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1-22-20 — Mid January 2020 Awards
Jan. 22, 2020
Olathe Student Receives National Accolade
Olathe North High School senior Eddie Dai was one of 300 students named as a scholar in the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Dai’s project, titled “Differential Expression of Retrotransponsons in Stem Cell Lineages of the Preimplantation Embryo,” will make him the beneficiary of a $2,000 award with an additional $2,000 going to Olathe North.
“We are so proud of Eddie and all his accomplishments,” Olathe North Principal Jason Herman said. “Not only is he being recognized for this prestigious award, he has also represented Olathe North in many other academic and activity spaces. He scored a 36 on his ACT, National Science Bowl Team, 2018 Scholars Bowl Kansas 6A State Championship, National Qualifier in Congressional Debate, Science Olympiad State Champion, National Merit Semifinalist and many other awards and honors. Congratulations Eddie, you deserve all the accolades.”
Olathe South Theater Director Inducted into Hall of Fame
David Hastings, Olathe South High School theater director, was inducted into the Kansas Thespians Hall of Fame. This achievement was recognized at the Kansas Thespian Festival held Jan. 10, in Wichita, Kansas.
“David does an amazing job with our theater program and with the students involved in theater at Olathe South,” Olathe South Princpal Clint Albers said. “He has built a program that is revered around the state and our students continue to produce at a high level under his leadership. His induction into the Kansas Thespians Hall of Fame is a well deserved honor and recognition of the excellence that he has produced here at Olathe South.”
Olathe North Theater Director Named Teacher of the Year
Dustin Pence, Olathe North High School theater director, was honored at the Kansas Thespian Festival by being named as the Kansas Thespian Region 2 Teacher of the Year. The festival was held Jan. 10, in Wichita, Kansas.
“Congratulations to Mr. Pence for being named the 2020 Region 2 Thespian Teacher of the Year,” Olathe North Principal Jason Herman said. “This award is so deserved; he is passionate about his students and the Olathe North Theater Department. The productions he and his students put onstage are absolutely amazing.”
Olathe Students Thrive at Kansas Thespian Festival
Olathe high school students who participate in theater were showcased at the Kansas Thespian Festival, held Jan. 10, in Wichita, Kansas.
Olathe North High School junior Sara Holscher was elected as a State Thespian Officer. Holscher is one of four students from across the state elected to this role.
The Golden Troupe Award was given to Olathe North. This award recognizes theater troupes that actively participate in theater outreach, productions and bringing theater to the community. This is the highest award a thespian troupe can receive at the state level.
Olathe North, Olathe Northwest, Olathe East, Olathe South and Olathe West high schools each had students who received superior ratings in individual events.
Olathe Student Selected as Semifinalist to Name NASA Rover
Sarayah McClure, a sixth-grade student at Summit Trail Middle School, has been selected as a semifinalist for the Mars 2020 “Name the Rover” contest. McClure was the only Kansas student selected as a semifinalist.
“Sarayah is a joy to have,” Summit Trail Principal Sarah Guerrero said. “She’s smart, kind and always striving to do her best and we are so excited for her.”
The next phase of judging will reduce the competition to nine finalists for a public vote in late January.