Sophomores Garner Invites to Prestigious State Academy

A trio of Kearney High School Students have been invited to attend an elite academic experience.

Kearney High School sophomores Luke Vanderstel, Carl “Ben” Jenkins and Carter Lydick were recently selected to attend the 2025 Missouri Scholars Academy this summer at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Founded in 1985, the Missouri Scholars Academy is a three-week residential program for 330 of Missouri’s academically gifted students who are ready to begin their junior year of high school, according to the program’s website. The Academy is held each June on the Mizzou campus and administered by the university’s Honors College.

“It’s an honor to be nominated and selected for this program,” KHS Counselor Ashlee James said. “We’re so proud of Carter, Luke and Carl, and excited to see what they accomplish at this summer’s academy!”

All public and private schools in Missouri are eligible to nominate at least two sophomore students for the Academy. A selection committee, comprised predominantly of teachers from across the state, evaluates the nominations. Students are selected based on a variety of factors, including grade point average, test scores, essay submissions and letters of recommendation. They also have to demonstrate leadership, creativity, intellectual curiosity, problem-solving ability and initiative.

With a carefully selected faculty and staff, a specially designed curriculum with interdisciplinary courses, and a variety of stimulating extracurricular activities, the Academy enables students to be part of a unique learning community. The Academy provides a model that all schools can use in building or expanding their own programs for gifted students. Educators who have served as faculty members have used this experience to benefit students in their local schools.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story

KHS Celebrates Future Educators at Signing Day Ceremony

In a heartfelt ceremony that blended tradition, pride and purpose, Kearney High School hosted its annual Future Educators Signing Day last night in the school library.

The event honored 11 seniors who have completed the school's Education Internship program and are preparing to pursue degrees in teaching at colleges and universities across Missouri and beyond.

Kayla Resler – Northwest Missouri State University – Elementary Education

This meaningful milestone, modeled after athletic and fine arts signing ceremonies, celebrates students who have committed to entering the teaching profession, a calling that shapes future generations. Family members, staff, and school leaders gathered to recognize the hard work and dedication of these future educators.

"These students represent the very best of what Kearney has to offer," said Mendy Salmonson, the KHS educator who leads the two-year internship program. "They've already spent hundreds of hours in classrooms, learning the realities of teaching and discovering their passion for education. This is more than a career choice for them—it's a mission."

The following students participated in the April 2 signing day event:

Grace Daily – University of Kansas – Elementary Education

Elizabeth Demers – Maple Woods Community College – Special Education

Jules Ford – College of the Ozarks – Vocal Music Education

Olivia Kinstler – Missouri State University – Elementary Education

Brook Llewellyn – Maple Woods Community College – Elementary PE

Kayla Resler – Northwest Missouri State University – Elementary Education

Brylee Stegall – Missouri State University – Early Education

Klara Wentzel – College of the Ozarks – Instrumental Music Education

Three additional students were unable to attend the event but have also committed to pursuing degrees in education:

Garrett Hodge – Missouri State University – Secondary PE

Alaina Lehman – Central Methodist – Elementary Education

Elizabeth Shoemaker – University of Missouri–Kansas City – Elementary Education

The Education Internship Program is part of Kearney School District's Real World Learning initiative and provides seniors with hands-on learning experiences in elementary and secondary classrooms throughout the district. Under the guidance of mentor teachers, students assist with instruction, observe classroom management techniques, and begin developing their own teaching styles.

"We know how critical great educators are to the success of our schools and our communities," KSD Superintendent Emily Miller said. "It's exciting to see this next generation of teachers come up through our own system. We couldn't be prouder of them."

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

State FCCLA Awards Prestigious Scholarship to KHS Senior

Kearney High School senior Lexie Barton has been honored with the 2025 Missouri FCCLA Outstanding Leader Scholarship, recognizing her exceptional leadership, dedication, and involvement within the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) organization.

Barton's selection for this prestigious award highlights her significant contributions to FCCLA through outstanding participation, leadership, and service to her school and community. The scholarship is presented annually to students who exemplify FCCLA's values, showing exemplary dedication in Family Consumer Sciences and Human Services.

