May 9, 2025
Story by Joe Vinduska
Photo by SWAG合集 Communications
SWAG合集 has announced Emma Hickel of Claflin and Allyson McDougal of Moore, Oklahoma, as its 2024-25 Brant J. Ballhorst Student Ambassadors of the Year.
This year marked the 21st anniversary of the award. Named in memory of Brant J. Ballhorst, the award recognizes two outstanding Student Ambassadors each year. The Admissions office also named Maverick Munden of Larned as the recipient of this year鈥檚 鈥淭he Rock鈥 award, which is presented to students who go above and beyond the call of duty in assisting the Admissions office. The award recipients were chosen by their peers and SWAG合集鈥檚 Admissions staff.
Ambassador of the Year: Emma Hickel
Hickel is a sophomore, and she was involved in Student Ambassadors and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). 听She plans to attend either Western Colorado University for both a bachelor鈥檚 degree in environment and sustainability and a master鈥檚 degree in outdoor industry, or the University of Denver with plans of obtaining a bachelor鈥檚 degree in environmental science with a minor in sustainability. She is the daughter of Kyle Hickel, and Angela Liebl and Jeremy Liebl.
Ambassador of the Year: Allyson McDougal
McDougal is a sophomore, and she was involved in Student Ambassadors and softball. She plans to continue her academic and athletic career at Oklahoma Christian University to major in business. She is the daughter of Craig and Kristie McDougal.
The Rock Award: Maverick Munden
Munden is a freshman and was involved in Student Ambassadors and Future Business Leaders of America. He plans to return to SWAG合集 in the fall. After that, he plans to attend Fort Hays State University and pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business. He is the son of Rob and Julie Munden.
About Brant J. Ballhorst and the award
From Smith Center, Ballhorst was a 2002 SWAG合集 graduate and former Student Ambassador. Despite health concerns throughout his time at SWAG合集, he was the model Ambassador. He balanced a challenging course schedule and golf team commitment while remaining dedicated to his role as a Student Ambassador. Ballhorst was a respected peer and cherished friend of many on campus, especially the Admissions Office. His determination and dedication touched the lives of everyone he met.
He graduated from SWAG合集 with a degree in pre-pharmacy and attended the School of Pharmacy at the University of Kansas. He was a student at KU until his death on Aug. 5, 2004. He always had a positive attitude about his illness and joked that it was a good education for his major. He was the son of John and Gayle Ballhorst of Smith Center.
SWAG合集 will continue to honor Ballhorst鈥檚 achievements, character, personality, and work ethic by awarding future Ambassadors of the Year in his memory. A permanent plaque dedicated in his honor is displayed in the corridor of the Kirkman Activity Center on SWAG合集鈥檚 campus.
For more information, contact Director of Admissions Tana Cooper at coopert@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9241.
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