Category Archives: Schools
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Bourbon County Teams Dominate 2026 SunPowered Student Challenge
CLC WASPS Named Grand Champions
Three Heartland-sponsored teams from Bourbon County combine for four first-place finishes and overall championship title
WICHITA, Kan. — Three teams of Bourbon County high schoolers sponsored by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative brought home four first-place awards — including the Grand Champion title — at the 2026 SunPowered Student Challenge, held April 8 at Wichita State University.
The WASPS from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott topped the overall standings with 1,323 points, outpacing eight other teams from Kansas and Oklahoma to claim Grand Champion honors. Two teams from Uniontown High School — the Solar Queens and Solar Eagles — also finished in the top three overall, giving Heartland-sponsored teams a sweep of the event’s top spots.
“As rural electric cooperatives, it’s part of our mission to help educate our communities, and that includes the next generation as well,” said Mark Scheibe, CEO of Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative. “If we can spark curiosity in students, and if we can help them see the future in energy or engineering, or take some of the problem-solving skills that they learn during this competition to apply in their future lives, then that’s a win for them and the communities that we serve.”
The SunPowered Student Challenge is a statewide competition that begins in the classroom — student teams work through a hands-on solar energy curriculum over several months before competing at Wichita State University. Challenges include designing and installing photovoltaic arrays on scaled model buildings, analyzing real-world site conditions, delivering professional presentations and collaborating with teams they’ve never worked with before.
The competition was founded in partnership with Kansas Rural Electric Cooperatives, Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Pitsco Education and Ten80 Education, and is now housed under the nonprofit Future STEAM.
Heartland REC helped create the program in 2024 and continues as both a program and team sponsor. The cooperative has sponsored teams from communities across its southeast Kansas service territory.
Results by Team:
WASPS — Christian Learning Center
Team members: Holly Cain, Ryan Cain, Abby Jacobs, Henry Morris
Coach: Scott Cain
- 1st Place — Team Presentation
- 1st Place — Solar Site Design Challenge
- Grand Champions (Overall)
- 1st Place — Collaborative Challenge (with Uniontown Solar Eagles and Lincoln Solar Leopards)
Solar Queens — Uniontown High School
Team members: Aryonnah Beaton, Camilla Cagle, Paityn Hueston, Jiyah Middleton
Coaches: Carrie Sutcliffe and Christal Martin
- 1st Place — Creative Curb Appeal
Solar Eagles — Uniontown High School
Team members: Ziggy Barbour, Adam Page, Ty Shelton, Ash Sporleder
Coach: Brad Johnson
- 1st Place — Skills Challenges
- 1st Place — Collaborative Challenge (with CLC WASPS and Lincoln Solar Leopards)
Overall Scores:
| School/Team Name | Score |
| CLC WASPS | 1323 |
| Uniontown Solar Eagles | 1218 |
| Uniontown Solar Queens | 1107 |
| Beloit Solar Swords | 1030 |
| Lincoln Solar Leopards | 1011 |
| Woodward Solar Boomers 1 | 900 |
| Woodward Solar Boomers 2 | 823 |
| Oxford Ra | 811 |
| Woodward Solar Boomers 3 + Rock Creek | 796 |
About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility powering rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes member-owners in 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.
