May 15, 2026
Story and Photo by Joe Vinduska
Barton Community College has announced Cadence Halfhill of Ellsworth and Maverick Munden of Larned as its 2025-26 Brant J. Ballhorst Student Ambassadors of the Year.
This year marked the 22nd anniversary of the award. Named in memory of Brant J. Ballhorst, the award recognizes two outstanding Student Ambassadors each year. The Admissions office also named Peyton McCormick of Cheney as the recipient of this year’s “The Rock” award, which is presented to students who go above and beyond the call of duty in assisting the Admissions office. The award recipients were chosen by their peers and Barton’s Admissions staff.
Ambassador of the Year: Cadence Halfhill
Halfhill is a freshman and was involved in Student Ambassadors, Hilltop Singers, Choir, Phi Theta Kappa (Secretary), and Collegiate Farm Bureau (Secretary). She plans to transfer to Kansas State University (KSU) in the fall to pursue her Bachelor of Animal Science and Industry degree. After that, she will attend KSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and graduate with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the class of 2032. She is the daughter of Emil Halfhill.
Ambassador of the Year: Maverick Munden
Munden is a sophomore and was a Student Ambassador, the Wrestling Manager, and a Barton Lifeguard. He plans to attend Fort Hays State University and finish his Bachelor of Business degree.
He is the son of Julie and Rob Munden.
The Rock Award: Peyton McCormick
McCormick is a freshman and was a Student Ambassador and member of the softball team. She plans to continue playing softball at a four-year university.
About Brant J. Ballhorst and the award
From Smith Center, Ballhorst was a 2002 Barton graduate and former Student Ambassador. Despite health concerns throughout his time at Barton, he was the model Ambassador. He balanced a challenging course schedule and golf team commitment while remaining dedicated to his role as a Student Ambassador. Ballhorst was a respected peer and cherished friend of many on campus, especially the Admissions Office. His determination and dedication touched the lives of everyone he met.
He graduated from Barton with a degree in pre-pharmacy and attended the School of Pharmacy at the University of Kansas. He was a student at KU until his death on Aug. 5, 2004. He always had a positive attitude about his illness and joked that it was a good education for his major. He was the son of John and Gayle Ballhorst of Smith Center.
Barton will continue to honor Ballhorst’s achievements, character, personality, and work ethic by awarding future Ambassadors of the Year in his memory. A permanent plaque dedicated in his honor is displayed in the corridor of the Kirkman Activity Center on Barton’s campus.
For more information, contact Director of Admissions Tana Cooper at coopert@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9241.