Guided by Project Lead the Way teacher Rachel Cerra, the KJH team represented the Bulldog community with curiosity, creativity and commitment to excellence. Competing against hundreds of students from across the metro, KJH students earned top academic honors, special recognitions, and multiple gold and silver project ratings for their innovative scientific investigations.

“We are incredibly proud of these students,” said Rachel Cerra, KJH’s Project Lead the Way instructor. “They worked hard to ask meaningful questions, design smart experiments and communicate their findings with confidence. It was a joy to see their work recognized alongside the region’s best young scientists.”

Academic Award Winners

• Bentley Anderson – 1st Place, Earth & Environmental Science ($100)
• Jack Anderson – 1st Place, Engineering ($100)
• Malachi Smith – 1st Place, Chemistry ($100)
• Anabelle Krehbiel – 2nd Place, Microbiology ($75)

Special Recognition

• Bentley Anderson – Honorable Mention, U.S. EPA Region 7 Excellence in Environmental Science
• Jack Anderson – Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovator Challenge Nominee
• Malachi Smith – Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovator Challenge Nominee
• Anabelle Krehbiel – Dr. F. Gene Hampton Award ($100)

Gold-Rated Projects

The following students received Gold Ratings—the highest recognition—for their projects:

• Bentley Anderson – The Effect of Type of Plastic on the Speed of Degradation of the Plastic
• Jack Anderson – The Effect of the Blade Area Ratio on the Amount of Thrust Produced
• Grant Buhman – The Effect of the Type of Substance Used on the Spin Rate of a Baseball
• Alaina Campbell – The Effect of Molecular Weight on the Biodegradation of Plastics
• Johnna Cory – The Effect of the Type of Soda on the Duration of a Mentos Geyser
• Emma Cox – The Effect of the Type of Bread on the Amount of Mold Grown
• Greta Grice – The Effect of the Type of Detergent on the Ability to Remove a Stain
• Caden Harrold – The Effect of the Size of a Hot Air Balloon on the Rate at Which It Rises
• Anabelle Krehbiel – The Effect of the Type of Cell on the Decellularization Rate
• Maggie Rinehart – The Effect of the Type of Ash Additive on the Strength of a Brick
• Malachi Smith – The Effect of the Type of Flour Used on the Volume of a Muffin
• Tinzley Suppes – The Effect of the Type of Cleaner and Surface Used on the Amount of Bacteria
• Kate Vanderstel – The Effect of the Environment on the Growth of Fragaria ananassa

Silver-Rated Projects

Several students also earned Silver Ratings for their strong scientific work:

• Sofie Boguske – The Effect of the Temperature of DNA on the Accuracy of Fingerprint Separation
• Tatum Grassley – The Effect of the Age of a Person on Reaction Time
• Kendyl Schafer – The Effect of the Type of Liquid on the Mass of a Tooth
• Elayna Viox – The Effect of the Source of the Water on the pH and Turbidity Levels

The Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair is one of the largest STEM fairs in the Midwest. Learn more about the event at unionstation.org.

Congratulations to all our student scientists!

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On March 20, several students from the KHS and ninth-grade bands participated in the MSHSAA District Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. Of the 26 events participating, our students earned 20 “Honor Ratings” of either “Exemplary” or “Outstanding.”  Those who earned “Exemplary” ratings at the district festival now move on to the state festival on May 2 at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

“We’re proud of all the extra work our students put in to perform this well at the district festival,” Band Director Chris Heil said. “They are carrying on a proud tradition of excellence in our schools!”

District Solo and Small Ensemble Festival Results

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The Exemplary ratings qualify students for the State Solo and Small Ensemble in May. Out of 45 students, 24 qualified to compete at the state contest.

“This year’s choir is carrying on a tradition of excellence in our program,” Director Dustin McKinney said. “They work hard, collaborate and support each other. These results testify to their talents and character.”

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Kearney, Mo., March 3, 2025: The Kearney High School Boys Wrestling team finished in sixth place and two Bulldogs earned individual championships at the MSHSAA Class 3 state tournament on Saturday, March 1.

Ryder Shelton garnered gold at 132 lbs. He was joined at the top spot by his teammate Carter Temple at 190 lbs. Brayden Robinson took fourth at 106 lbs, and Blain Turpin finished in sixth place at 144 lbs.

Individual Highlights (with comments by Head Coach Jacob Hill):

Brayden Robinson – 4th Place (106)

This was sophomore Brayden Robinson’s first trip to the State Tournament and he made the most of it by finding his way on the podium. He wrestled great both days beating some tough competition to finish in 4th place.

