For Olathe East senior Benji Burton, life moves fast — from the football field to the basketball court, and then to the baseball diamond, all while balancing leadership roles, friendships, and a drive to make his school better for everyone.
Burton, a rare three-sport varsity athlete, exemplifies school spirit, leadership, and community involvement across the Olathe district. And for Burton, “involved” barely begins to describe it.
He’s a team captain on the football field, a relentless defender on the basketball court, and a versatile outfielder on the baseball diamond. Off the field, he’s a member of Hawk Nation, Olathe East’s spirited student section and leadership organization, a participant in IPS (Inclusion Program and Support) for students with special needs, and a two-year member of the Athletic Advisory Committee that brings together student-athletes from all five Olathe high schools to discuss districtwide improvements.
Burton is this week’s CapFed® True Blue® Student of the Week.
"Benji as a person is an amazing young man," Olathe East baseball coach Blake Iles said. "Aside from being the standout athlete he is, he is the type of leader any organization wants. Olathe East is lucky to have him walking the halls everyday being a positive role model for all of our underclassmen that he crosses paths with.
"Benji is the type of player that may not always show up in the box score with flashy stats but any coach who watches the game knows the impact he has on the game.”
A Relentless Competitor
Burton’s senior football season took an unexpected turn this fall when a shoulder injury ended it early. What could have been a crushing blow hasn’t changed his perspective.
“I took the handoff and got tackled straight on my shoulder,” Burton recalled. “I thought I just got the wind knocked out of me, but when the trainer had me lift my arm, I couldn’t really do it. Then I saw something sticking out that wasn’t supposed to be there. The next thing I know, I’m in the hospital — and that’s how my high school football career ended. It was just so unexpected.”
It wasn’t the ending he imagined for a sport that had shaped him since childhood. But Burton’s attitude, coaches say, remains as steady as ever.
Olathe East's Benji Burton saw his season come to a close two weeks ago with a shoulder injury.
“What makes Benji special is his integrity and his ability to lead without seeking attention,” said head football coach Courtney Porter. “He does what’s right, treats everyone with respect, and uplifts others. He’s a motivator who learns from mistakes and keeps moving forward. His leadership is about service and bringing people together.”
Burton admits juggling three sports hasn’t been easy, especially when one season rolls right into the next.
“The hardest part about playing three sports is really getting a break,” he said. “You finish football and go straight into basketball tryouts while you’re still sore. Same with basketball into baseball. You get out of bed a little slower every morning, but I really enjoy it. It makes the year go by fast.”
Despite the grind, Burton said sports have taught him lessons that extend far beyond competition.
“Sports have kind of been everything to me since I was young,” he said. “They’ve taught me how to talk to adults, how to communicate with coaches, how to mature. They’ve helped me meet new people and feel comfortable in different situations.”
Leadership Beyond the Field
For Burton, being a leader doesn’t end when the final whistle blows. Through his involvement in Hawk Nation, he’s taken on a different kind of leadership — one centered around school spirit and community.
“We go to a lot of the soccer and volleyball games,” Burton said. “Football usually gets the biggest crowds, but we like showing up for other sports, too. You can feel the energy when there’s a big crowd — it really means something to those teams.”
Blair Lewis, who heads the Hawk Nation program, said Burton’s enthusiasm and positivity have made him a standout in the classroom as well.
Benji has been such a positive influence on his fellow classmates," Lewis said. "He is always willing to help and bring ideas to the table. I don’t think a day has gone by without Benji making us laugh. Benji is also a very encouraging friend. Although he has dreams and goals of his own, he is always supportive of others when good things happen for them."
Burton also represents Olathe East on the district’s Athletic Advisory Committee, where he meets with students from other Olathe schools to discuss how to enhance the athletic experience for everyone.
“It’s nice to see the other perspectives,” he said. “There’s always a rivalry when we play each other, but in those meetings, it’s cool to just talk and share ideas. It helps you see we’re all dealing with the same things.”
A Heart for Inclusion
Perhaps the most meaningful part of Burton’s high school experience has been his involvement in IPS — a program that supports and includes students with disabilities in school activities. Burton’s participation is personal. His sister, Ellie, who has special needs, inspired him to join.
“My sister is the reason I got involved,” Burton said. “We have an amazing IPS program here at East — probably one of the best in the state. There are around 50 peers who help out. It’s nice to see how others interact with students who have special needs. It makes me feel good knowing there are people who truly care about them.”
Benji (right) pictured with his sister Ellie and twin brother Milo
Burton’s compassion doesn’t go unnoticed. Special education teacher Amy Hill said he has a gift for connecting with students in a way that’s both respectful and uplifting.
"Benji understood what Unified sports stands for and found opportunities for all students to be included in unified sports in a meaningful way," Hill said. "In everything that Benji does within Unified and IPS, he shows kindness, compassion and humility. Benji draws other students in through his quiet leadership. We are so fortunate to have him as a member of our Peer Mentoring program at Olathe East.”
Through IPS, Burton helps students develop social skills, explore the community, and prepare for independent living. He’s also been involved with Special Olympics for four years.
“I started all that because of my sister, but it’s been an amazing opportunity to meet other kids like her,” Burton said. “There are people who join IPS because they want to make an impact, and that’s really special to see.”
Benji Burton (left) at an IPS trunk or treat last October.
He hopes more students will get involved.
“I would tell others to not be afraid and you don’t have to treat them like they are little kids," Burton said. "They are high school students and they still want to be treated like high school students and want a regular experience. Even if you are scared of the kid in a wheelchair, and you don’t know how to help them, there are still a wide vareity of kids who would love to hang out with you.”
Looking Ahead
As Burton’s senior year winds down, he’s grown fond of what Olathe East has given him, whether it was on the football field, the basketball court, the baseball diamon or the many different activities he has been involved in. Either way, he said, he’s grateful for every experience high school has given him.
“I just want to enjoy the rest of my senior year,” he said. “I’m thankful for everything I’ve gotten to be a part of.”
No matter where he ends up next, those who’ve worked with Burton agree he’s left a lasting mark at Olathe East — not just as an athlete, but as a person.
“Benji likes being a motivator, and when mistakes happen, he learns from them and keeps moving forward," Porter said. "He can be a visionary thinker. His focus is always on what's best for the team. Whether it's improving team culture, or taking on a needed role, he understands that real leadership is about service, legacy, and bringing people together to create lasting change.”