THE
BARSTOW SCHOOL • 2024–2025
IMPACT REPORT
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
WELCOME
IT IS A PROFOUND HONOR to take the helm at The Barstow School, and I am grateful to everyone who has welcomed me to campus and to Kansas City. Barstow has a storied past, a vibrant present and a brilliant future—thanks in no small part to the people who make up our school community.
Since my arrival in July, I’ve enjoyed getting to know our talented students, committed parents, loyal alumni, and dedicated trustees, faculty and staff. I’ve learned that together, we create one thriving community that champions scholarship, sportsmanship, character and connection. Your generosity and love for the school allows us to continue to provide the best independent education in the region. The future is indeed bright!
In the spirit of visionary school leaders before me, from Mary Barstow and Ada Brann to Shane Foster, I am determined not to merely sustain Barstow’s legacy, but to steward it successfully forward. I look forward to experiencing each tradition we uphold as a signal of our values: integrity, curiosity, empathy, inclusion and resilience. These will remain the compass points by which we teach our students to navigate a changing world.
As we honor our past, we must also look ahead to determine who we are becoming. Together, let’s continue to make Barstow a leader in global education that prepares students not merely for college, but for life. Let’s make it a place where everyone feels that sense of belonging that makes Barstow unique and exceptional. We have reached a new beginning together, and it is filled with optimism and opportunity.
I thank each of you personally for supporting The Barstow Fund—last year and during the year ahead—as we remain driven by purpose and devoted to the mission of The Barstow School: mind, body and character.
Sincerely,
Arthur Hall President & Head of School
“Together, we create one thriving community that champions scholarship, sportsmanship, character and connection. The future is indeed bright!”
Art Hall, President & Head of School
OUR YEAR IN REVIEW
EXPANDING OUR TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
JULY 2024
President of The Barstow Schools Shane Foster announces his retirement in June 2025.
AUGUST 2024
Barstow opens for 2024–2025 with 757 students, including 12 children in the new preschool prep classroom.
Knights Drive, a second entry from State Line Road to the middle school, officially opens.
SEPTEMBER 2024
Foster Athletic Center hosts a grand opening on Sept. 27.
Three seniors are named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists: Afraah Hawa, Loch Beagle and Athena Platt.
OCTOBER
2024
Barstow named Best Private K–12 School, Best Private High School and Best College Prep School in Kansas City by Niche.com.
APHONORROLL
PLATINUM
Barstow named to the 2024 AP School Honor Roll, Platinum Level.
NOVEMBER
2024
Girls tennis wins the Class 2 State Championship. (More Knights athletic highlights on pages 44–45.)
DECEMBER
2024
Arthur Hall is announced as Barstow’s 18th President and Head of School.
JANUARY 2025
Barstow earns the first Responsible AI in Learning endorsement from Middle States Association.
FEBRUARY
2025
The Barstow School becomes a Center Circle Partner with Sporting Kansas City.
APRIL
2025
FIRST Robotics Team 1939 wins the Imagery Award at the Oklahoma Regional.
The Weathercock receives the Gallery of Excellence Award from Walsworth Yearbooks.
MAY 2025
Voters select Barstow, IDEA Space and Summer at Barstow as “Kansas City Favorites.”
JUNE
2025
President Shane Foster retires after 17 years leading The Barstow School.
Upper School Play
Joyful Learning
Beautiful Barstow
Jeff Penner ’88
Pep Assembly
Engineering Bridges
Prekindergarten Discovery
Kindergarten-Senior Buddies
Lantern Festival
Middle School Science Bowl
Trashcano
Go Knights!
Senior Seminar
Curling
MEET ART HALL
NEW PRESIDENT GUIDES BARSTOW TOWARD FUTURE
ON A SWELTERING MID-JULY EVENING , a crowd of new and returning Barstow families, faculty, staff—and thousands of soccer fans—swirled around the plaza at Children’s Mercy Park. It was Barstow Night at the Sporting Kansas City game (see page 48), and Art Hall was at the center of the action, greeting fans, shaking hands and sharing his excitement about Barstow’s future.
“Seeing so many students, parents and friends come together in the middle of summer break showed me just how strong and spirited the Barstow community truly is,” Hall said. “It’s a great foundation for building our school’s future.”
For the first time in 17 years, The Barstow School has a new leader. Art Hall began his tenure as President and Head of School on July 1, 2025. With 25 years of experience in independent schools, Hall brings a dynamic mix of leadership, deep commitment to student development, and an engaging style of stewardship to Barstow. From his early days as a computer specialist at Harvard-Westlake in Los Angeles to teaching and coaching at Greenhill School in Dallas, Hall’s career has spanned the classroom, athletic court and administrative office. He held key roles at Friends’ Central in Philadelphia and Tower Hill School in Delaware, and Lakehill Preparatory School in Dallas before coming to Kansas City.
Hall’s leadership approach balances academic excellence with a well-rounded school culture, one that embraces a robust
student life experience and a sense of belonging. His vision is rooted in tradition with an eye on growth—expanding leadership opportunities for students and faculty, advancing the proud tradition of Knights athletics and strengthening programs at the Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space.
“Everything we do at Barstow starts with our students. I want every student to know this is a place where their voice matters, and where they have every opportunity to discover where their education and their talents can lead them,” he said.”
His accomplishments are impressive: securing significant grants, launching global education initiatives and redesigning curriculum. Hall, who holds degrees in political science and history from UCLA and a master’s in education from Southern Methodist University, was also a 2009 National Association of Independent Schools Aspiring Heads Fellow.
“The mission and vision of The Barstow School align perfectly with my own,” Hall said. “Barstow doesn’t just talk about being future-ready—it lives it. I’m honored to be part of a school with such a powerful legacy and even greater potential.”
NEW FACES OF LEADERSHIP
BARSTOW ALSO WELCOMED FOUR NEW LEADERS IN 2024–2025
Jenny Marien, Ed.D., Ed. M.
Director of Upper School
Dr. Marien began her role at Barstow on July 1, 2024. She holds advanced degrees from Harvard, Indiana and Yale, and is an expert in curriculum design. Her work reflects a commitment to academic excellence and community building.
Debra Raffety, MSSL
Director of Middle School
Debra Rafferty became director of middle school in January 2025, after serving as the interim director and lower school assistant director. Her warmth, compassion and leadership earned her overwhelming support from our community.
Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley, MBA
Vice President Advancement
Siobhan’s strategic and fundraising experience includes roles at Gilda’s Club, Walz Tetrick Advertising and Valentine Radford, and civic roles at the Kansas City Ballet, Pembroke Hill School and the Arts Council of Greater Kansas City.
Joe Fox ’04
Vice President Admissions
Joe Fox, whose roles at Barstow have progressed from student to alumnus and faculty member to Director of Upper School, became Vice President of Admission on July 1, 2024. His diverse experience gives him a unique perspective that he shares with future Barstow families during the admission process.
THE BARSTOW SCHOOL DONOR REPORT
THANK YOU for your incredible generosity in 2024–2025 as we celebrated 140 years of traditions and excellence at The Barstow School. As we enter this next chapter in Barstow’s history, there is still much to celebrate. Your support of our innovative curriculum, signature programs and global education opportunities help our well-rounded students thrive at Barstow and beyond.
I hope to see you at the Green and White Gala to support The Barstow Fund on October 18, and I look forward to joining you at a soccer match at the Foster Athletic Center, a robotics competition or at one of our incredible musicals. These academic, athletic and arts programs showcase our students’ talents in every division.
Thank you for your continued support of The Barstow School. Your generous contributions enable us to fulfill our mission, continue our traditions and propel our students to excellence.
With gratitude,
Jason Backstrom ’03 Board of Trustees Advancement Chair
2025–2026 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
Rob Rothhaas CHAIR
Greg Graves VICE CHAIR
Jennifer Gille Bacon SECRETARY
Peter Vrooman ’88 TREASURER
Jason Backstrom ’03 MEMBER-AT-LARGE, ADVANCEMENT
Mira Mdivani MEMBER-AT-LARGE, INTERNATIONAL
Tiffany Simpson MEMBER-AT-LARGE, BUILDINGS & GROUNDS
Srikala Subramanian MEMBER-AT-LARGE, TRUSTEE GOVERNANCE
Nicole Baker Andrea Becker ’08
David Bell James Byrd Tim Cowden
Neha Doshi Erin Garrison Soni Patel Jennifer Thiessen Waldeck ’90 Art Hall EX-OFFICIO MEMBER
KEY TO DONOR REPORT SYMBOLS
The Barstow Fund Donor The Barstow Fund plays a crucial role in maintaining the high standards of our school’s operations and ensuring the ongoing excellence of our academic, arts and athletic programs.
Endowment Fund Donor The Endowment Fund serves as a long-term savings account for the school. Contributions to the endowment are invested indefinitely, and a portion of the principal is allocated each year to support the school’s programs and needs.
Designated Gifts Donor These generous individuals contribute to scholarships and projects that enhance our campus, supporting various needs for the benefit of students, faculty and staff.
In-Kind Donor In-kind donors generously provide goods and services instead of monetary contributions, such as donating equipment and supplies to support Barstow’s initiatives.
IDEA Space Donor We honor donors who support the Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space KC. We appreciate those who believe in the power of an IDEA and support innovation, discovery, entrepreneurship and arts.
Armillary Society Member Armillary Society members have donated consecutively for five or more years and exemplify our culture of philanthropy.
CONSTITUENTS
The Barstow Community has many supporters from different groups, all sharing a common goal to uphold the school’s mission.
2024–2025
DONOR REPORT
WITH GRATITUDE. Supporters listed here raised $1.58 million in
MIND, BODY CHARACTER SOCIETY
Cassidy Rudman Towriss ’12 and Dan Towriss
1884 FOUNDERS SOCIETY
Anonymous Donor
Backstrom Family Foundation
DeBruce Foundation
Deanna and Greg Graves
Kompass Kapital Foundation
Tiffany and Allan Simpson
MARY LOUISE BARSTOW SOCIETY
Anonymous Donor
Anonymous Donor
Jennifer Gille Bacon and Charles Bacon
Kathryn and James Byrd
Allison and Derek Dummermuth
Graves Family Foundation
Gretchen Gregory and Stephen Brodd
Mandy Haslag and Stephen Wiles
Mark Harvey ’04 and Lauren Rose Harvey
Megan and Robert Holmes
McCandless Family Foundation
Norquist-Robinson Foundation Anne N. Patterson ’61
Ginger and Robert Rothhaas
Sexton Family Foundation
Lindsay and Jason Taylor
Shelley King Theis ’71
The United Way of Greater Kansas City
Molly and Eric Westphal
“Attending The Barstow School has been an amazing journey. The small class sizes, supportive teachers, and diverse opportunities helped me grow academically and personally. Barstow has provided a strong foundation for me to start a new beginning.” — Senior, 2025
SOURCE: NICHE.COM
ADA K. BRANN SOCIETY
Jason Backstrom ’03 and Genevra Alberti
Amy and Jonathan Bauman
Mallory and Jimmy Becker
Debby and David Bell
Cheri and Robert Brooks
Joel Brous ’88 and Carrie Brous
Carla and Danny O’Neill Foundation
Kevin Dunn and Robert Legler
Polly and Shane Foster
Fry Orthodontic Specialists
Joyce Generali and Jay Backstrom
*denotes deceased ‡denotes honorary alumni
Andrew Homoly
Brette and Gregory Humphreys
IconStructures
Lois Dubach Lacy ’55
Rick Lashbrook ’90 and Alessandra Lashbrook
JoZach Miller ’80 and Peter Bali
Angela and Chad Nadler
Soni and Amar Patel
Jessica and Demetrius Peterson
Jason Press ’90 and Caleb Hartzler
Michelle and Timothy Prier
Dipinpreet Rai and Amandeep Kalra
Schreiber Charitable Trust
Burton Sexton ’96 and Anne Sexton
Carrie and Erik Samartino
Shera Sims and Triet Vu
Eric Swearingen
Peter Vrooman ’88 and Kenyon Vrooman
Westphal Family Charitable Foundation
BARSTOW SOCIETY
Advantage Powersports
AesthetiCare MedSpa
Sandra and Duane Benton
Megan Benton and Paul Flucke
Sue and Clint Clevenger
Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal Co.
