Congratulations to the Kearney High School students who were honored during the 2026 Seal of Biliteracy ceremony on Thursday, May 7, in the KHS Library Media Center!

The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who demonstrate strong skills in English, another language and sociocultural competence. At KHS, this program is part of our Real World Learning initiative because it helps students build and demonstrate skills that matter far beyond the classroom.

Eight members of the Class of 2026 earned the full Seal of Biliteracy:

• Rubi Canales
• Charlie Dollar
• Justin Jackson
• Caroline Jury
• Patrick McNellis
• Abigail McQuillen
• Josephine Quick
• Grace Thurston

We also want to celebrate the students who took important steps toward earning the Seal:

Exemplary
Lia Bobadilla, Julianna DiGirolamo, Harper Harris and Maxwell Parker

Advanced
Kayelee Clements, Lauren Karel, Joley Leach, Aryan Patel, Katie Shaw and Carli Vargas

Emerging
Eva Cox, Abby Fehr, Hayden Fritter, Dawson James, Savanah Jaromin, Jackson Leigh-Kent, Braeden Mallonee, Hollie Paalhar, Scout Pimblott, Joshua Robinson, Katelyn Robinson, Eden Roling, Wyatt Rote, Payton Rudd, Andrew Tester, Challen Tidwell and Makayla Tryon

Developing
Payton Kimberling, Max McCoy, Reid Perkins, Nathan Watson and Ethan Whitehead

This year’s honorees represented Spanish, German and Hindi. Their work reflects persistence, curiosity and the kind of communication skills that open doors in college, careers and communities.

Thank you to KHS German teacher Stacey Getz for leading this outstanding program and helping our students pursue this meaningful recognition.

Way to go, Bulldogs!