Oct. 3, 2024

Educator Rising Awards at Nationals 

During the Educators Rising national competition, Olathe East High School took second place in one competition and one student was named a national semi-finalist. 

“I am incredibly proud of their hard work and achievements,” Shelly Staples, Future Educators facilitator, said. “Congratulations to our students! They are already gearing up for regionals in November. They are constantly working on bettering their craft!” 

Junior Colt Hughey and senior Hailey France placed second in teacher recruitment with their project, “Varsity Teacher PSA.” Junior Abigail Vandaveer was named a national semi-finalist in JV Educators Rising Moment. In addition, Hughey and France, along with fellow student Isabella Hermansen co-presented two breakout sessions during the national conference sharing best practices with emerging educators nationwide. 

(Photo: Junior Colt Hughey and senior Hailey France placed second in teacher recruitment with their project "Varsity Teacher PSA.")

Olathe East High School Football Coach Named Kansas City Chiefs Coach of the Week 

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced the Coach of the Week honors for the third week of the 2024 season. One of the awards went to Olathe East High School Head Coach Courtney Porter. 

Due to this honor, Olathe East will receive a $500 grant from the Hunt Family Foundation. Additionally, Porter will be presented with a pair of sunglasses, courtesy of Oakley, and a certificate recognizing their selection. These coaches are now qualified for the Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award, which will be voted on later this fall. The Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award is selected by a panel comprised of the Missouri and Kansas boards from the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association. 

Olathe East is 3-0 on the season. It's the best start for the Hawks since they began the 2020 season 4-0. Porter was honored that his program is being recognized. 

"Being named Coach of the Week is unexpected but an incredible honor," Porter said. "My staff works extremely hard day in and day out to prepare our kids and it is a great recognition for all of us. None of this is done by me alone."

In its 28th season, the 2024 High School Coach of the Week is a joint initiative of the Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League. This program is designed to recognize and reward Kansas City area high school coaches for superior performance weekly while honoring individuals shaping today's youth and tomorrow's leaders.

(Photo: Olathe East's Courtney Porter received his certificate from the Kansas City Chiefs.)