In the hallways of Star Valley High School walk two seniors whose athletic and academic achievements have left an indelible mark on Braves history. Jase Burton and Kambree Johnson are not just classmates preparing for graduation—they’re record-setters and multi-sport stalwarts whose commitment to excellence extends far beyond their athletic arenas. They were recently voted by coaches as the Southwest District Administrators Association Outstanding Senior Student Athletes of the year.
Burton has become synonymous with speed and endurance in Wyoming’s competitive mid-distance running scene. Throughout his career with the Star Valley Braves, Burton has dominated cross country courses and track ovals alike. “I’ve loved all the opportunities over the past 4 years to represent Star Valley and this award was another one of those cool opportunities,” said Burton.
“Jase has matured into one of the greatest distance runners of all time at SVHS and the state”, said Coach Ty Draney. “It has been an honor to have a front row seat as he has chased his dreams and competed as a peer with the very best in the nation.”
Burton’s name now appears multiple times in the school record books, and he’s even managed to etch his name into Wyoming state records. His performances at national competitions have put Star Valley on the map for track and field excellence, competing against the best mid-distance runners the country has to offer. How does he achieve at such a high level while still keeping up his grades? “The most important thing to me in balancing everything is to take care of the little things,” Burton said.
Burton is quick to credit his coaches and teachers for his success. He said, “The coaches and teachers in my life have been critical to my success. I wouldn’t be the athlete I am without Coach Draney or the person I am without my teachers.”
While Burton has focused his talents on becoming an elite runner, senior Kambree Johnson has taken a different path to athletic stardom—mastering not one, but four different sports during her high school career making here the well-rounded student athlete coaches look for as a recipient for this award. “At first when Rob Erickson called me out of class to tell me I had won the award, I was worried because I didn’t know what was going on and I thought I might be getting in trouble. But after he explained it to me more I was very excited and felt blessed to have been nominated,” said Johnson.
Johnson has made significant varsity contributions to the Braves’ volleyball, golf, basketball, and track programs. What makes her multi-sport success even more impressive is her simultaneous commitment to academic excellence, maintaining a stellar GPA while taking a full schedule of honors courses. Like Burton, she recognizes the efforts of her teachers and coaches. She said, “Many of my teachers, being prior athletes, are very support and happy for me. Even some of my biggest cheerleaders! I have developed strong relationships with my coaches and I look up to them. I know they have the best interests for me and will push me hard and encourage me to be the best athlete I could be. I’m very grateful for the coaches I have had. “
Mr. Kelly Fullmer has coached Johnson on the golf team and taught her in his honors English courses. “Whether she is studying or competing, Kambree has grit,” said Fullmer. “Grit is a characteristic that results in success no matter the pursuit, and she has it.”
Johnson spent the majority of her school years transitioning between multiple seasons and classes, bringing unique skills from each sport to enhance her performance across all her athletic endeavors, all while keeping up her grades. She credits communication with her teachers as a key to balancing sports and studies. “I have learned how important communication is, and if you talk with you teacher and tell them you will be gone, they are more positive in helping you and then you can get the work you need and get it done. Don’t procrastinate,” advised Johnson.
As Burton and Johnson prepare to don caps and gowns this spring, they leave behind more than just impressive statistics and records. They exemplify what it means to be student-athletes at Star Valley High—dedicated, versatile, and committed to excellence in all pursuits.
Their underclassmen teammates will benefit from the examples these seniors have set, not just in training and competition, but in sportsmanship, leadership, and scholarship. Whether it’s competing fiercely or managing classroom rigors, these seniors have shown younger Braves what’s possible with determination and hard work.
