Category Archives: Youth

Fort Scott, History, Schools, Youth

Fort Scott National History Day State Champions Set to Present at Christian Learning Center

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Kenlee Eden, Kodie Wells, and Blair Felt. Submitted photo.
Hadley Wells,  Charlee Wells, Klair Kobernat, and Bella Antone. Submitted photo.

Southeast Kansas will send two projects to the National History Day Championship in College Park, Maryland, June 8-12. Five projects from Christian Learning Center attended the State National History Day Championships in Topeka in April.

The Fort Scott State Champion groups competing at Nationals in June will present their performances at 6:30 PM on Thursday, May 29th, at the Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott. This presentation will allow the students to practice sharing their projects and raise funds for their trip to College Park, MD. The community is invited to attend and support the two groups of students. Attendees can enter through the CLC Gym doors.

The following students are State Champions and will be sharing their projects on May 29th:

Kenlee Eden, Blair Felt, and Kodie Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center will participate in the Senior Group Performance category, coached by Megan Felt and Rachel Wells. Their project is entitled Elzbieta Ficowska: Embracing Her Responsibility to Take a Stand for the Rights of the Polish People. Their project is a performance based on Elzbieta Ficowska. As a baby, Elzbieta was rescued by Irena Sendler from the Warsaw Ghetto and would grow up to become a leader in the Polish Solidarity Movement. As a leader in the Polish Solidarity Movement, Elzbieta Ficowska worked to bring rights and freedoms back to Polish citizens in the 1980s. The people of Poland believed it was their responsibility to free the nation from Communism.

 

Bella Antone, Klaire Kobernat, Charlee Wells and Hadley Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center participated in the Junior Group Performance category at the State National History Day competition, coached by Rachel Wells. Their project is Miners Labor Rights: Mary Skubitz the Voice Above the Ground Who Rose to Fight. The performance is based on the actions of Mary Skubitz and the Amazon Army in Crawford County. In 1921, Mary Skubitz led the Amazon Army to march for the rights of the men and children working in coal mines. They felt it was their responsibility as family, to march for fair payment and working conditions. This march of over six thousand women brought the miners’ struggles for fair labor laws to the surface all around the state of Kansas.

 

 

History Day encourages students to express their knowledge of and interest in history through creative and original dramatic performances, media presentations, historical papers, website design, or three-dimensional exhibit projects. The research and study for district, state, and national competitions take place throughout the entire school year.

The national competition involves the top 2,800 students from across the nation, chosen from over 800,000 who compete to advance from local to state to national competition. All 50 states and several countries will be represented at the National competition. The theme this year is “Rights and Responsibilities in History.”

The Lowell Milken Center provides critiques and helps with research for National History Day Unsung Hero projects from Kansas and throughout the United States.

Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care, Youth

Inspire Health Summer Camps – Registration Now Open!

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Give your student a summer to remember with CHC/SEK’s Inspire Health Summer Camps! Kids will explore exciting healthcare careers through hands-on activities led by local health professionals–including nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and medical and
dental residents.

Inspire Health Kids Camp is for students entering Kindergarten through 6th grade, while Inspire Health Academy is designed for junior high and high schoolers.
Students can choose from three summer camps, each designed to fit their grade level.

All camps will be held at the John Parolo Education Center, 3015 N. Michigan in Pittsburg.

• Inspire Health Kids Camp (Entering Kindergarten – 2nd Grade)
Dates: July 1st – 3rd
Time: 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Cost: $120
• Inspire Health Kids Camp (Entering 3rd – 6th Grade)
Dates: July 22nd – 25th
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $160
• Inspire Health Academy (Entering 7th – 12th Grade)
Dates: July 29th – August 1st
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $160
At Inspire Health Summer Camps, students of all ages explore the world of healthcare through fun, hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and engaging lessons led by CHC/SEK health professionals. Younger campers get a playful introduction to wellness and how the body works, while middle and high school students dive deeper with clinical simulations, creative projects, and career-focused sessions. It’s a unique opportunity to spark curiosity, build skills, and connect with mentors in the healthcare
field.
Space is limited for each camp and scholarships are available to request on the registration form. If you would like to gift a camp scholarship, visit
https://chcsek.org/donate/ and select the Inspire Health Foundation.
To register for any camp visit: https://chcsek.org/inspirehealth/camp-registration/

Inspire Health Foundation is a subsidiary of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. Learn more about Inspire Health.

