Top Teammates and Retirees Honored at Annual Reception

Kearney School District celebrated the best of the Bulldogs during the 2025 Team KSD Awards & Retiree Reception on Thursday, May 1 at Tobacco Barn Farm in Holt.

At the annual ceremony, the district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year Award was given to Kearney Junior High media arts teacher Molly Kuebler and the Support Staff of the Year Award was given to Hawthorne Elementary’s Scott Henrichs.

“Kearney School District takes immense pride in recognizing the outstanding individuals and organizations that exemplify our core values of integrity, respect, future readiness, student focus, and resilience,” Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services Jennifer Kopp said. “The 2025 Team KSD Awards spotlight those who have gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact on our students and community.”

At KJH, Ms. Kuebler has transformed the way students engage with digital storytelling. Her innovative curriculum not only teaches technical skills but also empowers students to express themselves creatively. Kuebler is dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive classroom environment, according to KJH Principal John Goodin.

"Molly's innovative approach to media arts education has not only enriched our curriculum but has also inspired our students to explore their creativity and think critically," Mr. Goodin said. "Her commitment to student engagement and excellence embodies the spirit of our school and the entire district."

Mr. Henrichs consistently provides extraordinary support and dedication to the students he helps. Known for his unwavering commitment to student success, he provides individualized assistance that helps students thrive academically and socially. Hawthorne Elementary Principal Chauncy Rardon commended his patience, kindness, and the positive energy he brings to the school community.

"Scott's unwavering dedication to our students' well-being and academic progress is truly commendable," Mr. Rardon said. "His ability to connect with students and support their individual needs makes a significant difference in their educational journey."

The afternoon event also included the announcement of two other annual district awards. KSD Education Foundation Chair was honored as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year. The Business of the Year Award was presented to both Precision Chiropractic and the Fulfillment House.

Mrs. Kerns has been instrumental in mobilizing resources and support for our schools. Her leadership has led to increased community engagement and the successful implementation of programs that directly benefit students and teachers. Season's passion for education and volunteerism makes her an invaluable asset to KSD.

"Season's tireless efforts and leadership have greatly enhanced the resources available to our students and educators," Superintendent Emily Miller said. "Her dedication exemplifies the profound impact that community involvement has on our schools."

Precision Chiropractic, under the leadership of Dr. Justin Cook, has provided health and wellness support to students and staff, emphasizing the importance of holistic care. Their proactive involvement in school events and health initiatives has made a significant difference in our community. They’ve also provided valuable Real World Learning experiences for KSD students.

Fulfillment House, a nonprofit organization, offers meaningful employment opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities. Their collaboration with KSD has created inclusive work experiences for students, promoting life skills and independence. Fulfillment House's dedication to empowerment and inclusion aligns perfectly with our district's values.

"Both Precision Chiropractic and Fulfillment House have gone above and beyond in supporting our students and staff," Dr. Miller said. "Their partnerships with KSD are shining examples of how local businesses can positively influence education and community well-being."

The program also featured recognitions for KSD employees who will be retiring at the end of the current academic year. Each retiree was given the opportunity to select a book to be donated to the school library of their choice.

2025 Team KSD Retirees – Current Position, Current School, Years of Service in KSD & Book Selection

•       Cami Aebersold – Guidance Counselor, Dogwood Elementary, 14 years (Carla's Sandwich by Debbie Hermon)

•       Shelia Drescher – Activities Department Administrative Assistant, Kearney High School, 19 years (Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner)

•       Ginger Elsea – Director of Finance, Central Office, 13 years (Millie by McCall Hoyle)

•       Denise Fischer – Kindergarten Teacher, Kearney Elementary, 20 years (Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate)

•       Wendy Fish – Language Arts Teacher, Kearney High School, 24 years (Tuesdays With Morrie, An Old Man, a Young Man and Life's Greatest Lessons by Mitch Albom)

•       Amber Hiley – Teacher, LENS, 29 years (The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen)

•       Cynthia Hollinberger – Paraprofessional, Early Education Center, 7 years (Oh, the Places You Will Go by Dr. Suess)

•       Stacy Holtzclaw – Career Readiness Coordinator, Central Office, 4 years (The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch)

•       Jennifer Kopp – Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services, Central Office, 23 years (The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe)

•       John Luppes – Fifth-Grade Teacher, Southview Elementary, 29 years (There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom by Louis Sachar)

•       David Schwarzenbach – Activities Director, Kearney High School, 24 years (It's Your Ship by Michael Abrashoff)

This year’s school-level Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year award recipients were also recognized at the reception.

2025 School Teacher of the Year Award Recipients

•       Early Education Center – Holly Anderson

•       Dogwood Elementary – Nicholas “Nic” Mattson

•       Hawthorne Elementary – Chelsea Miller

•       Kearney Elementary – Nanette Stout

•       Southview Elementary – Rachel Terrill

•       Kearney Middle School – Lauren Thomas

•       Kearney Junior High – Molly Kuebler

•       Kearney High School – Kassidy Robertson

2025 School Support Staff of the Year Award Recipients

•       Early Education Center – Donna Lance

•       Dogwood Elementary – Ashley Bricker

•       Hawthorne Elementary – Theodore “Scott” Henrichs

•       Kearney Elementary – Kalie Dickson

•       Southview Elementary – Jaclyn “Jaci” Mick

•       Kearney Middle School – Brian “B.J.” Webster

•       Kearney Junior High – Jennifer Duncan

•       Kearney High School – Lacy Howdeshell

•       KSD Central Office – Stacy Holtzclaw

•       2025 Team KSD Retirees

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the 2025 Team KSD Award recipients. Your contributions have not only enriched our schools but have also set a standard of excellence that inspires us all.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

KSD Launches 2025 Summer School Enrollment

Enrollment launched on Tuesday, April 1, for Kearney School District's 2025 "Summer Fun" summer school program, which will provide engaging educational experiences while helping your child stay on track.

