CELEBRATING USD266 ALUMNI
We are proud to share the stories of our Maize High and Maize South High Graduates!
KATIE CANTRELL - MSHS 2013
Meet Katie Cantrell, 2013 graduate of Maize South High School.
A 13 year graduate of Maize USD 266, Katie now works as a Communications Specialist with the Kansas Turnpike Authority. Katie is also involved in the W Young Professionals Leadership Academy and KTA's Leadership Academy. She attributes her success in part to the fact that "Maize set a foundation for continuous learning at a young age."
In particular, Katie remembers three teachers who really made an impact in her time at Maize -- Rachel Delzer, Amber McNew, and Shelly Walston. Katie shares that "not only were they invested in me as a student, but they also cared about me as a person and wanted to see me succeed. They each had such different teaching styles, but the common factor that made them so memorable was the passion they had for connecting with their students.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog, Zelda. Thank you for sharing with us, Katie! We look forward to your continued success!
KELSEY ROCKETT - MHS 2008
Meet Kelsey Rockett, a 13 year graduate of Maize Schools.
Kelsey is a true success story; she currently works as the General Manager of Chicken N Pickle - Wichita, but her path wasn't easy. She says of her time in high school, "I had a challenging time. I got pregnant the summer before my junior year and was obviously terrified. I was constantly reminded by media how many teenage moms drop out of school."
Fortunately, Kelsey--like so many Maize USD 266 students--received the support she needed from the district to be successful: "The administration gave me so many options and so much support so that I could continue my education and tailor it to my needs. They allowed me to take online classes (back before that was a popular or well known thing) after having my son so I could stay on track and were beyond supportive with my child care schedule."
Through perseverance and grit, Kelsey graduated with a 3.8 GPA and got a full ride academic scholarship for college. Today, she keeps herself busy raising four boys and running Chicken n Pickle. She spends her time either at work organizing community events, music, pickleball tournaments, and general food and beverage service, or running boys to practices all over Wichita.
STACIE WILLIAMSON - MHS 2001
Meet Stacie Williamson, 2001 graduate of Maize High School!
Stacie now serves as Vice President for Advancement for Heartspring, where she leads their philanthropy and marketing teams. In addition to this work, she stays engaged in the community through Rotary Club of Wichita, Mission Wichita, and Junior Achievement.
She and her husband live in Maize with their three children, and they enjoy community activities in the park and time spent at MOXI Junction, where her children helped to install Paxton's Blessing Box 2. They attend little league and MHS football games as a family, and enjoy attending community events. Stacie notes that in particular she is "thankful for our community leaders who work tirelessly to make the best decisions they can for us and for our Lions Club who invests so much into the people through parks, holiday drives, and community events."
Of her time as a Maize student, Stacie notes, "I am most fond of my many friends with diverse interests and backgrounds. We belonged to all the clubs, teams, groups, etc. Whether it was French Club, KAYS, Varsity Club, the cheer team, all my friends on various sports teams, marching band, theatre, or debate--and I could go on--I had and still have a wide cast circle of friends who are kind, smart, and talented." Stacie has fond memories of her teachers, especially Mrs. Keiter, Mr. Christian, and Ms. Nitcher.
Stacie is a valued Maize High School graduate, and we want to thank her for her continued contributions to and passion for the Maize community.
SEAN JONES - MSHS 2011
Meet Sean Jones, a 2011 Maize South High School grad doing great work in the community!
Sean serves as the Communications Specialist for the Wichita Public Library, where he manages all marketing, communications, and public relations for Wichita's seven-branch Library system. Sean also supports Roxy's Downtown, a local theatre organization, through freelance graphic design.
A member of the first graduating class from MSHS, Sean says of his time in Maize USD 266 schools, "I'm happy my parents made the decision to send me to Maize schools. I got the best education in the state, was able to explore my interests, made great friends and helped establish a new high school – not too many people can say they got to do that in high school."
He remembers two of his teachers as being particularly inspiring: Amber McNew made it clear "that the sky is the limit and that no dream is too bold to achieve." Shelly Walston reinvigorated his love of reading and to "think about literature beyond the words."
He's proud to see "a huge push in "learning by doing" through endeavors such as the Maize Career Academy."
Thank you, Sean, for your work in the local community and your willingness to help support the Maize Education Foundation.
Be sure to follow us for more alumni spotlights each month, and tag us when you see Maize grads doing great things!