Geary County Schools USD 475 was honored last week in Topeka as Lincoln Elementary school principal Daniel Dinkel, Junction City High School freshman Linden Pickler, and the Blue Jays cross country coaching staff were honored at the Kansas State Capital.
Pickler and the JCHS coaching staff were recognized for claiming the 2024 Kansas State High School Activities Association Class 6A Girls Cross Country Championship. Pickler is the first girl in school history to be crowned a state champion in cross country.
Dinkel received a special plaque, which highlighted Lincoln being named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program by the U.S. Department of Education. In total, USD 475 has now received a total of 12 National Blue Ribbon School accolades in its history.
Finally, USD 475 closed out the day in Topeka in style as Dr. Reginald Eggleston, USD 475 Superintendent of Schools, and Dinkel were able to meet with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.