This year's summer school program will be held from Monday, June 2 through Thursday, June 26. Elementary school programs will be in session from 8 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Secondary programs will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be NO summer school classes on Fridays except for Friday, June 20. There will be no school on June 19 to observe Juneteenth.

Students who will attend kindergarten through third grade for the 2025-2026 school year will attend the summer program at Southview Elementary. Fourth- and fifth-graders will take summer classes in the LENS wing at Kearney Junior High. All secondary summer classes will be held at the junior high.

Kearney School District will provide bus transportation during the 2025 Summer School program for students entering grades K-5 who live outside of the "No-Busing Zone" on the Google Map. Students need to be enrolled by April 30 to receive district-provided transportation. Please use the link to see if your student is eligible for district busing.

A Summer School Open House will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29. More information is coming soon.

Visit www.ksdr1.net/summerfun to learn more about the 2025 Summer School Program and to enroll your child today.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

KSD Selects New Activities Director

Kearney School District announced on Monday, March 31, that Joel Lueken will become the next Activities Director effective July 1, 2025. Mr. Lueken's hiring was officially approved by the KSD Board of Education on Wednesday, March 19.

Lueken will take over from long-time Activities Director Dave Schwarzenbach, who is retiring after many years of dedicated service to the district. Superintendent Emily Miller praised Lueken's extensive experience and leadership capabilities.

"Joel Lueken is an outstanding addition to our leadership team," Dr. Miller said. "He has a proven track record of success in athletic administration, community engagement, and student development. Joel's passion for excellence and his commitment to building strong relationships will ensure the continued growth and success of our student-athletes and activities programs."

Lueken joins the Kearney School District after serving as Deputy Athletic Director at William Jewell College, where he oversaw internal and external operations for 23 NCAA Division II athletic teams. His role involved direct management of the athletic budget, human resources, compliance reporting, and coordination with admissions and student services.

Prior to his current role, Lueken served as Athletic Director at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology for a decade. There, he significantly enhanced the student-athlete experience, expanded athletic programs, and successfully led fundraising efforts totaling over $17 million for scholarships and capital projects. He also spearheaded community engagement initiatives, significantly increased attendance and community support, and facilitated multiple facility renovations and upgrades.

"I am thrilled and honored to join the Kearney School District as Activities Director," Lueken said. "KSD has an outstanding reputation for academic and extracurricular excellence, and I look forward to building upon the strong foundation established by Dave Schwarzenbach. My family and I are excited to become part of the Bulldog community and to help advance the success of KSD students both on and off the field."

Lueken holds a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Administration from Northwest Missouri State University and a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science from Ottawa University.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Students to Host School Board Candidate Forum

Kearney School District residents have an opportunity to learn more about this year’s Board of Education candidates during a public forum hosted by student leaders from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 in the auditorium at Kearney High School.

This public forum is being sponsored by the school’s Student Advisory Board, Student Council and National Honor Society. Kearney High School seniors Jacob Dillon and Emmy Gates will emcee the event. The school is located at 715 E. 19th St. in Kearney.

Voters will make their selections to fill two spots on the school board during the April 8, 2025, municipal election. Those positions are currently held by John Kern and Meredith Cole, neither of whom are seeking reelection.

All four school board candidates have been invited to participate in the high school’s public forum:

• Christina Lindsay

• Michael Joe Hickey

• Justin Paul Cook

• Jason Klindt

At the public forum, the candidates will be given a brief opportunity to introduce themselves and then the moderators will ask questions submitted by their fellow students. The candidates will be given an equal amount of time to respond to each question. The questions will not be shared ahead of time.

In Missouri, school boards are composed of seven non-partisan, volunteer elected officials who each serve three-year terms. The primary job of the school board is to employ the superintendent and set the strategic goals and policies for the district, according to the Missouri School Board Association (MSBA). The board’s other roles include facilitate public engagement in order to help meet stakeholder expectations, oversee the Superintendent of Schools, who in turn is solely responsible for district management and operations, monitor district progress toward meeting the Board goals, and govern itself effectively, efficiently and with transparency.

Residents must be registered by Wednesday, March 12 in order to cast their votes in the April 8 election. Visit the Missouri Secretary of State’s website for more information.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

School Board Hosting Info Session for Candidates

Kearney School District’s Board of Education will be hosting an informational session from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the central office for individuals who are interested in running as candidates for the Board in the April 2025 municipal election.

All members of the public are welcome to attend. Please inform BOE Secretary Becky Burkemper by emailing burkemperb@ksdr1.net or calling (816) 628-4116 before the close of business on Monday, Nov. 11 if you plan to attend.

This session is designed to provide useful guidance for those who may want to serve on the school board. Topics will include information about board elections and the roles and responsibilities of the school board members.

Candidate filing for the Board of Education begins on Dec. 10 and ends on Dec. 31, 2024, for the municipal election that will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Visit the Missouri Secretary of State’s website to learn more.

Ray Weikal contributed to this story.