Tucker Bradley, BHS senior
A message from the Superintendent
Dear Baldwin Community,
As we head into summer, I would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone in the Baldwin School community. This has been another remarkable school year. I could not be prouder of our students, staff, and community. Whether it is in the classroom, on the stage of the Performing Arts Center, in the Lumberyard Arts Center, or in competition, our students, staff, and families always show up in support. Baldwin truly embraces the success of each student in all facets of their lives.
This edition of the Bulldog Bulletin will continue to share the
amazing stories that come from Baldwin USD 348 through the words of our talented student journalists.
Under the leadership of BHS Journalism teacher Kit Harris, our students are engaging in a “realworld” opportunity to publish their work and
have it shared with families across the Baldwin community. We greatly appreciate this partnership with the Lawrence JournalWorld to help expose our students to a potential career in journalism.
I truly hope you enjoy this edition of the Bulldog Bulletin as you learn more from the lens of our students. Thank you for your continued support of our students and staff, and for sharing in these experiences. The successes of our students and staff are directly related to our amazing community. Take care and Go Bulldogs!
Respectfully, Mark Dodge Superintendent Baldwin USD 348
ON THE COVER:
The BHS boys basketball team, led by 4A Player of the Year Cooper Carr, came into the 4A State basketball tournmaent as the #6 seed, but knocked off the #3, #2, and #1 seeds to win the school’s first ever boys State championship. The Bulldogs, coached by Don Blanchat, ended with a 22-6 season record.
Find it on usd348.com
• School Calendar
• Breakfast & Lunch Menus
• PowerSchool Login
• Student & Parent Tech Resources
Baldwin City USD 348 715 Chapel St., P.O. Box 67 Baldwin City, KS 66006
The Bulldog Bulletin is a biannual magazine which includes content provided by the Baldwin High School journalism class and is produced by the Lawrence Journal-World.
To advertise in this magazine, contact advertising@ljworld.com
Mark Dodge
Senior Finnley Kellerman celebrates with Coach Jesse Austin as she became the first ever girls wrestling state champion in Baldwin High School history. Kellerman went 34-3 this season and won by fall in her championship finals match over a Nickerson opponent.
Photos by: Ridge Kellerman, BHS freshman
Making History
By Halia Callahan and Lydia Payne BHS Journalism
Baldwin High School started its girls wrestling team in 2020, and they won a state championship as a team in 2021. Continuing their legacy, senior Finnley Kellerman won her very own championship title at 235 lbs., becoming the first ever individual girls wrestling state champion in school history.
“Starting later than most of my opponents, I knew I was going to have to work twice as hard to get where I wanted to be,” Kellerman said.
Kellerman began wrestling in her sophomore year of high school. Once she started, she was involved in wrestling all the time in the off-season. Kellerman consistently pushed herself by competing in big tournaments like Fargo and the Shrine Duals after her state win.
“After I won my state title, it was such a rewarding feeling knowing all the time and effort I had put in finally paid off,” Kellerman said.
State Swish
Baldwin Bulldogs First Boys Basketball State Champions
By Gwen Troth BHS Journalism
The Baldwin High School boys basketball team became the first 4A 2026 State Champions in BHS history. The Bulldog boys beat Rock Creek 66-60 in Hutchison, winning the school’s first boys basketball State title. The team ended their season with a 22-6 record.
“Winning a state championship was one of the goals I wrote down as
Kellerman finished her senior year with a record of 34-3 and a total of 82 career wins. She will continue her wrestling career at Baker University with head coach Kit Harris, the former BHS coach who became the first coach in the state of Kansas to win both a boys and a girls team state title.
“I’m excited to have some of her work ethic, toughness, character and academics joining our program,” Harris said. “Add to it that she is local, and it’s a great recruiting situation overall. Us coaches have been able to get to know her and she is a great fit for our program. We are very thrilled to have her joining us.”
BHS coach Jesse Austin has coached Kellerman all 3 years of her wrestling career. Austin helped motivate and push Kellerman to be the best wrestler she could, as well as coaching her finals match.
