

The St. Paul’s board of trustees identified five areas for the school to focus on in the coming years. This process began in early 2023 and was informed by the St. Paul’s mission and values, community survey data, and faculty and staff feedback. In the years ahead, we plan to:
1
• Honor our Episcopal identity by continuing to build and support a diverse and inclusive community.
• Provide additional learning opportunities and age level developmental resources for parents to enhance our partnership.
• Improve outreach to alumni and alumni families to share the St. Paul’s story.
2 3
FOCUS ON FACULTY SUPPORT AND WELLBEING
• Provide additional counseling and learning support staff and resources to help classroom teachers.
• Facilitate professional development based on the areas identified by teachers and administrators in their respective divisions.
• Ensure that our salaries and benefits remain competitive in the market and partner with faculty and staff to identify future needs.
• Provide additional counseling and academic support staff to help students and families.
• Enhance the extracurricular experience with a focus on the visual and performing arts and athletic programs.
• Deepen our commitment to service learning and life skills development.
4
UPGRADE CAMPUS SPACES
• Update the upper field to meet the needs of our athletics program and provide a community gathering space.
• Refresh the ECC classrooms and shared spaces to meet the current and emerging needs of our students and teachers.
• Enhance Walnut Street and build connection between the east and west sides of the campus.
• Improve the use of data and research to inform changes to curriculum and instructional practices.
• Identify additional opportunities to innovate our approach to curriculum delivery.
• Develop an ongoing curriculum review process that provides recommendations and commendations of academic areas on a rotational basis.
Visit speds.org/support/strategic-plan to learn more about how you can support our priorities in the coming years.
2023-2024
John Aisenbrey
Chris Barnett
Gabe Beam, Senior Warden
Joanne Bradley
Dave Collier
Andy Funk
Kristin Havens, Secretary
Brian Humphrey
Steven King, Rector
Mike Kress
Angie Laurie
Nora Lockton, Vice-President
Ancy Maruthanal
Jim McCarthy
Ray Moncrieffe, Treasurer
Andrew Myler, Head of School
Janda Nielsen
Karen Seitter, President
Theresa Sheffield
Buzz Willard
Andrea Wilson
Jamie Young
Over the past five years, we have transformed outdoor play at St. Paul’s. After renovating our west and south playgrounds for 1st – 8th grade, we turned our attention to the central Early Childhood playground. This space is vital for our youngest learners; they spend 25% of their school day outside! With community support, we made essential updates to the layout, landscaping, and equipment to better serve our early childhood program.
After raising more than $450,000 for the project, work was completed on the Karen McDonald Early Childhood Playground in early September 2024. Early childhood students love their new playground complete with merry-goround, climbing structures, sandbox, roller slide, and balance beam. It's a joy to see students spinning, running, jumping, and laughing in this warm and welcoming space.
In honor of long-time toddler teacher and director of aftercare and summer programs, we named this space after Karen McDonald. She passed away after a valiant battle against cancer in 2020. Karen was passionate about play and early childhood education. She was beloved by our community and had an incredible impact on the lives of her students and colleagues.
Outdoor play is a critical piece of the St. Paul’s education, particularly in our Early Childhood program as children develop motor skills, build confidence, and become more independent.
On September 20, 2024, we welcomed Karen’s family and friends to a dedication for the new Early Childhood Playground. At the service, St. Paul’s staff and alumni shared about Karen’s commitment to St. Paul’s students, her love for the outdoors, and her fun, adventurous, and warm spirit.
With her 30+ years of experience teaching in Early Childhood, we know Karen would have loved this space and how it serves our students. It’s a gift to our community that Karen’s memory will live on at St. Paul’s for generations to come.
Visit speds.org/ support/playgrounds/karen-mcdonald-playground-supporters to view a list of generous supporters.
In spring 2024, we celebrated Mr. Ted van Thullenar as he finished up 37 years teaching at St. Paul’s. We are so grateful to Ted for his decades of commitment, compassion, and genuine care for our students. Below Ted reflects on his time at St. Paul’s, shares about his early days of retirement, and passes along some words of wisdom for future generations of St. Paul’s students.
