Seven Kearney Athletes Make it Official on Signing Day

Seven Kearney High School Student Athletes were celebrated on Signing Day, November 20, 2025, at Kearney High School. Athletes met with visitors and showed off their memories and accomplishments in the Bulldog Arena lobby. Coaches and teachers introduced the athletes before they put pen to paper signing their letters of intent to compete in various sports at the college level.

Addison Fischer

Addison committed to Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville to play soccer.

Chloe Garrett

Chloe has signed to play softball at Stephens College in Columbia, MO. She helped the Kearney Softball team finish in 2nd Place in the Class 4 State Final game this year.

Kate Landewee

Kate committed to play softball at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. Kate set several records at Kearney High School. She holds the single season record for strikeouts at 268. She also has a career record of pitching wins with 51 wins. She also sits in 2nd place for career strikeouts with 541.

Brooke Paalhar

Brooke has signed to play softball at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Brooke has set several records in her high school softball career including First Team All-District, First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Region, First Team All-State, 2025 State 2nd Place, Class 4 MSHSAA career hits, single season doubles, single season hits, single season batting average, career hits, career RBIs, career doubles, and career batting average.

Alyssa Quick

Alyssa committed to play softball at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. Alyssa also set records at Kearney. She holds the Kearney High School softball record for single season RBI’s 60, beating the old record of 50 RBIs. She also holds the single season records for home runs. Last year she held the record with 12 and she broke her own record, making 18 home runs this year.

Brock Scott

Brock has signed to play baseball at Newman University in Wichita, KS.

Whitaker Steward

Whitaker committed to compete in swimming at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He holds five of the eight school records in individual swim events at Kearney High School and has won seven State Championships and is the 2nd male to win a State Championship all four years of his high school career at Kearney. Whitaker also owns the overall state record in the 500 Freestyle, he has the Class 1 state record in the 200 Freestyle, and he qualified for the Olympic trials at 16 years old and made the Junior National Team this year.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts 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.