Feb. 25, 2025 ~ The Olathe Public Schools' third annual Black History Month Celebration of Excellence was held on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Eagles Landing. The event was a beautiful celebration, made possible through a collaborative effort between the Department of Culture & Belonging, the Olathe Black Educators Affinity Group, students from Olathe’s five high school Black Student Unions (BSU), the Diversity Engagement Advisory Council, and the Department of Student and Community Engagement.
This year’s event brought together students, staff, and community members, fostering connection, networking, and recognition of achievements and contributions. The theme for the celebration was "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Inspiring the Future."
Honorees included first-place winners from the 24th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Contest for middle and high school students and academic award recipients from middle and high school levels. Senior students from the BSU and Diversity Leadership Club (DLC) received certificates and graduation cords. Recognized staff members included Michele Revels, paraeducator at Madison Place Elementary; Lori Simmons, librarian at Northview Elementary; Dr. Joy Dandridge, administrator at Mill Creek Campus; and Elijah Dormeus from the I AM Foundation, who received a community partner mentorship award.
Middle School Academic Awards
- California Trail: Brenyn M. Baumfalk, Janessa C. Edwards
- Chisholm Trail: Rissie Evans
- Frontier Trail: Tiffany W. Mwangi
- Indian Trail: Favour C. Abel
- Mission Trail: Mariah N. McMillian
- Oregon Trail: Epoch W. Angong
- Pioneer Trail: Matea Knoell
- Prairie Trail: Devyn M. Formen, Kaija S. Formen, Mason E. Suther
- Santa Fe Trail: Gerren V. Gibbs, Gabrielle M. Walker
- Summit Trail: Nardos M. Dendiro, Mehaley S. Mekonnen, Victoroy M. Muturi, Ellis G. Palmer, Zoey A. Saunders, Rediat L. Shobiso
High School Academic Awards
- Olathe East High School: Alana K. Rice
- Olathe North High School: Mame S. Drame
- Olathe South High School: Paija L. Walker
- Olathe West High School: Jessica E. Borders
Black Student Union and Diversity Leadership Club Senior Awards
- Olathe East: Mercy David, Woudasie Belay, Elijah Brunt, Stephanie Keuwo, Roman Peoples, Jaida Wills
- Olathe North: Logan Thomas, Amirah Allen, Jordan Kweheria, Benjamin Stone, Purity Thiongo, Della Gentry, Raquel Kingsby, Dylan Magwere
- Olathe Northwest: Epifani Palu, Daniel Mukeku, Bethanya Mekuria
- Olathe South: Peris Mugo, R'yonna Harris, Haylea King, Makayla Green, David Soloman, Kirubel Solomon, Jai'Lea Jacobs, Abem Adugna, Robert (Owen) Olson, Matthew Jonas
- Olathe West: Sherron Woodberry, Kevin Hollinger