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Unified School District 234 Board of Education Regular Meeting, April 13, 2026
Unified School District 234 Board of Education
Regular Meeting Agenda Date: April 13, 2026 Time: 5:30 P.M. Location: 424 South Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701
1.0 Call Meeting to Order
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Presiding Officer: David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
5.0 Honor’s Flight Presentation
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Amy Harper & Guests
6.0 Leadership Reports
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Information/Discussion Item
7.0 New Business
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7.1 Approval of Professional Services Agreement with FSCC for Technology Leadership Services (Action)
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7.2 Declaration of Surplus Property – 1996 Ford Mustang (Action)
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7.3 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Program Renewal – 2026-2027 (Action)
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7.4 School-Based Health Services Agreement Renewal – Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (2026-27) (Action)
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7.5 Strategic Planning Proposal – Teeter Leadership Group (Action)
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7.6 FSHS Electrical Modernization Project – Bid Award (Action)
8.0 Public Forum
9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
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9.1 Enter Executive Session – Negotiations (Information)
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9.2 Exit Executive Session
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9.3 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
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9.4 Exit Executive Session
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9.5 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
10.0 Adjourn Meeting
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Presiding Officer: David Stewart, President
District Contact Information:
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Superintendent: Destry Brown
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Website: www.usd234.org
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Phone: 620-223-0800 | Fax: 620-223-2760
USD 234 Board of Education Press Release for April 13
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, April 13, 2026
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main St.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
03-09-2026
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – March 12, 2026 – $1,840,933.48
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Resolution 25-17 – Bank Signers
LEA Assurances
There was one present for the public forum. The Board went into executive session.
Amy Harper and Lisa Chaplin presented information about that Honor’s Flight that will be taking place this summer. They have raised over $60,000 thanks to various benefits, fundraisers, and community members. The flight will include twenty-four veterans and twenty-four high school students. They will be flying to Washington D.C. and visiting several locations to honor the Veterans. It is a privilege that our community and school district will be involved with this event and hopefully in years to come.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on current district enrollment. Tiger Academy has four full time students and there have been great gains for those involved. Kansas Renewal Institute has fifty-six students and are seeing successes in the students.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. Mr. Mayfield updated on various that grants that the district is applying for. Some have met with those involved in the Preschool building and the progress being made.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on testing that has been taking place all throughout the district. iReady scores will be presented at the May board meeting. Kindergarten Round up was a success with many children and parents attending.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update and invited everyone to Special Olympics on April 29th at Pittsburg State University.
The Board approved the following:
- Approval of Professional Services Agreement with FSCC for Technology Leadership Services
- Declarations of Surplus Property – 1996 Ford Mustang
- Jobs for America’s Graduates Program Renewal 2026-27
- School Based Health Services Agreement Renewal – CHC 2026-27
- Strategic Planning Proposal – Teeter Leadership Group
- FSHS Electrical Modernization Project
The Board went into executive session for negotiations.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
April 13, 2026
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Blythe, Lauren – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School – End of year
Cosens, Jayci – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Girl’s Basketball Coach – Middle School
Gorman, Alison – Supplemental Resignation – Summer Conditioning – Middle School
Gorman, Allison – Supplemental Resignation – Girls’ Summer Conditioning – High School
Hall, Candice – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Harper, Amy – Supplemental Resignation – National Honor’s Society – High School
Hatfield, Amber – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Jackman, Sara – Supplemental Resignation – Building Leadership Team – High School
Jackman, Sara – Supplemental Resignation – Social Studies Department Chair – High School
Sewell, Vickie – Retirement – Science Teacher – Middle School
Sprague, Sierra – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – Winfield Scott
Sprague, Sierra – Supplemental Resignation – Head Cheer Coach – High School
Steury, Jessica – Resignation – Math Teacher – Middle School
Steury, Jessica – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Volleyball Coach – Middle School
Weber, Betty – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
TRANSFER:
Davenport, Sam – Paraprofessional to Student Support Center Supervisor – Middle School
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for 2026-27 School Year:
Brown, Jodi – Speech Language Therapist Full Time
Certified Staff Renewal – Eugene Ware
Certified Staff Renewal – High School
Certified Staff Renewal – Middle School
Certified Staff Renewal – Preschool
Certified Staff Renewal – Special Services
Certified Staff Renewal – Winfield Scott
Ellis, Jennifer – Science Teacher – Middle School
Pickert, MaKayla – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott
Smith, Alyssa – Special Education Teacher – Preschool
VanBuskirk, Don – Business Essentials, Electives, History Instructor – Middle School
Classified Recommendations for 2026-27 School year:
Pitts, William – Cook – Middle School
SUPPLEMENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
Carney, Drew – Boys’ Summer Conditioning – High School
Collins, Clayton – Boys’ Summer Conditioning – High School
Elementary Summer School Staff
Kiel, Samas – Assistant Track Coach – Middle School
KRI ESY Larsen, Danny – Boys’ Summer Conditioning – High School
Uniontown Students Standout In Sunpowered Student Challenge
Tennyson Creek Solar, a project by Doral Renewables, is continuing its commitment to local communities with a series of recent donations supporting education, youth programs, and community organizations across Bourbon County.