About Inspire Health Foundation

Inspire Health Foundation, Inc. (IHF) is fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals by
connecting students with experts in the healthcare field. IHF sparks students’ interest in healthcare through camps, events, hands-on learning activities, and scholarships. By partnering with local
healthcare professionals and organizations, IHF provides students with the resources and pathways they need to succeed in their local healthcare systems and positively impact their communities. Founded in 2021, IHF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a subsidiary of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. To learn more, visit https://chcsek.org/inspirehealth.

Fort Scott, Youth

Tiger Drama Camp Presents “The Rainbow Fish”

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The Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp presents “The Rainbow Fish: An Undersea Adventure” by Austin Zumbro at 7 p.m. on May 30 and 31 at the FSHS Auditorium.

The camp is directed and designed by the FSHS Thespians and open to children going into 1st through 9th grades.

Based on the international bestseller and award-winning book, The Rainbow Fish, by Marcus Pfister, the play includes a wonderful message of friendship and belonging. According to Pioneer Drama Service, “These ‘denizens of the deep’ admire the famous Rainbow Fish, the most beautiful fish in all the ocean. But when Rainbow Fish refuses to share their vibrant, shimmering scales, the whole ocean seems to turn against the vain creature. Unhappy that no one adores them anymore, the Rainbow Fish seeks out the wise Octopus. Octopus helps the young fish learn that it’s far better to be admired for being kind than for being beautiful.”

The cast includes nearly 30 students from the surrounding area while 16 high school students serve as directors and technical crew. FSHS recent graduates Emi King and Cooper George serve as Directors and Thespians is directed by FSHS Theatre teacher Angie Bin.

Tickets are $5 and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Tickets are reserved seating and doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

“The Rainbow Fish” is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Denver, Colorado.”

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Bourbon County, Youth

Scouting America: Pancakes Fundraiser on June 7

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A camping trip to Quivira Scout Ranch in Sedan, Kansas, combined both troop groups. 
Back row left to right:  Cody Dean, Xanderia Fowler, Brenda Iverson, and Aaron Finley. Front row: Max Petrillo, Charlie Hoffmeyer, and Xaviar Fowler. The picture was taken on October 6, 2024.

Local Scouts are working towards a monetary goal to go to camp.

Scouting Troop 114 will sell pancakes for $3 on  Saturday, June 7, at the Fort Scott Farmers Market. The market is from 8 a.m. to noon and is located under the Downtown Pavilion on North National Avenue at Skubitz Plaza.

The Downtown Pavilion is at the corner of National Avenue and Old Fort Boulevard. The pavilion houses the Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, and Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.

This is the Troop’s final fundraiser before summer camp, which is planned for June 15-21 at Camp Arrowhead, Marshfield, MO.

At the camp, the children work on earning merit badges, making friends, and “making memories,” said Mandi Widder, one of the troop leaders.

The Troop is divided into Troop B, the boys, and Troop G, the girls.

“It’s called Scouting America, it was the Boy Scouts, they changed their name,” Widder said. “Both boys and girls can join who are entering sixth grade through age 18 can join. We meet on Mondays at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. The leaders of the Girls Troop are Jeff Pommier and Amanda Widder, and the leaders of the Boys Troop is Brenda Iverson. Both troops are number 114. The kids are working hard on merit badges and earning their ranks from Scout rank to Eagle rank.”

First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue,

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Students Work To Beautify the School Campus

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Front: Ella Walker back: Mason Stice, TJ Schaub, Holden Farrell, Boston Thorpe, Gage Madison, Jace Cowan, Romey Rogers, Kalley Swank, Tesla Tinsley, Ginny Cavin. Submitted photo,

 

Submitted by Martha Jane Gentry, St. Mary’s Catholic School writing teacher.

 

St. Mary’s Catholic School sixth-grade students worked to continue the tradition of beautifying the school grounds.

