KHS sophomores Luke Vanderstel, Carl “Ben” Jenkins and Carter Lydick were recently selected to attend the 2025 Missouri Scholars Academy this summer at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Founded in 1985, the Missouri Scholars Academy is a three-week residential program for 330 of Missouri’s academically gifted students who are ready to begin their junior year of high school, according to the program’s website. The Academy is held each June on the Mizzou campus and administered by the university’s Honors College.

“It’s an honor to be nominated and selected for this program,” KHS Counselor Ashlee James said. “We’re so proud of Carter, Luke and Carl, and excited to see what they accomplish at this summer’s academy!”

All public and private schools in Missouri are eligible to nominate at least two sophomore students for the Academy. A selection committee, comprised predominantly of teachers from across the state, evaluates the nominations. Students are selected based on a variety of factors, including grade point average, test scores, essay submissions and letters of recommendation. They also have to demonstrate leadership, creativity, intellectual curiosity, problem-solving ability and initiative.

With a carefully selected faculty and staff, a specially designed curriculum with interdisciplinary courses, and a variety of stimulating extracurricular activities, the Academy enables students to be part of a unique learning community. The Academy provides a model that all schools can use in building or expanding their own programs for gifted students. Educators who have served as faculty members have used this experience to benefit students in their local schools.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kearney School District Communications Intern Kaeden Rothwell

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Kearney High School’s contingent competed in a variety of events against other FBLA students from a pool of more than 13,000 across Missouri, according to business teacher and FBLA Advisor Alyssa Stevens.

The top four finishers in each category qualify for the National Leadership Conference this June. The Top 10 competitors receive medals and get recognized on stage.

Seven KHS students qualified for the national conference. KHS sophomore Bennett Freeman earned the FBLA state championship in the “Introduction to Business Concepts” category.

KHS Participants & Results:

• Bennett Freeman – STATE CHAMPION in Introduction to Business Concepts (National Qualifier), 8th in Banking and Financial Systems
• Casey Collins – 2nd in Introduction to Business Procedures (National Qualifier)
• Jane Martens – 2nd in Healthcare Administration (National Qualifier), Top 15 in Marketing
• Laken Staab – 4th in Introduction to Business Procedures (National Qualifier)
• Carter Smith – 4th in Organizational Leadership (National Qualifier), 6th in Sports and Entertainment Management
• Carter Brock – 4th in Management Information Systems (National Qualifier)
• Caleb Stevens – 4th in Management Information Systems (National Qualifier)
• Rylee Johnson – 5th in HR Management, 6th in Sports and Entertainment Management
• Lauren Karel – 5th in Agribusiness
• Parker Mendel – 6th in Economics
• Parker Bartlett – 6th in Sports and Entertainment Management
• Drew Nelson – 7th in HR Management
• Ezra Stuart – 8th in Banking and Financial Systems
• Joley Leach – 9th in Introduction to FBLA
• Avery Janiak – Top 15 in Marketing
• Taylor Jones
• Malarie Sheley
• Jacklyn Kirkland
• Travis Jarrett
• Milo Griffith

FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. Intra-curricular activities include career exploration, civic service, economic education, and technical skill advancement. FBLA also works to encourage and support entrepreneurship. Visit www.mofbla.org to learn more about the organization.

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Legislative Shadowing is a Missouri FCCLA-only program and gives students the opportunity to shadow a legislator for a day, advocate for FCS and FCCLA, and get to know the representatives for our area, according to KHS FCCLA sponsor Kassidy Robertson.

Miss Whitten shadowed Representative Josh Hurlbert, and Miss Barton shadowed Representative Mazzie Christensen. Both were able to witness an action-packed day with a heated House vote for a bill about slot machines in gas stations. They also met Governor Mike Kehoe.

“I couldn’t ask for two better individuals to represent Kearney High School and FCCLA,” Mrs. Robertson said. “Madelyn even expressed on the way home that her goal is to now end up working in the capitol in some capacity!”