As part of this effort, Tennyson Creek Solar has contributed to:
- Uniontown Schools in support of student participation in the SunPowered Student Challenge
- Fort Scott Community College Rodeo
- Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site
- Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Uniontown students participated in the SunPowered Student Challenge, which is an annual event that brings together students from across Kansas to explore solar energy through hands-on projects and team-based competition. The third annual competition took place on April 8 at Wichita State University.
Students participated in wiring, system setup, mounting, collaboration, and presentation challenges throughout the competition. Uniontown teams had a standout performance, bringing home three awards:
- Uniontown Eagles – First Place, Solar Skills Presentation
- Uniontown Eagles – Collaborative Award
- Uniontown Queens – First Place, Curb Appeal
“This type of support gives our students opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have,” said Vance Eden, Superintendent of Uniontown Schools. “Participating in the SunPowered Student Challenge allows them to explore real-world applications of science and energy while building teamwork and problem-solving skills.”
Doral Renewables says these contributions reflect its broader mission of investing in the Bourbon County community.
“We’re committed to supporting local organizations through Tennyson Creek Solar,” said Cliff Williams, Vice President of Development at Doral Renewables. “Initiatives like the SunPowered Student Challenge help inspire the next generation of Bourbon County.”
The Tennyson Creek Solar Project, currently under development in Bourbon County, represents Doral Renewables’ ongoing dedication to responsible renewable energy development and meaningful community investment across Kansas.
Brazilian Student Experiences High School Life in Uniontown
Gabriella Basso, 17, is an international student attending Uniontown High School this school year.
She is from Garibaldi, a municipality in Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil, with an area of approximately 35,000 people. Uniontown has around 300 people.
“I learned about the exchange program through my sister, who also participated in one during the 2022–2023 school year. She originally found out about it on YouTube, and after hearing about her experience, I became really interested in doing the same,” Gabi said.
Her first experience in America was visiting Walt Disney World when she was young.
“At that time, everything felt very big and exciting,” she said. “Later on, through movies and social media, I imagined American high schools as having a lot of school spirit and opportunities. When I finally came as an exchange student, I realized many of those impressions were true, especially the size of the schools and how involved students are in activities.”
“While living here, I’ve learned that sports are a big part of student life, and many people are very involved in school activities. I also noticed how important cars are for daily life, since most people rely on them to get around. Another thing that stood out to me is the strong sense of pride people have in their schools and colleges, as well as the sense of community in many towns.”
Learning all the differences in everyday English and adapting to a new culture have been the biggest challenges for her, she said.
“Even though I studied English before coming, it was still difficult at first to understand everything and express myself the way I wanted. Being away from my family and adjusting to a different routine was also challenging, but it helped me grow a lot as a person.”
“Here in the U.S., I’ve had the opportunity to take classes that are not usually offered in the same way in Brazil, especially as separate, specialized subjects. For example, I’ve taken Human Anatomy & Physiology, FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences), and Agriculture classes. These types of courses are more hands-on and focused on specific skills or career areas, which makes them very different from what I would typically experience in Brazil.”
“American high schools are quite different from schools in Brazil. Here, students have more flexibility to choose their classes and schedules, while in Brazil the curriculum is more fixed.”
“There is also a much bigger focus on extracurricular activities, like sports and clubs, which are a central part of student life. In addition, American schools often have a strong sense of school spirit, which is something I found really interesting.”
