 Scholarship Awards. Here are the four selected by the scholarship committee:
Olivia Stuckwisch
Olivia Stuckwisch is the recipient of a college-track scholarship, and she plans to major in pharmaceutical studies at the University of Kansas, where she has been accepted into its honors program. Olivia graduated with a 4.48 GPA (on a weighted scale), and she was a four-year participant in the MHS band’s color guard and wind ensemble, as well as the soccer team and student council. She was a two-time recipient of the marching band section leader of the year award and the MHS Soccer Coaches Award. In her application essay, Olivia wrote about her transformative experience in the color guard: “I was drawn to the performance aspect, but what truly made it special was the community of people who welcomed me with open arms, especially because I was a shy and reserved person at the time. … Being a section leader has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It has not only helped me develop my leadership and teamwork skills, but also given me the confidence to step out of my shell and connect with others. My experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of community, where everyone’s contributions can make a lasting impact.”
Jovany Gomez-Rios
Jovany Gomez-Rios is the recipient of a professional/vocational scholarship, and he plans to study construction technology at Manhattan Area Technical College. Jovany graduated with a 3.2 GPA, and he was active in the Hispanic Student Union and was a former 4-H chapter president. In his application essays, he described how his upcoming schooling will give him the skills to make important contributions to his father’s construction company, which he one day hopes to own. “Ever since I was young,” he wrote, “I’ve been fascinated by the way buildings come together … I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and solving problems, especially those that require both physical effort and critical thinking. … With this education, I hope to build a career where I can help shape the world – one structure at a time.”
Kaden Spencer
Kaden Spencer is the recipient of a college-track scholarship, and he plans to pursue a degree in either finance or accounting at Kansas State University with the intent of going on to graduate school. Kaden graduated with a 4.04 GPA (on a weighted scale), and he is a recipient of the National Honor Society Academic All-American award. He also was a member of the MHS football, baseball, and golf teams, and he captained the school’s dive team. Other activities have included serving as a teaching assistant for a cooking class in MHS’s Kids Feeding Kids program and working as a lifeguard and swimming instructor at the Manhattan City Park Pool. In his application essay, Kaden stressed that he considers “participating in the community as a very personal thing, and it looks like many good deeds, not just serving on a committee to improve the town, although that is important, too.” He shared about the numerous times he’s used his muscle to help people move and to dig out his neighbors’ driveways after a snowfall. He also told of how he stepped up to cover shifts in his summer lifeguarding job: “While the paycheck was definitely a big part of me taking that job, I’ve always loved going to the pool and knew they needed help from the community to keep them open because they had such a shortage of staffing.”
Jamen Trojcak
Jamen Trojcak is the recipient of a college-track scholarship, and he plans to major in history and philosophy at Pomona College in Claremont, California, with the intent of continuing his education in law school. Jamen, who graduated with a 4.0 GPA, was an accomplished member of MHS’s debate and forensics team, placing in state, regional, and district tournaments, including second as overall speaker in the Kansas Debate Classic and fourth in extemporaneous speaking at the state championship. He served as founding president of the MHS Philosophy Club and president of the school’s Mock Trial Club, and he was editor-in-chief of the MHS Adjudicator. During his senior year, he was a debate and forensics teaching assistant, mentoring novices, helping to organize tournaments, and leading class activities. In his application essay, Jamen described his assistant role in debate and forensics: “Training novices and helping them navigate competitive spaces has not only built important bonds over the years but reinforced our unique team culture. The debate room is not merely a space for rhetorical competition; it is a microcosm of civic engagement, where the ability to articulate, defend, and challenge ideas shapes how individuals interact with the broader world.”
2024 RECIPIENTS
An exceptional group of 23 applicants vied to be this year’s recipients of the Spirit of ’72 Scholarship Awards. Here are the four selected by the scholarship committee:
Sonika Khosla
Sonika Khosla is the recipient of a college-track scholarship, and she plans to study neuroscience and Spanish at the University of Pennsylvania with the intent of becoming a physician. Ranked first academically in her senior class with a 4.71 GPA (on a weighted scale), she also excelled in community activities as president of Key Club, secretary of the Asian Student Union, treasurer of the Environmental Club, and vice president of the Medical Explorers Club. She served as lieutenant governor of the Kansas Key Club board, playing an integral role in its Governor’s Project to help underserved youth in over 75 elementary schools get access to more educational resources. She is the recipient of the 41st Governor’s Scholar Award, a study-abroad scholarship awarded by the U.S. State Department, and a Joint Science and Technology Institute-national biotechnology scholarship, awarded by the U.S. Defense Department. In her application essay, Sonika reflected on her four years of participation in Key Club: “Some of my closest friendships were formed through Key Club because of the overarching emphasis on kindness and service. As someone who is passionate about helping my community, this club has provided an outlet for me to gain invaluable skills in leadership, communication, and creativity while serving others.”
