End of 2025 Awards

Elementary Students Tie and Triumph in District Math Competition

Students from across the district competed in the annual Math Wings program, a districtwide elementary school club focused on mental math, problem-solving competitions, vocabulary review and math “scrimmages.”

At the final contest of the year, the top-performing students represented the winning teams at the fourth and fifth grade levels. In the fourth grade category, Clearwater Creek’s Owen Howard, Prince Wilson and Landon Windholz and Canyon Creek’s Ryan Howell, Aarav Menon and William VanNice tied for first place. In the fifth grade competition, Arbor Creek students Addison Baker, Beniah Brown and Quentin Smith were crowned champions.

Olathe Northwest Educator Named Football Coach of the Year

Olathe Northwest High School football head coach and physical education teacher Lorne Clark has been named the Sports in Kansas 6A Football Coach of the Year, recognizing his remarkable leadership in guiding the Ravens to their first-ever 6A state championship appearance.

Clark led Olathe Northwest to a 9-4 record this season, and a historic postseason run that included a 42-28 victory over two-time defending state champion Gardner-Edgerton, ending the Trailblazers’ streak of three consecutive state championship appearances. The Ravens reached the state semifinals in 2022. This year, after navigating the competitive Sunflower League, the Olathe Northwest football team won four straight games to reach the championship.

“Coach Clark is an exceptional coach who has created a culture of outstanding performance through high expectations, accountability, and belief in his athletes,” Olathe Northwest Principal Chris Zuck said. “Students and athletes know they’re cared for and are important. His football players know that they’re part of something significant and larger than themselves. We are proud of the program Coach has created and are grateful for his leadership of young people in our community.”

Woodland Elementary Principal Named KAHPERD Administrator of the Year

Woodland Elementary School Principal Stacy Shipley has been named the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (KAHPERD) Administrator of the Year.

The award recognizes leaders who champion the value of physical and health education for all students. Recipients are honored for supporting colleagues, families and students by implementing a wide range of curricular activities and special events, as well as strengthening the field through collaborative scheduling, mentoring and thoughtful curriculum planning in physical education, health, recreation and dance.

In her nomination, Woodland’s physical education teacher, Kaitlin Morrow, highlighted Shipley’s role in creating events such as the Reading and Fitness Challenge, where students read 12 books and complete 12 hours of physical activity over winter break. Morrow also noted Shipley’s involvement in coaching the Running Club and Dribbling Club, as well as organizing a Chiefs Tailgate family event for the community.

“What truly sets Stacy apart is her care for people,” Morrow wrote. “She leads with empathy and reminds staff that her motto is ‘family first.’ Her leadership extends beyond physical activity — she nurtures wellness, connection and community in everything she does.”

Olathe Northwest Girls Tennis Wins State Championship

The Olathe Northwest High School girls’ tennis team captured the 6A Girls Tennis State Championship earlier this year, scoring 38 points at the College Boulevard Activity Center to secure their second consecutive state title.

“As the year went on and as the results came in, my confidence really started to grow,” Coach Drew Smith said. “We had a goal to repeat, and the girls embraced that as a realistic challenge from the very beginning. To see it become a reality is amazing. They all performed so well and beyond my expectations.”

Olathe North Gymnastics Team Wins Final State Championship in KSHSAA History

The Olathe North High School gymnastics team captured its fifth consecutive Kansas State High School Activities Association state championship. The team scored 110.225 points to beat Shawnee Mission East High School’s 109.675 points, breaking the state record for most consecutive titles.

Olathe North sophomore Lily Muchiri and Olathe North junior Ariana Easter delivered key routines on the floor exercise to secure the title. Olathe North junior Olivia Noteboom was one of three North gymnasts to place in the balance beam. Olathe Northwest junior Sophia Beaumont won the all-around title for the second straight year.

Kansas high school gymnastics will be discontinued after this season making the championship a bittersweet finale.

Olathe West Athletic Director Named Administrator of the Year

Pat Butler, assistant principal at Olathe West High School, has been named the 2025 Kansas Physical Education Teachers Association Administrator of the Year.

The award recognizes administrators who demonstrate exceptional support for physical education programs and contribute to promoting healthy lifestyles for students. Butler was selected for his dedication to student wellness, advocacy for quality physical education and leadership in fostering a positive school environment.

“Pat Butler is the perfect role model for our students because he deeply values the true meaning and development of the student-athlete,” Principal Jay Novacek said. “During his 30-plus years in Olathe and his time as an AP Government teacher, counselor, and the past 10 years as an assistant principal and AD, Pat has worked every day to create champions on the field and in the classroom. Under Pat’s leadership, Olathe West has won 13 State Titles in nine years of being open.  Pat has also helped develop an incredible and innovative Physical Education Department at West and there is no one more deserving of this award in Kansas.”

Butler has served as assistant principal at Olathe West High School since its opening, supporting both academic and extracurricular programs while championing initiatives that encourage physical activity and wellness for all students.