Scholarships

About the Foundation:

The Maize Education Foundation was established in 2003 in order to address unmet needs within the Maize School District and to provide support to educators as they guide students toward graduation and prepare them for their futures beyond Maize Public Schools. Since that time, the Foundation has called upon community members, parents, and area businesses to support education and to invest in Maize students and, by doing so, to invest in the future of our community.

It is our continued belief that supporting students in defining and pursuing their individual versions of success is one of the greatest legacies we can leave for our community and one of the most important things we can do to build a better future. It is our vision that Maize students will be the most prepared, the most competitive, and the most successful post-secondary students, employees, citizens, and leaders in the region upon graduating from the Maize School District.

In support of that belief and vision, the Maize Education Foundation supports programs and opportunities that enhance the education and post-secondary preparation of students within the Maize School District, especially those that instill and inspire our core values in Maize students, who will become the stewards of our community in the future.

These core values include dedication, perseverance, innovation, civic responsibility, passion, integrity, tenacity, and compassion.

Shelley's Story

Shelley Poynter was a lifetime Maize resident who dedicated 27 years of service to the Maize School District. As a student at Maize High School, Shelley was an all-star athlete who graduated in 1981. She also was an active member of 4-H and was crowned National Guernsey Princess in 1980.

Shelley continued her education at Kansas State University and was an avid participant in extracurricular activities. She was a member of the KSU women’s basketball team, Chi Omega Sorority, numerous intramural programs, and was a regular at K-State football games.

Upon graduating from KSU in 1986, she returned to teach and coach in the Maize School District. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Maize and directed the Summer Vacation Bible School program.

Shelley married AC Poynter in 1990, and they had three children, Shea, McKenna, and TC. In 2005, Shelley received her Master’s Degree in Arts and Education from Baker University. Shelley was a mentor and coach to numerous students in basketball and volleyball, and most of Maize learned to sink or swim from her at the Woodard Pool. She was an avid runner and logged many miles beside her faithful Dobermans.

At a young age of 35, Shelley was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was no surprise at this crossroads in her life that Shelley decided to fight and battle cancer with all her might. Shelley was an inspiration to all in her 13-year battle with cancer. Her perseverance to fight through and keep life as normal as possible for her family, students, and herself was nothing but courageous.

Her motto was to “Keep on Believing.”

Kyle's Story:

Kyle Thornburg was born in Southern California and moved with his family to Wichita in 1995. He started school in the Maize District as a first grader, graduating from Maize High School in 2007.

As a student, Kyle always enjoyed those subjects where he could be creative. He thought very highly of many of his teachers and appreciated their willingness to help him pursue his interests. Kyle was also quite involved in group activities, particularly with various sport teams. He played soccer, baseball, basketball and golf growing up, participating in basketball and cross-country at Maize Middle School. At Maize High School, Kyle played both basketball and soccer, and he was on the soccer team all four years during high school.

In addition to sports, Kyle had an avid interest in various forms of art, as well as architecture. After graduating from MHS, Kyle attended Butler Community College, Kansas State University and Wichita State University. He was a big KSU Wildcat football fan, attending many games in his youth and as a student. He worked part-time at UPS while attending college.

Kyle shared a great love for his parents and younger brother, his extended family, and his girlfriend of 6 years. Kylie, as well as love for many friends.  Kyle had a tattoo of what was important to him: FAMILY, LOVE & LUCK.

In March of 2011, Kyle and girlfriend Kylie Jobe, became victims of a drunk driver as they returned home from a ski trip over spring break. They were killed in a tragic accident on I-70 when a 27- year-old man entered the interstate going the wrong direction. The driver had a blood alcohol level of .23, almost three times the legal limit. Unfortunately, three lives were lost that night. Every year on the first Saturday in May, an Annual 5k run/walk memorial event called Run2Believe is held in Maize to honor Kyle and Kylie. 

Proceeds from the run benefit the Maize Education Foundation, which gives scholarships to two Maize students in Kyle’s name, one for Art & Design and one for Soccer. Proceeds also benefit an OSU Foundation scholarship in Kylie’s name and Maize/Maize South after prom programs as well as educational programs on the dangers of drinking and driving.

Since the tragedy, a bill was signed creating the “Kyle Thornburg and Kylie Jobe Believe Act”.  The couple was honored with Kansas’ first Lost to DUI Roadside Memorial Marker. The sign was placed at mile marker 210 on I-70, where the accident occurred. The Memorial Marker serves as a constant reminder for everyone to make responsible decisions in their lives and to not drink and drive.