Ryder Shelton – State Champion (132)

The senior Bulldog went out on top. Ryder finishes his career as a four-time state finalist and three-time state champion with over 150 career varsity wins. He won all of his matches by bonus points including his finals match with a major decision leaving no doubt he is one of Missouri’s best this year.

Blaine Turpin – 6th Place (144)

This was senior Blaine Turpin’s third trip to the state tournament and first time coming home with hardware. Blaine made the semifinals, which guaranteed his spot on the podium. Blaine’s last win of the tournament was career win 100.

Carter Temple – State Champion (190)

This was sophomore Carter Temple’s second trip to state and the second year in a row he has come home State Champion. Carter showed some serious heart and gutted out a state finals win in overtime.

Other Team Results:

• 113 Oliver Lee 1-2
• 120 Phoenix Shelton 1-2
• 126 Landon Westfall 2-2
• 157 Kale Davis 1-2
• 175 Eli Helberg 0-2

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Kearney, Mo., March 3, 2025: The Kearney High School Girls Wrestling team earned a third-straight state championship on Thursday, February 27.

The Bulldogs captured the title during the 2025 MSHSSA wrestling tournament at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. The tournament began Wednesday, and the team built a nine-point lead by the end of day one, which they maintained for most of Thursday. Though there was a brief moment of uncertainty, a late surge of clutch bonus-point wins in the medal rounds secured the championship over second-place Brookfield by an eight-point margin.

“This title was a total team effort,” Head Coach Nick Ward said. “Someone stepped up whenever we needed a big performance, just as they have in all three championship runs.”

All eight KHS qualifiers won matches, contributing critical points in another intense team tournament. Bailey Martin took 2nd at 115 lbs, Riley Walker took 3rd at 120, Myla Woolridge took 5th at 105, and Carli Vargas took individual gold at 190.

Individual Highlights:

Myla Woolridge – The freshman continued her successful debut season, going 4-2 and securing a fifth-place finish with a pin. Myla consistently delivered in high-pressure moments throughout the season and came up big again when it mattered most.

Ella Herndon – The senior went 2-2 and fell just one win short of a podium finish. A key contributor in the past two state title runs, Ella’s leadership and impact on this team will be greatly missed.

Bailey Martin – The senior made history, pinning her way to the championship finals for a rematch with Delanie Smith of Mid-Buchanan. Though she finished as the runner-up, Bailey became Kearney’s first four-time female state medalist, finishing 5th, 3rd, 1st, and 2nd. Her pin in the semifinal round also marked her 150th career victory. Bailey has been a cornerstone of all three title runs.

Riley Walker – After a tough quarterfinal loss to the eventual state champion, Riley put together a dominant run through the consolation bracket, pinning everyone in her path to secure third place. Along the way, she avenged losses from districts, including pinning a previous opponent who had beaten her by 15 points in January. Now a three-time state medalist, Riley is a major contributor to this program’s success.

Aida Appenfeller – The sophomore made her state tournament debut after an impressive district performance. Though she finished 1-2, her key bonus-point victory in the consolation bracket played a crucial role in the team race.

Bella Wenzel – On her first trip to the state tournament, Bella faced a tough draw, meeting a state finalist in the opening round. After a hard-fought loss, she bounced back in the consolation bracket to secure a vital team victory, finishing 1-2 as a freshman.

Carli Vargas – The sophomore and returning state finalist dominated her bracket, pinning all but one opponent on her way to the state championship. She ended the season with just one loss to the No. 2-ranked wrestler in the country from Oklahoma. A two-time state finalist and now state champion, Carli continues to be a driving force behind this championship run.

Ella Chavez – As a first-year wrestler, freshman Ella Chavez could have been satisfied with simply qualifying for the state tournament. Instead, she stepped up when it mattered most, avenging a prior loss to a ranked opponent and securing a critical pin in the consolation rounds. She finished 1-2 but made her presence felt in the team standings.

“This championship is a testament to Kearney Girls Wrestling’s culture,” Coach Ward said. “From seasoned veterans to first-time qualifiers, every wrestler played a crucial role in bringing home the title. Thanks to our coaching staff, families, and fans for their unwavering support. The three-peat is complete, but the standard remains the same. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!”

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Five Kearney High School students submitted applications last Wednesday, Feb. 19, for judging at the Missouri FFA Area 2 Proficiency Night in Chillicothe. Proficiency Awards are given to students who have outstanding Supervised Agriculture Experience Programs (SAEs), according to KHS FFA advisor Erica Hart.

