Board Highlights
March 4th, 2024
Randy Robertson was awarded the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and the Associated General Contractors of Kansas (AGCKS) New Instructor of the Year.
Along with Denise, Emilio Holden was recognized as the first student in KMEA Convention history to present a session. Emilio's session entitled, "Creating a Place of Belonging, A Student Perspective on Transgender Voicing in the Choir," was a resounding success.
Emilio and Denise were joined by PHS choir director Shelly Cole.
Piper High School Band had 9 students audition and make District Honor Band, which allowed them to audition for state. Three students earned their place at the state competition including Olivia Zimmermann, Faith Paulakovich (not pictured), and Annabelle Palm (not pictured). Olivia was joined by band director Josh Kelley.
The Unified Bowling 18 to 21: Bonner Springs Special Olympics of Kansas traveled to Nationals this year, and on the team is one of Piper's very own, Matthew Braithwaite. On the first day of the tournament, Matt along with his teammates showcased their exceptional skills and clinched 1st place in the competition. Their remarkable performance earned them the prestigious Jimmy Shroeder Award for achieving the most pins over their average. The team was joined by coaches Denise Chowning and Tracy Ortiz.
Piper High School Boys Basketball was able to achieve notable milestones this season, including the Champion title of the United Kansas Conference, Sub-State Champions and making it to the state championship game, being named 5A Kansas State High School Athletics Association State Runner-Up.
Individually, several players have received recognition for their talent and contribution to the team. Our entire starting lineup of Devin Kerr, PJ Moore, DJ Jackson, Lantz Walton, and DJ Thomas have all received All-League honors, while Devin Kerr, PJ Moore, DJ Jackson, and Lantz Walton also received All-State honors. These achievements reflect their dedication and skill on the court.
Additionally Coach Steve Wallace was recognized for receiving the United Kansas Conference Coach of the Year award and was nominated for the Kansas Coach of the Year and the Eddie Ryan Coach of the Year. The team was joined by coaches Steve Wallace, Derrick Jackson and Matt Storrer.
Piper's Varsity Mock Trial Team, coached by Clair Haflich, traveled to Topeka to compete at the prestigious Kansas Bar Association's State Tournament and was one of only eight teams selected to attend. The team finished 2nd overall in the competition. This is only the third year this program has existed at Piper. These results are a testament to the talent and hard work done by these students.
Cassidy Green - Attorney, Co-Captain
Kara Deterding - Expert Witness, Co-Captain
Jack Wells - Witness
Nate Leduc - Attorney
Sofia Cushenberry-Andrews - Witness
Jaslyn Weisman - Attorney
Min Radolia - Alternate
Lin Pe - Alternate
Jaydyn Hibler was recognized in honor of receiving the prestigious National Junior Honor Society Outstanding Achievement Award. Jaydyn's dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have truly paid off, and this recognition is a testament to her exceptional academic performance, leadership qualities, and service to her community. Jaydyn was accompanied by NJHS sponsor Jennifer Warneke and PMS Principal Tim Leffert.
Certified GAMECHANGER Award: Britney Calvert
Director of Student Services Darcey Bast said,
“Britney's willingness to support staff and student success is exceptional. She was trained as a CPI trainer and successfully led training for over a hundred district staff including special education teachers, para educators, related service providers, counselors and administration. Her efforts in educating staff on de-escalation strategies are exceptional and helps ensure that all staff members are equipped with the necessary tools and techniques to promote a safe and supportive learning environment for students with diverse needs. Through her leadership and expertise, Britney significantly contributes to the overall success and well-being of both staff and students within the district. She truly is a Piper GAMECHANGER! Britney was joined by her Director, Darcey Bast and her principal, Stasi Willmon.
Classified GAMECHANGER Award: Officer David LeManske
Piper Prairie Principal Darcey Bast said,
“Piper Prairie is safe and secure because of the exceptional work of Dave LeManske. He works diligently on a daily basis to establish relationships with all students and staff and ensures safety. Not only is he essential to ensuring building and campus security at both Piper Prairie and Piper Pre-K but he also supports Piper District Office. He is instrumental in teaching our youngest learners about our A.L.I.C.E protocol and works diligently to ensure students are “Prepared, Not Scared.” Dave LeManske is a true GameChanger in the Piper School District.”
Officer LeManske is a retired United States Marine Corps veteran and spent the remainder of his career in law enforcement having served on the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department for 5 years and the Kansas City Kansas Police Department for 25 years. After retiring from KCKPD, Dave worked as the security director for SION schools from 2016 to 2018, after which he came to the Piper School District.
Piper’s Director of Human Resources Jenny Hurley said, “Officer LeManske has served as a school security officer for the past 6 years, and has been integral in systemizing many of the district’s safety and security procedures, including protocols for the additional security officers who have been hired in the subsequent years.”
On behalf of the Piper School District, we thank Officer LeManske for his many years of service to not only our school, but to our community and country. We wish you a very happy and relaxing retirement!
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