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Category Archives: Youth
Bourbon County CASA Christmas Celebration is Friday, December 12th
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November Parent Empowerment Circle: Family Stress, Burnout and Self-Care Through the Holidays
November Parent Empowerment Circle
This Month’s Focus:
Family Stress, Burnout and Self-Care Through the Holidays
As the holidays approach, join us to pause, breathe, and care for yourself while connecting with others who understand.
🌸 Share experiences and encouragement
🌸 Explore simple holiday self-care strategies
🌸 Learn ways to reduce family stress and find joy in the season
🌸 Connect with a supportive parent community
🌸 Explore simple holiday self-care strategies
🌸 Learn ways to reduce family stress and find joy in the season
🌸 Connect with a supportive parent community
Sunday, November 23, 2025
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
First Southern Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
Children are welcome with parents. Snacks provided.
👉 RSVP or learn more: Cherri Walrod, KSTATE Community Health Worker
Cell: 620-945-908, [email protected]
Cherri Walrod
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District
WORK CELL PHONE: 620-945-9081
Community Endeavors To Honor Veterans With Flags and Ceremonies
Early this morning community volunteers placed American flags on National Avenue from the Fort Scott Police Station, 1604 S. National Avenue, to the U.S. National Cemetery, on east National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, the Fort Scott Fire Department, Fort Scott Community College Softball Team members and other volunteers, placed American flags on National Avenue that leads into the national cemetery.
“We do it every year, ” said Fort Scott Fire Department Assistant Chief Mike Miles. “On holidays such as Flag Day, Veterans Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day. We start at 7 to 8 a.m. then pick them up before dusk.”
“The vets take all the help they can, there are a couple of hundred flags to place,” he said. “Whoever will get involved.”
An estimated crowd of 30 helped this morning.
At noon today, there was a Veterans Day Program at Memorial Hall at 11 a.m. followed by a ham and bean lunch at the VFW on South National Avenue. In both the USD234 School District and USD235 School District there were Veteran honoring assemblies at different schools.
History of Veterans Day, taken fromhttps://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/
“World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
Mesa Casper Will Compete at Cross Country National Championship
2024 Fort Scott High School Graduate, Mesa Casper, will compete with her collegiate team, the Spires, of the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth at the NAIA Cross Country National Championships in Tallahassee, FL on Friday, November 21st. The team clenched their national qualification with a close runner up finish at the KCAC Championships on November 8th on their home course in Leavenworth.
Additionally, Casper was named the KCAC Champion of Character for her team at the KCAC Conference Championships.
“The KCAC (Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference) Champions of Character awards recognize student-athletes and teams who best represent the NAIA Champions of Character Program’s mission. These awards honor individuals and groups that exemplify the program’s five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. The awards are presented to those who demonstrate these values both on and off the field.”
Casper is in her sophomore year at the University of Saint Mary where she is majoring in Nursing and competes on the Cross Country and Track teams. She was a 6 time 4A State Qualifier in Cross Country and Track as a Tiger Runner.
Kaylee Lunsford Receives $10,000 Scholarship
The American Hereford Association (AHA) hosted their annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 24. This year 27 National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members were awarded $165,500 in scholarships.
A junior member from our community, Kaylee Lunsford, received the $10,000 Vanier Family Scholarship at the event, provided by the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA).
Kaylee Lunsford, Fort Scott, Kan., is an animal science major in her last year at Oklahoma State University.
She has broad future goals that include agricultural law and business. “My ambition is to use this foundation to address the critical challenges of global food security by bridging the gap
between producers and the consumers who depend on them,” she says. “I want to be part of the conversations that will later shape agricultural policy and trade, ensuring that the producer’s voice is
represented in decisions that impact the future of our industry.”.
Ten National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members each received a $10,000 Vanier Family Scholarship, totaling $100,000 of financial support, from the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA). The scholarships were presented as part of the 2025 World Hereford Conference coinciding with the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting in Kansas City,
Mo., on Oct. 24. During the Shaping the Breed’s Future: Young Breeders Competition and HYFA Scholarship Awards Luncheon presented by VitaFerm®
HYFA and its donors awarded $165,500 in scholarships to 27 NJHA members to help support their higher education goals.
“This year marks a truly special milestone for the Hereford Youth Foundation of America’s scholarship program,” says Amy Cowan, AHA director of youth activities and foundation. “Throughout
the past decade, thanks to the generosity of the Vanier family, we’ve awarded $1 million in scholarships to 100 young people who represent the bright future of the Hereford community. It’s truly an honor to continue Jack and Donna Vanier’s legacy. Their deep belief in education, youth and the Hereford family
continues to inspire us all.”
