Recipients of Barton County
Community College’s Student Ambassador of the Year Awards
are, left to right, Danielle Reisner, Hoisington, recipient of the Rock Award; Amber Tuttle, Gove, and
Sarah Hubbell, Spearville, Ambassadors of the Year.
Photo: Linda Jerke

Pictured with the Brant J. Ballhorst Student Ambassador Award Plaque at Barton County Community College following the May 15 award presentations are, left to right, Barton marketing director Todd Moore, Barton Visitor Center secretary and receptionist Kathy Desemo, Brant Ballhorst’s parents John and Gayle Balhorst of Smith Center, Award recipients Sarah Hubbell, Spearville, and Amber Tuttle, Gove, and Barton admissions representatives Kala Steffen (back row) and Louis Ochoa
(far right).
Photo: Linda Jerke

For more information, contact Todd Moore, 620-792-9241.

May 21, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prepared by: Linda Jerke

Barton Announces 2007-08 Student Ambassadors of the Year

Barton County Community College has announced its 2007-08 Brant J. Ballhorst Student Ambassadors of the Year. Named in memory of Brant J. Ballhorst, the award recognizes two outstanding Student Ambassadors, Amber Tuttle, Gove, and Sarah Hubbell, Spearville. A ceremony honoring the recipients was held May 15 on the Barton campus.

The Student Ambassador of the Year award recipients were chosen by their peers and Barton’s admissions staff. Tuttle participated in Campus Christian Fellowship at Barton. She plans to continue her education at Emporia State University next fall, majoring in elementary education. She is the daughter of Von and Cristy Tuttle, Gove.

Hubbell is a member of the Barton’s Concert Choir, Phi Theta Kappa and Cougarettes. She will attend Fort Hays State University next fall pursuing a degree in elementary education. She is the daughter of Steve and Cindy Hubbell, Spearville.

The Admissions Office also honored Danielle Reisner, Hoisington freshman, as the recipient of this year’s Rock Award, which is presented to a student who goes above and beyond the call of duty in assisting the Admissions Office. Reisner is involved in forensics and Phi Theta Kappa. She will return to Barton for her sophomore year majoring in biology. She is the daughter of Doug and Karla Reisner, Hoisington.

From Smith Center, Ballhorst was a 2002 Barton graduate and former Student Ambassador. Despite health concerns throughout his time at Barton, he was the model ambassador, said Todd Moore, Barton’s admissions and marketing director. Ballhorst balanced a challenging course schedule and golf team commitment while remaining dedicated to his role as Student Ambassador. He was a respected peer and cherished friend of many on campus, especially the Admissions Office. His determination and dedication touched the lives of people he met.

Graduating from Barton with a degree in pre-pharmacy, he was accepted into and attended the School of Pharmacy at the University of Kansas. He was a student at KU until his death on Aug. 5, 2004.

He is the son of John and Gayle Ballhorst, Smith Center, and the grandson of Floyd and Marie Rogers and the late Newt Ballhorst, all of Great Bend, and William H. and Berta Riegel, Eaton, Colo., formerly of Great Bend.

Barton will continue to honor Ballhorst’s achievements, character, personality and work ethic by awarding future Ambassadors of the Year in his memory. A permanent plaque dedicated in his honor is displayed in the corridor of the Kirkman Student Activity Center on the Barton County Community College campus.