Highland Awards


At Highland Community College, we proudly celebrate the achievements and contributions of our students, faculty, staff, and community members, recognizing their dedication to personal and collective excellence. The awards highlighted on this page, including the esteemed Scottie Awards, honor not only individual accomplishments but also the collective spirit that drives our mission to support student success.

Whether through associate degree completion, certification, or skill enhancement, we remain committed to fostering a culture of achievement and growth. Awards such as the MLK Drum Major for Justice Award and the Bruning Award exemplify the values of innovation, inclusivity, and the pursuit of excellence that define our community and inspire us all to reach our goals.

Faculty leading graduation with two male professors grinning toward the camera.

Bruning & Bauer Awards

The Herbert and Emily '38 Lucas Bruning Award was established to honor the Brunings interest in education by encouraging the professional development of HCC faculty. The Bauer Family has established The Virgil '41 & Lou '41 Bauer Memorial Fund to support faculty professional development.

The Bruning Award

The Bauer Award

Shannon holds her employee award for the MLK Drum Major Award

MLK Drum Major for Justice Award

The MLK Drum Major for Justice Award is for citizens who live ordinary lives and perform extraordinary acts of service with reliability and commitment, often without receiving recognition.

We are honored to present this award to members of the Highland Community College and local community who exhibit excellence and commitment to service while performing extraordinary acts of kindness and grace.

About the MLK Drum Major Award

 

Group photo of the marketing team, winner of a scottie award in 2025

Scottie Awards

These awards celebrate not just individual achievements, but the collective spirit of excellence that defines our community. Each award reflects the diverse talents and dedication that are integral to Highland’s legacy as the first college in Kansas.

  • One Highland Award
  • Highland Early Impact Award
  • Assessment Champion
  • Mento Excellence Award
  • President's Award for Exemplary Service

 

Scottie Awards

Group of Outstanding Student award winners standing as a group on the stage

Outstanding Student Award

The Outstanding Student Award recognizes a student who demonstrates excellence in academics, leadership, service, and overall contribution to the college community. 

Nominations Close 4/17.

Nominate A Student

We also celebrate excellence through our scholarships. For scholarship information, see our Scholarships page.