Four Lawrence high school students were recognized Friday with the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s champion awards.
Superintendent Jeanice Swift presented the awards at the Community Education Breakfast, held at the Burge Union on KU’s campus on Friday morning.
Student Champions this year include Lawrence High School students Carlos Gomez-Cordova and Josh Galbreath and Free State High School students Sara Kumar and Aidan Murray. All four are set to graduate with the Class of 2026.
The annual award celebrates student excellence in academics, athletics and service.
“They have documented achievements of all kinds, overcoming personal or academic obstacles, those who have demonstrated leadership qualities within their school and in their community,” Swift said at the breakfast.
• Carlos Gomez-Gordova: Gomez-Cordova has a strong academic record and speaks multiple languages, according to Swift. He competes in both track and wrestling and balances school and a job. After graduating, he plans to attend college and earn a degree in a health-related field.
“Despite his many responsibilities, he is always willing to lend a hand and support those around him,” Swift said. “What truly stands out about Carlos is his great sense of humor, his ability to make everyone feel welcome and truly everyone is a friend to him.”
• Josh Galbreath: Swift said Galbreath is a student-athlete who plans to graduate early in December. A successful football, basketball and baseball player, Galbreath has committed to play football at the University of Kansas next fall. He is family-oriented and involved in community outreach through his church and programs for people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
“What truly stands out about Josh is his humble and gracious nature,” Swift said. “He approaches life with positivity, always looking out for others and showing genuine appreciation.”
• Sara Kumar: Kumar has taken on several leadership roles, including as a member of her school’s Student Council Public Relations Board and a Unified Sports Partner, according to Swift. At Free State, she’s also in the National Honor Society and several clubs. Her volunteerism has reached the Lawrence Farmers Market’s kids’ table, Read Across America, various supply drives, local park cleanups, homeless shelters and local food pantries. A competitive gymnast of 13 years, Kumar also competes on the Free State tennis team currently. She balances school and a job and plans to attend college for a degree potentially in marketing or business, with the ultimate goal of attending law school.
“If you don’t think that keeps her busy enough, you might wonder how she has the time and the skills necessary to also be an active member of the Walking Club, Yoga Club, Pickleball Club, Fashion Club and Sending Love Club, not to mention her current service in the role of president of the Scrapbook Club,” Swift said.
• Aidan Murray: Like Kumar, Murray is an executive board member of the Free State Student Council and is enrolled in the interpersonal skills class, according to Swift. He’s the senior class president and president of Hype Club as well as a member of Link Crew. He participates in Read Across America and volunteers at the Lawrence Luncheon Optimist Club Christmas Tree Stand. In the spring, he participated in Free State’s Great Green Help initiative.
“Aidan gives back to the young people of our community by volunteering at youth football practices in Lawrence and has been known to wear his football jersey and help greet elementary students with a winning smile and high fives,” Swift said.
In addition, some district staff and partners were recognized at the breakfast, and attendees heard from keynote speaker Jerod Nieder.
Nieder – disabilities advocate, traveler, storyteller and Lawrence Public Schools alum – shared how his life continued and flourished after an injury 14 years ago left him paralyzed.
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Nathan Kramer (he/him), a multimedia student journalist for The Lawrence Times since August 2024, is a senior at Free State High School. He is also a news photo editor for Free State’s student publication, where he works as a videographer, photographer and motion designer. See more of his work for the Times here.
Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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