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INCLUSIVITY | INNOVATION | COMMUNITY | INTEGRITY | PASSION INCLUSIVITY | INNOVATION | COMMUNITY | INTEGRITY | PASSION +The Piper Press Magazine_SPRING 2026.indd 1

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FROM the HELM

THE PIPER PRESS

A Message from the Superintendent, Dr. Jessica Dain

Leading the Way At Piper, “Leading the Way” is more than a theme. It is who we are.

This year, our district has continued to gain national attention for the innovative and student-centered work happening across every level of our system. Throughout the school year, educators, business leaders, and school systems from states including Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, and even as far away as California and New York have visited Piper to learn firsthand how we are redefining education through Real World Learning, student voice, future ready systems, and authentic learning experiences for all students.

These visits are not happening because of a single program or building.

They are happening because of the culture our staff, students, families, and community have built together.

Across the nation, school districts are asking important questions: How do we better prepare students for life after graduation?

How do we create meaningful learning experiences that connect academics to the real world?

How do we ensure students leave school with both knowledge and durable skills?

At Piper, we are not waiting for those answers. We are helping lead them.

Our Portrait of a Piper Graduate continues to serve as the compass guiding this work. Developed through collaboration with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders, the Portrait defines the skills and characteristics we believe every Piper student should possess before walking across the graduation stage.

Communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, innovation, initiative, self-direction, resilience, and cross-cultural skills are not simply ideals. They are intentionally embedded into classrooms, projects, presentations, internships, and experiences throughout our district.

In Piper, students are not simply learning content. They are learning how to think, solve problems, communicate, collaborate, and contribute positively to their communities.

And perhaps what I am most proud of is the heart behind the work.

Our students continue to inspire us with their compassion, leadership, and willingness to care for one another. This year, a student led “Spread the Word” campaign at Piper High School encouraged peers to promote inclusion and respectful language throughout the school community. More than 300 students pledged to eliminate harmful language and create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. That initiative is a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by age. It is defined by character.

None of this happens without extraordinary educators and staff members.

Every day, our teachers, support staff, administrators, custodians, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, food service workers, technology teams, maintenance crews, and office personnel work tirelessly to create experiences and opportunities for students that extend far beyond traditional learning. They innovate constantly, build meaningful relationships with students, and remain deeply committed to helping every child succeed.

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Whether hosting community events, supporting large scale district transitions, strengthening student support systems, implementing innovative programming, or preparing students for life beyond graduation, our staff continues to lead with passion, purpose, and an unwavering belief in kids.

As I reflect on this school year, I could not be more proud of our Piper community. We are not simply preparing students for the future. We are helping students discover their passions, find their voices, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

That is what it means to Lead the Way. And thanks to the incredible people of Piper, the best work is still ahead of us.

Proud to be a Pirate,

Jessica

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PIPER JOINS NATIONAL NETWORK TO LEAD HIGH SCHOOL INNOVATION Over four hundred school systems from across the country applied for an opportunity to be a part of the Carnegie Foundation’s Future of High School Network, and Piper was one of only 24 that were selected to join this elite cohort of innovative systems. The vision for the Future of High School Network is to create a new architecture for the high school experience that places a greater value on competency-based learning and application of knowledge instead of mere seat time. By moving away from time-based approaches to high school credit attainment, students will have more opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful ways, which will help prepare them for postsecondary success, whether they are pursuing higher education, military, trades, or the work force. This means challenging traditional practices and approaches to high school, which falls directly in line with Piper’s vision for Future Ready learning. Piper’s involvement in the network has already led to collaborative relationships with districts across the United States, including Roanoke County Schools, which sent leaders to tour Piper and learn about our K-12 Future Ready model. We are excited to continue working with the Carnegie Foundation and our partner systems within the Future of High School Network to lead the nation in reimagining what the high school experience can be.

