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Topeka Collegiate Friends and Family,
Welcome to June! We are pleased to share some highlights from our 2024 Graduation ceremony held on May 16. It was a wonderful event for our ten graduates. Making a trip from his home in Virginia, Dr. Blake Whitaker '98 shared his perspective on the Collegiate’s Core Competencies and their application to his life. His message was inspiring and affirming of what Topeka Collegiate stands for.
Read on for highlights from Blake’s message and excerpts from speeches for our outstanding students and faculty.
Best wishes for a wonderful summer!
Dr. Lyn D. Rantz
Head of School
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The Topeka Collegiate Class of 2024 and the high schools they will be attending:
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BACK ROW (left to right): Winter F., Topeka High School; Ivan B., Washburn Rural High School; Cooper W., Washburn Rural High School; Jay V., Free State High School; Maci A., Washburn Rural High School
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FRONT ROW (left to right): Megan A., Washburn Rural High School; Laurel S., Washburn Rural High School; Nithya S., Blue Valley Southwest High School; Noah H., Topeka High School; Delaney W., Washburn Rural High School
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Welcome by Dr. Lyn D. Rantz, Head of School | |  |
Guest Speaker Introduction by Mrs. Phyllis Hoyt, former Math Teacher 1984-2018 | | |
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"By combining academic prowess with humanitarian development, this school is setting its students up for a lifetime of achievements in all aspects of their lives, both personally and professionally. The mission statement demonstrates the school's commitment to developing well-rounded, compassionate citizens who will become the leaders of tomorrow."
-Remarks by Dr. Lyn Rantz
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"Congratulations on this milestone; work hard to achieve your next set of goals, but enjoy yourselves while doing it. If you’re just ok at the thing you love, keep at it, keep working, and one day I’m sure persistence will bring you to a place where your happiness and your goals coexist."
- Remarks by Dr. Blake Whitaker
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Dr. Whitaker is a historian of the British Empire and a Psychological Operations (PSYOP) officer in the US Army Reserve. A seasoned professional with a remarkable civilian and military career, he currently serves as a Civilian Intelligence Analyst with the United States Army. Dr. Whitaker also holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve and teaches the Command and General Staff Officer Course. His expertise and leadership in these roles have garnered widespread recognition and respect.
Dr. Whitaker received a Doctorate in Modern British History from Texas A&M University in May 2014, focusing on Imperialism and Colonialism.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Whitaker is a prolific author. His publications include the book "Built on the Ruins of Empire: British Military Assistance and African Independence," published by the University Press of Kansas in May 2022. He has also contributed to "Securing Africa: Local Crises and Foreign Intervention," "Dictionary of African Biography," and "War and Peace in Africa: History, Nationalism and the State," among others.
Dr. Whitaker closed his address with these words of advice to our 8th-grade students, "Congratulations on this milestone; work hard to achieve your next set of goals, but enjoy yourselves while doing it. If you’re just ok at the thing you love, keep at it, keep working, and one day I’m sure persistence will bring you to a place where your happiness and your goals coexist."
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"Topeka Collegiate has benefited me so much, and I know it will for every kid that passes through. Although it may seem hard at times for us, this school sets us up for success. I feel extremely prepared for high school. I can say for certain that everybody in this graduating class feels ready for high school, and we will all thrive. Thank you to every single teacher, faculty member, friend, and family member who has been part of our unique journey."
- Winter F.; Student Address
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Dr. Scott Hamilton Oustanding Faculty Award: Mrs. Sheri Rippel
(Presented by Dr. Lyn D. Rantz)
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Eighth Grade Teacher Appreciation Award, Middle School: Mr. Kevin Simons
(Presented by Winter F.)
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Eighth Grade Teacher Appreciation Award, Lower School: Mrs. Megan Kopshinsky (Presented by Laurel S.) | |
OUTSTANDING GRADUATE DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS | |
- Physical Education: Noah H.
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Student Address Recognition
(Presented by Elian Mota): Winter F.
"The honor of addressing the audience at graduation as the voice of the graduating class is a big one. When we say that Winter would not only take this honor seriously and write a good speech to boot but that no one would really wonder why the choice was made, we think we are correct. This student represents what is great about each of you,” said Mr. Mota.
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Character Counts Award
(Presented by Elian Mota): Winter F.
"I have personally witnessed Winter being kind, being honest, being responsible, holding himself accountable, and doing the right thing even when he didn’t know someone was watching,” said Mr. Mota.
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Susan H. Garlinghouse
Humanitarian Award
(Presented by Hayley Smith &
Susan Garlinghouse): Noah H.
“When asked about their favorite service learning experience in middle school, Noah said that he enjoyed raking leaves at the Topeka Zoo in 6th Grade. It showed that service in the community can be fun while also providing help. Noah has left a legacy at Topeka Collegiate of leading by example and to focus on what is right and fair,” said Mrs. Smith.
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Head of School Award
(Presented by Lyn Rantz): Maci A.
"Maci has the attributes of an all-around great student. She thinks outside the box to identify and solve problems, discussing and working with her peers to find solutions. She is a natural role model- consistently kind and considerate to others," said Dr. Rantz.
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Debra Pakaluk Award
(Presented by Tamara Buche): Laurel S.
“Laurel is a lifelong learner who fully enjoys education all while showing warmth and kindness to others. She is extremely accepting of diversity in others,” said Mrs. Buche.
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Mac Rives Award
(Presented by Kevin Simons and Jennifer Rives): Maci A.
"We tend to compartmentalize school into different subjects/categories, but she is someone who understands that, in reality, they are all one. Maci is someone who only ever builds. Not just for themselves, but for others as well,” said Mr. Simons.
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Congratulations, Class of 2024! | |
www.topekacollegiate.org | | | | |