WE WERE LUCKY TO HAVE YOU AT ST. PAUL’S FOR 37 YEARS! WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO DEDICATE YOUR ENTIRE CAREER TO THIS SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY?
First of all, I got to focus on teaching. I didn’t have to worry about discipline, unruly kids, not having enough resources, etc. The St. Paul’s kids made it easy to come to work every day, year after year.
The three years of middle school offer so much change for each individual student. Watching them grow, establish their core values, and discover their talents and interests - it’s an incredible experience, and it was so rewarding to play a big role in their personal development.
Lastly, I always valued the generosity of the parents who shared their kids with us and allowed us the space to do our jobs well. Not to mention all the generous financial gifts to the school and years of kind thank you notes.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC MEMORIES FROM YOUR YEARS AT ST. PAUL’S THAT STAND OUT?
The alumni contacts that I’ve made and the relationships I’ve sustained over the years have been so rewarding. I love connecting with our alumni out in the world. Knowing the big impact that our alumni make in the world – it gives me so much pride knowing that I’ve taught such incredible people.
A huge memory for me, and an important part of St. Paul’s history, was the fire 30 years ago. It was such a blessing that no one was hurt. What we got out of that fire was not only a brand-new building, but this amazing relationship with Temple B’nai Jehudah. They showered us with generosity and support, and it was such a cool experience for me and the whole community.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING?
Being able to be a mentor. It’s one thing to teach the kids about the middle-ages and ancient history, but I loved being able to impart life lessons through the study of the world around us. I always appreciated our students’ willingness to take advice, and their willingness to learn more than what is in the textbook. I always enjoyed building relationships with each any every kid and keeping in touch with them as they developed into important members of their community.
“St. Paul’s won’t be the same without Mr. Van. Hopefully whomever the torch is passed to, they will reflect the humor, compassion, strength, and integrity that he gave to both students and faculty daily.”
— St. Paul’s Alum
I’m really enjoying time with my grandkids. Also, I’m loving the memories
and nostalgia of my time at St. Paul’s; I think about it every day. I’m also reading some good books. I also won’t be too far from the classroom as I’m planning to substitute teach for the Lee’s Summit and Grandview school districts in middle school and high school.
On your birthday, give your mom some flowers because you wouldn’t be having a birthday if it wasn’t for your mom.
Be conscious of the image you’re projecting. Whenever you are making a choice that involves some risk, always try to think, “What would my parents think? What would they want me to do?”
Use your parents as role models and guideposts. They are there to support you, and you want to project an image that will make them proud.
HIGH SCHOOL
Pembroke Hill School, 2000
UNIVERSITY AND GRADUATION YEAR
William Jewell College, 2004
CURRENT CITY
Paris, France
PROFESSION/ROLE
Photographer, travel blogger and mom
WHAT HAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL PATH BEEN SINCE GRADUATING FROM COLLEGE?
I worked for a bit at American Century, and I moved to Paris for my MBA. I was familiar with France since I studied abroad in Dijon during undergrad. During my early years in Paris, I worked for a marketing firm, and I primarily provided marketing services for hotels. I got positive feedback about my photography, and I decided to try selling my images. From there, my blog and photography business, Falling Off Bicycles (Instagram: @fallingoffbicycles), were born. While continuing my photography work, I also began working with European tourism offices to share my experiences traveling abroad.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN PARIS?
The challenge. Every day is a test of patience. I’ve become more flexible in situations that are often frustrating, whether due to a language barrier, administrative challenges, or cultural differences. I’m grateful for the challenges because they have helped shape my expansive and open-minded world view.
TELL US ABOUT A PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL TRIUMPH THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF.
I was in a women’s networking group in Paris, and we all contributed to a book about our experience moving to and living in Paris. The book is called My Paris Story: Living, Loving, and Leaping Without a Net in the City of Light. Many of the women are business owners and the book celebrates
how each woman overcame obstacles to become entrepreneurs in a new country. I’m proud that I was able to contribute my story and share what I love about Paris.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME? ANY HOBBIES?
