Release from KSHSAA
TOPEKA, Kan. – McPherson High School has been selected as the KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence award winner. A total of 17 Kansas high schools will receive recognition by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) for outstanding performing arts programs.
A selection committee was formed from the following associations: Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA), Kansas Speech Communication Association (KSCA) and the Kansas Thespians (Theatre).
Leaders from these three associations along with the KSHSAA staff collaborated to discuss numerous high schools that scored exceptionally high in debate, speech, music, and theater during the 2021-22 school year. The committee and the KSHSAA chose one winner, three finalists and 13 commended schools from across Kansas. All 17 schools will be recognized with a certificate from the KSHSAA in September.
Winner: McPherson High School
Finalists: Lawrence-Free State High School, Olathe East High School, Topeka-Washburn Rural High School
Commended: Buhler High School, Garden City High School, Lansing High School, Newton High School, Olathe North High School, Olathe Northwest High School, Olathe South High School, Olathe West High School, Overland Park-Blue Valley West High School, Paola High School, Pittsburg High School, Shawnee Mission-Bishop Miege High School, Sterling High School
“The KSHSAA made a commitment to our schools in 2018 to annually recognize outstanding performing arts schools in the State of Kansas. This award is a wonderful testimony to our schools’ professionalism and efforts with our amazing students. These schools really stepped up during some very challenging times,” said Craig Manteuffel, KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director of Fine Arts and Spirit. “It is very difficult to flourish in all categories of the performing arts and we are so proud to honor these 17 schools in 2022-23.”
Past winners include: 2018-19 Washburn Rural High School (NFHS National and State Winner), 2019-20 Lawrence-Free State High School (First KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence), 2020-21 Sterling High School, 2021-22 Pittsburg High School.
Bill Faflick, KSHSAA Executive Director, will join Manteuffel and the McPherson High School administration for two presentations on Friday, September 23. The first presentation will be given at the MHS Homecoming Assembly at 2:00 P.M., and the formal plaque presentation will be made that evening to the McPherson High School administration and performing arts department by the KSHSAA at halftime of their Homecoming football game.