The hosting family
She is being hosted by the Chris and Lael Woods family.
“We have enjoyed hosting Gabriella,” said Lael Woods. “Not only is she a sweet, kind-hearted, and fun person, but it has been fun learning about her culture and seeing her experience life as an American teenager. She has been busy learning all the sports and participating in AG and art classes, along with earning a 4.0 GPA.”
“We have a sophomore daughter, Makiah, who is also involved in many activities, so it has packed this year to the brim with fun.”
“Gabi is a Junior. She arrived a week before school started this year, on August 12th. She will leave at the end of May, two weeks after school is out.”
“While she is here, our obligation as her host family is to provide three meals a day and transportation.”
“We have encouraged her to participate in as many activities as she wanted to explore and she has taken that advice to heart! We’ve supported all those endeavors, however, her family pays for any of the expenses that come from her extracurricular activities, like equipment and clothing.”
About the organization that brought Gabi to Uniontown
“Gabi has tried a lot of new activities – sports, art, clubs….everything,” said Janice Rake, with the sponsoring organization, the Pan American Foundation, that matched Gabi with her host family. “Right now, we are working to place many wonderful students for the upcoming school year. They are eager to experience American culture and share their culture—but without a host family, that opportunity is not possible. Families who do host often describe it as a life-changing experience, forming lasting relationships and gaining a global perspective right from their home.”
Rake can be reached at
[email protected]
or
iwanttohost.org .
Heartland REC Announces 12 Future Foundations Scholarship Recipients for 2026
GIRARD, Kan. — April 9, 2026 — Rural communities thrive when the next generation stays, grows, and leads. That’s the belief behind Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative’s Future Foundations Scholarship Program — and this year, 12 high school seniors living on Heartland’s lines are putting that belief into action.
Heartland REC is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Future Foundations Scholarships. Each recipient (three per Heartland director district) will receive $1,000 to support their pursuit of high-need careers in nursing, education, skilled trades, and agriculture at Kansas institutions.
2026 Future Foundations Scholarship Recipients
District 1
Garrett Conley — Agricultural Technology | Pleasanton High School
Ashlan George — Nursing | Pleasanton High School
Kimball Uphoff — Agricultural Engineering | Prairie View High School
District 2
Emma Jean Kintzer — English Education | St. Paul High School
Bryson Peters — Lineman | Erie High School
Allison Weatherman — Pediatric Physical Therapist | Crest High School
District 3
Timothy “Tater” Ames — Automotive Service Technician | Uniontown High School
Seth Shadden — Automotive Service Technician | Uniontown High School
Klara Stock — Elementary Education | Uniontown High School
District 4
Joe Feagan — Electrician | Frontenac High School
Kelyn Page — Elementary Education | Girard High School
Rayleea Russell — Agricultural Education | Girard High School
The Future Foundations Scholarship Program is part of Heartland REC’s broader commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. By investing in students pursuing careers in fields that rural Kansas needs most, the cooperative is helping ensure the long-term vitality of the region.
For more information about the Future Foundations program, visit https://www.heartland-rec.com/community/future-foundations-scholarship/.
About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility powering rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes member-owners in 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.
USD 235 Agenda for April 13
The USD 235 Board of Education will meet April 13 at 7.30 p.m.
The agenda is attached.
Minutes of the USD 234 Board of Education on March 10
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, March 9, 2026
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main St.
Vice President Stewart Gulager opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
02-09-2026
02-11-2026
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – February 20, 2026 – $1,842,624.59
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Food Service Fundraiser
Archery Club Fundraiser
Boys Golf Fundraiser
Students, Junie Fisher, Clark Uttinger, and Levi Fairchild, from Fort Scott High School along with teacher, Angie Bin presented to the Board about their performances, events, and services. They went through each of their performances and events that have happened over the last year. Also, the students have helped with the Food Bank and help lead the Middle School Drama Club. Angie Bin brought a few items that need updated and thanked the Board for their continued support.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. Mr. Mayfield reviewed budget projections and summer projects. There was discussion with the Board about the Preschool building and construction that is happening.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on State Assessment preparations that are underway. He also discussed a couple bills and propositions that are being brought up by the state, he will keep the board updated as his is given information.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on Special Olympics on March 25. Everyone was invited. She also updated on reports and payments that are happening soon.