CPKC
Monique and Tim Cowden
Marida and Robert Cutler
Rachael and Joseph Domino
Maria C. Spressao Doretto ’72 and Do Doretto
Joshua R. Earnest ’93
Dody and Brian Everist
Joe Fox ’04 and Hannah Fox
Kristin and Ford Galvin
Erin and Andy Garrison
Jean Snyder Garschagen ’61
Alyssa and Gregory Graves
Daniel Gray
Beth and Chris Hafner
Laura Hockaday Hall ’83 and David Hall
Amy and Dani Hasty
Henrietta Gates ’68 and Heaton Robertson Fund
Paget Gates Higgins ’59 and Thomas Higgins
J.E. Dunn Construction Company
Pam and Porky Joerling
Jan Johnson
Laura and Christian Kaufman
Kauffman Foundation Matching Gifts Program
Amy and Christopher Krantz
Deborah and Ronald Krantz
Stephanie and Michael Kulp
Teresa Lo and Rex Parker
Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions
Erica and Greg Lubbers
Rajya and Pat Malay
Annabel Mancillas and David Gajewski
Sarah Walsh McClanahan ’54 and Robert McClanahan
McConnell Associates
Carol Mosman McNeer ’63 and J. Frederick McNeer
Abigail and Joshua Millan
Erica and Julio Morelli
Yuko and Hitoshi Mori
Sara and Michael O’Keefe
Krista Overstreet and Daniel Arment
Terri and Viraj Patel
Meghan Patni and Jaya Arora
Pro-Mechanical, LLC
Randy Radosevich
Stacy Roth
Shane Rudman ’10 and Minka Rudman
Schwab Charitable
Nasra Siad and Abebaw Assefa
Spencer Fane LLP
Laura Riss Stanford ’74 and Lee Stanford
Srikala Subramanian and Tyler Thomas
Summit Lawn and Landscape, Inc.
Nancy Embry Thiessen ’66‡ and Michael Thiessen
Jeff Thompson
Erin Thornburgh and Paul Fast
US Bank Foundation
Jennifer Thiessen Waldeck ’90 and John Waldeck
Thomas Whittaker ’83 and Loren Whittaker
KNIGHTS SOCIETY
Diana Johnson Abitz ’75 and Daniel Abitz
Steve Anthony
Art of Sports
Jennifer Bailey and David Cramer
Candice and Ian Baldwin
Jack Balkin ’74 and Margret Wolfe
Cassandra Morrow Banka ’05 and Chad Banka
Liz Bartow‡
Andrea Franz Becker ’08 and Will Becker
Ana Berger and Jeremy McEver
Susan Bernstein ’88 and Chucker Luetje
Yueying Bian and ZhiQiang Chen
Carey and Austin Bickford
Walter Brayman‡
Diane Virden Brent ’64 and J. Ford Brent II
Erin and Aaron Bumann
Hilary and Anthony Ceman
Jessica and Jason Chanos
Amanda and Anil Chauhan
Mary Jo Cianciaruso
Jan Clarkson ’80
Earl Coleman
Kristine and Kipp Cooper
Donor Report continues on page 18
THESE WALLS CAN TALK Vibrant murals added throughout the school this year bring Barstow values to life with meaningful messages and imagery. Each mural reflects a spirit of belonging, community and commitment to the School’s mission of developing mind, body and character. Students from every division contributed ideas and voted on design elements to guide local muralist Katie Lee. The murals were funded by a grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, in collaboration with the Inclusion, Diversity + Equity program. Co-director Jessica Chanos calls them “a warm hug,” that transforms learning spaces into contemporary reflections of our community.
Donor Report continued from page 15
Betty Ann Cortelyou ’61
Country Club Bank
Betty Curry
Kelly Calvert DiVilbiss ’80
Sheila and William Donovan
Karen Dummermuth
Ellie Grace Photography
FACE Leawood
Katy and Mark Ferry
Barbara Funk
Tara and Brian Georgie
“The teachers at Barstow truly care about their students, and go out of their way to assist them in their passions. The student community is vibrant, and a home away from home for many.”
— Senior, 2025
Lindsey and Robert Graham
The Great Frame Up
Aileen Har and David Coddon
Lorraine and Jordan Hartong
Katrina Waldrop Henke ’80 and Thomas Henke
Ellen Jurden Hockaday ’56 and Irv Hockaday , Jr.
Emily Horak
Trudy and John Jacobson
Jasper’s
Alyssa and Philip Jennings
Ram Kalra
Karats Jewelers
*denotes deceased ‡denotes honorary alumni
Soudary and David King
Korey Klingenberg
Hyejung Kook and Henry He
Priya Krishna ’91
Leawood Total Wellness
Loose Mansion
Sue Welsh Macintosh ’61 and Robert Macintosh
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Brenda McCandless
Georgette Carkener McConnell ’61
Sharon McKibben
Jennifer and Dan McNickle
The Robert E. Miller Group
Mpress
Lori and Scott Myron
Deanna and Todd Nelson
Mary Phelps
Phoenix Veterinary Surgical Associates
Pink Charming
Kassie and Sam Posladek
Christy Pottle
Precision Printing
SOURCE: NICHE.COM
Anna Braukmann Raccuglia ’99 and Paul Raccuglia ’99
Debra and Darin Raffety
REFINE Soccer Training
Delta and Derrick Reicheneker
Jill Ingram Reynolds ’74
Danielle and Zach Rider
Jennifer and Steven Roth
Emily Eschbacher Rucker ’96
Anne Potter Russ ’78 and Norbert Russ
SAGE Dining Services, Inc
Deann and Carlos Salazar
Carol and Richard Savage
Lisa Jones Schellhorn ’68 and Charles Schellhorn
Se Faire Belle South
SERV
Donor Report continues on page 22
GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK
With generous support from our community—current and past families, trustees, alumni, faculty and staff and friends—The Barstow School is able to maintain and enhance our student experiences, facilities and our beautiful campus.
ROOTS OF REMEMBRANCE
The Susan McNickle Pavillion plaque on the lower school playground and a bench at the main entrance were given in memory of “Mr. Dan” McNickle’s late mother, by the Westphal, Gregory, Brodd and Holmes families.
Front Lawn Landscaping made possible by a gift from the Sexton Family: Burton ’96 and Anne, Spencer, Class of 2037, and Liam, Class of 2039.
Benches, Trees & Plaques are the foundation of the Roots of Remembrance campaign. During 2024–2025, four new trees with commemorative plaques were added to campus, along with four additional bench plaques.
GATHERING SPACES
Generations Courtyard The Barstow School celebrated the naming and dedication of The Generations Courtyard on Nov. 8, 2024. The upper school courtyard honors Barstow families that span generations, with special recognition of the Winningham, Withers, Potter and Russ families.
Middle School Entrance Complementing the addition of Knights Drive, Barstow’s south entrance now has a portico, bench seating, a larger patio and landscaping.
