HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Two outstanding Hutchinson Community College students were recognized as the 2026 Young Kansan Award winners at a ceremony on campus on April 29. The students will also be honored during the College’s commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 8.
Erin Schwertfeger (Turon) and Aaron Bartel (Inman) were selected from a field of students nominated for the honor. The Young Kansan award recognizes two outstanding graduates each year at Hutchinson Community College and is chosen by a vote of the faculty and administration at the college.
The award is sponsored by RCB Bank. Each winner received a plaque and a cash honorarium in recognition of their achievements.
Erin is a graduate of Fairfield High School and is graduating from HutchCC with an Associate of Arts in Elementary Education with plans to transfer to Kansas State University. She serves as Student Government Association President, a Resident Assistant, and works in both the Student Success Center and Residence Hall office, while also contributing to multiple institutional committees.
A graduate of Inman High School, Aaron is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree with a Pre-Law focus with plans to transfer to Washburn University. A Presidential Scholar, Phi Theta Kappa member, and Honors Student Council chair, Aaron has earned consistent placement on the President’s Honor Roll, graduating with High Honors. Deeply involved on campus, Aaron contributes to Concert Choir, theatre productions and the Hutchinson Community Family Theatre.