North Kirkwood Middle School (NKMS) in the Kirkwood School District was one of eight Missouri schools to earn a 2021 National Blue Ribbon Award. On September 21, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 325 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021. The recognition is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. “I could not be more proud,” said Dr. Dana Liberton, principal of NKMS, in a special video announcement. “We know that our students are amazing, we hire the best staff around and our community support is unmatched. Put all of that together, and the recipe comes to National Blue Ribbon.” “Congratulations to the students, staff and administration of North Kirkwood Middle School,” said Superintendent David Ulrich. “This recognition highlights the hard work that goes into serving these students each and every day. It’s a great reflection of the work and dedication parents and the community have come to expect at all of our schools.”
Kirkwood High School students Audrey Blaine (senior) and Abigail (Abbey) Paul (junior presented during the Regional Youth Suicide Training Panel on September 10, 2021.The St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund, in partnership with partner agencies and St. Louis County School Districts sponsored a virtual training on Suicide Prevention for School-Age Youth. Morning breakout sessions included a youth panel facilitated by Dr. Ambers-Phillips (Kirkwood School District) and Dr. Terry Harris (Rockwood School District) with student panelist from both districts. Audrey and Abbey shared their insight on what they wanted educators to know about suicide prevention. There were approximately 80 attendees in the session who applauded the advocacy, transparency and informative session delivered by Audrey, Abbey and the Rockwood Student panelist.
The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra (SLSYO) announced their selections for the 2021-22 season. Of the 100 young musicians representing more than 40 schools throughout the bi-state region, two are members of the Kirkwood High School Orchestra Program. They are: Nathan Bronstein (junior) Violin and Mallory Mihm (sophomore) Viola - Alternate. For their selection, the student musicians auditioned for a panel of St. Louis Symphony Orchestra musicians. As a member of the SLSYO, the student musicians will rehearse and perform challenging orchestral repertoire under the direction of the SLSO Resident Conductor Stephanie Childress, musicians receive regular coaching and mentoring from the world-class musicians of the SLSO. SLSYO presents three concerts per season in historic Powell Hall.
During a ceremony on Thursday, April 29, Kirkwood High School recognized 74 senior students who will receive 50% or more of their collegiate tuition paid for by scholarships.
The Kirkwood High School Mock Trial Team won the Missouri High School Mock Trial Competition. This year’s competition was conducted virtually the weekend of April 9-11 and the trials took place over Zoom. The state competition included 16 high schools from across the state. The teams qualified out of 66 teams who completed in opening rounds across the state.
The box tape project sculpture created by Kirkwood High School junior Elias Muraski was selected to represent the Missouri Senate District 2 in the state capitol as part of the annual Missouri Senate Hall Art Exhibit.
A committee with representatives from the Journalism Education Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society chose 14 First Amendment Press Freedom Award winners for 2021. The Kirkwood High School Journalism program is one of the 14 schools selected. The KHS Journalism program consists of three publications. The names of the programs and their student leaders are: The Kirkwood Call editors in chief are students Amara Harper, Amelia Hurley and Tom Mueller. The Pioneer (yearbook) editors in chief are students Julia Frankel, Audrey Scherr and Ainsley Wade, editors in chief. KHTV producer is student Thaddeus Morgan.
Kirkwood High School students Thaddaeus Morgan, Lucy Schene, and Nate Vaughan have been chosen as Semi-Finalists in the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition. KHS Senior Thaddaeus Morgan is competing as a solo drummer. In 2019 and again in 2020, he and his brother Emmanuel Morgan made it to the semi-finals together playing the piano and drums in their band, Consecrated. KHS Sophomore Lucy Schene is competing as a solo vocalist. KHS Senior Nate Vaughan is competing as frontman and guitarist with his band, Guilty Pleasures, along with four students from other schools. Thaddaeus, Lucy and Nate have all been involved in KHS choir and drama programs. We are very proud of all of them!
