Between the varsity girls and boys games vs. West Franklin Feb. 19, 2026, the Marais des Cygnes Valley Trojans celebrated this year’s 12 graduating seniors by introducing them to the crowd and telling about their accomplishments, activities and ambitions as follows:
Stevie Batson is the daughter of Ted Batson and Vinita Batson. During high school, Stevie participated in volleyball, softball, basketball, FFA, and choir. In her free time, Stevie enjoys being outdoors and spending time with friends. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in welding. Stevie’s favorite high school memories are the school dances.
Ty Calderwood the son of Chris and Christy Calderwood. During high school, Ty participated in football, basketball, baseball, FFA, and rodeo. In his free time, he enjoys participating in rodeos, hunting, fishing, working with cattle, and spending time with family and friends. After graduation, Ty plans to own his own ranch with cows and horses and continue his rodeo career. Ty’s favorite high school memory is being selected for the 6-Man All-Star Game and playing sports with his friends.
Colbie Cormode is the daughter of William and Marie Cormode. While in high school, Colbie has been involved in volleyball, basketball, track, cheerleading, FCCLA, FBLA, Student Council, National Honor Society, band, softball manager, a 15-year dancer at Ms. Bri’s Dance Studio, and the Washburn Tech-CNA program. In her free time, Colbie enjoys spending time with her family. After graduation, Colbie plans to attend Emporia State University and major in forensic science. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she plans to attend medical school to later become a forensic pathologist. Colbie’s favorite high school memory was in the LCL basketball tournament vs. Northern Heights, Ella shot a three-pointer, and it went behind the backboard. She then danced on the court in front of the whole LCL crowd.
Trista DeCavele is the daughter of Brian and Kimberly DeCavele. While in high school, Trista has been involved in basketball, football manager, softball, cheerleading, volleyball, yearbook, and FCCLA. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. After graduation, Trista plans to begin on the job training with Women’s Clinic of Johnson County. Trista’s favorite high school memory is the memories she made with her friends at state basketball.
Taytum Gellhaus is the daughter of Megan Lloyd and AJ Gellhaus. While in high school, Taytum has been involved in volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, National Honor Society, softball, Scholars Bowl, track, Student Council, FFA, and the Washburn Tech-CNA program. In her free time, Taytum enjoys spending time with friends and family. After graduation, Taytum plans to go to college to become a physical therapist. Taytum’s favorite high school memory was going to state in basketball.
Jayden McClintic is son of Jessica Green and Rick McClintic. While in high school, Jayden was involved in football, basketball, baseball, FFA, and band. In his free time, Jayden enjoys working on trucks and hanging out with friends. After graduation, he plans to work on a farm. Jayden’s favorite high school memory is celebrating a winning football season this year.
Kate Patterson is daughter of Tim and Jackie Patterson and the late Doug Wilt. While in high school, Kate has participated in FBLA, band, served as a class officer, FFA, National Honor Society, Student Council, choir, cheerleading, track, and has been a member of her church’s youth group. In her free time, Kate enjoys spending time with her friends and outdoors. After graduation, Kate plans to continue her work in the dental field as a dental assistant. Kate’s favorite high school memory is having the opportunity to lead, grow, and excel while making memories and sharing laughter with friends through the many challenges along the way.
Ella Reed is the daughter of Matt and Sherry Reed. While in high school, Ella has been involved in volleyball, basketball, softball, cheerleading, FFA, serving as FFA reporter, FCCLA, FBLA, serving as FFA president, Scholars Bowl, National Honor Society, Student Council, and serving as a class officer. In her free time, Ella enjoys spending time with her brothers. After graduation, Ella plans to attend Emporia State University and major in Elementary Education. Ella’s favorite high school memory is when she hit the side of the backboard at the LCL tournament, and to cut the tension, she proceeded to dance on the court in front of the crowd.
Grace Spillman is the daughter of Christopher Spillman and Shanda Loveless. While in high school, Grace has been involved in volleyball, choir, band, and FCCLA. In her free time, Grace enjoys hanging out with her boyfriend. After graduation, she plans to enter the workforce. Grace’s favorite high school memory is enjoying a month-long Christmas break, unlike anyone else.
Gracen Stahl is the daughter of Adam and Danah Stahl. While in high school, Gracen was involved in volleyball, cheerleading, basketball, softball, FFA, and student council. In her free time, Gracen enjoys being with friends and family. After graduation, Gracen plans to attend college and major in pre-med. Gracen’s favorite high school memory is when Akyra was busting it down during prom our freshman year.
Catayah Thompson is the daughter of Patricia Boeck, Harold Bechtle, and Billy Haston. While in high school, Catayah has been involved in volleyball, basketball, track, band, yearbook, and the Washburn Tech CNA program. In her free time, Catayah enjoys spending time with family, friends and her animals. After graduation, Catayah plans to attend Emporia State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and later become a pediatric oncology nurse. Catayah’s favorite high school memory is making it to the Lyon County League basketball championship game for the first time in 12 years.
Akyra Traver is the daughter of Toby and Gloria Kitt and the granddaughter of Ron and Leticia Traver. While in high school, Akyra has been involved in volleyball, cheerleading, basketball, track, softball, FFA, served as an FFA officer, class president, FCCLA, FBLA, honor roll, student council, student council president, and National Honor Society. In her free time, Akyra enjoys coaching the littles in rec sports. After graduation, Akyra will be attending Emporia State University, majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry, and playing softball. Akyra’s favorite high school memories are punching their tickets to go to state in basketball and volleyball during her high school career.
Photo and information thanks to Lisa Reeser.