I enjoy yoga, reading, and I absolutely love walking and exploring new places. When I travel, I usually create a list including major landmarks and lesser-known spots to get an authentic feel for the place. I rarely go anywhere without my camera. One of my favorite places I’ve visited is Venice - it’s such an enchanting city and different from anywhere else in the world.
HOW DO YOU THINK ST. PAUL’S PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE?
St. Paul’s gave me such a sense of security. As an adult, I look back and appreciate the school’s small class sizes, the compassionate faculty, and the sense of belonging that helped shape me and my classmates into confident young adults. Of course, I am also grateful for the education I received, but for me - and this is something I reflect a great deal on in raising my son - St. Paul’s feels like an extension of my family.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CURRENT ST. PAUL’S STUDENTS?
Study abroad! And dare to do it in a non-English speaking country. There are opportunities nowadays in so many different countries, and it’s fun to choose the unpredictable path. Studying abroad will challenge your views on just about everything. You will change your perspective, establish your core values, and discover new things about yourself. You will gain so much confidence from the experience, and who knows, it could put your life on a completely new trajectory, like it did mine.
Hank Bradley Rockhurst High School
Cece Breitenkamp St. Teresa’s Academy
Alissa Brown Schooling in Japan
Emealia Brown St. Teresa’s Academy
Charlotte Dakan Homeschool
Illy Dyer-Beale St. Teresa’s Academy
Kate Ellspermann St. Teresa’s Academy
Jack Fadler Rockhurst High School
Hannah Fitzpatrick St. Teresa’s Academy
Benjamin Freeman Rockhurst High School
Sophie Gouttierre St. Teresa’s Academy
Vesper Heybrock St. Teresa’s Academy
Lillian Hosty St. Andrew’s School in Delaware
Penelope Huston Notre Dame de Sion High School
Lyra Koenigsdorf St. Teresa’s Academy
Carson Kress Rockhurst High School
Taylor Lewellen St. Teresa’s Academy
Will Maher Shawnee Mission East High School
Luca Manica Shawnee Mission East High School
Wyatt Mayor Rockhurst High School
Holly McGee Bishop Miege High School
Kaden Merrill Bishop Miege High School
Kwaw Mosley Bishop Miege High School
Kaitlyn Murphy St. Teresa’s Academy
Jack Novak Rockhurst High School
Estee Platt St. Teresa’s Academy
Ginny Raney The Pembroke Hill School
Talor Sheffield Bishop Miege High School
Hunter Smith The Pembroke Hill School
Richard Smith Shawnee Mission East High School
Abby Stauffer St. Teresa’s Academy
Will Thelen Shawnee Mission East High School
Charlie Tietjen Rockhurst High School
Maggie Walker St. Teresa’s Academy
Annabel Warwick Blue Valley High School
Anderson Wilson Rockhurst High School
Daniel Yu The Pembroke Hill School
Sophie Angilan Savannah College of Art & Design
Madi Arroyo Gap Year
Hudson Bailey University of Kansas
Jake Bartlett University of Denver
Noah Blanc Kansas State University
Addie Etzenhouser University of Missouri
Nora Friskel University of Kansas
Keira Gaffney University of Virginia
Reaghan Gaffney Boston College
Wolfgang Giele University of Missouri-Kansas City
Andy Greaves Rhodes College
Quinn Groebl Cowley College
Ava Harrington University of Arkansas
Scarlett Heybrock Crieghton University
John Holewinski Texas Christian University
Ella Howard Texas Christian University
Addison Kemper University of Denver
Abigail Long Yale University
Isaiah Martinez Kansas State University
Sofia Martinez University of Missouri-Kansas City
Marin McElhinney Vanderbilt University
Ziggy McNeil Lincoln University
William Morris University of Kansas
Gus Moseley University of Arizona
Millie Norden University of Virginia
Charlie Penner University of Kansas
William Pierce Miami University in Ohio
Jordan Pindell Loyola University
Ryan Russell Gap Year
David Severns William & Mary
Jackson Sifers University of Arizona
Alex Tiedt Montana State University
Liam Wallner Schooling in Austria
Brady Whitman Hutchinson Community College
Hannah Wooley Bowdoin College
This was an exciting year as we celebrated St. Paul’s 60th anniversary. In honor of this milestone, we renamed the annual fund to The Spartan Fund to better represent our community’s core values of teamwork, respect, and integrity. St. Paul’s has embodied these values for more than six decades, and as Spartans, we will continue working together to further our school’s mission.
