South Haven News

By Claire Minor

On Feb. 17, 2026, South Haven Schools hosted senior night after the Lady Cardinals’s game against the Udall Eagles. Senior Night is where seniors involved in athletics are shown off for their energy, leadership, athletic, academic, and personal achievements, along with their goals and or plans for the future during the last home game of the season. The seniors mentioned this year were Adele Helsel, Addison Heater, Coal VanZant, Arallia Wartick, Landon Kuchar, Landon Cullens, Ruger Shore, and Kelly Theurer.

ABOUT OUR CARDINAL SENIORS:

Adele Helsel: Adele Helsel is the daughter of Latrice and Allan Helsel. Helsel has been a part of volleyball, basketball, and cheer in high school. She has also been involved in FFA, FCA, FCCLA, and STUCCO. After graduation, Helsel plans to play college basketball and study social and behavioral sciences. Helsel’s favorite memory takes us back to sophomore year at state, when she, Addison, and Arallai stayed up all night on a pull-out couch, giggling about random things. The biggest lesson Helsel has learned is that it’s okay not to be hard on yourself all the time — to accept mistakes, take accountability, and move forward. Helsel’s advice to younger students is that “It’s okay not to have everything figured out. Making mistakes is part of growing”. Adele would like to thank her mom and dad for always being there.

Annabelle Burden: Annabelle Burden is the daughter of Chris and Conita Burden. Burden has participated in cheer, cross country, basketball, track, softball, powerlifting, and volleyball.

Beyond athletics, Burden has been active in FFA, FCCLA, STUCO, Jets, Math Relays, NHS, and Theater. Burden earned Honor Roll recognition, Distinguished Scholastic Achievement in Volleyball and Cheer, the President’s Education Award Program, and Academic All-League honors. After graduation, Burden plans to continue working at Camp Tawakoni while deciding on her future educational path. Burden’s favorite memory this year includes the cheer lock-in and basketball media day — moments that brought the team closer together. The biggest lesson Burden has learned is that not everyone will stand behind you, but you will find the people who will be there for you no matter what. Burden’s advice to younger students is to “Keep your head up and keep trying, even when it gets hard”. Annabelle would like to thank her parents for always showing up and being her biggest cheerleaders.

Coal VanZant: Coal VanZant is the son of Tally and Garrett VanZant. VanZant has been a dedicated three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and track all four years of high school. In addition to athletics, he has been involved in FFA, FCCLA, and FCA. Throughout his high school career, VanZant has earned All-League honors in football, receiving First Team Defense and Second Team Offense, along with a Leadership Award at Rise & Shine. After graduation, VanZant plans to attend either Butler Community College or Fort Scott Community College to earn his Associate’s degree in Farm and Ranch Management. After gaining experience for a few years, VanZant plans to return to the family farm. VanZant’s favorite memory is Homecoming week — the fun games, school spirit, and building the football float. The biggest lesson VanZant has learned is simple but important: always get your work done and turned in on time. VanZant’s advice to younger students is to “have fun in high school, because it goes by fast”. Coal would like to thank Mr. Reid for being not only the best history teacher, but someone he could talk to about anything, and for being a great track and football coach starting back in 8th grade.

Landon Kuchar: Landon Kuchar is the  son of Lewis and Lisa Kuchar. Kuchar has been a dedicated member of the basketball program for four years and has also been involved in FFA throughout high school. One of Kuchar’s favorite memories was being crowned Winter Homecoming King in 2025. When asked why he chose basketball, Kuchar said he loves shooting three-pointers. There’s just something about seeing that shot fall that never gets old. What Kuchar says he’ll miss most is being in the building every day with his brothers — the friendships and bonds that made school feel like home. Landon K. would like to thank his parents and teachers for helping him get through school and supporting him along the way.

Ruger Shore: Ruger Shore is the son of Brian Shore and Sarina Stewart. Shore played baseball and has also been involved in NASA. During high school, Shore completed a diesel mechanic internship with Foley — gaining hands-on experience and building skills that will serve him well in the future. One of Shore’s favorite memories was being crowned Homecoming King this year. The biggest lesson he’s learned is simple: don’t slack off. Stay caught up on your work. That steady mindset will take you far. Shore’s advice to younger students is to “stay on top of your work and give your best effort”. Ruger would like to thank his Papa for the support and influence in his life.

Landon D. Cullens: Landon D. Cullens is the son of Casey and Eric Cullens. Cullens’ has played basketball, football, baseball, and powerlifting. Beyond athletics, he has been involved in NASA, SCADAT serving as Representative, and South Haven school’s theatre program. After graduation, Cullens’ plans to enter the workforce. One of Cullens’ favorite memories was beating Aguilar in a three-point contest — and, as he says, “I need my Gatorade!” The biggest lesson Cullens’ learned is: don’t dig a hole deep enough that you can’t get out. Cullens’ advice to younger students is to “keep your nose on the grindstone — work hard and stay focused”. Landon C. would like to thank Mrs. Russell for always pushing him to do his best and helping him along the way.

Kelly Theurer: Kelly Theurer is the daughter of Matt and Lea Theurer. Theurer has been competing in basketball and track. Beyond athletics, she has been involved in FFA, SCCDAT, FCA, FCCLA, Student Council, JETS, Math Relays, Yearbook, and NHS. Throughout her career, Theurer has earned recognition on the Wildcat All-Academic Team, All-League 2nd Team, and All-League 1st Team. After graduation, Theurer plans to attend Kansas State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness. Theurer’s favorite memory is going to state basketball three years in a row and getting to compete alongside some of her best friends. The biggest lesson Theurer has learned is not to be so tough on herself and to keep pushing even when things get hard. Theurer’s advice to younger students is “don’t take anything for granted — anything can change”. Kelly would like to thank her parents for giving her everything she could possibly need and for teaching her so much along the way. She says she wouldn’t be who she is today without them.

Arallai Wartick: Arallai Wartick is the daughter of John and Elise Wartick. Wartick has competed in volleyball, basketball, powerlifting, cheer, track and wrestling. Beyond athletics, she has been involved in FCA, FCCLA, FFA, and NHS. Wartick has earned recognition on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, as an FFA High-Points Member, and has received an Academic All-League award. After graduation, Wartick plans to pursue Cosmetology — following her passion while building a future career. Wartick’s favorite memory comes from the everyday moments at school. The biggest lesson she has learned is that when life gets too busy, it’s important to find that one thing that motivates you to keep going. Wartick’s advice to younger students is to “connect with the people around you, be kind to everyone, and always be yourself”. Arallai would like to thank her brother and sister for their support and the joy they bring her every day.

Addison Heater: Addison Heater is the daughter of Mike and Rheann Heater. Heater has been a member of the basketball program, powerlifting, volleyball, cross country, track, and softball. In addition, she has been involved in NHS, STUCO, and SCCDAT. Heater has earned recognition as SCBL Academic All-League and was named a VYPE Player to Watch. After graduation, Heater plans to earn her associate’s degree in an agricultural field before transferring to a four-year university to major in Agronomy and minor in Business. Her advice to younger students is “If you choose to play a sport, give it your full effort. Talent only goes so far — attitude and hard work matter more. Coaches notice effort, no matter your skill level”. Addison would like to thank her dad. She says he may have made her slightly miserable during previous seasons, but she knows she wouldn’t be the player she is today without the time, motivation, and push he gave her to be her best.

REMINDER: If you would like to stay up-to-date with the events that South Haven Schools are involved with, check out USD509 South Haven on Facebook/Instagram or https://www.usd509.org/!