Eleven area students will be among approximately 250 high school sophomores participating in the 83rd annual Sophomore Pilgrimage today.
The event, sponsored by the General Federation of Women's Clubs of Missouri, is designed to allow students to observe the Legislature in session; tour the Capitol, the Governor's Mansion and the Supreme Court Building; and meet state legislators.
The students will also be guests at a luncheon at the First United Methodist Church where several state officials will speak on current issues and civic responsibilities.
A sophomore from each high school in the state is selected by the faculty to attend the event. Selection is based on the student's demonstrated citizenship, scholarship and leadership, as well as qualities of courage, service and honor.
Students chosen from area high schools are:
Haley Braun, daughter of Kelly and Shannon Braun, of Jefferson City, is a sophomore at Calvary Lutheran High School. She served as a Student Government freshman representative last year and a sophomore representative this year. Braun is a member of Key Club, SADD, FTA and select choir. This year, she competed in the Show-Me Constitutional Law Competition with the law team and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She shadows state Sen. Mike Kehoe.
Alannah Brown, daughter of Kevin and Lauren Brown, of Jefferson City, attends Jefferson City High School. She is on Student Council, a member of the National Honor Society and a member of choir. Upon graduation from high school, she wants to be a makeup artist and plans to go to business school to get a degree in marketing.
Ana Busken, daughter of Stacey Busken, of Morrison, is a student at Osage R-I High School in Chamois. She is president of her class, a member of the academic team, and a manager for the boys basketball team. She plans to attend Southwest Missouri State University to obtain a degree in fashion business and marketing with a minor in human resource fashion merchandising.
Leo Hager, son of Ed and Deana Hager, of Eugene, is a student at Eugene High School. He plays basketball and is a member of FFA and National Honor Society. His current career goal is to be a pharmacist or a nuclear engineer.
Ethan Huff, son of Robert and Elaine Huff, of Russellville, is a student at Russellville High School. He is a member of FBLA, student leadership, STEM Club, Multicultural Club and Academic Club. After high school, he plans to pursue a degree in engineering.
Jacob Knaebel, son of Dan and Mary Knaebel, of Westphalia, is a student at Fatima High School. He is sentinel of the FFA officer team, a member of the public speaking team, and has earned many awards for his work in FFA. He is also a member of FBLA, FCCLA, Archery Club and Spanish Club. He hopes to pursue a career in communications.
Brayden Langendoerfer, son of Greg and Tracie Langendoerfer, of Jefferson City, is a student at Blair Oaks High School. He is a member of National Honor Society, FCCLA, Student Council and Drama Club. He is also the sophomore class president. After high school, he plans to attend a four-year university to study pre-med.
Kaylyn Nappier, daughter of Loretta Nappier, of Linn, attends Linn High School. She is a member of the LHS Book Club and was named November Wildcat of the Month. After graduation, she plans to study to be a veterinarian.
Parker Pitzen, daughter of Mike and Jaime Pitzen, of New Bloomfield, is a student at New Bloomfield High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Character Committee and the STEM Club. She is class secretary and is on the High Honor Roll. She is also a member of the varsity softball, basketball and track teams. Upon graduation, she plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Daniel J. Rhea, son of Don and Jane Rhea, of Jefferson City, is a student at Helias Catholic High School. He is a three-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball and baseball. He is also on the Student Council and is a student ambassador. He has a 4.0 GPA and attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy in Fulton. He plans to attend a four-year university after high school.
Gabe Williamson, son of Shelly Williamson, of Tebbetts, is a student at South Callaway High School in Mokane. He is a state qualifier in Future Business Leaders of America. He plans to attend college to obtain a degree in the medical field or in law.