The graduating class of 2019, which finishes school today, features 34 students who each leave their own legacy at WHS. The Charger decided to highlight a few stories to show how WHS prepared them for the future.
Jessica Vanstory
Jessica Vanstory has been actively involved in band, choir and FCCLA in high school.
Her favorite memories of WHS include travelling to Hays this past year to play in the pep band at the girls basketball state tournament and her involvement in FCCLA. “I always have fun travelling for FCCLA stuff, whether for State or National events,” Vanstory said.
Vanstory’s accomplishments in high school include three trips to National competition for FCCLA, two trips to State for both vocal and trumpet solos, being selected for the Kansas Choral Directors Association choir and participation in State Band and Choir.
Vanstory plans to attend Kansas State University in the fall after graduating from WHS.
“I will be attending K-State for music education,” Vanstory said. “I am already in the trumpet studio, but I will audition for the marching band and concert band and possibly for a choir as well.”
Vanstory appreciates her time at WHS and how it has prepared her for life after high school.
“Clubs helped me prepare for college,” Vanstory said. “Getting involved helped me gain good leadership and public speaking skills. Also band and choir helped, because that’s what I want to do.”
Vanstory hopes to be remembered for being a hard-working and involved individual in high school.
— Hannah Mumpower
Noah Mills
After high school, Noah Mills plans to go into the United States Army. He will be in the 346th Military Police Company.
Mills said WHS helped him prepare for his future by allowing him to have responsibility for his actions, requiring to be on time to practice and school, having to be at club events on time and teaching the value of teamwork.
“I really liked that small town feel and how everyone is friends with everyone,” Mills said.
This helped him be a leader in helping friends better themselves in sports and academics.
After graduating Mills wants to be remembered as being a leader throughout sports and around school. He will leave June 17 for basic training at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri for five months.
“I am really proud of his commitment and accomplishments and how he has represented our school,” principal Jan Hutley said.
— Laurel Barber
Bailey Coon
Following graduation, Bailey plans to attend Washburn tech for graphic design. She is currently enrolled in Screen Printing II, which she feels has prepared her well for her college education. She has excelled in Wabaunsee’s art program, winning several awards with her work showcased in various places around the school.
Coon also participated in track for two years, and was extremely successful. She has competed in the Sunflower State Games field events, and currently holds two school records.
— Kendyl Bolinder
Kinsey Stuewe
After high school, Kinsey Stuewe plans to attend Allen County Community College to major in criminal justice while playing softball.
Stuewe said WHS prepared her for life after high school by giving her opportunities through both academics and extracurricular activities. “WHS has helped me come out of my shell even more and become the person that I now am because of its opportunities,” she said.
Stuewe always tried to be involved and outgoing in everything she signed up for and that didn’t slow her down her final year at WHS. In her senior year she played softball, tennis and managed wrestling, along with membership in eight clubs, holding an office in four and being president of two (KAYs and NHS). While doing all of that, she worked on a first-place model of the school with three others. Stuewe said she hopes her legacy reflects that.
“I hope that people remember me as a person who was outgoing and was always there for any person,” Stuewe said.
— Kaytlyn Meseke
Luke Barber
Luke Barber’s time in high school will be remembered for his many great ideas that translated into even better projects.
Some of his most memorable works include the scale model of the school, an animated commercial for government class and his expansive poster about the development of a baby.
“If you are going to do something creative, just do it,” Barber said. “People will tell you it’s a bad idea but you won’t know unless you try.”
Barber plans to his education at Fort Hays State to major in Applied Technology, or becoming a mountain man hermit, whichever comes first.
— Sean Dugger
David Cebulski
David Cebulski plans to enter the work force and apply for industrial jobs in Topeka following graduation.
Cebulski enrolled in Washburn Tech Classes while in high school, graduating this week with a certificate in advanced systems technology. He benefited from the courses on his path towards an industrial job. “If you have classes outside of WHS that means you can further your education in your own way,” Cebulski said.
In leaving Wabaunsee, Cebulski hopes to leave behind the legacy of pursuing what you want to do, no matter what it may be. “If you study hard and follow your passion you can achieve anything.”
— Emma Frey
Maddie Alderman
Alderman’s time at WHS has been memorable. Her favorite memory is the band’s trip to perform at state basketball. “Going to state with the band senior year was a blast,” she said.
Alderman said that her time at WHS has prepared her for her future by teaching her speaking skills and the ability to ask others for help. Her senior year classes have prepared her for college by offering harder material that helped her build study skills.
Alderman participated in Scholars Bowl all four years, and according to coach Brendan Praeger, Alderman is the top scorer of his time at WHS.
Alderman also achieved a 36 on the ACT, the highest score possible. However, her greatest achievement took place in her math class. “I got a three minute quiz done in under 30 seconds, and I suppose I got a good ACT score, but the three minute quiz…” Alderman said.
“I want to be remembered as someone who was nice to everyone, who was smart but wanted to help other people, and as someone who worked hard,” Alderman said.
After graduation, Alderman plans to attend the University of Texas at Dallas to study mathematics and statistics.
— Eleanor Badeker
WHS graduation is 2 p.m. Sunday in the WHS gymnasium.
The Charger 
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