Hayden Catholic High School Announces Hayden Hall of Fame Inductees

We are pleased to announce Mark Burghart as an inductee for Hayden Alumni Achievement. Mark began his career as a research analyst in the Kansas Legislative Research Department before becoming General Counsel for the Kansas Department of Revenue, where he served for seven years. During this time, he was responsible for litigating state and use tax cases for local, multi-state, and international businesses. Mark played a key role in developing important tax incentive programs, such as the Job Expansion and Investment Credit Act and the Enterprise Zone Act, and won a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. He also chaired the Attorney's Section of the Federation of Tax Administrators from 1989-1990.

Mark exemplifies living his faith through his dedication to serving others. His professional career has been centered around helping those in need. He has coached student-athletes, served on the Hayden Catholic High School Board, and is currently an usher at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, he is a member of the Church Restoration Committee and has contributed to various parish initiatives as a lifelong member of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph’s Parish.

We are pleased to announce Jessica Mae Carpenter (posthumously) as an inductee for the Hayden Alumni Achievement.

The late Jessica Mae Carpenter dedicated her life to education and was honored as the namesake of the Jessica Carpenter Elementary School in Pflugerville, Texas. Born in Topeka, Kansas, Jessica attended St. Matthew Catholic Grade School, Hayden Catholic High School, and earned her degree in Elementary Education from Kansas State University in 2001. Her 20-year teaching career spanned from St. Matthew Catholic grade school in Topeka, Kansas to Brookhollow Elementary in Texas, where she was a Special Education Resource Teacher and a district leader.

Jessica’s dedication to her students, even through her four-year battle with cancer, earned her the respect of her community. In 2011-2012, she was recognized as Teacher of the Year by the Pflugerville Independent School District (ISD) and was instrumental in bringing innovative teaching methods into the classroom. Her passion for helping students with special needs, her involvement in school activities, and her commitment to education left a lasting impact on countless lives.

In 2020, after her passing, the Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees honored her legacy by naming a new elementary school after her, following an overwhelming community vote. Jessica’s influence and love for her students remain an inspiration to those who knew her and continue her legacy in education.