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.

DePrenger Earns Prestigious FFA Degree

Kearney High School senior Stella DePrenger has earned the prestigious Missouri State FFA Degree, an honor reserved for the top FFA members in the state.

State FFA Degrees are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to agricultural education, leadership, and community service. According to KHS FFA Sponsor Erica Hart, recipients must meet rigorous qualifications, including maintaining an exemplary work-based learning project, proving themselves as leaders in their FFA chapter and school, and giving back to the community through service projects.

“This is a tremendous achievement for Stella,” Hart said. “She has worked incredibly hard to grow as a leader and make a positive impact in our school and community.”

The Missouri State FFA Degree is the highest honor the organization bestows at the state level, recognizing students who go above and beyond in their agricultural education and leadership development.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

KHS Stars at FCCLA Regional Competition

Kearney High School FCCLA students demonstrated their expertise during the organization’s Region 14 STAR Events yesterday.

FCCLA stands for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. The organization has been promoting family and consumer science education around the nation for approximately 80 years, according to the FCCLA website.

The STAR Events are FCCLA’s student competition to qualify for the state conference. Several Bulldogs had outstanding results and will be moving on to the next level, including:

• Janie Mendel qualified for state with her Professional Presentation project titled “Dyslexia in Education: Educating Educators”

• Josie Quick qualified for state with her “Teach or Train” project

• Sami Marlott and Luke Zurliene qualified for state with their Repurpose & Redesign project titled “Cans for Kearney”

• Adi Graham & Maddie Whitten did not qualify their project for state, however, they were up against three other fantastic projects and still received a high silver rating

KHS also sent a few additional students to serve in other organizational roles during the event:

• Lexie Barton served in her role as Region 14 State Officer for the last time at the regional level

• Ava Mayse served as the voting delegate for KHS, helping to elect the next regional council

• Olivia Kinstler served as a Youth Room Consultant, where she had an active role in the competitive events

KHS teacher Kassidy Robertson is the school’s FCCLA sponsor. . “We’re very proud of all our members and our growing FCCLA chapter,” Mrs. Roberston said. “These students are becoming outstanding leaders for our entire community.”

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.