We work diligently with tuition dollars to provide an exceptional educational experience, but tuition alone doesn’t cover the cost of all aspects of a St. Paul’s education. With Spartan Fund
contributions, we are able to retain our amazing teachers, keep tuition reasonable, and offer innovative programs.
This year, gifts to the Spartan Fund ranged from $10 to more than $50,000 and supporters included board members, current and former staff, parents, grandparents, alumni, and their families. We are grateful to our community for helping us celebrate our past and build a strong future for generations of St. Paul’s students to come.
$356,759
PARTNERS IN EXCELLENCE
Ann Dickinson
The Hancock Family Foundation
Paul and Amy Holewinski
Dr. Michael Abraham and Dr. Ancy Maruthanal
VISIONARY SOCIETY
Brian and Ashley Ascencio
Perry and Kathy Atha Henry and Vickie Bradley Charitable Fund
Jeff and Suzanne Fox
Adam and Jill Gray
Craig and Barbara Hakkio
Eric and Alison Jager
Marshall and Nora Lockton
Charitable Foundation
Midwest Distributors Company
The Palmer Family
Tom and Jill Turner
Don and Jean Wagner
Andrew Myler and Julia Walker
Thomas and Pamela Willard
CORNERSTONE SOCIETY
Eric and Jo Bradley
Justin and Mindy Bridges
John and Kay Callison
Andres and Silvana Cisneros
Dave and Rebecca Collier
Dody Gates Everist
Andy and Emily Funk
John and Carolyn Gates
Michael and Sara Gentry
Sam Grefrath and Kara Bemboon-Grefrath
John and Sheila Holkins
Brett and Molly Lane
Scott and Karen Seitter
FOUNDERS' CIRCLE
John and Miriam Bailey
Tony and Meredith Durone
Barbara Funk
Brad and Blair Jackson
Mike and Angie Laurie
John and Jessica Madarang
Paul Madson and Jill Morris
Dr. John Lonergan and Dr. Linda Niessen
Tim and Christina Wahl
John and Ellen Aisenbrey
Christopher and Patti Barnett Drew and Betsy Berst Grayson Murphy and Kate Brubacher
Jerry and Bonnie Burnett
Al Eidson and Alice Carrott
Wiley and Caroline Curran
Marshall and Jill Dean
Brian Everist
Ben and Courtney Fadler
Dennis and Dianne Fowler
Gordon and Diane Gee
Matt and Kate Gibbs
David and Laura Hall
Jenifer Allsworth and Tanya Harned
Eric and Kristin Havens
Tyler and Jennifer Hudson
William Koenigsdorf and Kay Johnson
Mike and Jane Kress
Wes and Liza Lafolette
Greg and Judy Lair
Mike and Candis Lochmann
David and Noelle Manica
Molly Menser and Brian Matthys
Jim and Mary McClain
Matthew and Kalie McCollaugh
Jack and Lauren Merman
Jo Missildine
Richard and Leah Moore
Charles and Judy Myler
Doug and Bonnie Pearson
Mark and Jill Peterson
Joe and Katy Platt
Catherine and Gary Potter
Bill and Suzanne Raney
Harley and Nicolle Ratliff
Joe and Sara Romine
Matthew and Kristen Salzman
John and Cynthia Shaw
Scott Smith
Spaulding Family Foundation
Carl Harris and Cynthia Sterling
Ward and Katie Strahan
P.J. and Sarah Ventola
Ted and Molly Wiedeman
Bernard and Andrea Wilson
Aaron and Jamie Young
CAMPUS FELLOWS
Mark and Kathy Adams
Hyder Jasim and Jwan Alallaf
Dave and Katie Anderson
Bryan and Amy Beaver
Jay and Polly Breitenkamp
Andrew and Kristin Brought
Tony and Kelly Caudill
Daniel and Pip Cross
Hoyt Ogilvie and Amy Crouch
Logan and Spencer Dean
Donis Beale and Kim Dyer