The Vanier family believes the work ethic young people learn growing up in the Hereford breed
sets them apart in today’s workforce.
Come support FSHS Zero Reasons Why at Papa Don’s Pizza Wednesday, November 5th
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FSHS Thespians Announce Auditions for Children’s Christmas Show
The Fort Scott High School Thespians are holding auditions for A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller.
Auditions are open to children in 1st-8th grades and take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 17 OR 18 in the FSHS Auditorium. Children do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should plan to stay for the duration of the audition time on one of the nights. Parents should be present at the beginning for information and to fill out audition forms.
Rehearsals are Nov. 19 & 20, Dec. 1-4, and Dec. 9-11 from 6-8 pm. Productions are Dec. 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. There is a $30 participation fee for children cast in the show.
A Christmas Carol is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 with any questions.
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Fort Scott High School Performs “Between the Lines”
Fort Scott High School students will perform the new musical Between the Lines at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11, 13, and 15 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the FSHS Auditorium.
Between the Lines is based on the novel by international bestselling author Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer, featuring a book by Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, The Big One-Oh!) and score by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson (Apple TV+’s “Central Park”).
“Between the Lines is an empowering and enchanting story for anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world. An outsider in a new town and a new school, Delilah seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite book, where she feels heard and understood by the handsome Prince Oliver. But as the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur in extraordinary ways, Delilah realizes her dreams in the real world are worth fighting for,” according to publisher Music Theatre International.
The production features Senior Junie Fisher as Delilah and Senior Levi Fairchild as Prince Oliver. Nearly forty FSHS students perform in the cast or serve as designers or crew members for the musical.
“This particular musical was the perfect choice to feature two of our most outstanding seniors this year. Junie and Levi’s vocal talents are excellent on their own and so beautiful on their duets. Both plan to go into music or theatre and perhaps education as a future career and I could not be more proud of them in this show,” said Theatre Director Angie Bin.
Between the Lines is also directed by Music Director Taylor Jones, Choreographer Mesa Jones, and Assistant Director Abby Starkey. Bin and Fisher first learned of Between the Lines when they saw a production at the 2024 International Thespian Festival. Bin was then able to attend a workshop and meet with Jodi Picoult and the other authors of the musical in person.
Tickets are reserved seating in advance and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com. Seating is limited, but some tickets may be available at the door. Adults are $8 and children are $6. A $14 VIP Ticket experience includes the opportunity to meet the cast and take an exclusive photo, a Between the Lines gift bag, concession snack, and concession drink.
Scout Troop Will Work On Hiking Merit Badge on November 1
Two young men from Scout Troop 114 are working on their last hike for their hiking merit badge. They will be hiking 20 miles. They would like the community to come out and give them some encouragement. They hike about 3 miles per hour. Their names are Charlie Hoffmeyer, age 14 and Max Petrillo, age 11.
The route they will be hiking is as follows
Leaving Pete’s on Wall Street, headed to Holbrook on Wall Street to 2nd Street and Lowman, then turn right on 6th Street, turn on Horton and walk past the community college and continue on Horton to Indian Road. The children will be taking a small break at Indian Road. They will then continue past 165th Road and Indian Road, then 165th and Huckleberry. They then plan to rest again at the parking lot for Hollister. They will continue to follow the curves in the road to 130th. The final intersection in their route is 130th and Brch.
The start time of this hike is 0600 on Saturday, November 1st
Katelyn Dancer Is Attending Tel Aviv Univsersity Then Columbia University
Katelyn Dancer, 19, is the daughter of Tracy Dancer and Kathy Gillmore Dancer, Fort Scott.
She decided to attend Columbia University for the opportunity to attend two colleges, one in Tel Aviv, Israel, and then a second degree at the Columbia campus in New York.
“I chose to attend Columbia for its unique dual degree program. This degree program allows students to complete different bachelor’s degrees in the traditional four years.”
“For their first bachelor’s degree, students go to an overseas university in their freshman and sophomore years, and the second bachelor’s degree is completed at Columbia University in New York.”
“As a sophomore, I am currently attending Tel Aviv University in Israel— but I’m very excited to be in New York next year. For me, this program made attending an Ivy League of any sort possible, financially and acceptance-wise.”
“I get one degree from Tel Aviv University and one degree from Columbia University. At TAU, I will receive a Bachelor’s of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies, and my current plan is to major in American Studies at Columbia with future plans for Law School.”
