Category Archives: Youth

Fort Scott, Youth

Katelyn Dancer Is Attending Tel Aviv Univsersity Then Columbia University

Leave a comment
Katelyn Dancer in Tel Aviv. Submitted photo.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Schools, Youth

USD235 Vocational Agriculture Building Is Prepared For The Future

Leave a comment

 

Machines of various types are available to students at Uniontown VoAg. shop.

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.

Scott Sutton, from the USD 235 Staff Directory.

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.

Scott Sutton, center, discusses the newly made (by students) welding spaces with attendees.

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.”

An example of what can be made from a plasma table, Sutton said.

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.

Vance Eden, from the USD 235 Staff Directory.

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.

 

 

 

Kansas, Youth

Safety Tips For Halloween

Leave a comment

SKK Header

TOPEKA – With just a few safety steps, you can prevent children from going bump in the night to ensure a happy Halloween. Injuries can be scary, but the good news is they are preventable. Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Poison Center and the Kansas State Fire Marshal remind families to make safety part of your fall festivity planning.

Child pedestrian injuries are more likely on Halloween than on any other night of the year. Drivers need to slow down and be extra alert, especially in neighborhoods, as more children will be on the streets and sidewalks. Kids may be focused on gathering candy and the excitement of the holiday rather than being careful while crossing streets.

Review safety rules with your kids before they leave the house. Children younger than age 12 should not cross streets on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager. If your children are mature enough to be out without supervision, make sure they keep to familiar areas that are well-lit, stick to a pre-planned route and trick-or-treat in groups. Carry a cell phone in case of an emergency but pay attention to your surroundings and don’t be distracted by texting or talking on the phone.

“On Halloween night, it’s important to see and be seen,” Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas, said. “Carry a flashlight and have your trick-or-treaters wear reflective tape or stickers on costumes and treat bags.”

Remind children to be careful with candy. It’s hard to resist the temptation to dive right into treats, but it is best to check sweets before children are allowed to eat them. Only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers. Also, be aware that kids are in a candy-seeking mode, so keep medicine locked up and away and keep the Poison Help number programmed into your phone: 1-800-222-1222.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home structure fires happened because decorations were too close to a heat source. Most of these incidents were started by candles. Play it safe and use battery-powered candles or lights. Remember to ensure your family has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, both inside and outside of every sleeping area.

“Our goal is to keep every trick-or-treater safe this Halloween,” Mark Engholm, Kansas Fire Marshal, said. “Use battery-powered candles, watch for trip hazards and remind kids to stay alert and visible while out collecting treats.”

With Halloween just a week away, follow these tips to ensure everyone has a fun and safe holiday:

Costume Safety

  • Choose costumes and decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
  • Prevent trips and falls by choosing a costume that is the right size and choose non-toxic face paint and makeup instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
  • Make trick-or-treaters visible to drivers with reflective tape or stickers and carry glow sticks and flashlights to help see and be seen. Remind kids not to chew or bite glow sticks, as the liquid inside can irritate their mouths and eyes.

Decorate Safely

  • Keep flammable materials such as hay bales, corn stalks and paper decorations away from heat and flame sources, including candles, light bulbs and heaters.
  • Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns and decorations.
  • Set a reminder to blow out any candles and unplug lights at the end of the evening.
  • If you are attending parties or haunted houses, look for the exits in case of an emergency.
  • If using dry ice, wear gloves or use tongs when handling it, and do not put it in cups where it could be swallowed and cause severe burns.

Walk Safely

  • Stick to sidewalks or paths. Do not walk through neighbors’ yards, as there may be hazards you can’t see.
  • If there are no sidewalks along your street, walk on the road facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
  • Only cross the street at corners and crosswalks – not between parked cars – and make eye contact and wave at drivers before crossing to ensure they see you.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings and put away phones and other potential distractions.

Drive Safely

  • Slow down and be alert in residential neighborhoods, especially when turning at intersections or entering and exiting driveways and alleys. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
  • Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
  • Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

For more tips on how to keep kids safe on Halloween and throughout the year, visit safekids.org.

###

 

About Safe Kids Kansas Safe Kids Kansas is a non-profit coalition of statewide partners working to prevent childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability in children. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment serves as the Lead Agency for the coalition.