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FROM VISION TO MODEL: LEADING THE WAY IN REAL WORLD LEARNING When Piper first started its partnership with the Kauffman Foundation and its Real World Learning initiative back in 2019, our district was only beginning the work of redesigning the high school experience for all of our students. As a district, we began to shift our vision for high school and aim our trajectory toward postsecondary success for all of our students, and the Kauffman Foundation served as a catalyst in supporting our vision for Future Ready success. As schools across the nation were struggling to emerge from the challenges of the Covid pandemic, Piper continued to forge a vision where all students would graduate from Piper High School with at least one Market Value Asset (MVA), which includes 9+ college credit hours, an internship experience, an industry recognized credential, a client-connected project, or an entrepreneurial experience. Through the generous grant support from the Kauffman Foundation, we were able to develop the only wall-to-wall academy high school in Kansas while also developing Pre-K-8 programming to support our high school academies. The result has been transformative for our students, staff, and community. In the process, we have also become a model district for innovation and Real World Learning, hosting more than a dozen visits across Kansas and Missouri and even other states, including Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In just a few short years, we have become one of the regional leaders in transforming learning for students Pre-K-12.

#FUTUREREADY

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RECOGNIZING STUDENTS WHO ARE LEADING THE WAY Piper High School is proud to recognize a remarkable group of seniors who have earned the distinction of being named Kansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholars.

The Kansas CTE Scholar program honors outstanding students who have demonstrated excellence both in the classroom and through real-world career preparation. To qualify, students must maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher in their CTE coursework while also completing at least one significant career-readiness achievement, such as earning an industry-recognized credential, participating in a work-based learning experience, completing nine or more dual-credit hours, or finishing a technical education program.

In addition to their academic and technical accomplishments, CTE Scholars must also demonstrate a commitment to serving others by completing 40 or more hours of community service.

These requirements reflect the well-rounded nature of CTE Scholars, students who excel academically, develop valuable workforce skills, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected as 2025-2026 Kansas CTE Scholars: Ava Azzeh Trinity Bales Sofia Cushenbery-Andrews Olivia Dark Ainsley Giese Jonathon Gregory Jordan Joyce Jose A. Maderos Sun May Calei McConnell Kailey Mortell Leilanie Mortell Brenlie Reese Emily Richardson Madison Raveill Leah Wiehe We commend these students for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to preparing for future success. Their achievements exemplify the purpose of Career and Technical Education and highlight the bright futures that lie ahead.

GOVERNOR’S SCHOLARS Piper High School is proud to recognize three seniors who have been named Kansas Governor’s Scholars, an honor awarded to the top one percent of high school seniors across the state based on academic achievement. Coordinated by the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force, the program celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, excellence, and perseverance throughout their high school careers. This prestigious recognition places these students among Kansas’s highest-achieving graduates. Congratulations to Piper High School’s 2026 Governor’s Scholars: Genevieve Braithwaite, Madison Raveill, and Kalia Penney. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and wish them continued success in the future.

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Piper Robotics Students Make History at World Championship Piper High School Robotics celebrated one of its most successful seasons to date during the 2025-2026 competition year. Students in both the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) programs dedicated hundreds of hours to designing, building, programming, fundraising, and competing, earning impressive results at every level. FTC Team Stealth 21536 advanced to the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston, Texas, the first time in program history that a Piper FTC team qualified for Worlds, placing them among just 336 teams selected from more than 8,000 worldwide. The team also earned the prestigious FIRST Tech Challenge Safety Animation Award, a global honor presented by Worcester Polytechnic Institute. FRC Team Stealth 1802 also had a strong season, advancing to playoff rounds at regional competitions and earning the Gracious Professionalism Award. These accomplishments reflect the remarkable talent, dedication, and teamwork of Piper Robotics students, mentors, and supporters, and we congratulate the entire program on an extraordinary year of success.

Piper FCCLA Students Shine at State Leadership Conference Piper High School FCCLA students had an outstanding showing at the Kansas FCCLA State Leadership Conference, earning awards, gaining valuable leadership experience, and qualifying multiple students for national competition. In addition to participating in leadership sessions and workshops, PHS FCCLA was recognized as the State Runner-Up for the National Program Families First, honoring the service efforts of FCCLA members and Mrs. Luhman’s culinary classes through Kids Feeding Kids and the Piper Pantry. Students competed in a record-breaking 17 STAR Event categories, showcasing months of hard work, creativity, and dedication. Several students earned top gold ratings and qualified for the National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., including Emily Richardson, Makinley Lofton, Samantha McKee, Alison Catron, Charli Berg, and Gracie Healy, while many others earned gold, silver, and bronze honors across a variety of competitive events. We are incredibly proud of all of our FCCLA members for their commitment and accomplishments, and we congratulate them on a truly remarkable year. Students are coached by Megan Geist and Beth Luhman.