Brett Davis and Tracey George
Steve and Lisa Glassman
Cesar and Courtney Gonzalez
Thea and Bob Gude
Joyce Harris
Tucker and Maggie Hawkinson
Patrick and Whitney Hosty
Matthew and Jesse Hufft
Janet Jacobs
Dennis and Teresa King
Greg and Lindsay Johnson
Neal and Jordan Johnson
Jim and Sylvia Jura
Steven and Ellen King
Michelle LaPointe
Alan Yu and Jodie Lee
Jay and Diane Leveroni
Brian and Kathie Lumbard
John and Joan Miller
Matt and Caroline Moran
Barbara Nelson
Chris and Amy Nelson
Dan and Sarah Newman
Trevor and Meg Nohe
Joe and Kate Onofrio
Brad and Barb Ottwell
Robby and Laurie Robinson
Don Martin and Cara Schwegler
Brian and Katie Seymour
Greg Thelen
Fritz and Taylor Waldorf
Josh Sitzer and Amy Winger
Brad and Amara Wright
Dan and Robin Younger
FRIENDS OF ST. PAUL'S
Olivia Barnes
Ian and Jill Beckman
Susan Berry
David and Nan Berst
Russi and Mehroo Bhesania
Brandon and Jenny Boulware
Jonathan and Abbey Breshears
Geri Brewer
Tyler and Shari Brundige
and Rosita Murphy
Becky and Nick Nash
Beatriz Nava
Vernie and Kristy Nerstheimer
Kayleigh Nichols
Randy Nichols
Dottie Novak
Brad and Barb Otwell
Dan Oxler
Nick and Annie Panzino
Henry and Kellee Pearson
Daniel Pennington
Janice Perez Leo and Nora Pink Garry and Joanna Polley
Peter Boos and Megan Rausch
John and Ann Readey Coleman Reed Michelle and Gabe Rodriguez
and Jamie Ronan
Colette and Thomas Rousey Mary Saal
Leigh Salinas
Casey and Melissa Sansale
Francis and Olivia Scheuerman
George and Theron Schlagel
Randy and Ruth Schultz
Don Martin and Cara Schwegler
Justin and Lauren Seals
Amy Shaff
Stan and Jean Shirk
Harl Van Deursen and Sloane Simmons
Liz and Todd Spangler
Abby Spendlove
Cyndi Stephenson
Mindy Stephenson
Phillip Stephenson
Ken and Mercedes Stewart
Robert and Anita Strohm
Bram and Layne Strookman
Jason and Marcia Sutton
Kaevan and Alexandra Tavakolinia
Aimee and Adam Thomson
Chris Todd
Joseph and Patricia Twardowski
Ted and Linda van Thullenar
John and Marilyn Underwood
Paul and Suzanne Vogler
Hunter Ward
Shawn and Courtney Ward
Kyle Wiedwald and Katie Gregg-Wiedwald
Michelle Winburn
Cindy Wissinger and Tewaney Ayalneh
John and Cati Wolfe
Maryanne Zavagnin
Kerry and Miriam Zavagnin
Charles and Janel Atwell
Joe and Gabrielle Beam
Gretchen Beilharz
Bill and Kyle Beyer
Paul and Kenra Black
Larry and Ginny Boos
Mark and Maggie Creveling
John Crowder
Mike and Denise Grefrath
Harold and Bev House
Ann Kressin
Jeff Sprinkle and Catherine Larrison
John and Carla Mabry
Doug and Alex McFarland
Amy Bhesania and Jason Milford
Nelson and Heidi Nast
Luong Luu and Jessica Nguyen
Bill and Rachel O'Connell
Jesper Noren and Ann Palmer Noren
Alankar Patel and Molly Uhlenhake
Ryan and Mark Rostine
Sandra Scott
Theresa Sheffield
Scott and Deb Stover
Sachie Stroder
Ben and Kelly Van Maren
Gary and Joey Waldrup
Our dedicated team of parents works hard every year to support our teachers and students through a variety of projects. Parents’ Guild members serve as room parents, auction organizers, event coordinators, fundraisers, and much more.
These efforts are vital to the St. Paul’s mission, and we are grateful for these parents’ volunteer time and financial support.
