Jordan is a sixth grader at Lakewood Middle School. At school, Jordan loves interacting with his peers, conversing with his friends and focusing on excelling as a student. Outside of school, he plays basketball, football and soccer. Jordan is considering various options for the future, but after completing high school, he plans to attend college and continue his education. Some fun facts about Jor...

Braelyn is a sophomore at Central High School. She enjoys participating in all of her classes, and has found inspiration from Mr. Newell to take as many college courses that she can. Braelyn is a member of the softball team, student council and spends her time refereeing, playing softball and going to the gym. After high school, she will attend Kansas State University to study biology. Beyond that...

Ella is an eighth grader at South Middle School. She loves advanced math and guitar, as she enjoys challenging herself while expanding her knowledge. She is a member of student council, serving as student council president, the KAY Club, and the basketball, volleyball and track teams. Ella also enjoys traveling softball and club volleyball. After high school, Ella will attend Kansas State Universi...

Isabella is a senior at South High School. She enjoys being part of HOSA, where she has the opportunity to meet new people who share her passion for the healthcare fi eld. Aside from HOSA, Isabella is a member of the track team, serves as a wrestling manager, is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and the National Honor Society (NHS). Outside of school, she works as a Certifi ed Nur...

Kyle is an industrial arts & technology education teacher (Tech. Ed.) at Lakewood Middle School. Kyle has been teaching for 16 years total, all at Lakewood. Inspired by great educators from his own childhood, he chose to pursue the pathway of teaching. One of his great joys is being able to build connections with students and follow their successes throughout their time within USD 305. He also...

Forrest is a geometry and financial algebra teacher at Central High School. He has been teaching for seven years total, four of which have been at Central. Inspired by his high school wrestling coach and math teacher, Forrest has a deep appreciation for discussing mathematical concepts. He enjoys watching students tackle math problems in their own unique ways and discovering their individual cogni...

Kennedy is a special education teacher at South Middle School, where she has been teaching for three of her four years in education. Inspired by the educators and coaches from her own childhood, and by her mother-in-law, Gretchen Elliott, the 2023-2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year. Kennedy draws inspiration from Gretchen’s innovative ideas, strong connections with her students and her classroom en...

Cody is a math teacher at South High School. He has been teaching for four years total, with this being his first year at South. His passion for working with students and helping them grow inspired him to choose teaching as his profession. Cody credits his experience coaching youth sports and volunteering at sports camps as the moments when he first discovered his calling for teaching and coaching...