Hutchinson Community College Recognizes Two Students as Distinguished Dragons

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Hutchinson Community College has named two students as Distinguished Dragons, recognizing their academic excellence and contributions to campus life.

Julen Wannamaker, an accounting student from Hutchinson, was selected for his outstanding academic performance and leadership roles. Wannamaker serves as a student worker in the HutchCC Athletics Department and as a HutchCC Ambassador. He was named Student Ambassador of the Year and served as Assistant Cross Country Coach for Trinity Catholic High School.

"One of my favorite HutchCC experiences was actually an everyday occurrence," Wannamaker said. "Everytime I had a class with Matt Wilper as my professor, we would study hard but then get randomly sidetracked and have hilarious and class-engaging conversations that I enjoyed every time."

Wannamaker praised the college's athletic department and faculty, particularly thanking his bosses and the athletic department staff, as well as his teachers for their support throughout his time at HutchCC.

Brady Whitman, a business student from the Kansas City metro area, was also recognized as a Distinguished Dragon. Whitman has demonstrated dedication both in academics and athletics, serving as a linebacker and team member while maintaining focus on his studies.

"His dedication is evident both in the classroom and on the football field, where he balances the demands of being a student-athlete with focus and determination," the college noted in announcing his recognition.

Whitman was named to both the President's and Vice President's Honor Rolls and serves as a linebacker on the college's football team.

The Distinguished Dragon program highlights student excellence as part of HutchCC's commitment to recognizing outstanding achievement in academics, leadership and campus involvement.