• Kansas Native

• Lifelong Republican

• Husband, Father & Grandfather

• Retired Educator & Football Coach

• Farmer/Stockman (Charolais cattle)

• Hunter & Fisherman

• Kansas Livestock Association member

• Kansas Farm Bureau member

• Honor Flight-USD 252 Program Founder

Mike Argabright grew up on the farm in Atwood, Kansas. He credits his parents as being two of the hardest-working people he’s known. He’s tried to carry their example with him in his career and his commitment to community service.

After graduating from Wichita State University, Mike went to work as a teacher and a football coach. He spent 35 years working in Kansas schools. He retired last year after 16 years as Superintendent at Southern Lyon County schools, which includes the communities of Olpe, Hartford, and Neosho Rapids.

Mike continues to operate farm ground and raises Charolais cattle. He and his wife Carla – a teacher – have three grown sons and one grandchild. They attend St. Joseph Catholic Church. In his free time, Mike enjoys sports, hunting and fishing. 

He has been actively involved in the community for many years, most notably as the founder and coordinator of the Honor Flight program at USD 252. He started the program as a school project to engage students in understanding and honoring the service and sacrifices of our active military and veterans. He has since led 13 Honor Flights for more than 260 area veterans, making the program a community-wide initiative.

Mike has also been actively involved with United Way of the Flint Hills (served as 2021-2022 Drive Chair), Emporia Chamber of Commerce, Wichita State University Sports Management Alumni Association, Ignite Emporia, Jones Institute for Educational Excellence, Flint Hills Special Education Cooperative, Newman Regional Health Board of Trustees, Emporia Friends of the Zoo, and as an SOS (domestic violence shelter) Strong Ambassador.