TOPEKA, Kan. - The KSHSAA Student Advisory Team has selected Grace Faltysek, a teacher and coach at Chase High School, for the 2025 KSHSAA Spirit of Sport Award and Elizabeth Haynie, an art teacher and speech coach at the Nemaha Central High School, for the Heart of the Arts Award.
 
Grace Faltysek, Chase High School - Spirit of Sport
A role model that KSHSAA would look to replicate in each school district, Grace Faltysek does a little bit of everything at Chase. Faltysek was previously the K-7 Special Education Teacher, but this past year has added grades 8-12 to that role. In addition to her exceptional work in the classroom, Faltysek coaches high school volleyball and scholars bowl. Grace sets the standard for sportsmanship with her team always sure to thank the officials and the volunteers who help with each event.
 

 












"Grace remembers everybody's birthday. She is constantly getting people treats and always has a smile on her face to brighten up anyone's day," said Jacob Bauman, Chase High School athletic/activities director.
 
For her tireless work ethic, attention to gratitude and service to students, Faltysek is being recognized with the 2025 KSHSAA Spirit of Sport Award.
 
Elizabeth Haynie, Nemaha Central High School - Heart of the Arts
Elizabeth Haynie defines the arts at Nemaha Central. Haynie's resume includes speech/forensics coach, art teacher, theatre department head and band/vocal music assistant. To achieve the 2025 KSHSAA Heart of the Arts Award, it's not enough to hold the title, you have to excel and lift others. It is safe to say Haynie has done that for Nemaha Central.
 

Under Haynie's guidance, the NCHS Theatre Department has grown substantially. Fall plays, winter cabarets, and spring musicals populate the Thunder Activities calendar with a wide array of students joining in as cast, crew, and other supporting roles. Haynie's enthusiastic and structured approach has encouraged students from all backgrounds and interests to seek involvement in the performing arts. Not only has student participation in this area increased, attendance and interest from the community has drastically increased as well.
 
Haynie has continued to meet the traditionally high expectations and standards of the Nemaha Central Forensics program. Originally an assistant coach, Haynie has thrived for the past three years as head coach of the Thunder Thespians. Her teams have qualified the maximum number of participants for KSHSAA State Forensics for each of the past three years.
 
"If Ms. Haynie was not a part of the Nemaha Central Community, our Theatre, Drama, Speech, and Fine Arts Departments would suffer greatly. The amount of time, energy, and effort she devotes to our student body, staff, and patrons is enormous," said Kelly Williams, athletic/activity director at Nemaha Central.
 
Haynie volunteers time to assist with the Thunder Marching Band, pep band, concert band, and Thunder Vocals. In 2023, Haynie was named Seneca Area Chamber Volunteer of the Year.
 
 
For more about the award and past winners click here.