“The first thing that comes to mind is her conscious effort to be coachable,” Austin said. “Whether that be in the practice room, before a match, or even during a match, she always put forth effort to do the things asked of her. The other thing that comes to mind is the amount of ‘care’ that she showed towards getting better and giving effort every match.
Regardless of who she was matched up against, I knew she was going to give it her best effort and try to have fun while doing so.”
After winning her state championship, Kellerman celebrated by getting Raising Cane’s. Kellerman was congratulated by her family and teammates after the win, and later surprised at home by her friends.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to grow and develop my wrestling skills,” Kellerman said.
At Baker University, Kellerman plans on majoring in Exercise Science with a goal to become a Physical Therapist.
a little kid so to see it come to fruition is amazing,” senior Cooper Carr said. “but what I am most proud of is being able to wear Baldwin across my chest for four years and knowing I have a whole school and community behind
me each and every day and that was a big reason as to why this historic season was so special.”
The Bulldogs had 8 seniors leading their successful season; Jackson Rood, Devyn Wadel, Homer Rice, Cooper Carr, Ethan Smasal, Leo Schoenberger, Carter Trybom and Colton Collum. Some of these seniors will continue on their basketball career after high school and have committed to colleges.
See SWISH, page 13
HONORING LEGACIES
BEF Announces First Class of New Hall of Fame
By Seth Smasal BHS Journalism
Earlier this year the Baldwin Education Foundation (BEF) announced the four inaugural members of the new BEF Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees are: Dr. Bill Neuenswander for his contributions to academics, Dr. Walt Bailey for his contributions to art, Emily (Brown) Hess for her athletic career at BHS, and Ginny Honomichl for her service to USD 348. They will be formally recognized at the BEF’s Spring Gala on March 27. They, along with all future classes, will also be honored in the Hall of Fame currently being built between BHS and BJHS.
Each member has dedicated many years of their lives to leadership, dedication, and making an impact in the Baldwin City school community.
Dr. Neuenswander served as the superintendent of USD 348 from 1980 to 1988. Additionally, he worked at Baker University for 17 years starting in 1995. He served in various positions, including the Dean of the School of Education and the director of teacher education. He was also key in developing Baker’s first doctoral program in 2006. Neuenswander has been in the Baker Faculty Hall of Fame since 2018 and the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame since 2004. Additionally, he was a part of the National Council for Accreditation in Teacher Education and Kansas State Department of Education program reviews.
BHS journalism teacher Kit Harris was a student of his at Baker and had high praise for him.
“Dr. Neuenswander was an extremely influential person in our community and school system for many years, and also for Baker University,” Harris said. “His knowledge and professionalism were a great asset as he was a very impactful educator and administrator. I always had a ton of respect for him, and
appreciate his help and guidance as I was beginning my career. We are grateful for all he did for our students and community.”
Dr. Bailey grew up in Baldwin and graduated from Baker University in 1962. He returned three years later in 1965 as an instructor in the Art Department where he taught until 2007. At the time of his retirement, he had taught in every building on campus except the chapel. His classes included drawing, painting and printmaking, photography, and many others. He also left a lasting legacy at Baker, having created the mace used at commencement and other ceremonies out of prized elements from the Centenary and Parmenter Halls. He also reconstructed and restored windows from the Centenary Hall that now sit in the reading area of the Collins Library.
Longtime BHS math teacher Mike Curran is a friend of Dr. Bailey.
“He is a soft-spoken man and very, very, very knowledgeable, not only in art but in general,” Curran said.
Bailey was inducted into the Baker Faculty Hall of Fame in 2008 as just the eighth alumnus with the honor at that time.
Hess graduated from Baldwin High School as a member of the class of 2004. During her time at BHS, she was a four year member of the varsity
volleyball team, where they earned State Runner-Up her senior year. At BHS she earned first team All-Frontier League honors each year and various All-Area selections throughout the years from both the Ottawa Herald and Lawrence Journal-World. She was also selected for All-State honors her junior and senior years and was named the 4A player of the year her senior year.
