By NATE KING
Salina Post
On Monday, April 1, The Salina Optimist Club hosted its annual Unsung Heroes banquet to recognize and honor Saline County students who had to overcome a physical or learning disability, loss of a loved one, or an emotional situation.
The Salina Optimist Club recognized 16 Unsung Heroes from Ell-Saline, Solomon, Salina Central, Southeast of Saline, Salina South, and Sacred Heart high schools for their grit and determination.
"These students are not your regular athletic student, straight 'A' student or popular cheerleader," said April Rickman, president of the Salina Optimist Club. "These students may participate in sports, but they had to overcome a disability to make the team, or they may have a learning disability but are still working hard every day in the classroom, or they may have lost a parent and had to overcome the emotion of losing someone close to them."
Before the ceremony began, honorees, family members, friends and school faculty shared a lasagna meal prepared by Salina Optimist Club members.
Each year, except during the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the club honors one student from each of the area high schools' sophomore, junior, and senior classes. Club members ask school counselors to submit a short essay explaining how the student and why they were nominated as an unsung hero.
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"It is so important that we recognize students who are overcoming setbacks despite obstacles," Rickman said. "High school is hard, let alone when dealing with a massive setback or challenge. Even some adults have not had to deal with the obstacles these students have overcome."
One of the Unsung Heroes recognized on Monday was Southeast of Saline sophomore Jackson Kempke.
From losing his home in a fire to losing his mother to cancer, Kempke has not let these challenges change his outlook on life. He keeps striving to do his best in everything that he does. He helps to raise his little brother and is a great role model for him and his peers. He advocates for himself and has done well to set himself up for success after high school.
Kempke has enrolled in college, secured housing, and is actively filling out scholarship applications to fund his post-high school plans. When asked if he has completed a task, he often responds, "already done."
About the Salina Optimist Club
The Salina Optimist Club, comprised of dedicated volunteers, raises funds to support youth in the community through various initiatives, including sponsoring city-wide events like the Easter egg hunt and youth softball and baseball teams.
The club also provides financial assistance to local non-profits that cater to youth development, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Theatre Salina, CAPS, and Love, Chloe.
One of the club's most significant fundraising efforts is the operation of a concession stand at Bill Burke Park, which generates income to support these charitable endeavors.
Academic scholarship presentation
In addition to recognizing Unsung Heroes, the Salina Optimist Club also awards an academic scholarship to a graduating senior. Callan Hall is the recipient of the 2024 Salina Optimist International $250 Scholarship.
Hall is a senior at Salina Central High School. She is the daughter of Michael and Lisa Hall and the older sister to two younger brothers, Griffin and Braxton.
She is very involved in her high school, by participating in volleyball, basketball, and track. She was involved in marching band as a the feature baton twirter and section leader all four years of HS. Hall participates in Relay for Life, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, Yearbook, and National Honor Society.
At the banquet, Hall read her essay.
"An optimistic support system prevents someone from staying discouraged," Hall read. "I've experienced this first hand, and I was so thankful that I am surrounded by optimistic people. In 2022, I experienced a severe injury. After a long recovery, I finally got to twirl again. A lot of my muscle memory, speed, and flexibility was gone. As frustration rushed through me, my friends, teammates, and coaches were by my side, encouraging, pushing, and helping me stay focused on my goals."
Hall continued. "This allowed me to be optimistic about the commitment of regaining my ability and strength. Later, I realized enduring this nightmare allowed me to learn more about myself. I embraced my new role on the sidelines cheering, coaching, and helping make others better around me. I couldn't rush my recovery, but I could control my outlook on this obstacle. I had to adjust to the situation that I was facing. Optimism during this struggle helped lead me to a goal that I thought would only ever be distant."
Callan has been a member of Shannon's Stars Twirling Club since age 4 and competes at the local, national, and world levels. Last August, she had the opportunity to be a member of Team USA and compete individually with her three baton routine and her team.
Hall plans to major in nursing and then continue on to get a graduate degree that will allow her to become a cardiovascular perfusionist. She has been selected as a feature baton twirler at Oklahoma State University, so she will be attending college at OSU in the fall.
Hall is an active member of The Ark Church and loves teaching her 3 year old Sunday school class each week and participating in youth group and outreach projects like Grocery Giveaway and Serve day events.
2024 Unsung Heroes
"Watching Rachel in the hallways and at events, a person would not realize the challenges she has endured and the strength that she has. Rachel is very involved in school activities, such as yearbook, FFA, FCCLA, cheerleading, volleyball, and softball.
Rachel has had a learning disability discovered in grade school, but she has not let that stop her from being a solid student. Her prioritization skills have allowed her to keep up with the curriculum. One teacher noted, “She is always diligent in getting her work done and communicates when she needs help”.