The Legislative Shadowing Project gives students the opportunity to engage directly with Missouri’s legislative process, offering a hands-on look into state government as well as the opportunity for members to advocate for Missouri families, students, and Career and Technical Education as an integral part of education in Missouri’s schools.

The two-day experience began with a welcome reception on April 8, where students enjoyed light appetizers, participated in a civics review and agenda discussion, and heard from guest speaker Jessica Seitz, Executive Director of the Missouri Network Against Child Abuse (MO-NACA). Jessica, who previously served four years as the agency’s Director of Public Policy, shared valuable insights into advocacy, public service, and her time at the capitol. She also discussed previous and current legislation affecting children and families.

On Wednesday, April 9, participants met with their assigned state representatives and senators to begin their shadowing experience at the Capitol. Students observed legislative sessions and committee meetings, explored the roles of lawmakers, and gained a deeper understanding of how state policies are shaped.

The experience concluded with a reflective wrap-up session, where students shared favorite memories and created thank-you notes for the legislators and supporters who helped make this unique opportunity possible. The Legislative Shadowing Project continues to inspire future leaders by connecting students with real-world civic engagement, fostering the next generation of informed and active citizens.

Visit the Missouri FCCLA website to learn more about the organization.

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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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Drew Wilson
1st Team All-Conference
Class 5 District 8 All-District Team
KMZU Dream Team

Tre Smith
2nd Team All-Conference
Class 5 District 8 All-District Team
KMZU Dream Team

Andrew Way
2nd Team All-Conference

Brad Doll
Honorable Mention All-Conference

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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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Brooke Paalhar

• 1st Team All-Conference
• All-District

Jocelyn Lincoln

• 2nd Team All-Conference

Kennedi Casey

• All-Conference Honorable Mention

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Kearney, Mo., March 21, 2025: Kearney High School senior Lexie Barton has been honored with the 2025 Missouri FCCLA Outstanding Leader Scholarship, recognizing her exceptional leadership, dedication, and involvement within the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) organization.

Barton’s selection for this prestigious award highlights her significant contributions to FCCLA through outstanding participation, leadership, and service to her school and community. The scholarship is presented annually to students who exemplify FCCLA’s values, showing exemplary dedication in Family Consumer Sciences and Human Services.

“Lexie has consistently demonstrated extraordinary leadership, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence,” said Ashley Witte, Missouri FCCLA State Adviser. “She represents the very best of what FCCLA stands for, and we are excited to honor her at this year’s state leadership conference.”

Barton’s involvement with FCCLA at KHS has been marked by numerous successful projects and impactful initiatives, earning her recognition from peers and mentors alike. Through her efforts, she has significantly contributed to building stronger community connections and fostering a sense of civic responsibility among her classmates.

“Lexie is a remarkable young leader whose influence goes beyond the classroom,” KHS FCCLA Sponsor Kassidy Robertson said. “We are incredibly proud of her achievement and grateful for her contributions to both our school and the community. She sets a wonderful example for her fellow students.”

The Missouri FCCLA Outstanding Leader Scholarship was awarded during a formal presentation at the State FCCLA Leadership Conference on Monday, March 17 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach. Barton was joined by other distinguished Missouri FCCLA student leaders and educators from across the state. Her selection underscores Kearney High School’s commitment to nurturing leadership and community engagement among students.

FCCLA is a national career and technical student organization that provides personal growth, leadership development, and career preparation opportunities for students in Family and Consumer Sciences education.

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The dance squad also earned second in Jazz and third in Pom. Ainsley Daniels took third place in the Sophomore Solo competition; Arie Watkins claimed eighth in Senior Solo; and Jacee Hensley took 10th in Sophomore Solo.

The squad will be celebrated at every KSD school during the Tour of Champions starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 20. Let’s cheer on our Bulldogs!

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