The Board approved the following:
- Health Insurance Refund
- 10 Passenger Van Purchase
- 2026-27 School Calendar (Pending Negotiations)
- Approval of Graduation Requirements
- High School Activity/Athletic Director Mentor Contract
- KASB Membership Renewal 26-27
- KASB Legal Assistance Fund Renewal 26-27
- Sparkwheel MOU 26-28
The Board received an informational overview of Fort Scott USD 234’s Cost Containment planning. No board action was requested.
There were none present for the public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
Vice President Stewart Gulager adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
March 9, 2026
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Campbell, Marjorie – Resignation – SPED Teacher – High School
Dare, Jeremy – Resignation – Bus Driver
Lemcke, Hailey – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Stewart, Mya – Resignation – Speech Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Coen, Jessica – Resignation – Teacher – PreSchool
Howard, Paulette – Retirement – Gifted/ESOL Teacher – MS/HS
Ables, Andrew – Resignation – Science – Middle School
Rainey, Taylor – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – Eugene Ware
Feeback, Brennen – Resignation – Social Studies – High School
Judy, Mercedes – Resignation – Teacher – Winfield Scott
SUPPLEMENTAL RESIGNATIONS:
Horton, Curtis – Assistant Football, Summer Conditioning – High School
Glades, Matt – Assistant Football, Summer Conditioning – High School
Feeback, Brennen – Head Boys Basketball, Assistant Football, Assistant Track, Summer Conditioning – High School
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for 2026-27 School Year:
Hughes, Madison – Physical Education Teacher – Winfield Scott
Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:
Karleskint, Josh – Bus Driver
SUPPLEMENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Eastwood, Kim – K-5 Summer School Administrator
Farrington, Jannah – ESY Coordinator – grades 6-12
Hendricks, Caleb – 6-12 Summer School Administrator
Jones, Mesa – Assistant Play – Spring
Shoemaker, Billi Jo – ESY Coordinator – grades K-5
Administrator Contracts – Extended 27-28
Terry Mayfield – Assistant Superintendent
Tonya Barnes – Director of Special Education
Jeff Johnson – High School Principal
Josh Regan – High School Assistant Principal
Daniel (DJ) Brown – Middle School Principal
Matt Harris – Middle School Assistant Principal
Yasmina Query – Eugene Ware Elementary Principal
Brandon Boyd – Eugene Ware Elementary Assistant Principal
Chris Garzone – Winfield Scott Elementary Principal
Nick Johnson – Preschool Principal
USD234 Board of Education Agenda for March 9
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
March 9, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
02-09-2026
02-11-2026
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – February 20, 2026 – $1,842,624.59
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
4.7 Food Service Fundraiser
4.8 Archery Club Fundraiser
4.9 Boys Golf Fundraiser
5.0 FSHS Theatre Students presentation – March – Theatre in Our Schools Month
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
7.0 New Business
7.1 Health Insurance Refund
7.2 Cost Containment Planning
7.3 10 Passenger Van Purchase
7.4 Approval of 2026-2027 School Calendar (Pending negotiations)
7.5 Approval of Graduation Requirements
7.6 High School Activity/Athletic Director Mentor Contract
7.7 KASB Membership Renewal 2026-2027
7.8 KASB Legal Assistance Fund Renewal 2026-2027
7.9 Sparkwheel Memorandum of Understanding
8.0 Public Forum
9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
9.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters
9.2 Exit Executive Session
9.3 Approval of Personnel Report
10.0 Adjourn Meeting David Stewart, President
Kansas Thespians Theatre in Our Schools Advocacy Day Topeka, KS
— On March 11, 2026 Kansas Thespians host a Theatre in Our Schools Advocacy Day at the Kansas State Capitol. Over 200 Students, educators, and advocates come to the Capitol from across the state to advocate for positive arts legislation and theatre programming in our schools.
