By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com
Grayson Ballard is a somewhat typical 8th grade student at Kiowa County Junior High in Greensburg, but the Haviland native has been pursuing, and receiving, some interesting higher academic awards.
The last weekend of October, Ballard competed in the International Academic Competitions Regional History Bee and Regional Geography Bee. He earned 3rd place in the History Bee and was a Finalist in the Geography Bee. The placings qualified him for national competitions in Orlando, Florida in May 2025. He also qualified for the International History Olympiad in Paris, France and International Geography Olympiad in Bangkok, Thailand.
To raise money so he may attend these competition, Ballard plans to work concession stands for upcoming sports competitions, according to his mother, Kami Ballard.
Grayson Ballard competed in May 2024 in the International Academic Competition Nationals for middle and elementary school students with over 2000 participants. He went to Nationals in Florida and represented Kansas and communities of Kiowa County, Kansas very well with the following results:
Bronze Women’s History
4th Place Black History
5th Place Maps & Flags
7th Place Recent History
10th Place American Geography
11th Place Military History
13th Place U.S. Geography Championship
13th Place European Geography
20th Place Ancient History
22nd Place Historical Geography
Bees:
Semifinalist U.S. History Bee
Quarterfinalist National History Bee
National Geography Bee competitor
National Academic Bee competitor
Ballard was chosen as the flag bearer for the state of Kansas and was a state representative during opening ceremonies of the May 2024 competitions. He also qualified for International Geography Olympiad in Vienna, Austria & International History Olympiad in London, England.
When he is not studying history or spelling words, Ballard enjoys playing Xbox, running on the Maverick Junior High cross country team or trying to get along with his two younger sisters, Gentry and Gaige. Ballards parents are Matt and Kami Ballard, Haviland.