“They compete against other students in the area who have SAEs in the same agriculture career pathway,” Mrs. Hart said. “It is always amazing to see what our students do outside of the school day.”

Proficiencies are judged by other agriculture teachers based on money earned, hours worked, skills attained, and job responsibilities. Three Bulldogs earned honors at this year’s Area 2 event:

KHS sophomore Grace Hoefler – 1st Place, Equine Science (State Qualifier)
Ms. Hoefler is employed at the Northland Therapeutic Riding Center (NRTC). She began her SAE as a volunteer at the NTRC and was offered a paid position after only a few months. “Grace really loves working with her individual students and has a passion for horsemanship,” Mrs. Hart said. She will go on stage at the 2025 State FFA Convention, where she will be awarded her plaque.

KHS junior David Sempek – 3rd Place, Ag Mechanics and Maintenance
Mr. Sempek is employed at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts in Kearney.

KHS junior Lauren Karel – 3rd Place, Food Service
Ms. Karel is employed at Pizza Shoppe in Kearney.

In addition to the excellent results at the Area 2 Proficiency Awards Night, two Bulldogs learned recently that they have been awarded significant financial grants from the FFA.

Kearney Junior High freshman Avery Lute will receive $1,000 through the National FFA SAE Grant Program from the Brett Begemann Foundation.  Mr. Lute will use this money to expand his Poultry Production SAE.

KJH freshman Will Henley will receive $750 through the Missouri FFA Foundation from MFA, Inc. Mr. Henley’s SAE project is raising Corriente cattle and selling them as roping steers. The grant from the Missouri FFA Foundation will be used to supplies related to his SAE, including expanding the area for his cattle and building fence.

All FFA members are required to participate in a Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) which may include launching an agriculture-related business, working at an agriculture-related business, or conducting an agricultural research project. Upon completion, FFA members must submit a comprehensive report regarding their career development experience.

“These grants are invaluable because they help students kickstart their SAE projects; the stress of how they are going to fund their project is lessened because of this grant program,” Hart said. “These grants are also competitive, so it adds to a student’s confidence and drive when they know their hard work has paid off.”

In 2024, Missouri FFA members generated $69.8 million in income through their SAEs, according to Heather Dimitt-Fletcher, Executive Director of the Missouri FFA Foundation. Through their SAEs, students are launching commercial floral and produce farms, starting food truck and catering businesses, managing hundreds of acres of forest, handcrafting goods, and building substantial livestock operations.

“These projects speak to the entrepreneurial heart of our country and represent the future of agriculture,” Ms. Dimitt-Fletcher said. “FFA members generally pay the expenses associated with their SAE themselves. Many students do not have the personal financial resources needed to start or expand their projects. The learning opportunities, along with the student income generated by SAEs, are immense. That’s why the Missouri FFA Foundation’s SAE Grant program is vital. We are thankful for our partners; the MFA Inc. Charitable Foundation and the Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council, whose donations make it possible for us to provide students with grants to offset the start-up or expansion cost of their SAEs.”

The Missouri FFA Foundation secures strategic partnerships and financial resources to enhance, strengthen, and support the educational and leadership opportunities that promote premier leadership, personal growth, and career success for Missourians in Agricultural Education.

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Dozens of veterans who are also KJH parents/guardians or other family members were guests of students and staff members at the breakfast, which was held in the school library. This was the first Veterans Day event of its type at the school in recent memory, according to Principal John Goodin.

“We wanted to do something special for all of our veterans and their families. That’s important for all of us at Kearney Junior High,” Mr. Goodin said. “We also saw this as an opportunity for our students to learn more about these veterans and their selfless service.”

Immediately following the breakfast, the veterans and their families were ushered into the school gym for a special assembly with the entire student body and staff. The program started with a ninth-grade band performance of the song, “Salute to the Armed Forces,” the Presentation of the Colors by members of Boy Scout Troop #397, and a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by the school Chamber Choir.

