Bottom earns March honors
Sydney Bottom has been named the Perkins County High School Senior of the Month, recognizing her extensive involvement in activities, leadership roles and academic achievements throughout her high school career.
Bottom, the daughter of Mitch and Kristen Bottom, has built a well-rounded resume during her four years at Perkins County. As a freshman, she participated in basketball, volleyball, one-act, student council and the fall musical. She continued her involvement as a sophomore in volleyball, one-act and student council, and expanded her leadership and extracurricular roles as a junior and senior.
During her junior year, Bottom participated in volleyball, one-act, student council, cheerleading, prom committee, class officer duties and Plainsmen Pals. As a senior, she remained active in one-act, student council, cheer and Plainsmen Pals, while also serving as student council president.
Her leadership has been evident across multiple activities. Bottom served as junior varsity volleyball team captain in ninth and 10th grade and cheer captain in both her junior and senior years. She earned varsity letters in cheer, volleyball, basketball and one-act, and was recognized with numerous honors along the way.
Among her accomplishments, Bottom helped her team earn first place at the Chase County Cheer and Dance Competition her senior year after previously placing third as a junior. She was also a one-act district runner-up as a sophomore and contributed to a fourth-place district finish as a junior. Academically, she earned NCPA Academic All-State honors in one-act and was named to the honor roll multiple years.
Reflecting on her high school career, Bottom said one achievement stands out.
“Winning first place at the Chase County cheer and dance competition is one of my biggest achievements within the activities I was involved in,” she said. “I started cheer my sophomore year of high school, and since then we have put in a lot of work to level up as a team. It was amazing to feel like all the hard work paid off.”
In addition to school activities, Bottom stayed active outside the classroom. She participated in club volleyball through SWNE Select and Great Plains, coached a youth volleyball team, competed in Net Ninjas tournaments and worked as a tutor. She also held several jobs, including babysitting, working as a dishwasher at the hospital, concession stand work, serving as a kindergarten intern and working at a daycare.
Looking ahead, Bottom plans to continue her education at a four-year university.
“After high school, I would like to go to a four-year university; however, right now I’m not sure where,” she said. “I plan to major in elementary education and minor in Spanish. Ideally, I would like to teach anywhere from pre-K to second grade.”
Bottom credits her time at Perkins County Schools with helping shape her work ethic and preparing her for the future.
“I have greatly valued my school experience so far,” she said. “If I had to pick one thing, I would have to say I value the work ethic I have acquired throughout school. I have always found ways to challenge myself and continue to work toward my future goals.”
She also emphasized the impact of the local community.
“Perkins County is known for a supportive community — no matter the game or event, there are fans in the stands to cheer you on,” Bottom said. “This is something I hope to carry with me into adulthood and future communities. I’ve given back through community service hours and attending different events. Cheerleading has allowed me to support my classmates along with the crowd.”
Through her leadership, dedication and service, Bottom has made a lasting impact on Perkins County High School, earning her recognition as Senior of the Month.
For being selected Senior of the Month, Bottom’s picture will hang in the lobby of Pinnacle Bank in Grant and she will be eligible for a scholarship awarded at the end of the school year.
The Student of the Month and scholarship program are sponsored jointly by community members and Pinnacle Bank in Grant