The award is given to a female and male senior student who has pursued a positive, creative career at Smoky Hill High School, and who have exhibited poise and versatility by being involved in a variety of scholastic and non-scholastic activities.

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Renaissance Woman

Laurel Grosz

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"From the time I first met Laurel, who auditioned and performed in 12 Angry Jurors her freshman year, I’ve seen a spark for the stage and for performance shine in her.  She was always the most prepared, and the most enthusiastic cast member in all of the eight shows that she has appeared in—she is comedic, performing with the Spontaneous Combustion comedy troupe, and can sing, making All-State choir.  But it was during Laurel’s junior year, in which I had the privilege of taking a group of students to New York City, that I was able to see how deep rooted her passion for theatre really was, and how brightly her spark shines.  

 

After every show we saw on Broadway, Laurel waited backstage to greet the performers and ask for advice.  She memorized lyrics and cast bios for all the shows, and she discussed each scene with peers as only a person with true passion for the stage can.  Laurel was the 2019-2020 Drama Club president which allowed her to show how passionate she is about people as well.  She could frequently be seen giving an underclassman a ride home after rehearsal, and she cut off and donated her hair to make wigs for cancer patients.  

 

It is no surprise, given how brightly her spark shines, for both theatre and for people, that she is going to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley next year, and aspires to become a theatre teacher!  I’m sure she will eventually have the opportunity to pass her spark on to students in the future, as she has already shared her spark with those of us at Smoky Hill lucky enough to know her!"

- Tim Brown, Drama Director 

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"Laurel is an amazing person, student, musician, performer, and educator!  She has been involved with the performing arts nearly her entire life; it’s in her blood.  Smoky Hill audiences have been enjoying her singing, dancing, acting, improvising, and announcement reading during her time in high school, but most people miss what is arguably the brightest part of this star of the stage.  As a performer, Laurel’s hard work, focus, and joy for life before, during, and after the rehearsal process is infectious.  She has been a force of inspiration in our Performing Arts hallway since her freshman year.

 

As a junior, Laurel approached me about taking on a student teaching role with our Beginning Women’s Choir (Bella). With the help of her counselor, Laurel re-arranged her schedule to include Bella, in addition to her membership in Symphonic and Mixed Jazz choirs, staying on top of her grades, and participating in every major stage production.  Laurel is one of the most natural 12th grade or college student teachers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.  I wish Laurel all my best while she continues her passion for education at the University of Northern Colorado this fall.  I’m excited to be able to call her my colleague in the near future.  Congrats, Laurel!"

- Jim Techau, Choir Director

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Renaissance Man

Chase Lyons

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"Chase is a very special individual and someone I believe will be remembered by faculty and his peers long after he’s gone.  Chase is a gifted athlete, is incredibly charismatic and one of the most intelligent students I’ve ever taught; but what makes him stand out from his peers is that he’s unbelievably modest and humble.  Chase is the first to show up for an event and usually the last to leave.  In the four years I’ve known him he’s never said no to a request for help.  What’s even greater is that Chase is at his best when he is part of a team.  Whether it is on the football field, playing unified Basketball or leading the Smoky Hill DECA program; Chase takes pride in seeing the people around succeed and thrives in helping people reach their full potential.  Smoky Hill is a better place today because of the lasting impact of Chase Lyons."

- BJ Kingsbaker, DECA Advisor

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"Chase is a unanimous All-Colorado level football player. The best compliment I can give Chase as a player is that he is a tireless worker and he practices as well as he plays. He has several college offers, including the University of San Diego, where he will continue his academic and athletic careers. His talent, work ethic and desire to be great are the characteristics that set him apart from his peers. He is always looking for ways to win!

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He is a tremendous example for our younger players to look at in how to approach school, athletics and life. He is an excellent student who cares about his schoolwork and will do everything and more that a teacher asks of him. He is a young man with high morals and ethics and deals with all types of pressure with calm and patience. He has stayed true to our school and stayed with a team through the best of times and the toughest of times. Simply put, Chase is a winner.

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As you can tell, I am very biased towards Chase. He is a person I am proud to coach and would take 11 of him any time."

- Tom Thennel, Head Football Coach

 

"Hard working vocal leader, comes to practice and games prepared and ready to battle no matter the circumstance. He mentors younger players, lifts them up and teaches them on and off the field. A leader who cares about his team and is all about team over individual making sure the whole team is welcomed and a part of the family."

- Kelton Coppinger, Football Coach & Unified Sports Coach