As dedicated supporters of theatre, Senator Cindy Holscher, and Representative Kirk Haskins have partnered with Kansas Thespians for this day to highlight the economic impact of the arts in our communities and the importance of strong arts education in our schools. Kansas Thespians promote lifelong learning through theatre in over 100 high school and junior high Thespian troupes across the state, with over 3000 inducted students.
Their hard work has been honored numerous times at the International Thespian Festival with schools, individual students, and educators from our state being recognized for their remarkable work.
The impact of arts programming and theatre can be felt in communities across Kansas. It is estimated by the Thespians that high school theatre brings in around a million dollars in community monies which is significant to our state. Theatre students will visit with their legislators, observe legislators in action on the floor of the senate, and have a possible photo op with the Governor.
### For more information on the advocacy day, contact the Kansas Thespians Advocacy Chair, Contact: Katie Murphy Advocacy Chair Email: [email protected]
Representatives are available for interviews to speak on this issue and bring awareness to the cause.
To schedule an interview with Thespian Representatives, please contact Katie Murphy
DRAFT Schedule for Theatre in Our Schools Advocacy Day FROM 2025
8:30- Begin arriving. Enter through North Entrance at ground level to pass through security. Proceed to first floor to check in.
9:00- Check on first floor. Tables will be visible.
9:30 – Large group photo
10:00-12:00 – Meetings with Reps
12:00 – Go to singing positions in Rotunda ground floor. Warm up etc.
12:15- Sing in the Rotunda
12:30- 12:50- Press Conference with Senator Cindy Holscher, Representative Haskins and Advocacy Steering Committee committee member
12:50- Lunch, additional legislative appointments
2:15 Assigned schools enter the Senate Gallery.
2:30 Senator Cindy Holscher’s Point of Privilege and Proclamation.
DID YOU KNOW KANSAS THESPIANS …
- Maintains 98 active Thespian or Junior Thespian troupes.
- Has over 2900 active high school or junior high Thespian members in Kansas.
- Has numerous Thespian troupes attend The International Thespian Festival.
- Maintains 6 Student Thespian Officers who work together on the Kansas Thespian State Board.
- Holds a Kansas Thespians Festival each year with over 2300 students, teachers, and college representatives in attendance. During this time Kansas Thespians rent the entire Century II Convention Center and The Wichita Hyatt Regency, Wichita, Kansas for this three day event.
- Had an administrator recognized as Theatre Administrator of the Year by the Educational Theatre Association 2023 and 2024.
- Has an Olathe Director of Theatre selected to serve on the national Educational Theatre Association Board of Directors.
- Is recognized as a Gold Honor Chapter by The Educational Theatre Association.
- Olathe South High School chosen as Outstanding Theatre School 2020 by The Educational Theatre Association.
- Leavenworth High School garnered first place in the nation 2020 for the Theatre in Our Schools Impact Award.
- Topeka West High School chosen as Outstanding Theatre School 2022 by The Educational Theatre Association.
- Topeka West High School garnered first place in the nation 2022 and 2023 for the Theatre in Our Schools Impact Award.
- Topeka High School chosen as Outstanding Theatre School 2023 by The Educational Theatre Association.
Overall, Kansas has over 20,000 students involved in theatre each year with each Kansas Thespian School producing an average of five productions a year. This equates into an average of 15 performances a year per school with an average attendance of 150 people or more per show. When the math is figured,and you add the total number of performances across Kansas, we have at least a quarter of a million people watching high school musicals and plays across our great state with a box office impact of at least $1,300,000 spent on attending high school productions, not to mention spending impact on local businesses for production supplies estimated at another half a million or more.