Lauren Bottary wearing cap and gown with white sash

Congratulations to 2022 Tonganoxie High School alumna Lauren Bottary! Despite earning her high school diploma only two years ago, Lauren graduated from the University of Saint Mary in May with a bachelor of science in nursing and recently passed her boards, officially making her a Registered Nurse! She is employed at The University of Kansas Health System-St. Francis Campus in Topeka, where she cares for intensive care patients on the night shift. Lauren plans to work in the ICU for at least three years, enabling her to apply for a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist graduate program.

Lauren is also a dedicated member of the U.S. Navy Reserves and was recently promoted to HM3 - Hospital Corpsman Third Class (E-4). She also received Yellow Jacket of the Quarter, as well as a service award for serving on color guard for fallen soldiers. Lauren plans to submit her officer packet to the United States Navy soon.

Lauren attributes her focus and ability to graduate early to Tonganoxie High School post-secondary coordinator Jodie Smith, who mentored her on her journey through Washburn Tech while still enrolled at THS. Lauren’s extensive and impressive tech school accomplishments gave her a head start on earning her bachelor’s degree.

Congratulations Lauren, we are proud of you!!!

Lauren wearing cap and gown, flanked by brother, mother and fatherLauren wearing white coat and blue dressLauren wearing blue and white flower dress, holding a 4-5 year old child in right arm and lifting yellow sheet cake with left handLauren wearing gray scrubs and black sneakersLauren wearing gray scrubs and stethoscope around her neck, sitting on concrete stepsLauren wearing military cammies, holding naval awardsLauren wearing military cammies, standing with military officer wearing dress uniform