Kalie (Harris) Olsen, one of her best friends since high school was asked about her character.
“Not only was she outstanding in all sports she played, but she was a great leader, encourager, friend and student. She is the most humble and kind person I know,” Olsen said.
Hess continued her athletic and academic careers at the University of Kansas, earning many Preseason, All-Academic, All-Tournament, etc. honors. Following her final game, 6Sports called her “the face of KU Volleyball” for the past four years. She went on to play for various international and Puerto Rican professional teams until she retired from the sport in 2016.
When asked about how she felt about being honored in the Hall of Fame she said, “Honestly, I’m just blown away. It’s incredibly humbling to be part of the inaugural
See LEGACIES, page 13
Spanish students experience Peru
By Lydia Payne BHS Journalism
In BHS, anyone in Spanish 2-5 can take an opportunity to further their knowledge and understanding of the language. The seniors, juniors, and sophomores in Spanish 2 or above, had the opportunity in Spring 2026 to go to Peru.
The students that participated this year were; Danica Peterson, Anna Rolland, Ethan Smasal, Seth Smasal, Nate Cramner, Dan Welch, Amirah Dublin, Jack Sansome, Jada Sansome, Gavin Bruns, Nina Wells, Logan Buffington, Lisel Miller and Keziah Moses.
“My favorite part of the Peru trip was the family stay. My family was amazing and although we only stayed with them for 5 days, I made really good relationships with them and they were all very accepting of me in their family. I am so grateful for them and miss my family so much,” Rolland said.
The students stayed at a hotel for the first week, and for the second week they stayed with a family, (who have had their own children stay abroad) to dive deeper into the language. Counselor Autumn Weiss and Berenice Applegate were the chaperones for this trip. Applegate is a Spanish instructor herself,
and had voiced her delight about this opportunity for her students.
“One of the best parts about going to Peru with BHS students was seeing them navigate and explore a new country and culture and see them use all of the Spanish they had acquired over the years of taking Spanish,” Applegate said. “They were amazing kids and it was great to see them try new things and be brave in these new situations. I loved being able to go back to Peru and relive the moments from when I studied abroad there in college and be able to see all of the incredible Incan history and culture, especially Machu Picchu -it was breathtaking!”
The cost for the trip was a total of $4,000. However, all students who went to Peru had been made aware of this sum, and had been raising money for the last year and a half, along with learning travel etiquette for their trip.
“The $4000 included; airfare there
and back, most meals, all hotel stay, all family home stay, activities, all entrance fees, that also included tips for our bus drivers and tour guides, so it’s all inclusive,” Applegate said, “except spending money for the students that bought souvenirs.”
The students left at the start of Spring Break, and stayed in Peru for 2 whole weeks. There they explored the city of Lima, and visited Machu Picchu. Then stayed with a family to be fully immersed in the language and culture.
“I enjoyed seeing all of the biodiversity that Peru has to offer, as well as the family stay,” Peterson said. The Andes Mountains are so beautiful and I also formed a bond I didn’t think was possible with my host sister in 6 days.”
The family stay was the main attraction to the students that went, but there were some other interesting sites that they visited.
“I have never been to another country, let alone one of the Seven Wonders of the World (Machu Picchu),” Peterson said, “it was amazing! The atmosphere was very calming as it was very high in altitude and I could hear the slight rushing of the Urubamba River way down at the base of the mountains. The structures were also very fascinating to see in person!”
Spending time in Baldwin City
By Kinsley Scott BHS Journalism
It’s a Friday afternoon, and you have nothing to do for the rest of the day. Where would you go? There are many great places to go in Baldwin City, and here are the top five places chosen by several BHS students.
Sullivan Square is a favorite spot in town. It is located between the post office and the Lumberyard Arts Center. It’s a large field used as a performing area, featuring a splash pad and
stage. It’s one of the big places where community events are held.
“It’s fun and I enjoy it every time I go,” eighth grader Phyla Gordon said. “I have good memories there that I will always remember.”
In second place, El Patron is a Mexican restaurant near the fountain outside of the Ice Cream House. Eighth grader Marlee Chambers loves to go there with groups of friends.