 

Sixth-grade students added plants and mulch to the front entrance during their last week of school.

 

 

Bourbon County, Youth

Local Student Ethan Hill: Gifted in Music and Academics

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Ethan Hill. Submitted photo.

Ethan Hill, a Christian Learning Center high school student, will present a solo piano recital on Saturday, May 17 at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, 301 S. National Avenue. The recital will feature works by Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Schubert, and other composers.

Hill’s piano teacher, Pat Harry, says he is not only a gifted piano student but a gifted academic student as well, and recommended him to be featured on fortscott.biz.

“It is an unusually advanced achievement to present an entire recital of masterworks from memory as a high school student,” she said.

The performance is the culmination of “a lot of years of playing them a lot,” Hill said. He will be using no sheet music during the 40 minutes of his recital performance.

Academically, Hill said he has “always been good at math and sciences, and problem solving.”

Hill has numerous math competition medals (most notably at the Pittsburg State University Math Relays), numerous medals from piano competitions, and two wins at the Sun Powered Student Challenge. He attended Boys State of Kansas, is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, and was voted jr./sr.
high school president.
His extracurriculars included basketball, soccer, swimming, and track through the years.
In his sophomore year, he began looking at different fields of engineering as a career.
This led to his decision to major in biomedical engineering.

Following his graduation on May 15, Hill will head for the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Mo., to major in biomedical engineering and minor in music.

Ethan is the son of Kaleigh and Garrett Hill.

Pat Harry from the Kansas Music Educational Association  Hall of Fame website.

Pat Harry Piano Studio’s owner taught vocal music in Fort Scott for 29 years and in public schools for 39 years.

Currently, she is privately teaching piano to 16 students, with the youngest in first grade and the oldest graduating this year.

 

Area News, Youth

Survey Reports Reduction in Youth Alcohol Use

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REPORTED SUBSTANCE USE AMONG KANSAS YOUTH 

REACHES 30-YEAR LOW 

 

When the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center – Greenbush first administered the Kansas Communities That Care (KCTC) Student Survey in 1995, 36% of students reported they had never drunk alcohol. Now, that number has soared to 76%. 

 

In fact, reported substance use among Kansas youth has reached a 30-year low. “That’s a huge accomplishment schools and communities should be proud of,” said Program Evaluator Jeremy Johnson. “Because of their efforts, we have decades of data trends that provide insight into youth attitudes and behaviors regarding substance use, mental health, bullying, and more.”

 

The survey was designed to provide an anonymous platform for student voice. School districts, community coalitions, and others use that data to apply for funding for services and programs that directly benefit students. Youth feedback also helps inform strategic planning. Combined, these efforts have contributed to significantly reducing risk factors, like substance use.

 

Key findings from 2025 include: 

 

  • Alcohol is the highest reported substance used. Seven percent of youth reported using it in the past 30 days, compared to 4.9% for vaping and 2.6% for marijuana.

 

  • Nearly 31% of youth reported feelings of depression in the past year. That number has steadily decreased since it peaked from 38% in 2022. Similarly, reported suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts have declined in recent years.

 

  • Kids who reported being bullied daily reported feelings of depression more than twice as much as kids who reported they had never been bullied.

 

Greenbush administers the KCTC Student Survey annually to 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th graders across Kansas. The survey is funded by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. 

 

For 2025 survey highlights, see kctcdata.org/results-infographic, or visit kctcdata.org/results for full survey results. Please contact [email protected] with questions.

 

—

Jeremy Johnson
Program Evaluator II / WEL Facilitator
P: 620.724.6281 | M: 620.249.9777

947 W 47 Hwy
PO Box 189
Girard, KS 66743

www.greenbush.org
Business, Fort Scott, Youth

New Splash Pad Restroom Is Nearing Completion

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The new public restroom at the Gathering Place Splash Pad is nearing completion.

Thomas Construction of Fort Scott employees poured concrete on April 25 at the new 12-foot by 14-foot public restroom project. The restroom is located northeast of the Pavilion, on North National at Old Fort Boulevard.

The restroom is handicapped accessible and has a changing station, said Luke Thomas with Thomas Construction.

