Kearney, Mo., April 30, 2025: On April 28, Kearney High School hosted a special appreciation luncheon to recognize and thank local businesses and professionals who generously supported high school student internships throughout the year.

The event brought together internship hosts, students, and staff for an afternoon of celebration, reflection, and gratitude. Guests enjoyed a light lunch while viewing student-created tri-fold portfolios, which showcased the variety of internship experiences, learning outcomes, and professional skills developed during the program.

A highlight of the luncheon was the student spotlight speeches, where selected interns – Caroline Jury, Lauren Rose and Venus Closser – shared personal stories and insights about their internship journeys. These speeches provided a meaningful glimpse into the impact the program had on their career exploration and personal growth.

“This luncheon is a small way to say a big ‘thank you’ to the mentors and organizations who invest their time and expertise into our students,” KHS Internship Teacher Alyssa Stevens said. “Our community partners play a vital role in preparing students for future careers.”

This year’s internship partners included:

The internship program continues to grow each year, providing students with valuable real-world experience in a wide range of fields. The school looks forward to continuing its strong partnerships with local businesses and expanding opportunities for student success.

For more information about the internship program or how to become a host partner, please contact Stacy Holtzclaw at holtzclaws@ksdr1.net.

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Kearney, Mo., May 2, 2025: Kearney School District celebrated the best of the Bulldogs during the 2025 Team KSD Awards & Retiree Reception on Thursday, May 1 at Tobacco Barn Farm in Holt.

At the annual ceremony, KSD’s 2025 Teacher of the Year Award was given to Kearney Junior High media arts teacher Molly Kuebler and the Support Staff of the Year Award was given to Hawthorne Elementary’s Scott Henrichs.

“Kearney School District takes immense pride in recognizing the outstanding individuals and organizations that exemplify our core values of integrity, respect, future readiness, student focus, and resilience,” Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services Jennifer Kopp said. “The 2025 Team KSD Awards spotlight those who have gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact on our students and community.​”

At KJH, Ms. Kuebler has transformed the way students engage with digital storytelling. Her innovative curriculum not only teaches technical skills but also empowers students to express themselves creatively. Kuebler is dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive classroom environment, according to KJH Principal John Goodin.​

“Molly’s innovative approach to media arts education has not only enriched our curriculum but has also inspired our students to explore their creativity and think critically,” Mr. Goodin said. “Her commitment to student engagement and excellence embodies the spirit of our school and the entire district.”​

Mr. Henrichs consistently provides extraordinary support and dedication to the students he helps. Known for his unwavering commitment to student success, he provides individualized assistance that helps students thrive academically and socially. Hawthorne Elementary Principal Chauncy Rardon commended his patience, kindness, and the positive energy he brings to the school community.​

“Scott’s unwavering dedication to our students’ well-being and academic progress is truly commendable,” Mr. Rardon said. “His ability to connect with students and support their individual needs makes a significant difference in their educational journey.”​

The afternoon event also included the announcement of two other annual district awards. KSD Education Foundation Chair Season Kerns was honored as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year. The Business of the Year Award was presented to both Precision Chiropractic and the Fulfillment House.

Mrs. Kerns has been instrumental in mobilizing resources and support for our schools. Her leadership has led to increased community engagement and the successful implementation of programs that directly benefit students and teachers. Season’s passion for education and volunteerism makes her an invaluable asset to KSD.​

“Season’s tireless efforts and leadership have greatly enhanced the resources available to our students and educators,” Superintendent Emily Miller said. “Her dedication exemplifies the profound impact that community involvement has on our schools.”​

Precision Chiropractic, under the leadership of Dr. Justin Cook, has provided health and wellness support to students and staff, emphasizing the importance of holistic care. Their proactive involvement in school events and health initiatives has made a significant difference in our community.​ They’ve also provided valuable Real World Learning experiences for KSD students.

The Fulfillment House, a nonprofit organization, offers meaningful employment opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities. Their collaboration with KSD has created inclusive work experiences for students, promoting life skills and independence. Fulfillment House’s dedication to empowerment and inclusion aligns perfectly with our district’s values.​

“Both Precision Chiropractic and Fulfillment House have gone above and beyond in supporting our students and staff,” Dr. Miller said. “Their partnerships with KSD are shining examples of how local businesses can positively influence education and community well-being.”​

The program also featured recognitions for KSD employees who will be retiring at the end of the current academic year. Each retiree was given the opportunity to select a book to be donated to the school library of their choice.

