Colby Senior Alisabeth Barton Honored as Kansas Governor’s Scholar

by Derek White

Colby High School’s Alisabeth Barton is closing out her senior year with one of the highest honors a Kansas student can receive. Recognized as a Kansas Governor’s Scholar, Barton was nominated by her school and selected by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) for finishing in the top one percent of the Class of 2025.

The award was presented during a formal ceremony in Topeka, where Barton joined other top-performing seniors from across the state. “It was a really cool experience,” she said. “We shook Governor Laura Kelly’s hand and got to meet members of the Board of Education. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment.”

A 4.0 GPA student, Barton’s achievements go well beyond the classroom. She played a key role in Colby’s volleyball, basketball, and track teams this year. Her favorite memory? Beating Goodland for the first time in her high school career to win the Topside Tipoff Tournament—and then doing it again to advance to the state basketball tournament.

With graduation behind her, Barton now looks ahead to Kansas State University, where she’ll study athletic training and rehabilitation sciences. Her goal is to become an orthopedic physician assistant and eventually return to Colby to serve her hometown.

“Graduation was emotional for me,” she reflected. “It was a great way to go out. I’m just really grateful.”

Alisabeth Barton’s drive, talent, and heart for her community make her a true standout—and a name we’ll no doubt hear again in the years to come.