Baseball Stadium Bleachers Barstow received $75,000 from the Graves Family Foundation and an additional anonymous gift of $75,000 for new bleachers to be installed at the Graves Family Baseball Stadium.
OUR COMMUNITY
Betsi Brooks Krumm Award World Language Department Chair Amanda Marvin is the 2025 recipient of the Betsi Brooks Krumm Award. Each year, an outstanding faculty member receives the honor and a substantial monetary award in memory of Betsi Brooks Krumm ’90, an alumna who dedicated her career to teaching prior to her passing in 2003.
Grandparent Wall Grandparents are a valued and generous part of The Barstow School community, donating $22,000 following our spring appeal. Donors and their grandchildren are recognized on our Grandparent Wall.
Donor Report continued from page 18
Aisha Sharif and David Muhammad
Gina and Christopher Shepherd
Tiange Shi
Eric Sigler ’83 and Kristie Sigler
Michael Sigler ’72
Jerry Singer
Michael Sosebee
Elisabeth Spencer ’79
Rian Ray Spoon ’12 and Patrick Spoon
Rachel and Dusan Stanojevic
Stepp & Rothwell, Inc
Brooke and Matthew Thompson
Lauren and David Thompson
Rachael and Matt Thurman
Lisa Tillema
Lisa and Bryan Tulp
Sarah and Kyle Tulp
Under the Stars KC
Ward Periodontics, LLC
BJ Watson
Maurice Watson ’76
DJ and Les Weisbrod
Mary White
Stacey and Jarrod Williams
Woodhouse Spa
Ashlee and Aaron Yager
Katie and Ryan Zeldin
The Zeros
Xiaoyun Zhang and Lakshmi Mettapalli
GREEN AND WHITE SOCIETY
Anonymous Donor
Anonymous Donor
Michelle and Luke Abbott
Nadhirah Abdulwahab and Abdulraheem Qasem
*denotes deceased ‡denotes honorary alumni
Tammy and J. Ken Adams
Dwight Adell
Farhana Ahmed
Akshay Anand
Elizabeth Anderson
Miriam Anderson and Ted Abele
Back Yard Box Office
Janice Germann Baker ’65 and James Baker
Nicole and Aaron Baker
Joan and Jack Barrett
Ellen and Lee Baty
Jaylee and Jacob Beckley
Linda Morgan Bell ’62 and Richard Bell
Lynne Gorman Berentson ’62 and John Berentson
Jesse Bihlmeyer
Nirav Bisarya ’93 and Chetana Bisarya
Brennen and Sam Bittel
Angie Black
Susie Tretiak Blackman and Paul Blackman
Pauline Blair
Cory Bland II
Marcy and Robert Book
Katherine Bradshaw
Sarah and Nathan Brecheisen
Patricia and Bryan Breckenridge
Camden County PWSD #4
Molly and Jason Camis
Brooke and John Cardarella
Kristina and Brett Carlgren
Karen Welsh Carmody ’59
Tracy J. Kelley Carroll ’81
Renee Cegelis
Lesleigh and Tolga Cetinguc
Bridget Higgins Chang
Rhonda Chapman and John Chapman
Chicken n Pickle
Abbey and Christopher Chingren
Courtney and Lance Claiborne
Sally and Charles Cobb
Kevin A. Coey ’74
Karen Collins
Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri
Gabriel Cook
Natalie and Sam Cook
Kiauna and Christopher Cooper
Molson Coors
Clay Copilevitz ’87
Julie Corley
Lori A. Cull-Deshmukh
Megan and Steven Culver
Heather and Danny Dale
Ellen and Scott‡ Daniel
Maureen and Timothy Deves
Doe
Neha and Samir Doshi
Jennifer and Scott Dreiling
Deborah Arthur Dribben ’52
Elizabeth Dummermuth
Christian Dupont
Charlene Elliott
Mary Elliott ’82
Wendee Elliott-Clement and Joseph Clement
Christi and Peter Ellis
Elston Valley Candle Company
Jonah Elyachar ’15
Eric and Lana Hansen Family Fund
Bill and Sharon Erwin
Pat Eschbacher
Elizabeth Moss Evans ’65 and Gordon Evans
Janet Close Ewert ’58 and Bernard Ewert
Annie Fairchild
Lisa Senter Fairchild ’77 and Charles Fairchild
Toney Findley
Fit Food Feel Good
Fowling Warehouse
Gregory Fox ’08 and Maggie Fox
Laura and Steven Fox
David Franz ’05 and Haley Franz
Wendy Franz
Chloe Foster Friesema ’11 and Nicole Friesema
Faith and Joe Bob Fuller
Annie and Kent Gajewski
Sabrina Galante and Maximiliano Caballero Vieyra
Amy and Pat Galvin
Claudia Kelley Gant ’70
Debbie Thompson Gates ’74 and Marvin Gates II ’73
Susie and Ryan George
Brittany and Keith Gersh
“Great preparation for college and beyond. Diverse student body and talented teachers who truly care about your learning and encouraging interests.”
— Sophomore, 2024
SOURCE: NICHE.COM
Cynthia Gibson ’66
Mark A. Giffin ’81
Jennifer Gillis
JoAnn Schooling Gillula ’65
Adina and Sean Goodman
Dana and Christopher Goodwin
Toby Goostree ’99 and Amy Goostree
Ami Parekh Gordon ’96 and Lance Gordon
Meg Truog Grandcolas ’88 and Gary Grandcolas
Mitchell Gratwick II‡ *
Sharla and Douglas Gray
Cheryl Wilhite Greene ’73
Donor Report continues on page 26
Celebrating 140 years
of The Barstow School in Kansas City
The Barstow School community celebrated its past, present and future at the Green & White Gala on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. The evening featured cocktails, dinner and dancing to ‘80s tribute band The Zeros. Before the music started, hundreds of guests posed in the 360 Photo Booth, played the Wine and Dine punch board, bid in live and silent auctions, and purchased light-up bracelets for chances to win one exclusive auction item. The winner chose the Mid-Century Modern Palm Springs Vacation, donated by Jason Press ’90 and Caleb Hartzler. The gala raised $338,500 dollars for The Barstow Fund.
Joshua and Abigail Millan, and Courtney and Lance Claiborne Partying with The Zeros
Aaron and Erin Bumann won the Auction Advantage, with the purchase of a $100 bracelet.
Rex Parker and Teresa Lo enjoy the 360 photo booth. Abe Assefa and Austin Bickford Trustee Jason Backstrom ’03
The Green & White Gala raised over $338,000.