Visit us at safekidskansas.org, Facebook and Instagram.

About the Kansas State Fire Marshal

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Kansas from the hazards of fire, explosion and hazardous materials. KSFM’s aims to reduce the deaths, injuries, and property losses of Kansans through inspection, enforcement, regulation, investigation, hazardous material incident mitigation and public education.

Visit us at firemarshal.ks.gov, on Facebook or X/Twitter.

About the Kansas Poison Center The Kansas Poison Center at The University of Kansas Health System serves the entire state of Kansas 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All calls are free, fast and confidential. Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.

Visit us on Facebook or X/Twitter

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Youth

Turning Classroom Curiosity into Discovery: Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Newsletter

Leave a comment

View this email in your browser

October 23, 2025

Vol. 11

Turning Classroom Curiosity into Discovery

THE SEARCH IS ON.

History is full of heroes whose stories haven’t yet been told. The 2026 Discovery Award gives students in grades 4–12 the chance to bring one of those stories to life and show how one person’s courage, compassion, or innovation can change the world.

In the News: Discovery Award Success Stories

Jericho Schools Unveil New Banners

Jericho Schools are celebrating their students’ success in the Discovery Award and ARTEFFECT competitions with new banners showcasing their winning projects!

LMC Fellows Sarah Espinal (’24), and Theresa Cantwell, and Valerie Conklin (’25) proudly displayed the banners, which highlight the creativity, research, and storytelling that brought Unsung Heroes to life in their classrooms.

The banners serve as daily inspiration for students and staff — a reminder that every story has the power to make a difference.

👉 Learn more about how your students can participate: lowellmilkencenter.org/competitions
Facebook icon
Instagram icon
Twitter icon
Email icon
Website icon
Entertainment, Youth

Downtown Trick or Treat Parade Oct. 25

Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber member

Lowell Milken Center

for Unsung Heroes
The Lowell Milken Center invites you to visit during the

Downtown Trick-or-Treat Parade!

Saturday, October 25th

1 S. Main Street

 

LMC will have Candy, Toys, and a family photo op available

starting at 11am.

The photo backdrop will be up until November 1st if you want to stop by for a Fall photo on another day!

Click HERE for the Lowell Milken Center or Unsung Heroes Facebook Page!

Click HERE for the Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Website!

A special thank you to our

2025 Chamber Champion members!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Fort Scott, Youth

Local Girl Attends Ivy League School Seeking Research and Graduate Opportunities

Leave a comment
Caroline Barnes. Submitted photo.

Caroline Barnes, 18, a Fort Scott High School 2025 graduate, started at one of the nations Ivy League colleges in August.

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; U. of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania; Cornell University, New York, Brown University, Rhode Island; Dartmouth College, New Hampshire and Columbia University, New York are the list of Ivy League Colleges.

Carolyn is the daughter of Penny Pollock-Barnes and Chris Barnes.

Why did you choose Cornell for college? And when did you start?

“I started this Fall (moved in August 18th, class started August 25th). I chose Cornell because it’s in a location I enjoy (upstate NY), it is strong in many fields (I have interdisciplinary interests, as you’ll see in my minors and majors), and has many opportunities for research and graduate study in plant biology. There’s also a very specified major to what I want to study.”

What is your major?

“I am majoring in Biological Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Cornell is divided into smaller colleges, like the College of Engineering, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Art, Architecture, and Planning. Biological Sciences is within both the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences). I’m wanting to concentrate in Plant Biology, and to minor in Business and in Fashion Studies.”

Was the process difficult applying at an Ivy League school?

“It was much more complicated than applying to a state school, but only slightly more involved than other out of state colleges I applied to. For many colleges you do a basic application through the Common App, which has a set of questions and essays of its own, and then complete essays specific to the university. For Cornell, the specific college your major is in also requires essays. This ended up being around 5 short essays, the longest having a word limit of 500 words and the smallest 150 words. Now the application requires submission of ACT scores, but they were not submitted at all when I applied.”

How many attend the college?

“3,861 in the class of 2029,

16,128 undergrads,

26,793 total students.”

What is the best part so far of your college experience?

“I would say getting all As in my first two preliminary exams (these are cumulative exams but over about half or a third of the course material interspersed through the year, and then a final fully cumulative exam at the end of the semester. We don’t do tests over each unit/idea). Coming into the semester I was really worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle the coursework. Doing well on the exams (they were curved to As) made me feel better at belonging at Cornell. The friends I’ve made are also a highlight, but there’s nothing specific enough to note.”

