Hello My Name Is...

Mr. Lonnie Brungardt

It is indeed a pleasure to welcome all our returning students and our new students to the 2019/20 school year! The teachers and staff are excited and look forward to sharing many academic experiences with your students. Let me be the first to say welcome back to school!  I am honored to be the Principal for Merino Junior/Senior High School!

I want to introduce myself and tell you a little about my background as your 7-12 Principal.  I was born and raised in Hays, Kansas and graduated from Fort Hays State University with my Bachelors in Business and Masters in Educational Administration. I have been in education for 24 years and performed many duties.  I have worked as a Business/Computer teacher, Athletic Director, Technology Director, coached Track and Cross Country sponsored STUCO, Asst. Principal, and Principal; so my experiences represent a diverse educational surrounding.  I am also a retired Captain in the Kansas Army National Guard with 21 years of service and have become a better citizen for it. I have been deployed in support of Desert Storm/Shield, Operation Enduring Freedom and currently I continue to help my other veteran comrades as the Sterling VFW Post Commander.  I am married to Heather and have two sons Trace and Tayson.