“Paying an Ivy League tuition, in my case, became much more realistic when faced with only two years of tuition and housing in New York instead of four years. The acceptance rate to my dual degree program is also about 22%, whereas the general acceptance rate for Columbia University is a whopping 4%.”
“I started gathering information about schools I was considering applying to in the middle of my junior year. The process of applying to colleges was very time-intensive because of my decision to apply to multiple low acceptance schools.”
“The total undergraduate population at Columbia University is about 9,500. However, there are only about 120 students in the Dual Degree program between TAU and Columbia.”
Not only classroom learning, Katelyn is also learning about other cultures by living in a foreign country.
“The best part about my experience so far has been the travel and independence I’ve gained. I’ve had a truly unique experience, and I’m extremely proud of myself, as is my family, for moving across the world and living and studying in a foreign country by myself.”
“The biggest challenge has been being so far away from my support system in Kansas and the large credit load each semester. The workload is manageable, but classes can run until 8 p.m., so I can have very long days of classes.”
“I am thrilled to be the first graduate in a very long time to attend an Ivy League school.”
Katelyn graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2024.
“I hope it is the beginning of a new period for FSHS graduates where students truly have the opportunity and support to apply and stand out to Ivy League schools.”
She credits the school counselor and teachers for the chance to follow her dream.
“I wouldn’t have been able to apply to these highly selective schools without the help of Mrs. Martin and the wonderful teachers who wrote recommendation letters, hosted clubs, and gave me a strong foundation on which to build. I would encourage every Fort Scott student to shoot for the stars because with the right focus, commitment, and timeline (start early!) FSHS graduates are absolutely capable of landing themselves as Ivy League alumni.”
Ivy League schools are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world. Eight private Northeastern American schools are known for their highly selective admission process, academic excellence, and promising career opportunities for those who attend, according to U.S. News and World Report online.
Princeton University, New Jersey; Harvard University, Massachusetts; Yale University, Connecticut; University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania; Cornell University, New York; Brown University, Rhode Island; Dartmouth College, New Hampshire; and Columbia University, New York, are the Ivy League Colleges.
USD235 Vocational Agriculture Building Is Prepared For The Future
The Uniontown school district has an expanded classroom and shop, all new workspaces, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation, along with new security features to take the vocational agriculture program at the junior high and high school into the future.
Vocational Agriculture Instructor Scott Sutton told attendees at the October 23 open house that there was a definite need for the renovation to the building constructed in 1967. The building is on the north side of the main campus building on Fifth Street in Uniontown.
The shop floor was uneven, there was no air conditioning, and the electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems needed to be upgraded. The roof was replaced about nine years ago and was still under warranty, Sutton said.
The classroom space was extended in size, and additionally, space was added to the shop by removing some stairs to a loft that was taken out. And now the teacher can see what is going on in the shop, while in the classroom, with a security camera.
“It’s ADA compliant, fire marshal approved,” he said.
The modernization of the 40-foot by 70-foot building began in February 2025. “It was gutted to the beams, the floor was torn out, and the new windows, electric, plumbing, ventilation system, air conditioning, and heating installed. We had heat, but no air conditioning,” Sutton said. “A new CNC Plasma Table to make metal parts will be here next week. It’s a common industry standard.”
Sutton is the only vo.ag. teacher in the district with 187 students in the junior/senior high school, and 59 of those students are enrolled in the vo.ag. classes.
Freshmen students are offered an agriculture science class. Sophomores are offered plant and animal science, Juniors- agriculture mechanics (welding, electrical, engines), Seniors- agriculture leadership and communication.
USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said the program helps students with the teaching of “presentation of self and team effort.”
Sutton said students have been very successful with livestock judging, meat judging, parliamentary procedure, and public speaking competitions in the program. “Several students have received scholarships for livestock and meat judging at the collegiate level. And there are a lot of other scholarship opportunities in the agriculture field and through FFA.
The renovation was sparked by an audit in 2021 that declared there was a need for a plan for the future of the building, USD235 Superintendent Vance Eden said. There was poor insulation, leaks and exhaust fume problems, among others.
A bond issue that included a renovation of the building failed in November 2023. COVID-19 Pandemic era funds were able to be set aside along with some Capital Improvement State Aide, Eden said. “We knew something was going to have to be done, so we saved for 3-4 years.”
The building renovation was just under one million dollars. There was also a donation from the Timken Foundation for the project.