Career path of 'dark horse' scholar to combine art, English

By Billy Roudybush, special to the Journal

If you ever had a desire to make a difference in your life, I have met an example of a real role model. She was one point away from earning top honors in her class when she was in eighth grade. This was the final catalyst to propel her forward to meet her goal. Madison Crismas considered herself a dark horse to make valedictorian her senior year of high school. Yet, as her senior year came to an end, she was one of the two valedictorians for Pleasanton High School at the 2025 graduation.

Madison Crismas' drive to be at the top academically resulted her being selected valedictorian for her class this year. (Billy Roudybush)

In her four years at high school, she quietly progressed toward her goal. Some at school and some at home did not believe she could achieve such a lofty goal.  Madison felt she had to prove to everyone that she could accomplish this goal despite comments. When she finally achieved her goal, she felt vindicated. She had finally proven to all the people who doubted her or called her dumb that they had been wrong. 

Madison's father passed away when she was five. Due to an abusive biological mother, she was placed in foster care along with her two older sisters. Fortunately, the three sisters were placed in care with Elizabeth and Micheal Crismas. Two ladies who had known Madison’s paternal parents. Madison soon associated Elizabeth Crismas as her mom. Due to obesity Elizabeth ended up in the hospital and Micheal had her own issues that made life difficult for everyone. The three girls ended up with Elizabeth’s sister Tiffaney in Topeka for three years during this turmoil.

Upon returning to Pleasanton with Elizabeth and Micheal, the girls were adopted.  Life improved but each of the girls reacted to the turmoil in their own way. Madison’s response was education. She saw great possibilities and pursued education with passion. She achieved one goal, but where does she turn from there?

Madison will be attending Ft. Scott Community College this fall. She plans to major in English and art. After two years, she plans to move on to Emporia State University in Emporia or Washburn University in Topeka. All these moves are planned to achieve her next goal: Creation of her own graphic novel.

Madison's talks about her display at the PHS art show in May. Her drawings and paintings demonstrate her artistic skills. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

Her graphic novels would be Monga. She wants to create a story with characters that reflect her life experiences. She wants to empower the female characters to show they can be strong.  Being able to create this novel has been a dream of hers since second grade. Even though this is her current dream, she has not limited herself to that being the only goal.

Given the opportunity, she would love to take her stories and adapt them to the television audience. Starting with creating the story boards. If she could, Madison would like to reflect her hero, Rebecca Sugar. Create story boards, music, even produce her own show. Lofty goals indeed.

Even though Madison is only 18 years old and just starting a college career, she has proven she is focused and achieves her goals. Keep an eye out in a few years for the Monga graphic novel author Madison Crismas. The story will be compelling, and it will only the beginning for this new star.