“The workers there are really nice and I always go with my friends,” Chambers said. “We get our food fast
and with good service.”
Next is the Baldwin City Public Library. It’s a great place for quiet study, and it provides a relaxing place for quiet reading.
“It’s always very peaceful and calming to go there,” freshman Lorelai Mason said.
Another popular place to spend time in Baldwin is none other than Baker University itself. There are many places to go on the campus,
See BALDWIN, page 14
Forensics is back thanks to new leadership
By Blake Brittingham BHS Journalism
Forensics is a class that is offered at BHS in which students prepare events in public speaking, oral interpretation and acting.
“Forensics offers a wide variety of events to choose from,” Forensics student Sophia Byrd said. “This includes speeches on current events or personal interests, and prose, which involves interpreting book excerpts to convey a specific message. There are also various acting categories, such as humorous, serious, improv, duet and solo performances.”
Forensics is all about communication skills. It requires the incorporation of meaning, tone and rhythm when analyzing poetry or text to bring it to life for audiences.
“I’ve learned how to step into different perspectives, and I love seeing how that connection impacts an audience,” Byrd said. “Additionally, the experience has taught me how to think on my feet and adapt quickly in the moment.”
According to the BHS course catalog, students will compete in a minimum of five competitions and will assist in hosting both an invitational and qualifying tournament.
“We don’t just stay within the Frontier League; we travel to several different locations to compete,” Byrd said. “Forensics, while a class, is also an after school activity, so if you can’t make the class fit into your schedule, you still have the opportunity to join extracurricularly.”
The class is under new leadership, as it is taught by Michelle Kirk, who teaches at BHS.
“Ms. Kirk is an excellent teacher who pushes us to focus on topics we are truly passionate about,” Byrd said. “You can really tell how much she enjoys teaching
SHARP PIANO PERFORMANCE Logan earns 1 at piano festival
By Emma Bailey BHS Journalism
Freshman Sylar Logan went to the 2026 KSHSAA piano festival and earned a 1 rating. A 1 rating is the hardest one to get. Logan had to put in lots of practice hours to get this.
“I have been playing the piano for about 4 years,” Logan said.
Stuart O’Neil is the band instructor at Baldwin High School and Baldwin Junior High. O’Neil feels that Logan has a very unique set of skills.
“Sylar’s work goes unnoticed most of the time,” O’Neil said. “He has a set of skills that many others do not have.”
Getting a 1 rating is a very hard and long process. Many musicians decide to not attend for this reason.
“This type of music festival is very self selective, which means motivated musicians are more likely to attend,”
O’Neil said. “Sylar had to earn a 1 at the Regional level to even qualify for the State level. A 1 at the State level is indeed special.”
Logan not only had to practice a lot for this but also motivate himself to be mentally prepared for this moment.
“I look up to Peter Buka,” Logan said. “Even though I don’t know him, whenever I need motivation I go watch his videos.”
the class and watching us progress in our work.”
Forensics is coached by Maddy Roger, a paraprofessional at BHS. Kirk taught Roger when she was in high school, and they both had the same Forensics coach, creating a full-circle moment. The two have now teamed up to bring back the class.
“I am happy to bring back the class Forensics for this year and future years,” Kirk said. “I think that Forensics is a class that all students would enjoy if they realized that it develops skills in public speaking, getting up in front of strangers, getting through performance anxiety, and being rewarded for self-selection in whatever events they want to choose.”
Forensics is student-led, meaning it highlights student interests. Along with this, students can letter, qualify for state, and more.
“It looks great on a resume for college,” Kirk said. “This is why when thinking about speech requirements for graduation, Forensics gets you so much deeper into those levels and skill sets. Forensics will serve you for life.”
Logan found that finding someone to motivate you will set you up for better success in the future. Before Logan went on if he felt nervous he had a few ways of helping.
“I took slow and deep breaths to calm my mind before playing,” Logan said.
This was Logan’s first time playing for a judge at State. Logan feels that this was a great opportunity to have.
