HutchCC honors two students as Distinguished Dragons for Summer Excellence Series
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College has recognized two exceptional students as part of its Distinguished Dragons summer series, highlighting achievements in athletics, arts and journalism.
Annalee Kealey: Balancing Sports and Art
Annalee Kealey of Wichita has demonstrated remarkable versatility during her time at HutchCC, excelling as both an athlete and artist while pursuing Sports Management studies.
Kealey served as team captain of the Blue Dragon Softball team and received honorable mention recognition as a designated player by the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference. Her athletic achievements were matched by her artistic talents, earning both the People's Choice Award and an Honorable Mention for a painting submitted to the HutchCC Art Exhibit.
"Annalee Kealey has shown her versatility by excelling both in athletics and the arts," her nominator wrote. "Her talent as an artist is evident through her impressive submissions to the student showcase."
Beyond athletics and art, Kealey served as a Resident Assistant and earned repeated recognition on both the Vice President's and President's Honor Rolls. She cited living in the residence halls as her favorite HutchCC experience.
"I was living with my best friends. I got to see and hang out with them 24/7! The best memories were made!" Kealey said.
She expressed gratitude to coaches Jamie Rose and Ray Aguirre, calling them "amazing role models" and "hands down the best coaches around." She also thanked Shelby Branting for being "patient, generous, and so kind" to all residence hall students.
Greta Klein: Excellence in Journalism
Greta Klein of Ellsworth has earned recognition as one of HutchCC's most dedicated journalism students, culminating in her selection as the 2025 Kansas Collegiate Media Two-Year College Journalist of the Year in April.
Klein served as Sports Editor for The Hutchinson Collegian while maintaining multiple other roles, including writing tutor at the Rimmer Learning Resource Center, sports writer and radio broadcaster for Ad Astra Radio, and official and site supervisor for Hutchinson Recreation Commission.
Her nominator praised Klein's commitment to improvement, noting her dedication even after covering major events.
"Greta stayed up to 5 a.m. in a hotel lobby on December 18 to write the game story from the football team's national championship win, and on the drive back from Texas, she was asking questions on how to improve her story," the nominator wrote.
Klein's academic excellence earned her membership in Phi Theta Kappa and repeated recognition on the President's and Vice President's Honor Rolls. She highlighted covering two national championship games for The Hutchinson Collegian as among her favorite memories.
"I would like to thank Brad Hallier for pushing me to become the sports journalist I have become," Klein said. "I also want to express my gratitude to all of my instructors and staff for supporting and celebrating me throughout my journey at HutchCC."
The Distinguished Dragons summer series continues to showcase student excellence across multiple disciplines at Hutchinson Community College.
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