USD 483

Southwestern Heights wishes to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian of the graduating class of 2026.

Ryan Kisner, Principal, has announced Lacie Banman and Jackson Stanfield as co-valedictorians and Hailey Saucedo as salutatorian for the class of 2026. 

Lacie is the daughter of Isack and Susie Banman, Jackson is the son of Kurt and Jennifer Stanfield and Hailey is the daughter of Nefro and Martha Saucedo.  These selections are based on the students’ cumulative grade point averages throughout high school.

Lacie has been involved in Student Council (where she serves as president), National Honor Society (where she serves as president), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (where she serves as president), volleyball and softball.  Lacie has also been in choir and band all four years and currently serves as the band president. She has participated in the musical all four years and many solos and ensembles as well as making State Honor Band four years in a row.  She plans to attend Seward County Community College to major in Business and play volleyball.

Jackson has been involved in Student Council, Scholar’s Bowl, National Honor Society, where he serves as vice-president, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, powerlifting, football, basketball and baseball. Jackson has also participated in band and choir all four years and has taken a number of solos and ensembles to state, as well as being part of the musical cast.  Jackson plans to attend the University of Kansas and major in electrical engineering.

Hailey has been involved in KAYs, National Honor Society, forensics, yearbook, powerlifting, cross country, volleyball, basketball, cheer, track and softball. Hailey has also been in choir, where she serves as president, and band all four years.  She has taken many solos and ensembles to state and has been in the musical production every year.  Hailey plans to attend Seward County Community College and major in accounting.

All of these students have worked hard over the past four years to maintain high grades, take dual-credit and outreach college classes, and also be involved in extra-curricular activities.

Southwestern Heights congratulates these students for their achievements and wishes them well in their future endeavors.  Graduation will be at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Southwestern Heights High School.