Kansas Honor Scholars

The Kansas Honors Program has been a KU tradition since 1971. It is designed to promote academic excellence in secondary education, to reward high school seniors for their hard work and dedication, and to support our Kansas communities.

In February 2017, the KU Alumni Association’s national Board of Directors convened a task force to conduct the first comprehensive review of KHP in 46 years. The task force conducted a survey of past Kansas Honor Scholars, alumni volunteers, high school administrators, keynote speakers and other stakeholders to recommend improvements to the program.

As a result, the Alumni Association in fall 2017 will introduce a new format for honoring outstanding Kansas high school students, which will also help create more scholarship opportunities for Kansas Honor Scholars.

Kansas Honor Scholar Ceremonies

Twelve ceremonies will be held in Colby, Great Bend, Lawrence, Salina, Emporia, Hays, Manhattan, Topeka, Garden City, Hutchinson, Pittsburg, and Wichita. Scholars are encouraged to attend the ceremony that is most convenient.

Ceremonies will include speakers and a video presentation, recognition of the scholars, and a reception for scholars, families, school administrators, and alumni. Scholars who attend a ceremony will receive a distinctive Kansas Honor Scholar medallion.

Oct. 13, 4 p.m.
Lawrence | Lied Center

Oct. 16, 7 p.m.
Emporia | Emporia High School

Oct. 23, 7 p.m.
Hays | Thomas More Prep-Marian High School

Oct. 24, 7 p.m.
Colby | Frahm Theater

Oct. 30, 7 p.m.
Pittsburg | Memorial Auditorium

Nov. 1, 7 p.m.
Garden City | Garden City High School

Nov. 2, 7 p.m.
Great Bend | The Club at Stoneridge

Nov. 6, 7 p.m.
Topeka | Washburn Rural High School

Nov. 8, 7 p.m.
Hutchinson | Hutchinson High School

Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Wichita | Wichita North High School

Nov. 15, 7 p.m.
Salina | Salina Central High School

Nov. 16, 7 p.m.
Manhattan | Manhattan High School

Local recognition

The Association will mail certificates to all high schools for distribution to all 3,500 Kansas Honor Scholars. School administrators can determine the best way to recognize their scholars at school events during the academic year.

Crimson & Blue Day

All Kansas Honor Scholars are invited to visit the university on Crimson & Blue Day on Friday, Oct. 13, in Lawrence. The Lawrence Kansas Honor Scholar ceremony will occur that evening.

Alumni

Jayhawk alumni and friends are welcome to attend the Kansas Honor Scholar ceremonies. You may also contribute to the Kansas Honor Scholars Program and/or a scholarship fund for Kansas Honor Scholars.

Questions

For questions about the Kansas Honor Scholars program, contact Michelle Lang at 785.864.9769 or michellem@kualumni.org.