The Barstow Singers serenaded guests under the direction of Dr. Josh Markley.
Donor Report continued from page 23
Sandra and James Gregory
Suzzette and Stephen Griffith
Danna Weddle/Groden Family and Adam Groden
Angela‡ and Scott Guldin
Susan Hodges Gurley ’66
Richard M. Gyllenborg ’76 and Paula Gyllenborg
Scott Gyllenborg ’74 and Christina Gyllenborg
Suzanne Croft Hagen ’79
Cindy Hamacher
Benjamin Hard ’84
Kolby Harlin
Ronald Harmon
Ashley Harper ’88
Phyllis Rahm Hart ’55
Sarah Smull Hatfield ’77
Collin Hawley ’16
Cathy Heath
James Heckmann ’72 and Karen Heckmann
James Helman ’78
Mark Henke
Marsha‡ and Reber Herdliska
Mary and Scott‡ Hill
Megan Hill
Nicole Hill
Sarah Hill
Mallory‡ and Perry Hilvitz
Ann Robertson Holliday ’86 and Chris Holliday
Sarah and Sean Holmes
Marnyka Honeycutt and Mark Sharp
Mahsa Hosseini and Reza Hejazi
Emily Huffman ’81
Wendy Hulsing and Sanjaya Gupta
Ellyn Hunter
Katie and Scott‡ Huppe
Nancy and Joe Huppe
Anne Hyvrard‡
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City
Philip Jiang
Reggie Johnson
Elias Jones
Leigh Jones-Bamman ’70
Tristan Jordan
Shalee Joswick and Tristian Davis
Gina Kaefring
Barbara Kahn ’68
Sheetal and Kiran Kakarala
Stephanie and Bill Kalahurka
Shahrzad Jalili-Kamali and Arash Kamali
Lauren Fox Kanan ’15 and William Kanan ’13
Kristi and Henry Kanarek
KC Crew
KC Mavericks
Lara and Werner Keidel
Lea Marker Keller ’67 and Tom Keller
Janet Kelley ’67
Aaron Ketchell
Jane Ketchell
Lyndon Ketterman ’74
Christina and Todd Kieffer
Jean Titus Kiene ’60
Hollie Kloser
Gretchen Eschbacher Koch ’93
Ronna and George Koepp
Kona Ice of West Jackson County
Arlan Koppel
James Korneman ’93
Janet and Clinton Kraft
Julie Kramschuster
Carol Davis Krueger ’79
Swapnam and Lala Kumar
Vidya Ravi Kumar and Sachin Srinivasan
Kut the Knit
VISITING WRITERS ENGAGE & INSPIRE
From their first preschool phonics lesson to the final draft of their college admission essay, developing avid readers and exceptional writers is a cornerstone of a Barstow education. During the 2024–2025 school year, popular authors and illustrators inspired students to develop their unique literary voices.
Award-winning writer Jacqueline Woodson’s October visit was a major event, highlighted by a reading from “The Other Side” for lower school and an engaging panel discussion for middle and upper school. Woodson’s candid conversation about her writing process and themes of identity and race resonated with the audience and reinforced the power of diverse narratives in literature.
Acclaimed author Gita Varadarajan (“My Bindi,”) captivated students with a writing workshop focused on creative storytelling techniques. She encouraged fourth graders to experiment with setting, dialogue and character. A middle and upper school panel discussion provided an intimate glimpse into her life as an immigrant, author and teacher. Both visits were funded by a Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation grant.
Even Barstow’s early readers met the creators of some of their favorite books.
During the spring book fair, authors and illustrators Charlie Miley (“Something for You”), John Patrick Green (“Investigators”), Mike Boldt (“Just Try One Bite”) and Alastair Heim (“The Great Puppy Invasion”) shared stories with students and parents. Their visits, along with one by John Gallagher (“Max Meow: Cat Crusader” series) were arranged through independent retailer Rainy Day Books.
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE
1 One of the last living Freedom Riders visited Barstow on Oct. 28. Joan Browning participated in political protests against segregation on buses in the American South in 1961.
2 In February, the entire upper school attended Nathan Louis Jackson’s “Broke-ology” at the Kansas City Rep. The playwright’s widow, Megan Moscorro-Jackson, visited Barstow to deepen students’ understanding of its complex themes of family, sacrifice and resilience. This experience was funded by a Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation grant.
3 NASA aerospace engineer Alicia Cianciolo visited fifth grade in April, to talk about her career developing equipment that can travel, land and function on the moon and Mars.
4 John Gallagher
5 Mike Boldt
Donor Report continued from page 27
Linda Katz Patterson ’62 and Curt Patterson
Cheryl and Glen Payne
Patricia Payne
Ann Peacher
Joan Perkins
Gale Gilbert Perll ’64 and Michael Perll
Drew Petty
Samantha Rock Pettyrock ’15 and Jack Petty Pettyrock ’15
Pink Dinosaur Boutique
Pinstripes
Franziska Pircher
“Choosing Barstow was hands down the best educational decision my husband and I made for our kids. Beautiful school, sprawling campus with lots of updates in the works, and a fantastic supportive family community. We love it!”
— Parent, 2024
SOURCE: GREATSCHOOLS.ORG
The Plaid Elephant
Mallory and Andrew Plungkhen
Robert Pohl ’89 and Kristen Pohl
Thomas P. Pohl ’93 and Lori Pohl
Andrea Poisner-Corchine
Sally Pollock
Beni Porat
Robert Putney ’19
Alex and Alexa Raich
Kay Tasker Rearick ’59
Jan and Mark Redelberger
Rendezvous Climbing Gym
*denotes deceased ‡denotes honorary alumni
David and Janet Reynolds
Anne Butler Rice ’86 and Eric Rice
Christy Roitz
Janice Rosenthal
Dian and Don Roth
Alex J. Rubin ’93
Diana Russ ’12
Brandi and Jordan Scafe
Scheels
Stacy B. Chick Schleicher ’90 and Brian Schleicher
Cynthia Schuch
Leslie and Scott Schulte
Sydney Schwartz
Marilyn and Jamie Senter
Abha and Aakash Shah
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids
Kim and Greg Shelton
Sonya and Christopher Shore
Mary Jane and Bruce Short
Rachel Shustek
Stefanie Shustek
Debra Siler
Martha and RZ Sims
Susan Helzberg Sloman ’74 and Neil Sloman
Elizabeth and Bryan Smith
Kendra Spahr and Todd Race
Amanda Stallings
Sharon and Gregory Steele
Melanie and Don‡ Stelting
Norma Stevens‡
Jean and Alan Stribling
Gena and Stafford Swearingen
Tango Matiz
Tasso’s
Rose and Eugene Tate
Donor Report continues on page 32
THE HERITAGE SOCIETY
The Heritage Society honors donors who have left a legacy for The Barstow School through planned giving. Members of the Heritage Society have shown their generosity to provide for the future of our school.