The yet-to-be-finished inside of the restroom, which includes a changing station,  on the right.

According to Meredith Tucker, spokesperson for the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Committee, the restroom will be officially opened in mid-May.

The hours the restroom will be open are 7 a.m. to dark, seven days a week, coinciding with the splash pad, which will open in mid-May.

The restroom is a one-stall, family-style, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant one, Tucker said.

“It has a changing bench built-in to help families with their loved one,” she said.

Elite Construction, Fort Scott, built the structure also installed some shading umbrellas at the adjacent Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park.

“The splash pad committee hired us to do it,” Derek Houdashelt with Elite Construction said.

“We received another grant from the Timken Company and Walmart Inc.,” Tucker said.

The committee is comprised of Tucker, Bailey Lyons, and Josh Jones.

“The committee has done the bid-letting,”  she said.

A Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park shading device at right, with the new restroom with changing station in the background left.
Two shading devices have been installed on the north side of the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park.

The Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park was a grassroots project that opened in 2023, according to its Facebook page.

Business, Sports, Youth

Tennyson Creek Solar Donates to Uniontown Summer Ball Association

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Jacy Walker, representing Uniontown Summer Ball Assn.  and Marlon Merida, representing Tennyson Creek Solar. Submitted photo.

Tennyson Creek Solar donated to Uniontown Ball Association to support youth development and remains committed to local education through SunPowered Student Challenge.

Tennyson Creek Solar, a project by Doral Renewables LLC, today announced a donation of $1,000 to the Uniontown Summer Ball Association as part of their commitment to improving the communities they operate in and to promote inclusivity. The donation will help provide participation for those in need in the community.

 

“Our aim is to foster a love of the game of baseball as well as provide an inclusive environment where youth can go to feel part of a team and develop their confidence and interpersonal skills,” said Jacy Walker, with the Uniontown Summer Ball Association.

 

​The Uniontown Summer Ball Association is a community organization based in Uniontown, Kansas, dedicated to providing youth baseball, softball, and T-ball programs during the summer months. They offer opportunities for children to engage in team sports, develop their skills, and enjoy recreational activities.

 

In addition to this recent donation, students sponsored by Tennyson Creek Solar recently participated in the SunPowered Student Challenge, where students across Kansas came together for an exciting event focused on the future of solar energy. Through hands-on activities, creative projects, and innovative presentations, participants explored how solar power can shape a more sustainable world.

The Uniontown Eagles presented their project and competed in a variety of technical and social competitions to test their knowledge and problem-solving related to the application of solar in different contexts. In the end, the Eagles were able to win the Curb Appeal Award and take home fifth in the overall competition. This was their first year of competition and the students report excitement and lofty goals for competing next year. Mr. Vance Eden, USD 235 Superintendent shared, “I’m really proud of our team. We were probably the youngest and least experienced group there, but the kids made up for it in effort and passion. I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.”

“Congratulations to the Uniontown Eagles for their involvement in the SunPowered Challenge,” said Cliff Williams, Vice President of Development at Doral Renewables. “We are honored to have been a part of the next generation learning more about the solar industry and the future of energy.”

 

The individuals in the Uniontown ball donation are photo are as follows from left to right:

Jacy Walker and Marlon Merida, representing Tennyson Creek Solar

 

Youth

Application Deadline for 2025 Boys State of Kansas Session Nears; Keynote Speaker Announced

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April 8, 2025 — Less than a month remains to apply for the 2025 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, to be held Sunday, June 1, through Saturday, June 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. The deadline is set for Wednesday, April 30. Applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. This will be the 87th session of the Kansas Boys State program and the 33rd consecutive year at KSU.

Traditionally, Kansas Boys State has been for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. However, the ALBSK program has again expanded the pool of applicants for this year’s session to also include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring. There is no limit on the number of delegates a school, community or American Legion post can send to attend Kansas Boys State.

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2025 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply.

Kansas Boys State attendees are eligible to receive a three-hour course credit (Introduction to Political Science [POLSC 110]) through Kansas State University, as well as earn merit badges to attain the Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, attendees can apply to win a Samsung American Legion Scholarship. The American Legion Department of Kansas finalist is guaranteed to receive a $1,250 scholarship, with the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 as a national scholar.

