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KSD News Update (Oct. 30, 2025)

Posted Date: 10/30/25 (6:17 PM)

KEARNEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Reaching beyond success to develop individuals of character

Bulldog News Update

October 30, 2025

KHS Softball Advances to the State Championship

A softball player swings at a pitch during a game, focused on the ball.
Kearney High School Softball continues its postseason run with authority. In the first round of the state tournament today in Springfield, the Bulldogs took on St. Francis Borgia and delivered a 9–0 win to punch their ticket to the state championship game. Next up, KHS will face Father Tolton for the State Championship tomorrow at 12:45 p.m. in Springfield. This team is playing with confidence, toughness and chemistry when it matters most. Let’s finish the job. Go Bulldogs!

A cheerleading squad performs a pyramid formation on a football field at night.

KHS Cheer Heads to State

Kearney High School Varsity Cheer is heading to the state stage this weekend, and they’re doing it in a big way. Under Head Coach Erin Schmeltz, the squad will compete at the Missouri State Cheerleading Championships on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Hearnes Center in Columbia, MO. Their performance time is 4:05 p.m. The squad's bus will depart for state at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. Please join us in cheering them on as they represent KHS on the state stage. Good luck, Bulldogs!!!

Bulldogs Claim Volleyball District Crown and Head to State

The Kearney volleyball team poses with their trophy, celebrating their win.
The Kearney High School Volleyball team claimed the Class 4-District 8 championship after defeating Pembroke Hill on the road 3 games to 1 on Tuesday, Oct. 28!

The Volleyball team travels to face St Michael the Archangel Catholic High School in the quarterfinals of the state tournament, starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1. The Catholic school is located at 2901 NW Lee's Summit Rd. in Lee's Summit. Tickets can be purchased through the school's online box office. Let's turn out in force to support our Bulldogs!


Playbill poster for 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' presented by Kearney High School Theatre.

KHS Theatre Presents: Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Step into a world of pure imagination! The Kearney High School Theatre Department is thrilled to present our fall musical, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Bring the whole family to cheer on our talented Bulldogs as they sing, dance and whisk you away to Willy Wonka’s wondrous factory in the KHS Auditorium.

Show Dates
  • Tuesday, Nov. 4
  • Wednesday, Nov. 5
  • Thursday, Nov. 6
  • Saturday, Nov. 8 – Matinee & Evening shows
🎟 Tickets are live now! Seats tend to go fast, so grab your “golden ticket” early. Let’s pack the house and support our student performers and crew. See you at the show!

Strut With A Purpose at Turkey Trot 2025!

Start your 2025 Thanksgiving celebrations the right way by participating in the 14th-Annual Kearney School District Education Foundation and Kearney High School Cross Country Team Turkey Trot!

This year's event begins at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Bulldog Stadium. Register by Nov. 7 to receive a coveted Turkey Trot 2025 t-shirt.

As in the past, there will be a 1-mile race, a 4-mile race and a Tot Trot. Proceeds help fund the KSDEF's grants and scholarships and support the KHS Cross Country team. View the event flyer or visit the KSDEF website for more details and a link to the event registration page. 

A choir group poses for a photo on a stage with black curtains.

KHS Choir Shines at All-Districts

Thirty-two Kearney High School choir students took the stage on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Cameron High School for the Northwest District All-District Choir, representing KHS with skill and heart. 

Under the baton of Dr. Jennifer Sengin (Professor of Choral Music and Director of Choral Studies at UMKC) and accompanied by Lorrie Dixon (collaborative pianist, MWSU), our students performed after a September audition process that included a solo and sight-reading for a panel of judges. Kudos to KHS Choir Director Dustin McKinney for guiding our Bulldogs to this moment.

Nineteen of our singers also advanced to the Missouri All-State Choir audition round, where their district scores were combined with a new audition piece. In this process, the top four singers in each voice part are named All-State members, up to sixth are alternates, and those through tenth receive honorable mention. Kearney had an outstanding showing, with nine students earning All-State recognition!

A football player runs with the ball during a game, pursued by opponents.

KHS Football Rolls to Conference Championship on Senior Night

Senior Night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 23, at Bulldog Stadium delivered everything we love about Kearney High School Football: community, grit, and a statement 63-6 win over Excelsior Springs.

Thank you to the families, teachers, coaches, and mentors who’ve helped this senior class grow into outstanding young men: Mason Beaver, Isaac Beaver, Connor Reid, Corbin Emmons, Canon Cholak, Konnar Dampier, Damien Carter, Graham Parker, Drew Nelson, Hudson Best, Brad Doll, Holden Phipps, Dax Mathews, Kendahl Davis, Clayton Cowan, Travis Jarrett, Nyk Belabre, Thaine Blumer, Jackson Leigh-Kent, and Kalan Bomar. We were also proud to recognize our Senior Marching Band, Cheer and Golden Girls. Their work makes Bulldog Stadium one of the best prep football venues in the metro.