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Students Earn Perfect Scores on State Assessments Piper is proud to recognize a group of exceptional students who earned perfect scores on the Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) state assessments. Achieving a perfect score is a significant accomplishment that reflects outstanding academic achievement and dedication. Students earning this distinction demonstrated exceptional mastery in English Language Arts, Math, and Science. Those recognized include Katherine Faulkner, Finnegan Fisher, Isaiah Hall, Madyx Nelson, Owen Smith, Alexander Cook, Ella Steudemann, Lucas Williams, Roland Jones, Josephine Puls, Alaina Harvey, and Owen Nead. We congratulate these students on their remarkable success and thank their families and teachers for the support and encouragement that helped make this achievement possible.

Piper Student Wins Countywide “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest Piper High School student Rylee Adkins has been selected as one of two winners in the Wyandotte County Election Office’s annual “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest. Open to students in grades K-12 throughout Wyandotte County, the contest encourages young people to engage with the election process and promotes civic involvement among future voters. Rylee’s winning design will serve as one of the official “I Voted” stickers distributed during all 2026 elections, giving thousands of voters the opportunity to proudly display artwork created by a local student. This recognition highlights Rylee’s creativity and artistic talent while supporting the Election Office’s mission to inspire lifelong civic participation. Congratulations to Rylee on this outstanding achievement and for representing Piper High School so well.

Piper Middle School FCCLA Celebrates a Year of Leadership and Service Piper Middle School FCCLA members had an outstanding year focused on leadership, service, and student achievement. Throughout the year, students made a positive impact in their community by creating and donating blankets to the Children’s Mercy NICU, hosting a Sensory Safe Movie event, and welcoming families to a holiday celebration at the school.

In April, 15 members traveled to Wichita to compete at the FCCLA State Leadership Conference, where they showcased projects on topics ranging from environmental awareness and advocacy for NICU families, dyslexia, and cancer patients to animal care, marine life education, and personal leadership development. +The Piper Press Magazine_SPRING 2026.indd 8

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Piper Boys Basketball Combines Success on the Court with Service to the Community The Piper High School boys basketball team delivered another outstanding season, finishing with an 18-8 record while competing against one of the toughest schedules in Class 5A. The Pirates captured the inaugural Piper Optimist Tournament of Legends championship and earned their third consecutive trip to the state tournament, further establishing Piper as one of Kansas’ premier basketball programs. Their season concluded in a thrilling double-overtime battle at the state tournament that showcased the grit, determination, and resilience that defined the team all year. Individually, Alamar Brooks and Cooper Crawford earned All-League honors, while DJ Jackson was recognized as both First Team All-League and First Team All-State Congratulations to the players and coaching staff, led by Head Coach Steve Wallace and Assistant Coaches Derrick Jackson, Justin Richmond, Matt Storrer, and Alex Ivanuska, on an exceptional season.

Piper Middle School HOSA Members Earn Top Honors Piper Middle School HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) celebrated an outstanding third year of learning, leadership, and achievement. Throughout the year, students explored healthcare careers, developed health science knowledge and skills, and prepared for competitive events across a variety of medical fields. Guided by a strong student leadership team and supported by sponsor Tesa Davis, members gained valuable real-world experiences while building confidence and connections with their peers. The chapter earned impressive results at the International Leadership Conference, including multiple first-place finishes in events such as Health Career Preparation, Medical Terminology, Foundations of Nutrition, Medical Innovation, Veterinary Science, and more. Additionally, Addison Dalsing earned third place in the State of Kansas in Life-Threatening Situations.

Piper Middle School TSA Students Excel at State Competition Piper Middle School’s Technology Student Association (TSA) chapter continued its tradition of excellence this year, experiencing significant membership growth while helping students develop skills in architecture, computer science, and engineering. Under the leadership of student officers and advisor Grant Miller, members dedicated countless hours to designing, building, and refining projects for competition. Two students qualified for the TSA State Conference and achieved outstanding results. Anson Geist earned second place in the state for his dragster project after spending months designing, producing, and testing the fastest car at Piper Middle School.

