Kearney High School Celebrates Class of 2025 Graduation

Kearney High School proudly celebrated the graduation of 248 seniors on Sunday, May 18, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the Class of 2025. The commencement ceremony took place at 2:00 pm at Kearney High School.

The event was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance by the students, faculty, and families. Principal Andrew Gustafson addressed the graduates, commending them for their achievements and encouraging them to pursue their future endeavors with passion and integrity.

“To all of the Kearney High School Class of 2025, take the knowledge and skills you have learned and create your own path. Step up to adversity along the way and step up to life. Make yourself proud.”

Kearney High School now classifies graduates with the Latin system which means 19 students graduated summa cum laude, with a GPA of 4.0 or above. 68 students were classified magna cum laude with a GPA of 3.75 – 3.99. 38 students graduated cum laude with a GPA of 3.5 – 3.74.

The ceremony featured the senior speech by Drew Wilson, musical performances by the school's choir, and the traditional turning of the tassels. Families and friends gathered to celebrate the graduates' accomplishments and to wish them well as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Kearney High School's Class of 2025 has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, qualities that will serve them well in their future academic and professional pursuits. The school community extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates and their families.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Garner Recognitions for Biliteracy

Kearney School District is proud to recognize the Kearney High School students who have earned the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy for 2025, demonstrating impressive proficiency in English and a second language.

Kearney High School students Abbi McQuillen (left) and Emily Stauffer earned the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy this year.

The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating high school students who exhibit high levels of academic proficiency in English and another world language, either through school study or as heritage/native speakers. This prestigious honor certifies to universities, employers, and community members that these students are fully bilingual, opening doors for their future education and careers.

“The Seal of Biliteracy is more than just an academic achievement,” KHS Foreign Language Teacher Stacey Getz said. “It highlights the hard work, cultural knowledge, and communication skills that these students have developed. It also reflects our district’s commitment to valuing diversity, preparing our students for success in a global economy, and honoring the many cultures that enrich our community.”

Students qualify for the Seal by demonstrating proficiency in English through performance on the English II End-of-Course exam or ACT reading score, and proficiency in another language by achieving minimum scores on a language proficiency exam. They must also complete a socio-cultural project, showing understanding of the relationship between language learning and cultural awareness.

The 2025 KHS Seal of Biliteracy honorees are:

Seal of Biliteracy – Abbi McQuillen (Spanish), Taryn Salinetro (Spanish), Emily Stauffer (Spanish) and Drew Wilson (Spanish)

Exemplary Proficiency – Dani Morgan (Spanish), Caroline Jury (Spanish), Josephine Quick (Spanish), Vanesa Tiscareno (Spanish) and Grace Thurston (Spanish)

Emerging Proficiency – Avery Janiak (Spanish), Joley Leach (Spanish), Carter Lydick (German) and Lily Rinehart (Spanish)

Developing Proficiency – Brodyn Baragary (German), Casey Collins (German), Charlie Dollar (Spanish), Connor Ethen (German), Patrick McNellis (German), Scout Pimblott (German), Savanah Jaromin (Spanish), Nova Roberts (German), Katelyn Robinson (Spanish), Katie Shaw (Spanish), Makayla Tryon (German), John Vasquez (German) and Challen Tidwell (German)

Visit www.ksdr1.net/seal-of-biliteracy for more information about the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy program.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Student Earns Leadership Opportunity PCEC Essay Contest

Kearney High School junior Alex Walter has been selected to represent Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative (PCEC) at the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) this summer after earning runner-up honors in the cooperative’s annual Youth Tour essay competition.

Walter’s accomplishment comes after submitting an outstanding essay that competed against entries from students throughout the Platte-Clay service area. As a result, Walter has earned an all-expenses-paid trip to Jefferson City from July 15-18 to participate in CYCLE, a highly regarded leadership conference that brings together some of the brightest high school students from across Missouri.

Kearney High School government teacher Zachary Smith, who encouraged Walter to enter the competition, praised his student’s hard work and initiative.

“Alex took on this challenge, and the effort has absolutely paid off,” Smith said. “I am very proud of Alex for taking this opportunity seriously and achieving such a remarkable honor.”

During the three-day leadership experience, Walter will join fellow student leaders to learn about electric cooperatives, explore the workings of Missouri state government, hear from dynamic speakers, and participate in leadership development activities. The program, coordinated by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC), is designed to build leadership skills and introduce students to new ideas, cultures and lifelong connections.

In a message to Walter and her family, Amanda McQuerrey, Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator for Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, congratulated her on being selected for the program.

“You will learn more about electric cooperatives, Missouri state government, hear great speakers, have fun, and meet lots of new friends,” McQuerrey said. “Congratulations again, Alex. We are proud to have you represent Platte-Clay Electric at CYCLE!”

As part of the recognition, Walter was invited to the Platte-Clay Electric office to receive a prize and participate in a photo opportunity.

Kearney School District is proud to celebrate the achievements of students like Walter who demonstrate a commitment to leadership, excellence and personal growth. Opportunities like the CYCLE program support the district’s strategic focus on preparing students for success beyond the classroom by providing real-world learning experiences that matter most.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

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.