Garric Nowlin
Garric Nowlin is the recipient of a college-track scholarship, and he plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Nebraska. He excelled as a trumpet player in Manhattan High’s Big Blue Marching Band, twice earning the honor of playing in the Kansas State All-Star Marching Band. He was active in the Robotics Club, participating in regional robotics competitions and reaching the semifinals in 2022. He also is an accomplished pianist, earning a Division I rating in the Kansas State High School Activities Association State Piano Competition in 2024. Graduating with a 4.41 GPA (on a weighted scale), he was a member of the National Honor Society and a Commended Student by the National Merit Scholarship Program. A member of Boy Scout Troop 284 for seven years, Garric earned his Eagle Scout rank in 2024, and he wrote about his experience in his essay: “Being in the troop taught me many things, like camping and cooking, but a major part that stood out above the rest was the importance of supporting the community. The dedication to service and community holds a special place in my own heart … [It] has guided me to the goal of helping others with my work.”
Zachary Patterson
Zachary Patterson is the recipient of a scholarship for MHS seniors on the professional/technical school track, and he plans to pursue an associate of applied science degree in welding technology at Manhattan Area Technical College. Zachary graduated with a 3.41 GPA, and he was active in the Boy Scouts and 4-H, earning a grand championship three times at the Riley County Fair. In his essay, he described his career ambitions: “I love seeing the completed weld, and I can’t wait until I am able to help in creating anything from a chair to a skyscraper … I would like to be hired as a welder so I have a nice, stable job so that way I can give back some of my success to the community that has helped me through my life.”
Cooper Pfannensteil
Cooper Pfannensteil is the recipient of a scholarship for MHS seniors on the professional/technical school track, and he plans to pursue an associate of applied science degree at Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC), training to become a medical laboratory technician. Cooper was a member of the MHS chamber choir, Pops Choir, and the National Honor Society, and he graduated with a 3.49 GPA. In his essay, Cooper said he became interested in the medical field when he studied anatomy and physiology during his sophomore year. “After visiting the [MATC] college and seeing the lab,” he wrote, “I became very excited and knew I wanted to pursue this career. … I am very motivated and excited for this career path, and this scholarship would allow me to complete this degree and enter the workforce with little to no college debt.”
2023 RECIPIENTS
A stellar group of 20 applicants vied to be the first recipients of the Spirit of ’72 Scholarship Awards. Here are the three selected by the scholarship committee:
Connor Andresen
Connor Andresen is the recipient of the scholarship for MHS seniors on the professional/technical school track. He plans to study at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York to pursue a career as a chef. He had the opportunity to study restaurant management at MHS, and he competed in many state and national culinary arts events, earning third place with his knife skills in a national competition. Connor began working at Manhattan restaurants the summer before his sophomore year, advancing from busser to dishwasher to line cook. During his senior year, he earned an internship at K-State, working in the kitchen of a residential dining hall. He also is an Eagle Scout, and he already holds numerous professional certifications; he graduated with a 3.99 GPA on a weighted scale. “I still have many things to work on,” he wrote in his application essay, “but seeing it all only adds to my determination to improve because I know I can learn and grow.”
Grace Bannister
Grace Bannister is the recipient of a college-track scholarship, and she plans to study biology at the University of Kansas to prepare for a career in medical science, human health, and/or public safety. Grace’s community involvement in high school was unstinting. As president of the MHS Student Council, she planned an array of service projects, including numerous drives for blood, toys, and clothes. As president of the Civic Engagement Club, she led efforts to host community conversations and to educate students on the importance of civic duty. She also worked as an election volunteer and a youth court member, and she served as an honor lawyer and Supreme Court justice at Sunflower Girls State. Grace is the recipient of the local DAR Good Citizen Award, an MHS Distinguished Service Award, and she was named an AP Scholar with Distinction; she graduated with a 4.39 GPA on a weighted scale.“Through my service to the community,” she wrote in her application essay, "I’ve really taken to heart the importance of civic engagement and the mutually beneficial effects that volunteerism spreads.”
Edouard (Eddie) Bruegger
Edouard (Eddie) Bruegger is the recipient of a college-track scholarship, and he plans to study business administration at California State University in Fullerton, where he has already been accepted into its business honors program. Eddie served as class treasurer from his freshman to junior year and as class president his senior year. As a member of the student media team, he was the play-by-play announcer at MHS football games, a role that led to a senior internship at Manhattan Broadcasting Co. During summers, he volunteered at the Manhattan Public Library, helping with its children’s reading program, and he was a teacher’s aide for the school district’s summer STEM program. A member of the National Honor Society, Eddie was also a high school debater, and he performed in the school orchestra. He graduated with a 4.24 GPA on a weighted scale. In her letter of recommendation, MHS’ gifted facilitator Lisa Julian wrote about Eddie: “I work with a lot of highly successful students, and few people his age are as disciplined, focused, and kind as Eddie Bruegger. He stands out as a student who will not only succeed, but also ensure he helps others achieve, as well.”