Board of Education Hosts Fall Awards and Honors Celebration

Last night, the KSD Board of Education held an awards and honors ceremony to recognize some of the outstanding accomplishments of students and staff. The ceremony is held three times a year.  "On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to thank the students, staff, and families who are here tonight to celebrate with us,” said Ben Caffey, Board President at the closing of the ceremony. “Your presence reflects not only personal dedication, but also the unwavering support of families, coworkers, and friends who’ve helped make this success possible. These awards honor individual excellence and the collaborative spirit that defines Kirkwood Schools. As we look ahead to a new school year, we encourage you to carry this same energy and commitment forward—we can’t wait to see what you achieve next."

Photos from the event are posted on the KSD Facebook page.

Awardees are:

·      Members of the Girls Water Polo Team, for earning second place at the 2025 State Championships. KHS has had a girls water polo team for four years. For the past two years, students from Webster and Nerinx have participated in a cooperative sports program.

·      KHS 2025 graduate Chloe Inion, who was selected at 1st Team All State for Girls Water Polo. 

·      Members of the Boys Track and Field Team. Individual athletes who placed at the meet were recognized, including Jacob Poole, who was the Class 5 State Champion in the pole vault. Jacob also broke the school record, held by Will Drury in 2017. Graham Stevener was a returning state finalist in 3 events at the 2025 Class 5 State Championships. Graham was the state runner-up in the 1600m run, finished 4th in the 800m run, and finished 5th in the 3200m run. Graham broke the school record in the 800m run and broke his own school record in the 1600m. Lawrence Montgomery joined the team for the first time this past spring as a junior competing in the high jump. Lawrence jumped himself to a state-runner-up title at the 2025 Class 5 State Championships with a jump of 1.93 meters. Khalani Barry is a returning State finalist in the triple jump. Khalani finished 6th with a jump of 6.83 in the Long Jump in Class 5. Khalani was also a member of the 4x100-meter relay that finished 6th and broke the 2010 school record. Other members of the 4x100 team are Jacob Eberhardt, Chris Potter, and Kai Muyco.  

·      2025-26 Key Contributors for their contributions as outstanding support staff including: Markis Steele, Teacher Assistant at Robinson Elementary, for- PreK-5 Classroom, Teacher and Student Supports; Alex Eddings, Technology Specialist for KSD, for Technology Supports; Claire Mitchener, School Secretary at Tillman, for School and Building Supports; Jen Meister, Substitute Teacher at NKMS, for Substitute Supports; Chris Hunt, Head Custodian at Keysor, for Maintenance Supports; Sandy Diehl, First Student Bus Driver, for Transportation Supports; Sara Gibbs, Intensive Support Counselor at KHS, for Physical, Mental, Social, and Emotional Supports; Aubrey Perry, Adventure Club lead at North Glendale, for Adventure Club Supports; Brian Reese, cafeteria lead at Keysor Elementary, for Food Support; Leanne Groves, Library Media Assistant at Nipher Middle School, for Secondary Classroom, Teacher and Student Supports.

·      2025-26 Teachers of the Year, including: Jessica Grib – KECC; Leah Thomas – Keysor; Dr. Tom Butler – North Glendale; Cindy Star – Robinson; Carmen Rose – Tillman; Larry Morgan – Westchester; Carmon Giffin – Nipher; Heidi Gioia – North Kirkwood Middle School; and Bill Bensinger – KHS and KSD Teacher of the Year.

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