2016 GBL Scholarship & Football Award Winners
Once again due to the continued support of our GBL Friends and sponsors we proudly present this year’s Get Busy Livin’ Community Foundation Scholarship awards.
These seven individuals were selected out of 45 applicants from our Crawford County high schools. Each individual represents unique values, self motivation, character development; and a desire to help others and pursue life with gusto. Below in no particular order is a brief recap of these outstanding young people.
Jessica Zamora, Northeast High School
She is the daughter of Matthew and Therese Zamora attending Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania majoring in forensic science psychology. Her interests range from her love of singing, to becoming a FBI police woman. Starting in Arma, Kansas, her dreams have taken her to New York, Europe and beyond. As Jessica ponders the wonders of the world; we applaud her spirit and drive to conquer all that await before her.
Laike Damman, Girard High School
He is the son of Pat and Marilyn Damman and is enrolled at Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas in aeronautical engineering. Not only has Laike learned the rewards of working hard, he also knows that having fun makes awesome memories with family and friends. Happiness will find Laike at every corner. His motivational thoughts of “charged by belief” or “I can do all things when given strength” should be helpful to us all.
Abby Harris, Pittsburg High School
She is the daughter of Chris Hams and Dana Ussery attending Pittsburg State University. She is studying premed with later plans of becoming an OBGYN. With a strong desire to help women and children in need; only begins to tell us Abby’s passion to improve women’s health. “Baby steps” will lead to giant footprints that she will leave, no matter where she goes.
Sawyer Esch, St. Mary’s Colgan High School
He is the son of Steven Esch and Lawana Johnson and is enrolled at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in premed and hopes to be accepted into KU med school to study anesthesiology. His physical and mental strength propels him through life. Setting high goals for himself makes Sawyer much like his mentor Henry D. Thoreau, who states that “having compassion for others, believes in himself, and is the best person he can be” should be everyone’s goal.
Sicily Ann Stahl, St. Mary’s Colgan High School
She is the daughter of Nathan and Mindy Stahl and attends Pittsburg State University majoring in pre-med and Spanish. Getting 110% out of her life is what Sicily will achieve, excelling in her plans of becoming a doctor, photographer, and or all other offers coming her way. Who would dare “call her crazy” getting the impossible done before breakfast.
Joshua Lee, Pittsburg High School
He is the son of Sang-Heui and Jung Jan Lee and is attending Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Whether he’s acting on stage, writing, helping with low income families, or exploring South Korean jungles and subways, Josh’s love of adventure is contagious. We salute his “solid philosophy and vision” that he will share with everyone he meets.
Kennedi Fields, Frontenac High School
She is the daughter of Scott and Crystal Fields and is attending Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana and desires to become a pharmacists specializing in oncology. As the saying goes, “where there’s a will there’s a way" is a perfect statement for Kennedi. Her passion and respect for others makes her a perfect example of our GBL motto. “There-are-no-borders” when it comes to Kennedi’s plans of conquering illness and disease worldwide.
Additionally, each year the GBL Foundation in coordination with KPreps awards the Dylan Meier Get Busy Livin’ 2015 Player of the Year. This is a statewide all class award that includes all aspects of life, adventure, service to others and football excellence.
Tucker Horak: 2015 Get Busy Livin’ Kpreps Player of the Year Award
For the 5th year GBL/Kpreps have sponsored the annual Player of the Year Award. This year’s award goes to a future Pittsburg State Gorilla, Tucker Horak from Rossville High School. Tucker is the son of Terry and Wendi Horak.
After quarterbacking his team to back to back undefeated seasons and consecutive Class 3A State titles; he was selected to several Top 11 and All State Teams; additionally, being mentioned in a Sports Illustrated magazine article. Tucker was selected from a stellar list of applicants from All Class schools with individuals that exemplified on field performance, character, and school/community involvement. When asked about the award he stated that receiving it “was one of the highest honors”, as it reflected “being a player and the person that Dylan was”.
Other finalists for the award included local players Will Mengarelli of Pittsburg and Ryan Menghini of Frontenac; along with Blake Beckett of Halstead, Brady Dinkel of Victoria and Logan Koch of Mill Valley.
Past winners include: 2014 Denzel Goolsby of Wichita Bishop Carroll, 2013 Austin Chambers of Shawnee Mission West, 2012 Brad Strauss of Lawrence, and 2011 Kole Schankie of Madison.
GBL wishes the best of luck to Tucker and his PSU Gorilla team.
Will Mengarelli: 2015 Pittsburg Football Purple Dragon Player of the Year
This year, Will was the leader of the PHS Purple Dragons. From the linebacker position, he earned several SEK and State Awards; and was well known for his enthusiasm and aggressiveness on the field. He is the son of Kris and Amy Mengarelli; and is currently being “red shirted” as a linebacker at Emporia State University.
Mengarelli was the “heart and soul” of the Dragons. Before each football game, Will would lead his team thru the PHS banner carrying a sign that read “Family”. GBL is honored to award, this great kid and family.
To all our Friends that participate in our annual 5K run event or follow us on Facebook/GBL site or generously sponsor our events we are truly grateful. Thanks.