Photo Gallery
There are many unique and exciting things happening in our schools on a daily basis. These photos provide a glimpse into our students' lives.
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Members of the Prairie Trail Junior High School Jazz Band had an especially busy day Dec. 2, 2009. Instructors Jena McElwain and Bob Davis took the 27 musicians on a day-long community service field trip. The eighth- and ninth-grade musicians went to the Johnson County Christmas Bureau where they sorted groceries and unpacked donations for a couple of hours before lunch. Their volunteering continued with a trip to the Lakeview Village nursing home in Lenexa where they played Christmas carols and classic jazz pieces for the residents. McElwain said this was the jazz band's first trip to the Christmas Bureau and she hopes they can make annual visits in the future. Pictured are (front row) Tessa Ziu, Allyson Cook, Charles Glover, (middle row) Andrew Harlow, Blake McFarland, Caleb Tady, (back row) Elizabeth Will, Ryan York and Hunter Harlow. |
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Fierce competitiveness took the Olathe East girls' cross country team through a winning season and all the way to capture the 6A state title for the second time in four years. "This was one of the most competitive teams I have ever coached," Coach Tony Bozarth said. "We had tremendous senior leadership this year. Seniors Darci Miller and Brenda Ellis (both returning All-Staters) provided steady races, and alternates Kara Bartels and Paige Stein were also extremely valuable in their roles." Other outstanding runners were Brenna McDannold, Brooklyn Ellis and Whitney Ashlock who earned All-Sunflower honors along with Ellis. Riley Gay was a regional medalist. "Perhaps the biggest key to the state meet was a great race from junior Jessica Thomas, who finished as our #4 runner," Bozarth said. "It was simply a team that refused to lose this year, or to give anything less than their best." The team was undefeated against all other Kansas competitors, and earned Sunflower League and regional champion titles before heading to the state race.
(December 2009, submitted photo)
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Five days, four career-technical programs, and 3,000 cans of food equaled a successful charity event organized by students and staff at Millcreek Center. Students in the Auto Technology, Welding Technology, Auto Collision Technology, and Construction Trades programs turned their second annual food drive for Catholic Charities into a friendly competition to see which group could collect the most items. Among morning classes, the welding students collected the most items; among afternoon programs, bragging rights went to the auto collision students. "In this time of a tough economy and with so many families in need, I am so pleased that our students were able to collect over 3,000 cans of food to donate to Catholic Charities," said Kathy Musgrave, building administrator. "They were really excited to be able to help so many people. Catholic Charities supplies many of our local food pantries with food items for persons in need."
(December 2009, submitted photo)
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James Franklin, running back/defensive back for the Olathe North High School football team, received the Thomas A. Simone Memorial Football Award during an all-school assembly on Dec. 8. The annual award is presented to the most outstanding high school football player in the Kansas City metro area. The award is selected by a vote of the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association (GKCFCA), head coaches in the metro area and selected media members. "Olathe North now has six Simone Award winners, the most of any school in the metro area," said Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Jason Herman. Eagles who have received the Simone Award are: Arland Bruce in 1995, Josh Brewer in 1997, Darren Sproles in 2000, Maurice Mack in 2001 and Jim Bouknight in 2002. Also during the presentation, coach Pete Flood was announced as the 2009 Metro Sports Kansas Coach of the Year.
(Dec. 8, 2009, photo by Scott Carpenter)
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The Olathe North High School football team capped off a winning season by crushing the Wichita Heights team 37-3 in the state championship game on Nov. 28. An all-school assembly on Dec. 3 gave everyone a chance to admire the team's eight state championship trophies from this year, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1998, 1997, and 1996.
(Dec. 3, 2009, photo by Erica Derrington)
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