The president of Sling TV, a division of Dish Network, Warren Schlichting returned home to Junction City Monday evening to serve as the keynote speaker for the Celebration of Teaching banquet.

Schlichting attended schools in USD 475 from Kindergarten and elementary school in Milford through the 12th grade at Junction City High School where he graduated in 1979. He would later attend Harvard, found three companies, and live in multiple cities ranging from New York to London.

Schlichting told an audience of educators at the convention center in Junction City, including some of his former teachers that this community is really where his adult life began. He said Junction City High School was a critical stepping stone, and USD 475 has stood up “amazingly well against the top schools in the country, maybe the world.”

Schlichting pointed to the confidence that was instilled in him by the time he graduated from Junction City High school as a key factor for him. He reminisced about former teachers and counselors such as Pat Anderson and Joy Davis, plus former coaches Ben Bennett and Al Simpler. Schlichting played football for the Blue Jays and in college walked on to play for the Harvard football team.

The 1979 JCHS graduate also credited the ethnic diversity and different backgrounds of students, noting that served him as well or betterthan the things he learned. At the conclusion of his speech he received a standing ovation from the audience attending the banquet.

Today Warren Schlichting lives in Denver, Colorado.