September 2025 Awards

Olathe West’s Clark Named Pittsburg State Secondary Math Teacher of the Year

Phyllis Clark, Olathe West High School math teacher, was named one of the Pittsburg State University Mathematics Department’s Outstanding Secondary Mathematics Teachers. Clark has worked at Olathe West since its opening in 2010.

“We’re incredibly proud of Ms. Clark — not just for everything she’s done for the Olathe West students, but for the well-deserved recognition she’s getting statewide,” Principal Jay Novacek said.

Clark was recognized at the 25th annual PSU mathematics department’s High School Math Honor Day on Oct. 2.

KSHSAA Commends All Olathe High Schools as Performing Arts Schools of Excellence

The performing arts departments at all five Olathe high schools have been recognized by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) as 2025 Commended Performing Arts Schools of Excellence. Only 18 schools statewide received this distinction, making Olathe’s sweep especially notable. This marks the second time Olathe schools have earned the honor, which reflects the outstanding talent, dedication, and hard work of both students and educators. The recognition also highlights the continued investment in arts education by the Olathe School District and the broader community.

California Trail's Wendleton Receives Statewide Art Education Honor

Megan Wendleton, art teacher at California Trail Middle School, has been selected by the Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) as the recipient of the 2025-26 Ad Astra Award. The award honors outstanding KAEA members who have made significant contributions to the organization’s mission and success.

“Megan has been a dedicated member of the Youth Art Month Committee since 2013, contributing hundreds of volunteer hours to advancing Youth Art Month initiatives,” said Shannon Wedel, KAEA board secretary. “She played a key role in securing an official Congressional Proclamation for the 2025 Youth Art Month event in collaboration with the office of U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids.”

Wendleton, a veteran Kansas art educator, was previously recognized as the 2015 Outstanding Middle Level Art Educator and the 2019 Overall Outstanding Art Educator.

OATC’s Rew Receives Grant from Charlie’s Car Wash 

Olathe Advanced Technical Center welding facilitator Samuel Rew has been selected as a recipient of the Charlie’s Car Wash Cash for Classrooms grant. The $1,000 award will support Rew’s welding program by funding new welding booths and covering the cost of gas and materials for his students. He was nominated by one of his students’ parents.

“This is very well deserved, as Sam is a great teacher, and words cannot express how happy I am that he will be able to use this for his students,” said his nominator.