Category Archives: Youth

Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Newsletter Oct. 2025

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

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Halloween Parade is October 25

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

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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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]

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

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.

 

FS Preschool Center Trunk or Treat is Oct. 30: Resource Providers Invited

On behalf of the USD 234 School District, we would like to invite you to the 2025 Early Childhood Trunk-or-Treat.  This year’s event will be held on Thursday, October 30 from 4:30-6:00 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center Gym.  All children ages birth through six years old and their families are invited to attend. Last year, school staff and community partners were able to connect with 225 children and their families at our Trunk-or-Treat.

If you are a family resource provider or a community partner, we invite you to attend and set up a table from which children can trick-or-treat.  Agencies typically pass out snacks, candy, trinkets, small prizes, etc.  During this time, you may also provide brochures, resources, and/or helpful information related to your program.  Our goal is to inform families about the resources available in our community.  If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families.  We also welcome you to set up a table for your program.

If you plan to attend our event, please complete the form below by Friday, October 17th so we can have a table reserved for your organization.

Parent Empowerment Circle September Meeting Is September 28

Parent Empowerment Circle September Meeting: 
Is Your Child Struggling in School?
Learn the Real Differences Between IEPs and 504 Plans
🔹 What’s the right plan for your child?
🔹 How do you get one?
🔹 What are your rights as a parent?
Join us for a free, informative session with a Special Education Specialist who will walk us through the key differences between 504 Plans and IEPs, how to start the process, and how to advocate for your child effectively.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Open to all parents and caregivers of children with special needs (any physical or behavioral difference)— whether you’re just starting out or looking to better understand the system.
📅 Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
🕕 Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
📍 Location: First Southern Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
🎤 Guest Speaker: Tonya Barnes, USD 234 Special Education Director
Cherri Walrod
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District
WORK CELL PHONE:  620-945-9081

Parents: Learn the Real Differences Between IEPs and 504 Plans

Is Your Child Struggling in School?
Learn the Real Differences Between IEPs and 504 Plans
🔹 What’s the right plan for your child?
🔹 How do you get one?
🔹 What are your rights as a parent?
Join us for a free, informative session with a Special Education Specialist who will walk us through the key differences between 504 Plans and IEPs, how to start the process, and how to advocate for your child effectively.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Open to all parents and caregivers of children with special needs (any physical or behavioral difference)— whether you’re just starting out or looking to better understand the system.
📅 Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
🕕 Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
📍 Location: First Southern Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
🎤 Guest Speaker: Tonya Barnes, USD 234 Special Education Director
Submitted by
Cherri Walrod
Cherri Walrod, K-State Extension Community Health Worker.
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District

FSHS Announces Auditions for the Musical “Between the Lines”

Fort Scott High School is holding auditions for students in ninth through twelfth grade for “Between the Line,” the musical.

Auditions are from 6:30-9 p.m. on either September 2 or 3 in the FSHS Auditorium. Students only need to attend one night of auditions. Rehearsals are Monday through Thursday from 6:30-9 p.m. Performances are Nov. 11, 13, and 15 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.

“Between the Lines” is based on the young adult novel of the same name by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer. Music and lyrics are by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson with a book by Timothy Allen McDonald & Jodi Picoult.

The musical is directed by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Taylor Jones, and Assistant Directors Mesa Jones and Abby Starkey. FSHS will be the regional debut for “Between the Lines” which Bin first saw at the International Thespian Festival in 2024.

Students who want to audition for a solo role need to prepare a song ahead of time. Sheet music and accompaniment are available from Bin at the high school.

Technical crew members are needed in the areas of sound, lighting, set design, costuming, make-up, stage management, and stagecrew. Applications are available from Bin at the high school.

For additional information, please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

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August Parent Empowerment Circle Meeting Reminder

August Parent Empowerment Circle Meeting Reminder for August 24.

 

Our next Parent Empowerment Circle will focus on fun! The gathering will be held on
Sunday, August 24 from 130 – 3:30 
at the Splash Pad and Sensory Park, 111 N. National Avenue in Fort Scott.
Families should bring their own:
*lawn chairs
*water to drink
*snacks for their kids
*sunscreen
*towels
*dry clothes for their kids
Questions? Contact Cherri Walrod, our Community Health Worker: 620-223-3720 or [email protected]
Cherri Walrod
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District

Parent Empowerment Circle Is August 24 at the Splash Pad

Our next Parent Empowerment Circle will focus on fun! The gathering will be held on Sunday, August 24 from 130 – 3:30 at the Splash Pad and Sensory Park, 111 N. National Avenue in Fort Scott. Families should bring their own lawn chairs, water to drink, plus their own snacks, sunscreen, towels, and dry clothes for their kids.
Questions? Contact Cherri Walrod: 620-223-3720 or [email protected]
Submitted by
Cherri Walrod
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District
620-223-3720, ext. 503