Diana Johnson Abitz ’75 and Daniel Abitz
Susan Belger Angulo ’76 and Thomas Angulo
Rilye Semple Ashby ’48* and George B. Ashby*
Janice Germann Baker ’65 and James Baker
Linde Lee Johnson Barber ’74* and David Barber
Helen Ward Beals ’09*
Lee Ann Duckett Bell ’86*
Betty Brookfield Berol*
Jane B. Bolton*
Beverly Pierson Bradley ’44*
Patricia and Andrew Brown
Carolgene Burd ’64*
Charles A. Carter, Jr.*
Betty Ann Cortelyou ’61
Melanie McVay DiLeo ’66 and Charles DiLeo
Robert Dockhorn
Ann Duckett
Leslie Teel Dunn ’70 and Tom Dunn
Veronica and George Egon
A. D. Eldridge*
Dody and Brian Everist
Annette and Eugene E. Fibuch*
Louis* and Fred Fisher*
Marguerite Peet Foster ’43*
Elaine Patterson French ’40*
Barbara and Gene Funk*
Anne Thompson Gartner ’44*
Joyce Generali and Jay Backstrom
Martha Stout Gledhill ’19*
Amanda and Thomas Goldsborough
Scott C. Gyllenborg ’74 and Christina Gyllenborg
Elise Schmahlfeldt Hall ’52
Joy Hanshaw
Judy Hart*
Paget Gates Higgins ’59 and Thomas Higgins
Ellen Jurden Hockaday ’56 and Irv Hockaday, Jr.
Betty Branson Holliday ’57*
Jean Honan ’57
Myrna Pratt Horne*
Carol and Dennis Hudson*
Josephine Hellings Huguenin ’31*
Quintanella B. Johnson
George Cook Jordan*
Leslie Kase ’77
Janet Kelley ’67
Betty and William Kessinger*
Nancie and Paul S. Kivett
Lois Dubach Lacy ’55
Martha Lally-Platt’75 and Stephen Platt
Kelly Brent Lambert ’50* and Sanders R. Lambert, Jr.*
Cindy McCollum Larson ’89 and Mark Larson
Nancy Staley Laubach ’44*
Gordon K. Lenci
Robert Mackenzie
Grace Madison*
Wendy and John Marvin
Susan McGee ’76
Charlotte and John Morrow
Wendy Ketterman Neihart ’79 and David Neihart ’79
Sheryl and James L. Osborn
Rosalyn Osborn
Betty Ann Patti*
Marguerite Munger Peet ’21*
Lisa Pelofsky ’82 and Bronwyn Werner
Charles Pine*
Emily Lou Withers Potter ’46* and George W. Potter, Jr.*
Douglas Price ’76
Astrid Reed*
Deborah R. Reichman ’70
Michele and Grant Ritchey
Mary Judith Robinson ’57
Jean Wight Rosahn ’35*
Anne Potter Russ ’78 and Norbert Russ
Charles H. Sachs
Jane and Gerald Schaumburg
Caroline M. Scofield*
Stan Shaffer ’73 and Kathy Shaffer
Mary Jane and Bruce Short
Maye Wymore Sibley ’31*
Michael Sigler ’72
Miriam Babbitt Simpson*
Thomas Staley*
Charlotte Redheffer Stewart ’40*
Josephine Reid Stubbs ’25*
Kate and Whitney Sunderland, Jr.
Mary* and Whitney Sunderland*
Joan Thompson
Barbara Welch Thompson ’44*
Darlene and Gerald F. Tuohy*
Janet E. Turner ’32*
Maurice A. Watson ’76
Georgia Berkshire Welch ’19*
Raymond B. White*
Scott M. Wolff ’76 and Karen Wolff
Beth and William Zollars
* Denotes deceased
To learn how to join of the Heritage Society, please contact Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley, Vice President Advancement, at siobhan.lesley@barstowschool.org or 816-277-0433.
Donor Report continued from page 28
Shruti and Ajay Tejwani
Thomas Thurman
Stephanie Stubbs Tinsley ’62 and Jerry Tinsley
Christine Torres
Elinor Kroh Tourtellot ’61 and Michael Tourtellot
Heather Towle and Ralph Millard
T-Shotz
Union Station
Susie Uppman
Margaret Sutton Valentine ’61 and Eric Valentine
Julie Valluet
Kimberly‡ and David Vasquez
Jordan Vaughn
Kirstin and Christopher Veit
Penelope Smith Vrooman ’54‡
Joe and Suzie Wachtel
Virginia Raymond Wagner ’56 and Richard Wagner
Terri and Paul Warning
Dwight Watson
Sierra and Tyler Watt
Connie Wheeler
Shana Whitehead
Luke Whitfill ’22
Maureen Whittaker
Casey and Maxwell Williams
Onalisa Winblad and Curt McGeeney
Mary and Thomas Woltkamp
LeAnn Wood
Judson Woods ’13 and Asie Makarova
Kyle Wynne
Alison and Robert Wynne
Janet and Mark Yagan
Shirley and John Young
Stephanie Youngblood
Jean and Robert Zeldin
*denotes deceased ‡denotes honorary alumni
AS WE REFLECT on another remarkable year at The Barstow School, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible generosity and commitment that define our community. This Impact Report is more than a collection of facts and figures—it is a testament to the collective spirit of giving that fuels our mission and shapes the Barstow experience for every student.
Your support—whether through gifts of time, talent or resources—ensures that our students are challenged, inspired and empowered to reach their fullest potential. Because of you, Barstow continues to lead with innovation in academics, expand opportunities in the arts and athletics, and foster a learning environment in which scholarship and character go hand in hand.
Thank you for making a lasting difference. Together, we are not only advancing Barstow’s legacy, but also building a future where every student is prepared to lead and thrive.
With appreciation, Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley Vice President Advancement siobhan.lesley@barstowschool.org
WAYS TO GIVE
Visit barstowschool.org/support to learn about ways to support the school.
To learn more about The Barstow Fund, contact Community Relations and Barstow Fund Manager Dan McNickle, dan.mcnickle@barstowschool.org
The Barstow School is classifed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by the standards of the Internal Revenue Service.
