Board of Education Recognizes Student and Staff Achievements Across KSD

At its recent meeting, the Kirkwood School District Board of Education recognized students and staff for a wide range of outstanding accomplishments spanning academics, service, journalism, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The evening celebrated both individual excellence and collective efforts that reflect the district’s commitment to achievement and community.

National Merit Recognition

The Board recognized Kirkwood High School students who earned distinction through the National Merit Scholarship Program, a highly competitive academic program that began in 1955 and includes more than 1.3 million student participants nationwide each year.

National Merit Commended Students
These students are among approximately 34,000 high scorers recognized for their exceptional academic ability and potential for success in college:

• Yik Long Seth Chong

• Adeline Kuhn

• Mae Slagle

• Juliet Wegener

National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
Representing less than one percent of the nation’s graduating seniors, these academically talented students are eligible to continue in the competition for nearly $26 million in National Merit Scholarships:

• Althea Althauser

• Carter Chen

• Joseph Edwards

• Jacob Hamlin

• Emily Royalty

• Sienna Staten

Congressional Award Gold Certificate

Senior Gwendolyn Evans was recognized for earning the Congressional Award Gold Certificate, one of the highest honors Congress bestows upon youth civilians. To earn the Gold Certificate, Gwendolyn completed 90 hours of voluntary public service, 45 hours of personal development, and 45 hours of physical fitness within six months.

Her service included a year of volunteering at Open Door Animal Sanctuary and more than 50 hours with KSD Adventure Club. Her personal development goals included learning to drive and learning to play golf, leading to her current participation on the KHS Golf Team. Her physical fitness achievement includes competitive ballroom dancing.

Keysor Elementary Coins for Care Donation

Staff members from Keysor Elementary School were recognized for their successful Coins for Care drive, a grade-level fundraising initiative benefiting St. Luke’s Women’s Healthcare Center. The effort was especially meaningful as it honored IDEA Lab teacher Traci Jansen during her breast cancer treatment.

Through the generosity of Keysor students and families, the school raised $3,300 to support women’s health services. Recognized staff members included Nathan Bauer, Kimberly Harbison, Daniel Hecht, Heidi Lesinski, Alyssa Taylor, Jen Bartin, Cindy Smith, and Traci Jansen.

Student Journalism Achievements

Kirkwood High School student journalists were honored for notable accomplishments during the first semester.

At the National High School Journalism Convention, co-sponsored by the Journalism Education Association (JEA) and the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), the 2025–26 staff of The Kirkwood Call earned 6th Place Best of Show for Specialty Magazine. Editors-in-Chief are seniors Kiley Huang, Sanchan Khanuja, and Josie Mottl.

Additional honors included:

• Ibraheem Khan – NSPA finalist and Honorable Mention in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Reporting for “Healing the World One Person at a Time”

JEA Award Recipients

• Reese Groh – Excellent, News Editing/Headline/Current Events

• Kate Jensen – Excellent, Sports Feature Photography

• Frances Igney – Honorable Mention, Newsmagazine Layout

• Maggie Laciny – Honorable Mention, Sports Action Photography

• Josie Mottl – Honorable Mention, Editorial Writing

• Daphne Wassel – Honorable Mention, Commentary Writing

eSports Achievement

Senior Michael Simkins was recognized for competing in the Fall Brawl MOSEF Esports State Playoffs on December 6 at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri. Competing in the Super Smash Brothers Ultimate Solos division, Michael advanced as a Class 2 qualifier and finished 4th overall at the state level.

This marks his third state placement, following a 7th-place finish in 2023 and a 4th-place finish in 2024.

Athletic Honors

Several student-athletes and teams were recognized for their postseason success:

• Henry Walker medaled at the 2025 Missouri State High School Cross Country Championships, earning 29th place.

• Ella Santacruz was named to the Class 5 All-State Softball Team as one of the top players in Missouri.

Varsity Football Team
The Kirkwood Varsity Football Team was recognized as a Class 5 Semifinalist. Individual honors were also awarded to:

• Frank Lunkett – MFCA Missouri Class 6 All-State

• Jacob Eberhart – MFCA Missouri Class 6 All-State

Boys Swim and Dive Team
The Boys Swim and Dive Team earned Class 1 Runner-Up honors. Individual event placements included multiple top-eight finishes across relay and individual events, highlighting a strong postseason performance by the entire team.