What has been a challenge?

“It has been a challenge balancing school work with social engagement. To stay on top of my work, especially my chemistry class, I could easily spend 6-9 hours a day working outside of class. It usually ends up being about 7. To try and make sure I’m still having social interaction on a typical day I always get dinner with a group of friends and form study groups with friends in the same classes. I also have to intently plan actual hangouts, which is harder to fit in, but necessary. Joining clubs was also helpful, so I’m part of a mental health club, a voting advocacy club, a dungeons and dragons club, and a leadership club. All of these things has made balancing school with social engagement easier.”

How can you encourage those at Fort Scott High School  to dream big for their future?

“Get involved in high school. Even if you don’t want to leave Fort Scott, or know what you want to do, you’ll be exposed to so many new people and you’ll learn the things you like. No one is going to judge you for being involved. Also, don’t be afraid to start a club and make a major impact. If you can show a demonstrated interest you could have a huge impact on the school and town. You just have to try it!!”

“We also have really great counselors. Reach out to them to talk about school things and future things. They want to help you and they’re good at it. Don’t go through things alone.”

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Youth

Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Newsletter Oct. 2025

Leave a comment

View this email in your browser

October 14, 2025

Vol. 10

Help us discover the next Unsung Hero!

DISCOVER. CREATE. CHANGE.

The 2026 Discovery Award Competition is open!

Students in grades 4–12 can bring to light an Unsung Hero, someone who made a profound and positive impact on history but whose story isn’t widely known.

Do you know a student who loves history, storytelling, or making a difference?

Encourage them to enter the

Lowell Milken Center’s Discovery Award Competition!

Students can create a documentary, performance, or website about an Unsung Hero and compete for cash prizes.

👉 Entries are due July 1, 2026.
📚 Learn more: lowellmilkencenter.org/competitions/discovery-award

Give Your Students the Chance to Shine Beyond the Classroom

Looking for a project that combines creativity, research, and purpose through project-based learning?

The Discovery Award challenges students to uncover an Unsung Hero, an individual whose actions made a profound and positive impact on history, but who remains largely unrecognized by contemporary generations. Then bring their story to life through a documentary, performance, or website.

Perfect for grades 4–12, this competition supports project-based learning by inspiring critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

If your students are already competing in other competitions, their projects can be modified to meet the Discovery Award criteria.

📆 Entries due July 1, 2026
📲 Learn more here →

In the News: Discovery Award Success Stories

Facebook icon
Instagram icon
Twitter icon
Email icon
Website icon

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Youth

Halloween Parade is October 25

Leave a comment

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to the

Downtown

“Trick-or-Treat”

Halloween Parade

& Festivities!
Sponsors needed!

The past couple of years the attendance has been growing for the Downtown Trick-or-Treat parade with 600+ kids in attendance! At the end of the parade, we serve a slice of pizza and a drink to each child who is in costume. We have been very thankful for the gracious donations from you all in the past!

If your business is interested in making a donation, please contact us!

Email [email protected] or call the Chamber at 620-223-3566.

We will accept monetary donations or other items such as pop, juices,

or bottled water.
Schedule of events:

Saturday, October 25, 2024

10-11am: Halloween photo backdrop for pictures with your own camera.

Face painting will be offered by the Fort Scott High School Community Empowerment Club and Thespian Clubs!

11am: Parade will start at La Hacienda, down the west side of Main Street to 2nd, then back down the east side of Main Street to Skubitz Plaza.

Following parade: A slice of pizza and a drink will be served to the kids in costume provided through the generous donation of local businesses!

***Businesses along Main Street will be handing out candy during the parade, and businesses not on Main Street as well as any community organizations, are welcome to set up a table along Main to pass out candy, coupons, promo items, etc.***

Please email the Chamber if your business or organization will be passing out candy, so we

can plan accordingly!