Perez finds passion in dancing
By Ellie Hamilton BHS Journalism
The stage has become a place of expression for BHS senior, Annette Perez. She has participated in the BHS dance team throughout her high school career. Perez does ballet and contemporary/ modern, as well.
“I have been dancing for 8 years,” Perez said. “I dance because it makes me feel so alive, and I am truly happy while I’m dancing.”
Perez has auditioned for multiple universities and is currently waiting to hear back from them.
“One of my biggest goals is to someday dance professionally in a ballet company, but if that doesn’t work out, I just want to dance in any capacity, whether it be teaching or something else,” Perez said.
Perez works and teaches dance
classes at the Baldwin Academy of Dance and Voice.
“As much as I would love to continue teaching, I will not because of my college schedule and the possibility of moving away from Baldwin,” Perez said.
Perez has ballet class four times a
week, Monday through Thursday and a contemporary class on Thursday after ballet. On the weekends, Perez attends Kansas City Ballet’s Open Ballet class.
“I do some basic stretching for my legs, like low lunges and calf stretches,” Perez said. “I also use a tennis ball to roll out the bottoms of my feet to get them stretched out and warm.”
“Another thing I do is use a foam roller to roll out my back and release tension,” Perez said.
“The last thing I do is a plank to get my core engaged and ready. I try to do most of these things before each class so I set myself up for success.” Perez said.
Perez is most excited to continue dancing regardless of where she ends up after her high school career.
“Dancing is my true passion, and I am excited to see myself grow in different ways,” Perez said.
Reflection on America
By Luisa Neri BHS exchange student from Brazil
I think, like anyone else, I came to America with many expectations, what it would be like, who I would meet, and what I would experience. And honestly, none of those expectations were met. This year surprised me in every possible way.
One of the questions I was asked the most was, “Why did you choose Kansas?” The truth is, I didn’t choose it. In my program, we are the ones who get chosen. And the question that usually follows is, “Would you change it if you could?” My answer is no. There is nowhere else I would rather be. I truly love my life here and everything I’ve discovered along the way.
Here, I found a passion for
photography, tried sports for the first time, helped with a school musical, traveled to different cities to watch state basketball games with my friends, experienced new foods, and made friends who speak a different language. Honestly, I feel like I have completely changed who I am, and in the best way.
There were moments of fear and discomfort, but I believe I gained an experience that not everyone gets to have. This year changed the way I see everyone around me, the world itself, and especially my family and friends back in Brazil. I’ve come to understand the beauty of living in a place where no one knows you, while still feeling the love and support of those who do.
Hopefully the friendships I made here will last for a very long time.
I’ve been to incredible places I will never forget, trying Canes and Chick-fil-A for the first time, watching the Chiefs play every moment was unforgettable. But my most sincere gratitude goes to Baldwin and to the incredible people who make this town what it is. I will carry it with me forever.
Photo By:Dr. Frank Perez
Burnham places third at the Regional 1 Contest
By Jolene West BHS Journalism
One of the BHS students has made it to the Poetry Out Loud State Competition through their strong voice and confidence. Freshman Tehya Burnham has placed 3rd at a poetry contest. Due to one person deciding to back out of the competition, she made it to State.
“I got third place and the top two moved up, but the first guy couldn’t go,” She said. “So for me, I don’t feel like I shouldn’t be going because I made third, but at the same time, it’s like I qualified technically, so it’s a mix of feelings.”
At the state competition, she will be reading the same two poems in Topeka at Washburn University. The first poem she read was “Two Young Dancing Girl” by Elsa Giblow, and the second was “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke, both with great
themes and ideas.
“The first poem is sentimental, and you’re going to grow up, and it’s not gonna be the best, so enjoy life now,” she said. “The second (My Papa’s Waltz) was like an innocent child, and the poem is not the happiest because the dad was not a good person. So it was like realizing as a kid you don’t understand, but as you grow up you hold that resentment.”
Burnham chose these poems because she connected to them on a level slightly deeper than most people can.