With her dedication to academics and strong work ethic, she knows what it takes to reach her career goals of becoming a Registered Nurse. Her hope is to then become a Nurse Practitioner later. One of the most difficult things that Rachel has had to overcome is her mother’s medical struggles for years and the eventual death of Annette. For a high school girl to lose her mother and that mother/daughter relationship, Rachel has continued to keep her education in focus.
Her strength is amazing in how she lives her daily life, but the strength and composure she showed to sing at her mother’s funeral was above all. The love and admiration she showed to her mother was remarkable. Through all of this year, she has continued to be kind to others and keeps a smile on her face!
I admire the faith that Rachel has in the Lord! She is an active member at her church, and shares her faith with others. It is a relief to know she has her faith to help her now and in the future during challenging times."
- Nomination essay written by Kelli Umscheid, Ell-Saline High School Counselor
"Lewis transferred to Ell-Saline under very difficult circumstances. The cultural change was monumental as he went from a large 6A high school to a small 2A high school.
Transferring before his junior year as well added to the challenge of changing schools as an older student. The challenges and difficult circumstances students face today continues to increase, and when you add the challenges and obstacles Lewis has faced are even more daunting. Watching Lewis achieve success at school makes you very proud and realize that Lewis has a very positive and bright future. Lewis lost his mother at a very young age.
His Uncle Greg, who he refers to as his dad, promised his sister if anything ever happened that he would raise Lewis as his own. Greg has taken that promise seriously as he and Lewis interact as father and son. School is also a challenge for Lewis because of his learning disability. He faces many setbacks and challenges at school. However, Lewis has never played the victim, never has he been negative and had a poor me attitude.
Lewis embraces his disabilities and challenges and uses them in a positive manner. Lewis has been embraced by our student body and he gets heavily involved with his class and school activities. He is friendly to everyone and he constantly has a smile on his face.
Lewis is able to be successful at school with his school work, friendships, social activities, as well as hold down a job at Dillons after hours and on the weekends. Lewis maximizes the abilities he has been given and gets more out of less than any student I know. Lewis makes me very proud and as an educator and I feel very blessed to work with students like Lewis."
- Nomination essay written by Kelli Umscheid, Ell-Saline High School Counselor
"Kyla Huehl has endured many difficult surgeries and trials throughout her life. Despite all of this, she has worked hard to maintain her academics, her relationships with her many friends, and her healthy lifestyle. Also, she is currently a member of the Vets Squad."
Huehl told Salina Post her plan is to pursue a career in real estate or cosmetology.
- Nomination essay written by Jodi Howard, Salina Central High School counselor
"Sheyanne has an IEP for a learning challenge, but she is extremely hard-working, willing to work with any student her teacher pairs her with, and is kind and respectful to both her adults and her peers. She advocates for her learning and asks for help when needed.
She is also very humble—she is on a competitive cheer team that travels and competes, but she would never let anyone know how good she is at this sport. After high school, Sheyanne plans to study education."
- Nomination essay written by Jodi Howard, Salina Central High School counselor
"Emma has Type 1 diabetes and helps care for her brother who needs a little extra care. She is the most compassionate student her teacher Ms. Paradis has ever had the pleasure of meeting. She loved having Emma in English class last year because she is extremely hard working, conscientious, and looks out for her peers, always willing to assist them in any way she can.
She has earned her CNA license and works many hours at a retirement home in Salina and speaks with joy about the residents she serves there. She is a true hero to Ms. Paradis. After graduation, Emma will continue to study and work in the nursing field."
- Nomination essay written by Jodi Howard, Salina Central High School counselor
"Emma Deatherage has a great attitude and is the very definition of perseverance! She does not let academic challenges define her. She rises above and with hard work and grit she accomplishes every task set before her. She never gives up. She encourages others in the classroom and always does her best.
Emma's sweet disposition and great attitude especially shows as a member of the cheer squad. She is a great role model and a vital part of the Southeast of Saline community. This is why she is our Unsung Hero."
- Nomination essay written by Megan Haden, Southeast of Saline High School Counselor
"Clayton Shelby is a wonderful young man with a bright future. His hard work and determination to succeed, despite any academic challenges, stand out and can be observed daily.
His English teacher put it best when she wrote, "His attention to his academic responsibilities this year are exceptional. His work ethic and communication have blown me away and I feel he would be a worthy recipient of this award."
Clayton is currently attending Salina Area Technical College and working towards his Fire Science certificate. He spends part of the day at SATC and part of his day at Southeast of Saline. He plans to graduate with a Fire Science Certificate the same year he graduates high school.
He also serves as the manager for our Southeast of Saline Trojan Basketball team and was an integral part of a great season. This is why he is our Unsung Hero."
