Hays High senior Andrew Duke likes to dream big.
From producing a musical during the COVID-19 pandemic and earning his Eagle Scout, to being accepted into two of the most prestigious universities in the country and now being named to the Kansas All-State Academic Team, Duke shoots for the stars.
“I feel like I have kind of taken lead from a lot of different people,” Duke said humbly when asked about his achievements.
Since his freshman year, Duke has served as an example of leadership and academic prowess to his peers, getting a jump start on advanced high school courses when he was in middle school at just 12 years old.
Some won t wander too far off, attending and making names for themselves at Kansas excellent state colleges and universities.
Others will move thousands of miles away to introduce others across the nation to the hard-working character and authentic essence of what it means to be a Kansan.
Each of these high school seniors will carry themselves well, though, and they start these next phases in their lives knowing they have the support of proud schools and communities that raised them.
The following students are members of The Topeka Capital-Journal s All-City Academic Team. Denotes student was also selected to the Gannett Kansas 2021 All-State Academic Team.
Plans after graduation: Biochemistry at the University of Kansas
Ideal career: Psychiatrist
School comments: Ethan is a student who over the last 4 years has slowly matured from a smart, shy, and quiet student to a leader, and a person people look up to. He is a true testament to the core values of Andover High School in action.
Gabriella Calvert Herrera, of Arkansas City
School: Arkansas City High School
Parents/guardians: Mauricio Herrera and Michelle Calvert, both of Arkansas City
Plans after graduation: Biochemistry at Southwestern College
Ideal career: Biomedical researcher
Student comments: “Seeking to make my mark on the world, I have a detailed plan to become a groundbreaking biomedical researcher. My education and future career are priorities in my life and will help me achieve my goal of finding a cure for diabetes and its associated complications.”