April 10, 2025

Olathe East Student Scores First in Kansas on National German Exam

Olathe East High School sophomore Neil Patrao has earned first place in Kansas on the National German Exam. This is the third year an Olathe East student has placed first, continuing the school’s tradition of excellence in language education.

“Kansas City does have a threepeat,” German teacher Christopher Seidler said. “Congratulations to Neil for continuing Olathe East’s legacy for the last three years.”

Patrao’s achievement also places him among the top 100 high school students studying German in the United States.

Olathe North Student Named Rudd Foundation Scholar

Olathe North High School student Kenyang Deng has been named a Rudd Foundation Scholar, marking the first time an Olathe North student has received this prestigious honor. Deng was awarded an $80,000 scholarship to attend Emporia State University starting next fall.

“We are beyond proud of Kenyang for this incredible achievement,” said [Name, Title]. “His hard work and dedication have not only earned him this prestigious scholarship but also serve as an inspiration to our entire school community.”

The Rudd Foundation Scholar program is designed to support exceptional students with financial need and a commitment to pursuing higher education. Since its inception, the Rudd Scholar Program has provided over 260 scholarships, an approximate total of $10.2 million investment in Kansas students. By focusing on more than just financial support, the program inspires scholars to embrace the pillars of support, professional development, mentorship, and giving back.

Deng shared, “My whole life, I've been led by the ambition to make something of myself, and winning this scholarship is a big step towards it. As I go to Emporia State University, I plan to study health science and become a doctor, which I have always aspired to be. I can't express enough how much this means to me, and it's why I owe all of this to God for making it possible for this to happen. I thank my friends and family for loving me and supporting me, and my teachers for helping me during the application process. Winning this scholarship has proved to me that anyone can become anything they want to be if they work hard enough, especially when it's not guaranteed to succeed. I thank the Rudd Foundation organization for giving me this opportunity, and I'll become a doctor who will give back to the community just as they gave to me.”

Four Olathe High Schools Named 2025 Kansas All Star High Schools

Olathe East, Olathe North, Olathe Northwest, and Olathe South high schools have been recognized as 2025 Kansas All Star High Schools by Apply Kansas. Launched in 2022, the All Star High School program builds on the Apply Kansas mission to enhance college access by guiding students through the application process. Schools named All Star High Schools participate in a series of required events, including Apply Kansas Application Events, FAFSA Completion Events, and College Signing Days or Senior Signing Days, to foster a college-going culture across the entire school community. This year-round initiative provides students with the support they need to complete college admissions applications, seek financial aid, and celebrate all postsecondary paths.

Two Elementary Schools Receive Challenge Award

Ridgeview and Westview Elementary School were named 2025 Challenge Award recipients by the Confidence in Kansas Public Education task force. One hundred schools were named across the state for outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishments based on Kansas Assessment results in math and reading. The awards recognize Kansas schools that are making a notable difference in student achievement despite facing significant challenges in their school population.

Olathe South Future Business Leaders of America Wins Big at State Level

Over 1,700 high school and middle school students from 101 Kansas schools participated in the 2025 Kansas FBLA State Leadership Conference. Nine students from Olathe South High School earned top honors and will advance to the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, June 28 through July 2.

The following students qualified for nationals and were recognized for their achievements:

• Sophomore Naol Getachew: third place – Intro to Public Speaking, fifth place – Business Management (Team), sixth place – Help Desk, ninth place – Impromptu Speaking, 10th place – Intro to Information Technology
• Junior Martina Ledezma: third place – Accounting II, eighth place – Banking & Financial Systems
• Sophomore Lily Long: State Champion – Management Information Systems
• Sophomore Jasmin Marin Ramirez: FBLA Kansas State Officer 2025-2026 (District VI vice president), second place – Community Service Project, fourth place – Intro to Event Planning (Team), fifth place – Business Management (Team)
• Junior Anya Maheshwari: FBLA Kansas State Officer 2025-2026 (Editor), State Champion – American Enterprise Project, State Champion – Economics, State Champion – Job Interview, State Champion – Marketing (Team), third place – Future Business Leader, fourth place – Data Analysis
• Junior Beatriz Miranda: State Champion – American Enterprise Project, State Champion – Marketing (Team), sixth place – Accounting II, sixth place – Business Communications, eighth place – Organizational Leadership, 10th place – Client Services
• Freshman Malik Njuguna: State Champion – Entrepreneurship
• Junior Isabella Rosales: fourth place – International Business
• Sophomore Elizabeth Waterman: second place – Community Service Project, fourth place – Intro to Event Planning (Team)

Olathe North High School Students Shine at Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair

Last week, 30 students from the Distinguished Scholars Science and Geoscience Academies at Olathe North High School displayed their impressive research projects at the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair held at Union Station. Despite facing significant challenges, including project setbacks and unexpected variables, the students demonstrated perseverance and dedication throughout their months of preparation.

The students earned notable recognition in a variety of categories, with eight Blue Ribbon Division Winners (first or second place), 22 Gold Ribbons for meeting "Full Accomplishment" criteria, eight Silver Ribbons, and 20 Special Awards from organizations like National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Aviation Administration and MRI Global.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and their remarkable achievements,” Marsha Skoczek, Geoscience Academy facilitator said. “Despite facing significant challenges, including project setbacks and unexpected variables, the students demonstrated perseverance and dedication throughout their months of preparation.”