Nickerson High School earns Kansas Board of Regents All-Star designation for postsecondary support

NICKERSON, Kan. — Nickerson High School has been named a 2026 Apply Kansas All-Star High School by the Kansas Board of Regents, joining 218 other Kansas high schools recognized this year for their commitment to preparing students for life after graduation.

The All-Star High School program honors the work that Kansas high schools do to help students apply to and access college. To earn the designation, a school must host an Apply Kansas college application event, sponsor or collaborate on a FAFSA completion event, and host a senior signing day to celebrate all college and career pathways chosen by students.

The program, launched in 2022, extends the Apply Kansas mission to enhance college access by guiding students through the application process. Students at recognized schools receive support in completing admissions applications, seeking financial aid, and celebrating all postsecondary paths — with the goal of cultivating a college-going atmosphere throughout the entire school community.

Nickerson High School is part of USD 309, which serves students in the Nickerson and South Hutchinson communities of Reno County.

Schools that earn the recognition receive a certificate and vinyl banner to display at their building. In subsequent years, award-winning schools receive a certificate and star sticker to add to their banner, marking consecutive years of achievement.

The Kansas Board of Regents is the governing board of the state's six public universities and serves as the statewide coordinating board for 32 public higher education institutions. The board also administers state student financial aid, adult education, high school equivalency, and career and technical education programs.

The 2026 cohort of 219 recognized schools represents the program's continued growth since its inception four years ago.