Mr. Curran Retires after 44 Years
By Allison Barnds & Rylee Holder BHS Journalism
Michael Curran began teaching at BHS in 1982, and after 44 dedicated years he is retiring. He has taught geometry to juniors for all of that time.
“Teaching is all I know, in geometry, every problem is different,” Curran said.
Curran has things that he will miss at BHS, but he is also looking forward to new possibilities. “I will probably miss talking to the staff around here most. But I can get up when I want to, do what I want to. If I want to go to work I can, if I don’t want to work, I don’t have to,” Curran said.
Curran has taught at BHS so long that some current BHS staff members were taught by him. Journalism teacher
Kit Harris, who is also retiring after next year, had Curran as a teacher.
“I had Mr. Curran as a math teacher, he always has been a very good instructor and someone who explains math well, and it can be a hard subject for many students to grasp,” said Harris. “He has dedicated a lot of years here and devoted himself to being a passionate educator in our school system.”
He has always had a sense of humor greatly enjoyed by BHS students and staff alike. A particular favorite of many is a quote from a 1992 BHS yearbook, “Just trying to earn my meager pennies for the week,”
He is well respected by his fellow coworkers and has long been a central part of BHS.
“He has done many jobs over the
“I loved the idea of the first poem that as a little kid you have these ideas, and you are sort of shadowed from it, but as an adult you see how things work,” she said. “The second, I originally thought of it as a sentimental moment between the dad and kid, but when I read it again, I saw it was like an abusive and toxic relationship, which I connected to myself.”
Her teacher, Michelle Kirk, saw just how much thought Burnham had put into picking poems. Kirk was also very excited and expressive when talking about how well Burnham had done, considering her disadvantage.
“When she competed as a freshman from a smaller school, the placement that she got at the Regional 1 Contest was amazing because they were all older than she was from a school triple the size.” She said, “It was exciting to know that even though it was her first time doing that kind of competition, she showed up strongly, and I am so proud of her.”
years, beyond just teaching,” Harris said. “He has coached and sponsored, supervised at Prom, and served on committees. His biggest extra contribution has been his years of hard work on our negotiations team,” said Harris.
“CLUE” set to hit the stage
By Lydia Payne BHS Journalism
Each year Baldwin High School has a Spring Play. This year’s play is based on the different versions of Clue. The play is organized by David Stephens, the English 11 teacher.
“Putting together the play is fun because you get to see students become their characters and the whole scenario becomes more and more developed as the process goes on,” Stephens said.
This year’s main cast list is: Brooklyn Taylor as Wadsworth, Camryn Blevins as Yvette, Joelle Nichols as Miss Scarlet, Layne Brittingham as Mrs. Peacock, Elliet Morton as Mrs. White, Jayden Jimenez as Colonel Mustard, Oliver
Mr. Wolf Teacher Feature
By Emma Bailey BHS Journalism
Tyler Wolf is a business and computer teacher at Baldwin High School. Wolf has been teaching for 8 years.
“I enjoy engaging with the students and getting to meet them and see them grow as they go through their high school career,” Wolf said.
Wolf likes being able to see kids grow in their education over the years. Wolf came back from paternity leave on Feb. 2.
“Coming back from paternity leave has definitely been an adjustment,” Wolf said. “Going from being able to take it slower in the morning and now as having 2 kids
O’Neill as Professor Plum and Gavin Bruns as Mr. Green.
“With the show coming up soon, I am excited to see the whole production come together on stage with lights, sound effects, props, set pieces, and costumes,” Taylor said.
Along with the main cast are some of the others participating such as the tech crew, and understudies.
“The thing I enjoy most about being a part of the tech crew no matter in the Spring play and the Fall musical is how many of my dearest friends also participate and so I have an extra outlet of creativity when it comes to that. Alongside that I enjoy moving sets and doing fast changes within a short period of time. This breeds a great ecosystem within not only the tech crew but also the bigger picture among all actors and
crew members because everybody knows everybody and everyone is friendly to each other,” Lawrence Jenkins said.
Together the cast and everyone behind the scenes will work together to create the play. They will perform on May 1st and 2nd in the PAC.
you definitely have to establish good routines.”
