Wall of Honor to Induct Three Distinguished Alumni
The 2024-2025 class of the Wall of Honor at Hutchinson High School features a trio of HHS alumni. The honorees are Caitlin Doornbos, class of 2010; Geneo Grissom, class of 2010; and Heath W. Bechler, class of 1989.
Sponsored by the HHS Alumni Association and Hutchinson High School, the group will be honored during a banquet at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 3 in the HHS Career and Technical Education Academy, 800 15th Circle. The public is invited and encouraged to attend as we celebrate three individuals who have dedicated their lives to making Hutchinson and the world a better place.
Reservations must be made and purchased in advance for the banquet. Seats cost $15 each and can be purchased weekdays at the HHS main office, 810 East 13th, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from September 9 through October 3.
The three honorees formally will take their place on the Wall of Honor prior to the Homecoming Game at about 6:20 p.m. Friday, October 4th, at Gowan’s Stadium. For more information, call (620) 615-4100.
Heath W. Bechler, Class of 1989
During his high school years, it was the bonds of friendship that left an indelible mark. He recalls the deep commitment and mutual support among his friends, especially during challenging times. These experiences seeded Heath's understanding of compassion and solidarity, qualities he later carried into his professional endeavors.
Earning a B.S. in Psychology from Kansas State University, Heath felt a calling to make a tangible difference in people's lives. This led him into the substance abuse treatment field, where he founded King's Treatment Center in 2002. His motivation was clear: to blend compassionate care with evidence-based practices, ensuring each client received holistic support.
Heath's educational journey continued with a Master's degree in Christian Ministry from Friends University and an MBA from Tabor College. These studies not only expanded his knowledge base but also deepened his understanding of leadership and service. Alongside his academic pursuits, Heath raised four sons, whom he credits for significant personal and professional growth. His children taught him invaluable lessons in empathy and genuine care for others, principles that became integral to his approach at King's Treatment Center and beyond.
Caitlin Doornbos, Class of 2010
Caitlin Doornbos covers the White House, Congress and foreign policy from Washington, DC for The New York Post. In 2024, she deployed to the frontlines of the Ukraine War, embedding with Ukrainian troops to report on their fierce fight against the invading Russian military. She frequently appears on televised news broadcasts and works as a regular US-based correspondent for Times Radio London in the United Kingdom. She is a member of the White House Correspondents' Association, the National Press Club, Society for Professional Journalists and the Military Reporters and Editors association.
Previously, she reported from the Pentagon for Stars and Stripes after covering the Navy’s 7th Fleet as the military newspaper's Indo-Pacific correspondent at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan for nearly four years. Prior to that, she worked as a breaking news and crime reporter for the Lawrence Journal-World in Lawrence, Kan., and Orlando Sentinel in Orlando, Fla., where she was part of the Orlando Sentinel team that placed as finalist for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news.
Caitlin has a bachelor of science in journalism from the University of Kansas and master's degree in defense and strategic studies from the University of Texas at El Paso. She attended USD 308 schools from 1996 to 2010, when she graduated from Hutchinson High School. There, she was deeply involved in theater and was a member of the school's Saltshakers dance team. She also discovered her love of journalism at Hutchinson High School, first learning her craft in broadcast journalism classes as a part of HHS' vocational technology program.
Her parents remain in Hutchinson, where she visits each year to comes home for the Kansas State Fair. Her mother, Shannon Stuckert, served as an educator teaching elementary and middle school students in USD 308 for 26 years, while her father, Jerry Stuckert, retired as a math professor at Hutchinson Community College.
Geneo Grissom, Class of 2010
Geneo Grissom, the son of Eugene and Kim Grissom, started his football journey in Hutchinson. Guided by Coach Dreiling, Grissom contributed to four straight State victories. The Salthawks made a nine-year title run. After graduation, Grissom attended the University of Oklahoma, under Bob Stoops, where he showcased his skills as a defensive end. There he accompanied the team to three Big 12 Championships. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. During his time with the Patriots, Grissom contributed to the team’s defense, earning two Super Bowl rings under Coach Bill Belichick. He later had stints with the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints.
Off the field, Grissom has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including youth mentoring programs. In addition to mentoring, he has participated in community events that promote fitness and well-being for children. Grissom has emphasized the importance of education and often engages in efforts to support underprivileged youth. Throughout his career, he has shown a commitment to giving back to the community. After his playing days, Grissom continued to be an advocate for health and fitness among young athletes. His involvement in philanthropic activities reflects his belief in using his platform to inspire others. Grissom's journey in football not only highlights his athletic achievements but also his dedication to making a positive impact off the field. Through both his sports and charitable efforts, Geneo Grissom has proven to be a well-rounded individual committed to excellence in all areas of life.
This champion’s resolve to not give up can be accredited to his father, Eugene, who told him, “If you commit your heart, you can accomplish anything.” He also attributes his success to his high school football coach, Scott Yantes, who believed in Geneo so much, that Geneo learned to believe himself.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact:
Stacy Goss
USD 308 Director of Communications
communications@usd308.com
620-615-4048