Jonathan Pike

David Krier

For more information, contact Lori Crowther, 620-792-9216.

May 9, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Linda Jerke

Outstanding Graduates to Address Barton’s 38th Commencement

Barton County Community College’s 2008 Outstanding Graduates will give keynote speeches for the college’s 38th commencement set for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15, in the college gymnasium. Jonathan Pike, Great Bend, and David Krier, Claflin, have been chosen as this year’s Outstanding Graduates.

Pike came to Barton after graduating as valedictorian of Great Bend High School. While attending Barton, he was named to Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and served as its president. In February, Pike was named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Kansas Academic Team.

He also served as a peer tutor and as a student leader in Campus Christian Fellowship. He was a member of Barton’s men’s basketball team and was honored this year as Homecoming King.
Pike will continue his education in biochemistry and pre-medicine at Kansas State University. He is the son of Chuck and Elleen Pike, Great Bend.

Krier is a graduate of Claflin High School where he participated in cross country, basketball and track, earning state recognition in track. In high school, he also participated in the Barton County Upward Bound Program. He graduated from high school in 2005 and began attending Barton and working for Southwind Drilling in Ellinwood.

While a student at Barton, Krier was named to Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and served as its community chair. He was a peer tutor and participated in the Student Support Services program. In addition, he represented the Barton County Upward Bound Program to visiting Congressman Jerry Moran.

He will continue his education in construction engineering at Central Missouri State University this fall. He is the son of Debbie and Darryl Krier, Claflin. His sister, Dana, and brother, Dustin, are also Barton graduates.

Also on Barton's commencement program, Barton’s Distinguished Instructor will be recognized and the Distinguished Service Award will be presented to an individual or individuals who have shown genuine regard for the college through volunteer service, acts of philanthropy, or both. The Rev. Gary Brooks will give the invocation and benediction.

A reception will take place in the Student Union following the ceremony. Graduates, their families and friends are welcome.
Barton’s Child Development Center will offer free child care for children, ages 6 months to 6 years, during Barton’s commencement ceremony. Parents can take their children to Room P-4 in the lower level of the Kirkman Student Activity Center at 5:30 p.m. and pick them up immediately following the ceremony. For more information about child care, contact Larissa Graham, 620-786-1131.

Videos of the 2008 graduation ceremony and/or nurses pinning will be available on DVD for $20 each. Orders can be placed during the graduate check-in in the Kirkman Student Activity Center. Those ordering should allow six to eight weeks for delivery. For more information about the graduation video, contact Julie Munden, Barton’s video and multimedia specialist, 620-792-9305.