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11-28-17 — District Staff, Students Receive Honors

Nov. 28, 2017

Olathe Student Receives Medal for Heroism

Sean Gianfrancesco, senior at Olathe North High School, was recently awarded the Sons of the American Revolution Medal for Heroism by The Delaware Crossing Chapter, Kansas Society Sons of the American Revolution.

Gianfrancesco was among a group of passersby who jumped in to rescue a semi-truck driver and his dog involved in a fiery accident along I-435. This group assisted the driver and the dog to safety while waiting for first responders.

"What can I say about Sean's decision to risk his life for someone else? He is a perfect example of the people who live in the Olathe North community," Olathe North Principal Jason Herman said. "I am proud of Sean and appreciate his heroism. He deserves the recognition and accolade that he is receiving."

Olathe Student Cast in STARS of Tomorrow Program

Taegan Herz, eighth-grade student at Frontier Trail Middle School, is among 14 middle school students from throughout the Kansas City area selected as cast members for the 2017 Starlight STARS of Tomorrow.

The performance troupe will perform a song and dance medley for audiences at major holiday events across the metro area.

Olathe Teachers Named State Finalists for Classroom Contest

Frontier Trail Middle School eighth-grade science teachers Gary Blasi and Candi Stewart were named finalists for the 2017-18 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest. Five teachers/schools have been named finalists for Kansas.

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest highlights teachers who are helping students discover the difference science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) learning can make in their lives. Winners of this contest can receive up to $150,000 in Samsung technology for their classroom.

"Ms. Stewart and Mr. Blasi use STEAM to teach concepts in science so that students are actively involved in their learning through hands on planning, design, problem-solving, and teamwork to create solutions to real world problems," Frontier Trail Principal Rod Smith said. "They help their students understand the world is not segregated by combining science, technology, engineering, art and math when planning classroom instruction."