2025 Team KSD Retirees – Current Position, Current School, Years of Service in KSD & Book Selection

• Cami Aebersold – Guidance Counselor, Dogwood Elementary, 14 years (Carla’s Sandwich by Debbie Hermon)
• Shelia Drescher – Activities Department Administrative Assistant, Kearney High School, 19 years (Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner)
• Ginger Elsea – Director of Finance, Central Office, 13 years (Millie by McCall Hoyle)
• Denise Fischer – Kindergarten Teacher, Kearney Elementary, 20 years (Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate)
• Wendy Fish – Language Arts Teacher, Kearney High School, 24 years (Tuesdays With Morrie, An Old Man, a Young Man and Life’s Greatest Lessons by Mitch Albom)
• Amber Hiley – Teacher, LENS, 29 years (The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen)
• Cynthia Hollinberger – Paraprofessional, Early Education Center, 7 years (Oh, the Places You Will Go by Dr. Suess)
• Stacy Holtzclaw – Career Readiness Coordinator, Central Office, 4 years (The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch)
• Jennifer Kopp – Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services, Central Office, 23 years (The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe)
• John Luppes – Fifth-Grade Teacher, Southview Elementary, 29 years (There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom by Louis Sachar)
• David Schwarzenbach – Activities Director, Kearney High School, 24 years (It’s Your Ship by Michael Abrashoff)

This year’s school-level Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year award recipients were also recognized at the reception.

2025 School Teacher of the Year Award Recipients

• Early Education Center – Holly Anderson
• Dogwood Elementary – Nicholas “Nic” Mattson
• Hawthorne Elementary – Chelsea Miller
• Kearney Elementary – Nanette Stout
• Southview Elementary – Rachel Terrill
• Kearney Middle School – Lauren Thomas
• Kearney Junior High – Molly Kuebler
• Kearney High School – Kassidy Robertson

2025 School Support Staff of the Year Award Recipients

• Early Education Center – Donna Lance
• Dogwood Elementary – Ashley Bricker
• Hawthorne Elementary – Theodore “Scott” Henrichs
• Kearney Elementary – Kalie Dickson
• Southview Elementary – Jaclyn “Jaci” Mick
• Kearney Middle School – Brian “B.J.” Webster
• Kearney Junior High – Jennifer Duncan
• Kearney High School – Lacy Howdeshell
• KSD Central Office – Stacy Holtzclaw
• 2025 Team KSD Retirees

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the 2025 Team KSD Award recipients. Your contributions have not only enriched our schools but have also set a standard of excellence that inspires us all.

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Kearney, Mo., April 30, 2025: The Kearney High School Theatre program is ready to wow audiences this weekend during their spring production of “The Play That Goes Wrong” in the KHS Auditorium.

Showtimes:

• 7 p.m. Friday, May 2
• 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3
• 7 p.m. Saturday, May 3
• 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4

Purchase your tickets for reserved seats today by visiting the KHS Theatre online box office.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” was written by Henry Lewis, Henry Shields and Jonathan Sayer. The KHS production was directed by Language Arts Teacher Haley Kernes and features a crew of outstanding students on stage and behind the scenes.

The play begins before the curtain has even been raised, as the audience is present while the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society prepare to stage their new production, a 1920s murder. There’s a murder (and a moving corpse), the props start to disappear, actors go missing and the set begins to collapse. Mayhem ensues, but the company struggles on regardless. The question is whether any of the cast and crew will remain standing, or conscious, by the final curtain?!

All ticket sales help support the KHS Theatre program, which provides unique extracurricular learning opportunities for students who are interested in the performing arts. Get your tickets today!

The post Enjoy Mayhem & Mirth with KHS Theatre May 2-4 appeared first on Kearney School District.

Kearney, Mo., April 28, 2025: Kearney High School junior Alex Walter has been selected to represent Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative (PCEC) at the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) this summer after earning runner-up honors in the cooperative’s annual Youth Tour essay competition.

Walter’s accomplishment comes after submitting an outstanding essay that competed against entries from students throughout the Platte-Clay service area. As a result, Walter has earned an all-expenses-paid trip to Jefferson City from July 15-18 to participate in CYCLE, a highly regarded leadership conference that brings together some of the brightest high school students from across Missouri.

Kearney High School government teacher Zachary Smith, who encouraged Walter to enter the competition, praised his student’s hard work and initiative.