Click HEREto visit the FS Downtown “Trick-or-Treat” Halloween Parade

Facebook Event Page!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Church news, Fort Scott, Youth
Leave a comment

FSN Teens Launch “Rent-a-Teen” Fundraiser This October to Support Students’ Trip to Nazarene Youth Conference 2026

 FSN Teens at Fort Scott Nazarene is excited to announce its “Rent-a-Teen” fundraiser, running throughout the entire month of October. Community members can support local youth while receiving help with projects such as yard work, cleaning, and other odd jobs.

All proceeds will directly benefit FSN Teens’ upcoming trip to the Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC) 2026, scheduled for July 1–5, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. NYC is a life-changing gathering where high school students from across the U.S. and Canada come together for worship, service projects, concerts, and spiritual growth. This year’s theme, “Wonder,” will inspire students to deepen their faith and live it out boldly.

“Rent-a-Teen is more than a fundraiser—it’s an opportunity for our students to serve their community while preparing for an event that can shape their lives and faith for years to come,” said Pastor Nick.

FSN Teens (grades 7–12) is a ministry of Fort Scott Nazarene that exists to help students encounter God, pursue Jesus, and make an impact. Weekly activities include Wednesday night youth group with dinner, worship, and small groups (6:30–8 PM), as well as Friday morning Donuts & Devos for high school students. Teens also engage in Sunday worship, leadership opportunities like the Impact Summer Internship, and special trips and events throughout the year.

Community members can request a teen worker anytime during October by emailing [email protected] with project details. Teens will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and donations are gladly accepted for their time and work.

For more information or to schedule a teen, please contact [email protected]

Exercise, Schools, Youth

Walk and Roll To School Day Oct. 8: Winfield Scott, Fort Scott

Leave a comment

Kansas students celebrate Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 8

Schools across Kansas will be celebrating International Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 8, with support from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. This annual event promotes safe behaviors and community connection by encouraging students and families to walk, bike and/or roll to school.

Currently, there are 27 schools across the state participating. Schools are encouraged to register for the event and download free materials at saferoutes.ksdot.gov/iwrsd.

October is also National Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to focus on enhancing safety for people walking. Pedestrians of all ages are vulnerable, especially children. By promoting awareness of people walking and using other active modes, Walk and Roll to School Day contributes to improving roadway safety roadways for everyone.

A few safety tips to keep in mind this October and all year long:

  • All: Follow the rules of the road; obey signs and signals.
  • Drivers: Watch for pedestrians, yield to pedestrians in or at crosswalks and never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. Always use caution when backing up or driving in hard-to-see conditions.
  • Pedestrians: Stay focused, cross streets carefully at marked crosswalks when available, make eye contact with drivers who are slowing or stopped at a crossing and walk on sidewalks when available.
Organization City
1 USD 417 – Prairie Heights Elementary School Alta Vista
2 USD 268 – Cheney Public Schools Cheney
3 USD 417 – Council Grove Elementary School Council
4 USD 417 – Council Grove Middle School Council
5 USD 396 – Douglass High School Douglass
6 USD 396 – Sisk Middle School Douglass
7 USD 396 – Seal Elementary School Douglass
8 USD 253 – Walnut Elementary Emporia
9 USD 234 – Ft. Scott Elementary School Fort Scott
10  USD 457 – Charles Stones Intermediate Center Garden City
11 USD 457 – Florence Wilson Elem Garden City
12 USD 292 – Wheatland Schools Grainfield
13 USD 500 – Frank Rushton Kansas City
14 USD 500 – Quindaro Elementary Kansas City
15 USD 395 – La Crosse Elementary School La Crosse
16 USD 497 – Quail Run Elementary Lawrence
17 USD 497 – Langston Hughes Elementary School   Lawrence
18 USD 383 – Oliver Brown Elementary School Manhattan
19 USD 410 – Hillsboro Elementary School Marion
20 USD 373 – Northridge Elementary Newton
21 USD 233 – Havencroft Elementary School Olathe
22 USD 233 – Scarborough Elementary School Olathe
23 USD392 – Osborne County Schools Osborne
24 USD 512 – John Diemer Elementary Overland Park
25 USD 512 – Brookridge Elementary Overland Park
26 USD 321 – Rossville Grade School Rossville
27 USD 323 – St. George Elementary School St. George

 

About KDOT Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School is a comprehensive and effective approach to getting more kids biking, rolling and walking safely to school. Visit KDOT’s Safe Routes to School website at saferoutes.ksdot.gov to learn more and sign up for the quarterly e-newsletter.