Jackson Graham showcased his expertise in Computer Aided Design (CAD), earning first place at the state level after mastering AutoCAD and scoring 90 percent of the available competition points. +The Piper Press Magazine_SPRING 2026.indd 9

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Piper Boys Tennis Celebrates Outstanding State Qualifiers Piper High School Boys Tennis enjoyed an exceptional season highlighted by multiple state qualifiers, conference champions, and regional champions. Tucker Theiss and Chri Htoo qualified for the state tournament in doubles after earning Honorable Mention All-UKC honors and placing sixth at regionals. In singles competition, Blake Taylor captured both the UKC and Regional Championships, earned First Team All-UKC honors, and advanced to his second state tournament appearance. The doubles team of Baird Greenamyre and Johnny Vogel dominated throughout the season, winning both the UKC and Regional Championships for the second consecutive year and earning First Team All-UKC recognition. The pair capped off their outstanding seasons with a sixth-place finish at the 5A State Tournament. Baird set a new Piper single-season record with 37 wins and finished his career with 96 victories, while Johnny concluded his remarkable career as Piper’s all-time wins leader with 102 victories and four consecutive state tournament appearances. In recognition of their exceptional performances, Baird Greenamyre and Johnny Vogel were named Co-UKC Players of the Year. The team was led by Head Coach Bryan Shelley, who was named UKC Boys Coach of the Year, along with Assistant Coach Matt Storrer. Congratulations to the entire team on an outstanding season.

Piper Track and Field Teams Shine at State Meet Piper High School Track and Field capped off an outstanding season with impressive performances at the KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships, where the girls team earned a fourth-place finish and the boys team placed fifth overall. Numerous athletes qualified for the state meet across a variety of events, showcasing the depth and talent of the program. Piper athletes brought home multiple state medals, including podium finishes from Elizabeth Arenas, Nora Turney, Anneliese Lockwood, Da’Mon Jamierson, Maia Dolinar, Andrew Durham, and several relay teams. The season was highlighted by two state champions: Max Clark, who captured the javelin title and was named the United Kansas Conference Male Field Athlete of the Year, and Shinji Pollard, who won both the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles. Pollard also set a new state meet record in the 110-meter hurdles and recorded the second-fastest time in Kansas history across all classifications. In addition to their success at the state meet, both the boys and girls teams won United Kansas Conference championships, with the boys earning back-to-back titles and the girls securing the first conference championship in school history. Congratulations to all of our athletes and coaches on an extraordinary season filled with hard work, dedication, and championship-level performances.

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LEADING THE WAY THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Piper Educational Foundation continues to lead the way in community engagement through impactful events that bring together supporters, partners, staff, and alumni in support of Piper students. This year’s annual breakfast celebrated Hall of Fame inductee Cordell Hachinsky and Community Partner of the Year Michelle Dissmeyer, while the 3rd Annual Piper Educational Golf Classic united volunteers and supporters for another successful day of fundraising and fellowship.

Thanks to the generosity of our community and the success of these events, the Foundation helped fund a fully furnished Mock Courtroom for the Piper High School Public Services Academy, providing students with valuable hands-on learning experiences for years to come.

Back to School Treasure Hunt Celebration Sets Sail August 8 Ahoy, Pirates! Get ready to kick off the new school year with excitement, connection, and community at Piper’s inaugural Back to School Treasure Hunt Celebration on Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Piper High School.

This exciting new event was inspired directly by feedback gathered through our community forums, particularly conversations surrounding Vision Priority #5: Highly Engaged Family, Community, and Business Partnerships. Families shared a desire for more opportunities to connect, learn about community resources, and become engaged in their students’ educational journey before the school year begins.

From those conversations, the idea for a welcoming, all-inclusive back-to-school celebration was born.

The Back to School Treasure Hunt Celebration is designed to bring together students, families, staff, businesses, and community organizations in one place to celebrate the start of a new school year. Whether you’re new to the district or a longtime Piper family, this event offers something for everyone.

We can’t wait to see you there, Pirates! +The Piper Press Magazine_SPRING 2026.indd 11

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