“Alex took on this challenge, and the effort has absolutely paid off,” Smith said. “I am very proud of Alex for taking this opportunity seriously and achieving such a remarkable honor.”

During the three-day leadership experience, Walter will join fellow student leaders to learn about electric cooperatives, explore the workings of Missouri state government, hear from dynamic speakers, and participate in leadership development activities. The program, coordinated by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC), is designed to build leadership skills and introduce students to new ideas, cultures and lifelong connections.

In a message to Walter and her family, Amanda McQuerrey, Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator for Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, congratulated her on being selected for the program.

“You will learn more about electric cooperatives, Missouri state government, hear great speakers, have fun, and meet lots of new friends,” McQuerrey said. “Congratulations again, Alex. We are proud to have you represent Platte-Clay Electric at CYCLE!”

As part of the recognition, Walter was invited to the Platte-Clay Electric office to receive a prize and participate in a photo opportunity.

Kearney School District is proud to celebrate the achievements of students like Walter who demonstrate a commitment to leadership, excellence and personal growth. Opportunities like the CYCLE program support the district’s strategic focus on preparing students for success beyond the classroom by providing real-world learning experiences that matter most.

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LENS is being phased out at the end of this school year. Founded in 2019 under former Superintendent Bill Nicely, the school’s faculty and students paved the way for Project Based Learning in Kearney School District. It featured engaging, hands-on experiences led by experts like Kearney resident and world-renowned paleoartist Gary Staab. 

LENS served more than 500 students over the years and was a proving ground for many teachers. PBL is now the standard for all of our elementary schools, which means LENS will have a positive impact on every KSD student. 

The celebration was an opportunity for the LENS family to reunite and mark the success of their efforts. Congratulations and thank you to all of them for a job well done!

The post Bulldogs Celebrate the LENS Legacy appeared first on Kearney School District.

Congratulations to all of the Team KSD members who received awards!

Excellence in Service to Education Awards:

• Dogwood Elementary Paraprofessional Ashley Bricker
• KMS Assistant Principal BJ Webster
• KSD Career Readiness Coordinator Stacy Holtzclaw
• KHS Lead Secretary Lacy Howdeshell
• Southview Elementary Nurse Jaci Mick
• Hawthorne Elementary Paraprofessional Scott Henrichs
• Kearney Elementary Paraprofessional Kalie Dickson

Excellence in Classroom Teaching Awards:

• Dogwood Elementary PE Teacher Nic Mattson
• KMS Librarian Lauren Thomas
• Southview Elementary Vocal Music Teacher Rachel Terrill

In addition, KHS Counseling Office Secretary Erica Rose’s daughter, Lauren Rose, received a college scholarship at the event.

It was a great night for the Bulldog Nation! Please join us in celebrating our teammates for these well-deserved recognitions!

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Kearney, Mo., April 22, 2025: Kearney School District is hosting 2025 Kindergarten Orientations from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 8 at Dogwood Elementary, Hawthorne Elementary, Kearney Elementary and Southview Elementary.

This will be an opportunity for students who are eligible for kindergarten this fall to prepare by spending time with their teachers and other school support staff. Parents and guardians will get to meet and interact with school administrators during a Q&A session.

In addition, these orientations will include devices and support for parents and guardians who want to complete the kindergarten enrollment process for their children. Families should go to the orientation at the school their child will be attending when school starts this fall.

Visit www.ksdr1.net/enrollment for details about how to enroll your child in kindergarten for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The post Calling All 2025-2026 Kindergarteners: Get Ready for School! appeared first on Kearney School District.

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, Mo., April 17, 2025: Kearney School District’s Board of Education is seeking qualified applicants to fill an open at-large seat following the recent resignation of member Len Broughton.

The school board was officially informed of Broughton’s resignation by Board Secretary Becky Burkemper during their business meeting last night.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a completed Board of Education Application for Vacant Board Position (G-335-A); a hard copy can be picked up at the district office. Applications must be submitted to Mrs. Burkemper at burkemperb@ksdr1.net or in person at 425 W. Washington St. in Kearney before 4:30 p.m. on May 8, 2025. Call (816) 628-4116 for more details.

Selected candidates will be interviewed in an open session meeting starting at 4:30 p.m. on May 21, 2025. The board may vote to select the new member at the June 18, 2025, regular board meeting. If selected, the new board member would serve until the April 6, 2026, election.

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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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