This year, our Parents’ Guild Auction Chairs, Suzanne Fox and Jamie Young, organized our most successful auction to date! During our Derby Night Auction on Saturday, May 4th, we raised more than $500,000 in donations! It was a fun-filled night with delightful auction items, delicious food, exciting music, and excellent company. Congratulations
Generous donations from the Parents’ Guild in 23-24 supported the school in the following ways:
• $307,000 donation to add streetscaping and safety measures along Walnut Street (construction to begin in late 2024)
• $150,000 donation toward the school’s operating budget
to our team of dedicated auction volunteers for helping make it such a successful event.
Many thanks to our network of dedicated Parents’ Guild volunteers for organizing wonderful events all year long, including the book fair, carnival, barbecue competition, and much more!
PARENTS’ GUILD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jamie Young, President
Suzanne Fox, President-Elect
Mike Laurie, Treasurer
Michael Saal, Treasurer-Elect
Katie Seymore, Secretary
PARENTS’ GUILD COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Andrea Nawalanic and Sara Gentry (Carnival)
Colleen Schmidt and Sarah Thelen (Book Fair)
Katie Adams, Becci Meissner, and Arley Ward (Staff Appreciation)
Erin Darcy and Katie Gound (Care & Concern)
Alicia Kuehl (Library)
Hoyt Ogilvie (Dads’ Group)
Lindy Beyer and Amy Nelson (New Families)
Suzanne Fox and Jamie Young (Auction)
Rebecca Collier (Service Learning)
Suzanne Fox (Room Parents)
Bettine Freeman and Blair Jackson (Social Committee)
CHURCHILL DOWNS
Ryan & Katie Gound
RUN FOR THE ROSES
Jeff & Suzanne Fox
Scott & Karen Seitter
WINNER CIRCLE
BJ & Katie Adams
John & Kay Callison
Greyson & Elle Clymer
Wiley & Caroline Curran
Mak & Melissa Kingan
Mike & Jane Kress
Marshall & Nora Lockton
Matt & Caroline Moran
Harley & Nicolle Ratliff
Jeff & Megan Winters
Ricky & Megan Zahner
MINT JULEP
Dave & Katie Anderson
Hunter & Ali Armistead
John & Miriam Bailey
Bill & Lindy Beyer
Andres & Silvana Cisneros
Daniel & Pip Cross
Hoyt Ogilvie & Amy Crouch
Scott & Carolyn Ellspermann
Mac & Brynn Everist
Jon & Bettine Freeman
John & Carolyn Gates
Michael & Sara Gentry
Dan Kerr & Anna Grodzinsky
Ryan & Kelly Hogan
PD & Alicia Kuehl
Brett & Molly Lane
Mike & Angie Laurie
Brian & Kathie Lumbard
John & Jessica Madarang
Dylan & Lucy Mayor
Taylor & Betsey Moore
Andrew Myler & Julia Walker
Chris & Amy Nelson
Jesper & Annie Noren
Joe & Katy Platt
Patrick & Lauren Roth
Alex & Kimberly Schoofs
Andrew & Meg Schulte
Don & Kristen Steeves
Ward & Katie Strahan
Bernie & Andrea Wilson
Aaron & Jamie Young
JOCKEY
Landworks Studio, LLC
GRANDPARENT SPONSORS
John & Ellen Aisenbrey
Kathy Aytes
Dean & Joan Breshears
John & Kay Callison
Clark & Cheryl Collier
Sue Ann Costi
Mark & Patricia Gibbs
Anthony Gomez
Tom & Marylu Gouttierre
Thea & Bob Gude
Janet Jacobs
Bill Koenigsdorf & Kay Johnson
David & Patty Kerr
Dennis & Teresa King
Kent & Tess Magill
Larry & Charla Manica
Beatriz Nava
Charlie & Catherine Newell
Randy Nichols
John & Sloan Nohe
Dottie Novak
The Palmer Family
Doug & Bonnie Pearson
Leo & Nora Pink
Dr. Nick & Christie Rogers
Ms. Pam Smith
Don & Kristen Steeves
Greg Thelen
Joseph & Patricia Twardowski