"Lexie has consistently demonstrated extraordinary leadership, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence," said Ashley Witte, Missouri FCCLA State Adviser. "She represents the very best of what FCCLA stands for, and we are excited to honor her at this year's state leadership conference."

Barton's involvement with FCCLA at Kearney High School has been marked by numerous successful projects and impactful initiatives, earning her recognition from peers and mentors alike. Through her efforts, she has significantly contributed to building stronger community connections and fostering a sense of civic responsibility among her classmates.

"Lexie is a remarkable young leader whose influence goes beyond the classroom," Kearney High School FCCLA Sponsor Kassidy Robertson said. "We are incredibly proud of her achievement and grateful for her contributions to both our school and the community. She sets a wonderful example for her fellow students."

The Missouri FCCLA Outstanding Leader Scholarship was awarded during a formal presentation at the State FCCLA Leadership Conference on Monday, March 17 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach. Barton was joined by other distinguished Missouri FCCLA student leaders and educators from across the state. Her selection underscores Kearney High School's commitment to nurturing leadership and community engagement among students.

FCCLA is a national career and technical student organization that provides personal growth, leadership development, and career preparation opportunities for students in Family and Consumer Sciences education.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

College Association Taps Teacher as Top Talent

Kearney High School math teacher Rachel Heili's combination of experience, skills and attitude add up to one of the best public educators in the state.

Ms. Heili was recently selected as one of Missouri's Outstanding Beginning Teachers by the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE). She is in her second year of teaching at Kearney High School.

Every two years, MACTE honors exemplary first- and second-year teachers across the state for their work with Missouri's PK-12 students. Heili was selected to receive this award by Dr. Barri Tinkler at Missouri State University.

"Rachel is an exceptional educator who exemplifies excellence and dedication to teaching," Dr. Tinkler said. "She utilizes innovative teaching practices and creates a collaborative, student-centered learning environment."

Beyond academics, Heili's compassion and commitment to her students shine through her engagement in their lives and her ability to inspire and support them. She has already established a strong record of excellence.

"I'm thrilled that Rachel is being recognized for her outstanding work here at KHS," Principal Andy Gustafson said. "She's become a vital member of our team and has had a huge positive impact on our students. This honor is well deserved."

Heili is committed to continually improving both her teaching and her students' understanding of the subject. As a dedicated educator, she will remain a passionate ambassador for her profession and for mathematics.

The Outstanding Beginning Teacher awardees were celebrated during the MACTE Spring Conference on Feb. 17 in Columbia. A representative from the association visited Kearney High School on Friday, Feb. 7 to present Heili with a certificate.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Bulldog Earns State Honor from Secondary School Principals

Parker Mendel - photo by KHS Junior Kaeden Rothwell

Kearney School District is proud to announce that Kearney High School senior Parker Mendel has been selected for an "Honorable Mention" recognition in the prestigious 2025 Missouri Scholars 100 program.

This statewide initiative recognizes outstanding academic achievement, honoring Missouri's top 100 graduating students. The announcement was made by KHS Principal Andy Gustafson, recognizing Mr. Mendel's exceptional commitment to academic excellence.

"Parker is a great example of what it means to be a Bulldog," Dr. Gustafson said. "He works hard, supports his classmates and cares about making things better. We could not be more proud of him in Team KSD!"

Sponsored by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, the Missouri Scholars 100 Program invites nominations from schools statewide. The program has been around for 31 years.

"The Missouri Scholars 100 Program stands as one of the premier academic recognition programs in the country, celebrating the dedication and success of students who have upheld the highest academic standards," Clark Mershon, Executive Director of the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, remarked. "It is a true celebration of learning."

Selection is determined by a comprehensive formula incorporating the student's grade point average, ACT or SAT scores, and participation in an "Academic Decathlon" encompassing ten events that assess the student's academic prowess.

To qualify, students must meet stringent criteria, including a minimum GPA of 3.750, a minimum ACT score of 29 (or a minimum SAT score of 1,280), ranking in the upper ten percent of their class, and enrollment in high-level courses in mathematics, science, English, and foreign language. Exemplary attendance, outstanding citizenship, and active participation in school activities are also essential.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.