Freshman Blake Brittingham took Wolf’s business essentials class in the first semester.
“He is very passionate and knowledgeable of what he teaches,” Brittingham said, “And shows a deep understanding of economics, business, and more.”
Wolf is able to show students things they might need in the future like calculating payroll, filling out job applications, and more.
“He is very reliable to teach you lessons you will need for long-term,” Freshman Rosalia Jenkins said, “He
can answer many questions you might have.”
Jenkins has had the opportunity to take one of Wolf’s classes, she feels he is able to help with things not just for now but also for the future.
“My goal as a teacher isn’t necessarily to make the world’s best computer programmers but to inspire them and hopefully find something that they can be passionate about and pursue later in life,” Wolf said.
Wolf wants to help kids understand what they want later on in life. Not just becoming better at computer programming but to get a better understanding of themselves.
Senior Carr leads Bulldogs on basketball court
By Jay Bieberdorf BHS Journalism
Whether he is leading on the basketball court or leading the people around him, Cooper Carr has always stood out to teammates, teachers, and the people in his life. Carr recently broke the all-time scoring record for Baldwin High School’s basketball team. Carr was filled with gratitude as he broke the record.
“When I broke the record I felt nothing but gratitude,” he said. “Coming into high school I was just looking to make a name for this team and myself so seeing these moments of recognition it is definitely rewarding, but I am also very aware that none of the records would be possible without all the incredible teammates I have played with.”
Carr thinks that
everybody in his career has pushed him hard and is proud of the opportunity.
“I could not pick one dude throughout my career that has pushed me the hardest, I have had the opportunity to be pushed by pretty much every single guy I have played with,” Carr said.
Carr has been inspired by his dad in his career from his dad taking him to the gym or helping at home.
“My dad has inspired me the most throughout my basketball career, he was the one always taking me to the gym growing up and then traveling with me in the summers to my tournaments, he always has the answer no matter what I am facing because he has already faced it,” Carr said.
Carr has a lot of skills alongside his teammates and he believes his best skill is leading and making the ones around him better.
“I would say my ability
to lead and make those around me better, whether that is basketball related or not I feel that in the areas I step into now, I leave those areas better then when I first walked in,” Carr said.
Carr does not look forward to playing any team because he takes every game importantly.
“I do not have a certain team that I look forward to playing, I just take every game as the most important, hopefully leading to the state championship,” Carr said.
Carr has had the opportunity to play with his older brother Caleb Carr, his freshman year, and his little brother, Spencer Carr, this year.
“My favorite memory is having the opportunity to play a year of basketball with both my older brother when I was a freshman and my younger brother this year,” Carr said.
When Carr is preparing for games he takes time to sit with god and find a quiet place.
“God, without a doubt, I always find a quiet spot no matter where I am. I just sit with Him before each game, thank Him for everything He has blessed me with. It definitely helps with my perspective on each game, its shifts from a feeling of pressure to a feeling of purpose and opportunity whenever I sit in His presence,” Carr said.
Carr plans to take his talents to the next level in college at Northwestern Missouri State in Maryville. Northwestern Missouri State is an NCAA Division II college and Carr is going to start attending in 2026.
SWISH
Continued from page 5
“It felt amazing to finally have all of our hard work rewarded with a championship.” Collum said. “Being a senior on the team has been a huge blessing especially because of how close everybody is together, as a group of brothers we’ve endured so many trials together and overcame so much adversity that ultimately brought us closer together. Our chemistry and bond is what won us the championship game.”
This year marked 6 years of head coach Don Blanchat’s basketball coaching career at BHS. The team was also led by assistant coaches, Drew Trybom, Jackson Blakley and Pete Carr.
“The journey to the state
LEGACIES
Continued from page 6
Hall of Fame class. This honor is so much bigger than me, it reflects the coaches, teammates and community who poured so much into me. Now, as a teacher and mother myself, I appreciate even more how Baldwin shaped not just my athletic career, but the kind of person and mentor I strive to be. I’m truly grateful.”