Several students recited names as part of the Missing Man table presentation. KJH teacher Daniel Roberts read a list recognizing the veterans who were guests at the event:

• Charles Adams (Army)
• David Allen (Marines)
• Taryn Bilbruck (Air Force)
• Bryan Bruner (Army)
• Vernon Davis (Navy)
• Luis F. Duran (Marines)
• Jerry Eckert (Army)
• Aaron Felling (Army)
• Mark Frye (Air Force)
• Matthew Garringer (Navy)
• George Heath (Air Force)
• Richard Howe (Army)
• Jason Jarvis (Marines)
• Pete Kennedy (Army)
• Allen King (Marines)
• Zach Madsen (Army)
• Adam Miller (Air Force)
• Bruce Miller (Air Force)
• Jerri Morris (Air Force)
• Aaron Murphy (Army)
• Bill Rogers (Air Force)
• Adam Rulon (Army)
• Joel Russell-Reinhardt (Marines)
• Danielle Semro (Navy)
• Brian Stan (Army)
• Daniel VanMeter (Army)
• Donald Winders (Air Force)
• Tyler Wood (Navy)
• Phillip Wuerdeman (Army)

KJH social studies teacher Alan King delivered a keynote address about his 22-year career in the Marines, which included deployment to Iraq and service in the Defense Intelligence Agency. He talked about why it’s important to honor veterans and encouraged all students to consider public service in the military as a career option.

The program ended with a salute to the armed forces and “Taps” as played by Kearney High School Band Director Chris Heil.

LINK: KJH 2024 Veterans Day Breakfast & Assembly Photos

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Kearney, Mo., September 25, 2024: The Kearney High School Theatre program will explore the potential pitfalls of pursuing your wishes during its upcoming fall production of the hit Broadway musical, “In the Woods.”

The curtain will rise at 7 p.m. on Nov. 6-7 and Nov. 9-10 in the recently refurbished KHS Auditorium for the “Into the Woods” production. There will also be 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, Nov. 9, and Sunday, Nov. 10.

Visit the KHS Theatre online box office to purchase tickets today. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

“Into the Woods” was composed and written by Stephen Sondheim in 1986. It retells and remixes traditional folk tales as the characters face challenges while pursuing their wishes.

This production is another great opportunity for the entire Bulldog community to be entertained by the talented actors, musicians and tech crew members in Kearney School District. The musical is being led by KHS Theatre Director Haley Kernes and Music Director Dustin McKinney.

The production team is excited to put on a show that will be fun for your entire family, according to Ms. Kernes.

“Our high school and junior high students have been working very hard this past month in rehearsals,” Kernes said. “I am super happy with our progress, and I know the students cannot wait to share this production with the community!”

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• Dogwood Elementary
• Hawthorne Elementary
• Kearney Early Education Center
• Kearney Middle School
• Kearney Junior High
• Kearney High School
• Southview Elementary

These awards recognize the top 15 percent of food service providers overseen by the county. In addition, Dogwood, the EEC, KHS and Southview earned Gold Standard Awards for earning the Food Safety Excellence Award three years or more in a row.

Southwest Foodservice Excellence (SFE) provides all services in KSD’s school cafeterias. SFE’s KSD staff is led by Director of Food Service Angie Lyman.

“Congratulations to Angie and the entire SFE team for their outstanding diligence and hard work on behalf of our students, staff members and visitors,” Superintendent Emily Miller said. “This is another example of how we go above and beyond to serve our families.”

The Food Safety Excellence Award recognizes food establishments that continue to successfully follow the Clay County Food Code, exhibit outstanding food safety and sanitation practices, and achieve exceptional inspection results during the calendar year, according to a press release from the public health center. To qualify for the award, honorees must meet multiple criteria such as having been open and operating for the full year with no repeated violations, no follow-up inspections needed, and no confirmed cases of foodborne illnesses.

“We are grateful for the hard work these establishments put in last year to not only meet but exceed the health department’s high standards of safety,” said Robert Gilliland, section chief of Environmental Health Protection. “We appreciate their partnership in protecting our community from foodborne illnesses, waterborne illnesses and other hazards.”

In 2023, the Environmental Health Protection section of Clay County Public Health Center conducted 1,530 routine food establishment inspections and 297 temporary food event inspections, and investigated 114 food-related complaints.

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Miss Kirkland and Miss Wells were selected last fall from many applicants to be a part of this amazing program. This is truly a huge honor for them and for our music department. This weekend’s concerts are a culmination of their hard work.

YSKC is the premier youth orchestra program in the region that serves more than 400 musicians in grades 5–12, according to the symphony’s website. It comprises four full orchestras, a chamber music program, introductory and advanced chamber orchestras, elective classes, a summer micro-camp, multiple ancillary programs and a new Educational Residency program led by the Opus 76 Quartet. Every opportunity provides quality music education experiences to young musicians representing 111 schools and 57 communities across Kansas and Missouri.

Visit www.yskc.org to learn more about the Youth Symphony of Kansas City and to purchase tickets for the anniversary concerts.

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