- Nomination essay written by Megan Haden, Southeast of Saline High School Counselor
"Logan has been with Solomon Schools since his sophomore year. During that time, he has worked very hard to overcome his learning disability and excel in his classes.
Coming from a large 5A school, Logan has learned to adapt and take advantage of the opportunities offered to him in a small school setting. Logan’s goals for success have always been first and foremost for him. Watching Logan grow and succeed has been fascinating.
He will be a success story of adaptation and resilience in having a learning disability. He especially enjoyed classes that allowed him to do hands-on activities. He excelled in his welding and agriculture classes. Logan was given the opportunity to do an internship this semester as Sunbelt Solomon, and it has turned into a part-time job where he is learning to tear down and build transformers.
Logan has decided to enroll at Salina Tech in the summer to pursue his dream of being an over-the-road truck driver and work for the family business."
- Nomination essay written by Jodi Howard, Solomon High School Counselor
"Tiana has worked to overcome her learning disability and pursue her goals. She has found a passion for Early Childhood Education and was thrilled when she was accepted into the ECE program at Salina Tech. She volunteers her time to their projects and helps out in Solomon’s new Early Childhood Learning Center every Friday when she doesn’t have classes at SATC.
Overcoming many obstacles in her personal life that many would have just given up, Tiana has embraced the challenge of becoming the best she can be. Tiana lives with her grandmother and is a key asset in helping her grandmother out and assisting with her day-to-day.
Tiana's challenging schedule of balancing her classes at school and Salina Area Technical College and holding down a job has put her in a category of her own. She is a responsible young woman with attainable goals for herself now and after graduation."
- Nomination essay written by Jodi Howard, Solomon High School Counselor
"Madison is a hardworking, intelligent young lady. Her struggle with reading has not stopped her from achieving a 4.0 grade point average. Her dream is to be a veterinarian technician.
Madison is involved in sports and clubs and strives to do well in school. In early 2023, Madison tragically lost her older sister, Kaylea; Kaylea was not only her support but also her best friend. Madison faced the challenge of continuing to go to high school every day without her sister, who had been with her by her side since Kindergarten.
Madison has faced her challenges with grace and perseverance. She did not let the bad days stop her and has continued to face her days with her academic goals in mind. She works hard every day."
- Nomination essay written by Jodi Howard, Solomon High School Counselor
"The Unsung Hero award is such a fitting award for Leo. Leo works hard every day, even when it seems overwhelming. Leo always give his best effort and does so with a smile. He is a positive influence on others and helps to create a welcoming environment in the classroom.
Leo is polite and respectful and an absolute joy to work with!"
- Nomination essay written by Amy Wagner, Salina South High School Counselor
"Mylee is so deserving of the Unsung Hero award. Mylee has overcome countless obstacles since birth and continues to face those that came her way with such bravery and perseverance.
She always tries her personal best even if the work is challenging. She has a strong desire to achieve and pushes through adversity. On top of that she is kind, helpful, and compassionate towards others. Mylee is such an inspiration!"
- Nomination essay written by Amy Wagner, Salina South High School Counselor
"It has been a pleasure to work with Mathew for the last four years. Mathew is a senior at South High. He has also been a member of the cross country team. His coach said Mathew was always there and worked extremely hard every practice to get better. One characteristic that stuck out to his coach was how supportive he was of his team mates.
Over the last four years Mathew has put in countless hours running and has improved tremendously since his freshman year. Mathew may face challenges, but that has never stopped him from excelling in the classroom. He has shown determination and resilience in his studies. Through hard work and dedication, he has utilized various strategies such as visual aids, repetition, and individualized instruction to help him grasp difficult concepts.
With support from teachers, tutors, and his peers, Mathew has been able to overcome obstacles and thrive academically. His positive attitude and willingness to seek out extra help when needed have been key factors in his success.
Mathew serves as an inspiration to others struggling with learning disabilities, showing that with perseverance and support, anything is possible in the realm of education. Mathew has also been accepted to Kansas State University and he plans to attend in the fall."
- Nomination essay written by Amy Wagner, Salina South High School Counselor
Eternal Optimism Award
As the banquet concluded, Rickman had one last honoree to recognize.
"The Eternal Optimism award was created to recognize and give thanks to the person who puts hours and hours of effort into the Salina Optimists Club and without whom, we would all be lost," Rickman said.
Salina Optimist Club Secretary and Treasurer, Hank Boyer, was named the 2024 recipient of the Eternal Optimism Award.
"She is always there to make sure the concession stand is stocked for ball games and tournaments and also works the stand whenever needed," Rickman said. "Hank is someone I look up to and the entire club is grateful to have her leading the charge to create a better, more optimistic community for our youth."
To learn more about the Salina Optimist Club, and its mission click here.