The Kearney Board of Education logo is displayed on a wooden wall.

Potential School Board Candidates Invited to Nov. 11 Info Session

The Kearney School District Board of Education (BOE) will be hosting an informational session for individuals interested in filing as Board candidates on the April 7, 2026, election ballot.

The KSD BOE Candidate Info Session will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the KSD central office, which is located at 425 W. Washington St. All members of the public are welcome to attend. 

Please inform BOE Secretary Becky Burkemper by emailing burkemperb@ksdr1.net or calling (816) 628-4116 before the close of business on Monday, Nov. 10, if you plan to attend.

This session is designed to provide useful guidance for those who may want to serve on the school board. Topics will include information about board elections and the roles and responsibilities of the school board members.

A soccer player in a black uniform dribbles the ball down the field.

KHS Boys Soccer vs. Grandview

Kearney High School's Boys Soccer team displayed their fierce Bulldogs best during the match with Grandview on Monday, Oct. 27, at home!

A young man in a band uniform stands with two adults on a football field.

PHOTOS: KHS Marching Band 2025 Senior Night

The Kearney High School Marching Band celebrated their 2025 Senior Night during halftime of the home football game on Thursday, Oct. 23. Congratulations to these senior Bulldogs and their families!

A group of people stand on a football field, some wearing purple and black.

PHOTOS: KHS Golden Girls 2025 Senior Night

The Kearney High School Golden Girls celebrated their 2025 Senior Night during halftime of the home football game on Thursday, Oct. 23. Congratulations to these senior Bulldogs and their families!

A young woman smiles with her parents on a football field, holding flowers and a gift basket.

PHOTOS: KHS Cheer Squad 2025 Senior Night

The Kearney High School Cheer squad celebrated their 2025 Senior Night during halftime of the home football game on Thursday, Oct. 23. Congratulations to these senior Bulldogs and their families!

A group of football players and their families pose on a football field at night.

KHS Football 2025 Senior Night

The Kearney High School Football team celebrated its 2025 Senior Night before their home win against Excelsior Springs on Thursday, Oct. 23. Congratulations to all of these senior Bulldogs and their families!

An event flyer for NCAPS Open House on November 19th, featuring program details and contact information.

Explore NCAPS: Gallery Walk & Open House

Students and families are invited to the NCAPS Gallery Walk & Open House to see how career exploration meets real-world problem-solving. Meet student associates, check out their fall projects and learn how programs connect classroom learning to high-demand careers. 

📅 Wednesday, Nov. 19
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Locations: NCAPS — 6800 Sobbie Road, Pleasant Valley, MO 64068; Co-op at Shoal Creek — 6816 N Church Road, Pleasant Valley, MO 64068

Program strands you can explore:
  • Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing
  • Medicine & Healthcare
  • Global Business & Logistics
  • Digital Media & Technology
  • Senior Associates / Certificated Programs

Questions? Call or text 816-977-811 or email info@northlandcaps.org

All KSD students and families are welcome! Come explore, engage and discover what’s possible at NCAPS!
An open house flyer for Northland Career Center showcases various career paths with images of students in action.

Students: Explore Your Future at the Northland Career Center Open House

Students and families in grades 8–11 are invited to step inside the labs at Northland Career Center, see students in action, and connect with the teachers who help shape their success.

📅 Thursday, Nov. 13
⏰ 5 to 7:30 p.m.
📍 1801 Branch Street, Platte City, MO
☎️ (816) 858-5505

Programs on display include: Aviation Technology, Diesel Technology, Industrial Welding, Industrial Automation & Robotics, Construction Technology, IT Professionals, Law Enforcement/CSI, Health Sciences, Teaching Professions, Culinary Arts, Agricultural Sciences and HVAC.

And last but not least...

A volleyball team celebrates a victory on the court, jumping and cheering.

The Thrill of Victory

It was all Bulldog joy after the KHS Volleyball team won the District championship earlier this week!
KSD Athletics & Activities
 

Video: Taking Action for KSD Students

 
A black and white calendar icon with rounded corners.

Upcoming Events

Nov. 2 - Fall Back!
Nov. 4-6 & 8 - Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory presented by KHS Theatre
Nov. 11 - Veterans Day; School Board Candidate Info Session
Nov. 19 - Board of Education Business Meeting

Visit the KSD website to stay up to date on all of our important events.
Kearney School District