ENGAGED AND INSPIRED
ALUMNI COMMUNITY
The Class of 2014 celebrated their 10th reunion in November 2024. Left to right: Trevor Wright, Thomas Dunn, Cameron Simon, Ryan Sparks, Lissa Leibson, Tess
Phillips, Alena Frye, Iris Dew, Natalie Dockhorn Naughton, Annie Grabowsky Sparks, Sydney Reed, Emily Thompson Bachar, Isabel Lloyd, Taylor Smith. 33
FELLOW ALUMNI
This past year we have toured The Getty, discussed August Wilson plays, competed on the Varsity Soccer Field and toured Barstow’s halls together. As always, it has been a joy to connect with so many of you. As you flip through the pages of this alumni section, I hope you see faces you recognize and enjoy reading about your classmates’ updates.
I am excited to share that we launched the Barstow Alumni Network—an online networking platform—this March. We currently have over 230 alumni on the platform. For our young and mid-career alumni, the platform will help connect you with Barstow alumni in your desired fields and companies. For our older alumni, the platform allows you to mentor younger Knights.
ALUMNI BOARD
2025–2026
David Franz ’05 – President
Alexey Ayzin ’19
Jordan Herwig ’19
Caroline Elton Kill ’89
Craig McPherson ’02
Anna Braukmann Raccuglia ’99
Caroline Rock ’16
Max Waldrop ’15
2024
ALUMNI
AWARD WINNERS
THE NANCY & ANN HATFIELD ALUMNI OF THE YEAR AWARD
Standards high,
Lauren Fox Kanan ’15 Director of Alumni Relations
Join our networking community at barstowschool.alumnifire.com
Lauren is a 2015 graduate of The Barstow School who later attended The University of Notre Dame and The University of Kansas. In addition to her role at Barstow, she is a freelance journalist who has recently been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post and Lawrence Magazine.
David Neihart ’79 and Wendy Ketterman Neihart ’79
THE MARTHA BELLE AIKINS SMITH VOLUNTEER AWARD
Pam Sutherland Gyllenborg ’72
THE ANNE POTTER RUSS ’78
ALUMNI LEGACY AWARD
Anna Braukmann Raccuglia ’99
Know an alumni who should be recognized? Contact Lauren Kanan with nominations. lauren.kanan@barstowschool.org
TOAST TO TOGETHERNESS
Our biggest alumni event keeps getting bigger! Over 100 alumni and friends joined us at last year’s Toast to Togetherness.
Don’t miss out on this year’s party. Join us!
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025
Chicken N Pickle — Overland Park
At the event, we will celebrate our 2025 Alumni Awards and new Honorary Alumni:
• David Cramer
• Shane Foster
• Bob Kohler
• Jessica Nader Goddard ’01
• Shirley Young
• Lindsay Zimmerman
THIS PAGE – From top left:
1 Laura O’Brien ’79, Carol Faucher ’70, Janice O’Brien ’70.
2 Jane Satterlee Neihart ’78, Bob Neihart, Jim Neihart ’06, Diana Johnson Abitz ’75.
3 Taha Fanaswala ’19, Saketh Dendi ’19, Alexey Ayzin ’19, Jacqueline Estes, Andrew Aklagi ’19, Robert Putney ’19, Hannah Warren ’19
4 Ragan Spence VanLeeuwen ’98 competes in Speed Jenga.
5 Emily Thompson Bachar ’14 and Brandon Bachar ’12.
6 Maggie Toppass ’23, Evan Doskey ’23, Ethan Doskey ’18, Ethan Gilworth ’18.
THIS PAGE – Clockwise from top left
1 Leo Schluter ’84 and Christian Mann ’85
2 Marie-Louise Fourie ’13, Kim Jeffries ’76, Anna Braukmann Raccuglia ’99 and Jonathan Rosa ’11 helped sort and package diapers at HappyBottoms in May of 2025.
3 52 alumni competed in our 2024 Alumni Soccer Game, where odd graduation years took on even graduation years.
OPPOSITE PAGE – Clockwise from top left
1 Frank Hensley ’00 led Barstow alumni on a tour of Universal Music Group in Los Angeles. LR: Frank Hensley ’00, Lauren Fox Kanan ’15, Rishi Malay ’21, Sarah Xu ’16, Scott Hill‡, Jake Roberts ’13, Nicholas Kinports ’00 and Jonathan Badeen ’00.
2 The Class of 1965 celebrated their 60th reunion in May 2025. Back row: JoAnn Schooling Gillula, Camilla Williams Cummings, Nancy Tobin Williams, Jennifer Russell Sawyer, Jane Jackson, Donna Reinecker Pair, Linda Krigel Lieberman, Janice Bellemere Hamill Front row: Mary Kearney Richardson, Shirley Knowles Dake, Betsy Armstrong Moss Evans, Susie Harrison Peterson, Randee Krakauer, Tricia Woodbury Miller.
3 Haley Hannah ’06 visited Barstow while on tour with “Beetlejuice the Musical” and spoke to current students about her career in theatre. Pictured with honorary alumni Kristi Mitchell and Bob Koehler.
4 Chrissy Keith ’07 and Curtis Loftin ’92 attended Barstow’s Veterans Day Assembly in November 2024.
5 Mark Luce‡ led alumni in a discussion of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” in December 2024.
Pictured: Mark Luce, Caroline Kill ’89, Anh Tran, Kevin Woods ’11, Lauren Fox Kanan ’15, Whitney Crooks ’08 and Anne Canfield ’63
‡ denotes honorary alumni
CLASS NOTES
73
Stan Shaffer has completed a history and online archive of The Walnut apartments in Kansas City in advance of the building’s centennial.
74
Scott Gyllenborg is the 2025 president of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association. KCMBA is the oldest and largest bar association in the Kansas City area, with 5,000 members in its nine-county service territory in Missouri and Kansas.
81
Emily Huffman is a carpenter for the Department of Homeless Services in New York City.
85/86
Siblings Boyd ’85 and Beth Morrison ’86 co-authored “The White Fortress,” a historical adventure quest set in 1350s Europe. It is the third novel in their Tales of the Lawless Land series.
86
Sarah Biles is president of the Greater Kansas City Public Relations Society of America chapter and director of communications at Harvesters — The Community Food Network.
Gillian Chapman is the superintendent of Blue Valley School District.