 

Mike Finnegan, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of K-State Strengths initiative within the Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State University, and a 1998 Kansas Boys State delegate, will be the featured keynote speaker during the Kansas Boys State opening session on Sunday, June 1, starting at 1:30 p.m. in McCain Auditorium. The mission of K-State Strengths is to be a catalyst for students to develop their unique talents in pursuit of being their best selves with a goal to increase student engagement and well-being across campus so students can thrive.

 

In addition, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, also a 1998 Kansas Boys State delegate, will provide remarks and swear-in the elected mayors of KBS cities during a ceremony on Monday, June 2, starting at 6:50 p.m. at the Boys State Assembly Area (Goodnow/Marlatt Hall parking lot).

Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at [email protected] or (785) 550-6492.

 

For complete information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas program, visit ksbstate.org. For information about the 2025 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 1, through Friday, June 6, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.

— #KSBoysState —

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

Area News, Youth

Grants To Support At-Risk Youth Applications Start Today

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CFSEK Launches 2025 Elm Acres Foundation Grant Cycle

Since 2017, the Elm Acres Foundation has hosted an annual grant cycle through the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) to help fund projects and services supporting at-risk youth in Southeast Kansas. Since inception, the Elm Acres grant cycle has awarded over $160,000 to vital service projects benefiting area children.

“CFSEK is proud to continue the legacy of the Elm Acres Foundation, ensuring that at-risk youth in Southeast Kansas have access to essential services and programs that foster their growth and development,” said CFSEK Executive Director Devin Gorman.

Applications for the Elm Acres Foundation grant cycle are available online via CFSEK’s portal until midnight on April 30th. Questions regarding the grant applications should be directed to CFSEK Program Coordinator Kara Mishmash at SoutheastKansas.org/Contact/Kara.

Applications are available at SoutheastKansas.org/Grant-App, and more information about the fund is available at SoutheastKansas.org/EA.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

Students at Fort Scott High School Lead Community Advocacy Efforts

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Students at Fort Scott High School joined the national grassroots effort called Theatre in Our Schools Month (TIOS) to advocate for the benefits of theatre education in schools in the month of March. Members of International Thespian Society (ITS) Troupe #7365 drew attention to the need for increased access to quality theatre programs for all students.

 

To get the word out, students participated in a number of theatre related activities. On Feb. 26 and 28 the troupe participated in community service activities at the Senior Center in downtown Fort Scott. They had a Theatre in Our Schools Month Kick-Off Party on March 4 at the Museum of Creativity. On March 6, the troupe traveled to Topeka to meet with Thespians from across the state and Senator Tim Shallenburger and Representative Rick James to celebrate and discuss Theatre Advocacy Day in KS. Troupe President Cooper George and Secretary Emi King presented to the USD 234 Board of Education on March 10.

 

Throughout the month, the troupe dressed to represent various musicals on Musical Mondays and wore theatre-related shirts on Theatre Shirt Tuesdays. They also had Improv Acting Troupe practice on Tuesdays after school and FSMS Drama Club on Fridays after school. All Drama class students learned about mask use in theatre and created their own masks using plaster strips molded to their own faces. Masks were on display in the Art Gallery throughout the month. Drama classes also held a Creative Costuming contest using a tote full of miscellaneous items to create a unique costume. Technical Theatre classes designed costumes for a specific character based on costuming the school has on hand in our wardrobe. To finish out the month, the troupe saw the FSCC production of “No Exit” on March 26 and held the annual FSHS Talent Show & Minute to Win It on March 28.

 

The ITS is the theatre honor society for middle and high school students. These Thespians plan and implement TIOS activities in their schools, in their communities, and with elected officials. The presentations and activities explain how theatre education positively shapes students’ lives by instilling necessary life skills. TIOS Month is an opportunity for students, parents, communities, school boards, and elected officials to come together to make theatre education more available to all students. One of the key messages is that theatre skills help students develop vital 21st-century skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, as well as social/emotional skills critical to students’ growth as young adults.