USD 475
Geary County Schools USD 475 celebrated its 2025-26 school year in style at the State of Education Celebration in front of students, staff, board members, Fort Riley personnel and several community members Tuesday night.
Throughout the night, spectators were not only able to see several students and staff honored, but also witness some wonderful performances from our schools.
On Tuesday, 15 staff members, totaling 328 years in the district, were honored, including longtime elementary principal Phyllis Boller of Milford Elementary (32 years). Other notable retirees included Jennifer Langvardt (32 years), Kelly Pecoraro (four years), Judy Sanner (32 years), Donna Hallenbeck (24 years), Pam Dishman (36 years), Margie Pinaire (26 years), Linda Signor (5 years), Linda Purnell (34 years), John Kaus (21 years), Natasha Kelly (28 years), Tim Winter (5 years), Kimberly Mann (20 years), Sherry Frewerd (11 years) and Sandra Bokelman (18 years).
The following students were awarded with the Superintendent 3R Award, which recognizes students for their excellence in respect, responsibility, and building positive relationships, inside the Junction City High School auditorium on Tuesday: Earlinao'Liv Seldon (Early Childhood Center), Noah Busicnki (Eisenhower Elementary), Enzi Jogo (Fort Riley Elementary), Jayden Friend (Grandview Elementary), Jackson Buchenau (Lincoln Elementary), Kyra Smice (Milford Elementary), Charlotte Willard (Morris Hill Elementary), Hunter Barca (Seitz Elementary), Avery Shamburg (Sheridan Elementary), Sophia Adame Rodriguez (Spring Valley Elementary), Landry Rivard (Ware Elementary), Layla Rhone (Washington Elementary) and Kendrix Wilcox (Westwood Elementary).
At the secondary level, Adrick McMiller, Kylie Oldham and Kylie Kohlmann from Junction City Middle School, as well as Elysia-Beth Gichero, Josephine Throgmorton and Johane De Jesus from Fort Riley Middle School were honored. Finally, Junction City High School students Rocio Casco Martinez, Hazelle Dudas, Eliot Oentrich and Allie Matos rounded out the district’s Superintendent 3R award winners.
