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Kansas college honors three individuals at annual event

Highland Community College
Courtesy of Highland Community College
Stacey Jones, Christopher Lackey and Karis Larson (from left to right) were honored as the 2026 Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Awards.

HIGHLAND, Kan. (KQTV) -- Highland Community College held its annual Drum Major for Justice Awards ceremony, honoring three recipients.

The award celebrates those whose actions uplift others, strengthen communities and advance fairness, dignity and compassion.

This year's recipients are Highland student Karis Larson, employee Stacey Jones and community member Christopher Lackey.

Larson has been praised as "someone who goes out of her way to make a positive impact on her peers and the classroom environment."

Jones is the current director of HCC's Western Center in Baileyville and has "consistently demonstrated kindness and compassion in her work with her students," according to a news release from the college.

Lackey has 28 years in education, with 17 of those years being in school leadership.

The news release detailed that he has "consistently placed students, especially those in rural and undeserved communities."

Each honoree was chosen through traits such as humility, integrity and dedication to serving others.

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Jake Walker

Jake Walker is the Courts and County Government reporter at KQ2 News.

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