By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The student ambassadors at Barton Community College serve as representatives of the college by conducting campus tours and participating in recruitment activities. Along with recruitment, the students perform office work in the Admissions Office and assist where needed for other departments.
Barton Director of Admissions Tana Cooper said ambassadors are selected from both the freshman and sophomore classes through an application process.
"These students go through a more rigorous application process," said Cooper. "They have to get a letter of recommendation from a high school counselor. They have to write an essay and go through an interview with our staff. Not everyone gets hired. We pick the best of the best."
The ambassadors were introduced to the Barton Board of Trustees at Tuesday’s study session on campus.
"When people ask me what my favorite part of my job is, the student ambassadors are always at the top," said Cooper. "Off the top of my head, there are seven of my former ambassadors that are current employees at Barton. There are four other former ambassadors who are admissions representatives or directors of admissions at other institutions."
Each May, the college recognizes the Ambassadors of the Year with special awards and recognition.
The 2024-2025 ambassadors are:
Allyson McDougal - Moore, OK
Anthony Almanza Jr. - Lyons, KS
Braya Darnall - Glasco, KS
Chailyn Scott - Dodge City, KS
Dru Penka - Great Bend, KS
Ellie Weeks - Clearwater, KS
Emma Hickel - Claflin, KS
Jamal Garrett - Wichita, KS
Kaleigh Sheets - Great Bend, KS
Kimberly Escobedo Valdez - Great Bend, KS
Kya O'Banion - WaKeeney, KS
Madison Franks - Junction City, KS
Maverick Munden - Larned, KS
Maya Rodriguez - Colby, KS
Naya Danenberg - Kiryat Ata, Israel
Tierra Yohon - Stockton, KS