A total of 18 Kansas High Schools will receive recognition by the Kansas State High School Activities Association for outstanding performing arts programs. Schools were selected from a committee formed from the following associations: Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA), Kansas Speech Communication Association (KSCA), and the Kansas Thespians (Theater).  Schools selected were chosen for scoring exceptionally high in Debate, Speech, Music, and Theater during the 2022-23 school year.

DeSoto High School was selected as the Award winner.  Fort Scott High School was named a finalist along with Lansing, Lawrence-Free State, Pittsburg, Shawnee Mission South, and Sterling.  Schools commended include Emporia, Maize, McPherson, Blue Valley West, Paola, Pretty Prairie, Rock Creek, Bishop Miege, Sylvan-Lucas, Washburn Rural, and Wichita Collegiate.

Special congratulations to our FSHS Performing Arts coaches and sponsors:

Band  –  Justin Robinson

Choir  –  Whitley Chesney

Orchestra  –  Carson Felt

Debate/Forensics  –  Tyler Slinkard

Theater/Drama  –  Angie Bin

Fort Scott High School was named a finalist for this award one previous time, following the 2018-19 school. We were also on the commended list for the 2020-21 school year.

Congratulations again to our sponsors and all of our students involved in these programs!  Outstanding job!