Honomichl has spent many decades in and around BHS and the community. Before coming to Baldwin, however, she was a member of the first women’s basketball team at K-State University and started the girls basketball and track and field programs at Russell High School. When she came to Baldwin, she started the softball program and served as its first coach while teaching science; she also coached tennis for 22 years. She was the first woman to serve as the president of the Kansas Coaches Association and the NFHS Coaches Association. She has been inducted into both the KSHSAA and NFHS Halls of Fame, but said the BEF Hall of Fame is the one that means the most to her. Immediately after being told she will be in the BEF Hall of Fame,
championship was so rewarding.” Coach Blanchat said. “It was filled with ups and downs, but we came together at the right time and were playing really good basketball in March. These guys will always be the first team to win a state basketball championship at Baldwin High.”
Many news making accomplishments were also created by this team other than taking the state champion title. Schoenberger and Carr were recognized as top player in Kansas of all classes, and coach Blanchat was named the 2026 Kansas 4A Boys Coach of the Year.
“I am so honored to have been a part of Baldwin High School basketball,” Schoenberger said. “And to have capped my career off with a state championship win. It’s truly been a blessing to play with my best
friends, coaches, and for this amazing community. Getting recognized for awards is a huge blessing as well, all of the glory to God!”
Baldwin High School is proud and is celebrating the team and their history making win. BHS teacher and alumni, Kit Harris, has watched this team evolve through many years and shows pride in Baldwin and having the opportunity to watch this historical event.
“This state title really got the community excited, from our youth to adults and everyone in between.” Harris said. “The entire town got behind them, and they delivered. What a fun moment for us all when the final buzzer sounded and our school and community could add yet another state championship trophy to our trophy case. This school has a long history of championship pride and it’s very cool.”
a student asked how she felt about being inducted into the Hall of Fame here, knowing that she was already in others.
“I have been blessed by receiving many awards, all special. This USD 348/BEF Hall of Fame award for service is uniquely special. It is from those I do my daily living with and have for almost 40 years. Many facets of this Baldwin community made this recognition happen and I say thank you,” Honomichl said.” However, the best part in receiving this award is the time I’ve gotten to spend with
the youth of this community as their teacher, coach, substitute teacher, ‘cheerleader’ from the scorer’s table, press box, bleachers and sidelines and as their friend. THANK YOU! BULLDOG PROUD!”
Honomichl continues to help direct and organize Mardi Gras Diversity and youth sports with BCRC, substitute teach, PA announce at BHS basketball games, support extra learning opportunities for students at the Intermediate Center, and teach First Aid, CPR, and AED classes to district staff.
Blake Brittingham collection of vinyls
By Emma Bailey BHS Journalism
“I have been collecting vinyls for about a year and a half. My collection mostly consists of old vinyls from the 70s and 80s. My grandpa collected vinyls back when he was in high school, and he has
BALDWIN
Continued from page 7
including the shot-put field, freshman Tehya Burnham’s favorite place on the campus.
“I like to hang out there because it’s close to Casey’s,” Burnham said. “There are also seats to sit on where
kept them throughout all these years. I use them to listen to music today. I frequently go through his collection and take any vinyls I want to listen to. My favorite vinyl I have is The Wall by Pink Floyd. I also have records by Steely Dan, Hall and Oates, and more. Owning physical copies of albums in a world
we can hang out.”
On that note, Casey’s is also a common place to hang out. The gas station near the Kwik Shop is a great place to hang out, in eighth grader Gobin Hill’s opinion.
“Casey’s has nice employees,” Hill said. “They are also cheaper than Kwik Shop.”
of streaming services makes me feel very appreciative of and connected to the art. Vinyls encourage deeper engagement with music. They also serve a decorative purpose; I can display them to show what my favorite albums are at the moment, and they allow me to display my love and passion for music.”
In conclusion, there are many great places to hang out in Baldwin City, some of them being Sullivan Square, El Patron, Baldwin City Public Library, Baker University, and Casey’s. There are many more places to go in Baldwin City, and it shows that even though the town is small, there are still many great things to do.
