Real Success Stories

Meet real role models working in various industries who have found success through alternative pathways after high school — and what they like about what they do! Looking to dive deeper? Complete this scavenger hunt to help you explore the many paths to success.

Kahm Flanary

Marine/Journeyman Lineman

"I always knew I wasn’t going to a traditional four-year college after high school. I did well in school and enjoyed it, but I didn’t think I’d be able to sit in a classroom for another four years. Also, I wasn’t into the price tag that came along with it.
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Autumn Spittles

Project Assistant

"The summer before my senior year at Council Grove High School, I decided to get a job to gain work-life experience. I accepted an entry-level position hoping I could learn and grow. I quickly found I needed a more challenging environment to work in. Jobs were very hard to come by because this was...
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Colin Sikes

Wind Turbine Technician

"I didn’t think much about wind energy as a career at first. Then, for an English paper as a high school senior, I randomly chose to research and write about working as a wind turbine technician. As I completed the assignment, I realized the wind industry might be for me.
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Matt Cox

Superintendent

"Family has played a huge role in my career. My stepfather owns an auto body repair shop, and I worked there off and on throughout high school. That experience taught me how much I love working with my hands. Likewise, my dad is a civil engineer, and I always said I wanted to be an engineer when I...
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Haley Rapp

Hairstylist

"Growing up, I thought I wanted to own my own restaurant or bakery. My parents own a small business, and I admire their hard work. Plus, I’ve always been a creative person.
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Ben Whitten

Project Administrator

"I graduated early from Manhattan High School and started working at Timberline Cabinetry the following day. I have had a passion for creating things and woodworking ever since my freshman year when I built a bed with my dad. In high school, I took woodworking and engineering design courses that...
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Halee Cashio

Registered Dental Hygienist

"As a child, I wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals, but I first became interested in dental hygiene when I attended a career fair during my junior year of high school. I loved that this career would allow me to provide service to the public and would accommodate the type of life I...
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Adam Gierhan

Ag Service Technician

"I always wanted to follow in my grandfather's footsteps and be a farmer. Growing up on the family farm brought a sense of purpose and passion for taking care of the land and animals. Taking care of something that would take care of others brought me a great deal of joy.
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Darlene Stone

Senior Vice President & Chief Experience Officer

Darlene Stone was in high school when she first got interested in healthcare and began working in an entry-level position. Today, she's in a leadership role and helps run Stormont Vail Health.
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Brooke McDonnell, BSN, RN

Nurse Manager

Brooke McDonnell always knew she wanted to help people. Today, she does just that at Stormont Vail Health.
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