2014 GBL Scholarship Recipients

Due to the generosity and local contributions of our GBL members and sponsors for the last 4 years, we proudly present this year’s scholarship winners. A total of 7 scholarships were awarded this year to well deserving community members. Each individual through their actions, represent unique values of self-motivation, character development, community service, and a general zest to pursue life. All are doing well in their adventures in 2014.

Austin Chambers

The GBL Foundation in coordination with Mytown Media and Kpreps.com awarded the Dylan Meier Get Busy Living Kansas Player of the Year to Austin Chambers, an offensive lineman from Shawnee Mission West High School. He is the son of Keith and Bobbi Chambers of Shawnee, Kansas. Austin has accepted a football scholarship to BYU; and has delayed entry into school to fulfill a religious commitment. He completed service in Mexico City and is currently located in Las Vegas, NV on his church mission.

Austin views “life and the world as his playing field” and he intends to use the loss of a teammate as motivation to “help and lean on each other along life’s journey”.

Go Be Your Man…. Austin.

RILEY CUNNINGHAM

Our second scholarship is the Pittsburg High School Senior Football Dragon award and was given to Riley Cunningham, son of Phillip and Diane Cunningham of Weir, Kansas. This award is given to a football senior that represents team leadership, a diligent work effort to improve daily, and a passion for Dragon football.

Riley was a senior success story and an individual that exceeded his own and everyones expectations. Through hard work and commitment he earned the starting quarterback job and became a team captain. He “trusted his training, teammates and heart” to lead the Dragons in 2014. Riley is currently attending Pittsburg State University.

DPKA …. Riley.

The GBL in 2014 has also awarded 5 “Busy Livin” scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to Crawford County high school seniors that had shown through their actions, excellence in academics, school and community involvement, and athletic or fine arts achievements. Numerous applications were received from Crawford County schools (Pittsburg, Frontenac, St. Mary’s Colgan, Southeast, Girard, and Northeast). The award winner’s are:

Dylan Brizzee

Dylan Brizzee, PHS is the son of Cassidy Brizzee of Pittsburg, Kansas. In addition to this scholarship, he has also received the PHS Dylan Meier, “Most Inspirational Player Award”. Dylan’s constant hard work and “never give up” attitude to any life challenge will carry him far and make him successful at whatever path he takes. He is currently attending Neosho Community College pursuing music and graphic design.

Get After It…. Dylan.

Although the GBL Scholarship criteria includes aspects besides football and athletics (i.e. adventure, curiosity, and a daily zest for life), the four remaining scholarship winners have several traits that merit special recognition. The following four women have achieved in early life many successes due to their work ethic, use of God given talents and love of family and class/teammates.

All these winners were academically first in their class, earned national scholar awards, pursued student leadership roles, participated in athletics, cheerleading, dance teams, marching bands and community service.

They have set goals for the future, to see the world, help others, to laugh, listen and love life. The GBL proudly present the following women.

Bethanne Elliott

Bethanne Elliott, Pittsburg High School, daughter of Jeff and Ann Elliott of Pittsburg, Kansas. Bethanne is currently attending Kansas University.

She has embraced this next phase of life with a welcome openness to accept any and all that “the future holds” without a worry, but with the strength of family pride along her side.

Full Sail Ahead…. Bethanne.

ALLIE MOODY

Allie Moody, Frontenac High School, daughter of Tom and Heidi Moody of Frontenac, Kansas. Allie is currently enrolled at Pittsburg State University.

She has already experienced the reward of “stepping out of one’s comfort zone” and intends to pursue a health care path. She hopes her imagination and creativity will ultimately serve others.

Go For It…. Allie.

Katie Phalen

Katie Phalen, Pittsburg High School, daughter of Bill and Pam Phalen of Pittsburg, Kansas. Katie is attending Kansas University.

She intends to pursue a career path to help others and have a positive impact on the world. Her attitude to “live life laughing” will always guide her along a positive path.

We Smile With You…. Katie.

NATALIE TIMMONS

Natalie Timmons, Southeast High School, daughter of Paul and Amanda Timmons. Natalie is currently attending Kansas State University.

She will continue to enjoy music and pursue a path in veterinary medicine. Her understanding that “nothing in life is guaranteed” will challenge her to accomplish great things. March On…. Natalie.