School: Eudora High School; Grade-point average: 4.0; Class rank: 1; Parents: Doug Hartpence, Lawrence, and Vicki Johnson, Eudora

Attending Eudora High School with about 400 students has allowed Connor Hartpence to shine.

“It’s one thing I really liked about it, being able to know pretty much everyone,” he said.

Aside from his 4.0 grade-point-average and top class rank, he’s also a soccer team captain and student council president.

“I’ve always kind of stepped up in a group setting, but it just comes naturally,” he said.

Hartpence has also managed to attain excellent academic credentials while focusing on math and science. He has applied to Kansas University, Kansas State University, Baker University and Harvard.

He’s leaning toward a chemical engineering or petroleum engineering field, although he’s also looked into medicine and tissue engineering for his potential career.

His leadership role at the school is also evident, but Hartpence said he’s most proud of the fundraisers and projects he’s helped organize, such as blood drives, adopt-a-family events and the high school’s video yearbook, which takes a lot of work to put together.

Eudora’s opportunities for leadership have played an important role in the classroom for him, he said, which is why he advises future students at his school to take part in activities.

“Definitely get involved with things, even if you have a small interest in it. You meet people, and if you get involved at school, you’re drawn to do better with academics,” Hartpence said.

Honors, activities: Kansas University’s Summerfield, Dean’s, Chemical and Petroleum, Putnam Scholarships (2008); Baker University’s Presidential, Harter Scholarships (2008); Kansas Honor Scholar (2007); Wichita State University Presidential Scholar (2006); sports photography 3A/4A first place state (2006-07); Spanish II student of the year (2005-06); Spanish III student of the year (2006-07): varsity soccer, member (2004-08), captain (2007-08); Student Council (2004-08), president (2007-08), publicity officer (2005-07), class representative (2004-05); International Club (2005-08), president (2007-08); NHS (2006-08); marching/concert band (2004-05); theater, set crew (2004-06), cast (2006-07); Principal’s Advisory Council (2007-08); video yearbook club (2005-08), producer/editor (2006-08); yearbook/newspaper staff (2005-08), co-editor (2007-08); SADD (2004-08); PEER PLUS staff (2006-08); FCA (2005-08); Environment Club (2005-07); FBLA (2004-08)

College: Kansas University, Kansas State University, Baker University or Harvard

Career plans: Undecided

Major: Undecided – possible chemistry, chemical petroleum engineering, medicine and tissue engineering