99
Patrick Delaney was named a Food Leaders Fellow at the Aspen Institute’s Food and Society Program. Delaney has been the director of federal government affairs for food and agriculture at Walmart since 2022, and previously spent five years as senior staff on the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. He lives in suburban Washington, DC, with his wife, Katie, and kids, Lucy and Abby.
00 Frank Hensley was recently promoted to vice president of Partner Labels, Global Marketing at Universal Music Group. He celebrated 17 years with the company in June. He and his wife, Heather, live in Southern California with their two children, Beric (7) and Violet (3). Frank coaches Beric’s 8 and under baseball team: the Royals. Frank also
recently came out of rap retirement to team up with Krizz Kaliko to make a song for the Kansas City Royals called “Bleed Blue.” Krizz and Frank appeared on the Royals pregame show with Joel Goldberg on July 7.
03
Donald Gardner is a pilot and first officer with United Airlines. He is also the president and CEO of DGPilot, a travel-lifestyle store in St. Paul, Minnesota. Donnie’s company recently launched a new t-shirt brand that celebrates the Tuskegee Airmen.
Collin McMillan is an associate professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Notre Dame.
05
Special thanks to David Franz and Ellen Schuch Edgar for participating in 2025 Homecoming as our alumni presenters!
08
Brandon Gaines-Richcreek is a United Airlines first officer. He served in the Air Force on active duty for over 12 years. He is currently serving in the Kentucky Air National Guard.
11
Thank you to Jonathan Rosa for sharing his career path and advice with students and faculty at the Junior-Senior Breakfast. Jonathan is the manager of community impact for the Kansas City Royals.
12
Aaron Greenbaum married Gabrielle Hill in May 2025. Gabe Greenbaum ’12 and Will Kanan ’13 were in the wedding party.
13
At Convocation, Tori Ball charged the Class of 2025 to be present, be good participants, and consider what their legacy will be.
14
Emily Thompson Bachar and Brandon Bachar ’12 welcomed their first child, Meredith, on May 22.
15
Rachel Ripp is a First News morning reporter with KMBC 9 News in Kansas City.
16
19
Aidan Scurato is the owner of Rebound Jerseys, a peer-to-peer marketplace for authenticated sports jerseys.
24
Rian Jacobs launched her company, BioBobbers. She sells 3D-printed, 100% biodegradable fishing bobbers to minimize anglers’ impacts on our waterways. She also completed her first year at Creighton University, where she won first place at Creighton Entrepreneurship Club’s JayTank event for BioBobbers. Check out her company at biobobbers.com!
Kieran McMann Fraser tied the knot with Shelby Fraser in April 2025. Conor McMann ’12 was in the wedding party.
Madeline Vasquez Murphy and her husband Danny welcomed their daughter Skye in 2024.
HONORARY ALUMNI
When not assisting students with the college search and application process, Director of College Counseling Scott Hill can be found working on the sidelines as a utility parabolic microphone operator for television networks broadcasting live sports all over the globe. In February 2024, CBS asked Scott to work Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. An average of 23 million viewers watched Kansas City’s overtime win, making it the largest single-network telecast ever. Scott received an Emmy nod and win for Outstanding Technical Team Event. Until his wife, Mary, can decide where to display the Emmy, Scott proudly has it showcased on top of his refrigerator, never taking himself too seriously.
CONDOLENCES
Please see our website for condolences.
UPCOMING
ALUMNI EVENTS
Oct 14
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: WAYSIDE WAIFS
Anna Braukmann Raccuglia ’99, Wayside Waifs’ director of donor relations and Barstow Alumni Board member, will lead alumni in a tour and volunteer opportunity at the animal shelter. Come volunteer and play with puppies!
Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 4:30–6:30 p.m. — Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Rd, Kansas City, Mo.
Oct 18
GREEN AND WHITE GALA
Celebrate Barstow at our annual gala, and enjoy food, drink, music and live and silent auction items!
Saturday, Oct. 18 | 6–11 p.m. — Marriott Kansas City Overland Park, Overland Park, Kan.
www.barstowschool.org/condolences
Nov 25
A TOAST TO TOGETHERNESS
Gather with fellow Barstow alumni before the holiday season! Tuesday, November 25 | 6–8 p.m. — Chicken N Pickle, Overland Park, Kan.
For more information and registration, visit our website, www.barstowschool.org/alumni.
REUNIONS
The Classes of 1975, 1985, 2000, 2005, 2015 and 2020 are planning fall reunions! Haven’t heard from your class reunion committee? Send your updated contact information to Lauren Kanan, and she’ll help connect you.
Does your class year end in 1 or 6? If so, your reunion year is approaching. Contact Lauren Kanan if you’d like to help plan a reunion for your class.
FIND YOURSELF AT BARSTOW!
No visit to Barstow is complete without a stroll through our composite galleries. Every Barstow graduate, from the Class of 1925 to the Class of 2025, is pictured. For alumni, it’s a highlight of their campus tour to find family members, friends and familiar faces—including their own!
Clockwise from top left:
1 Margo McClinton Stoglin ’94
2 Cris Doretto ’72 & Pam Gyllenborg ’72
3 Diane Brent ’64
4 Vivaswan Saraph ’21 & Tommy Cuezze ’21
5 Trina Henke ’80
6 Sophia Nur ’99
CLASS OF 2025 MATRICULATION
1. Bentley University
2. Case Western Reserve University (2)
3. Central Methodist University
4. Clark University
5. College of Central Florida
6. The College of William & Mary
7. Colorado School of Mines
8. Creighton University
9. Emporia State University
10. Florida State University
11. Graceland University
12. Harvey Mudd College
13. Indiana University
14. Johnson County Community College
15. Kansas State University
16. Long Island University–Brooklyn
17. Macalester College
18. Massachusetts Institiute of Technology
19. The New School
20. Purdue University
21. Rocky Mountain College
22. Rollins College
23. Sporting Kansas City II –Professional Soccer
24. Texas Southern University
25. University of Arizona
26. University of California–Berkeley
27. University of Kansas (11)
28. University of Kentucky (2)
29. University of Michigan
30. University of Missouri
31. University of Missouri–Kansas City —
6 Year Medical Program (2)
32. University of Missouri–St. Louis
33. The University of Montana
34. University of San Diego
35. University of Virginia
36. University of Washington
37. Villanova University (2)
38. Washington University in St Louis
39. Westmont College (2)
ANOTHER YEAR OF KNIGHTS EXCELLENCE
Barstow Knights continued our proud athletic tradition in 2024–2025, earning conference, district and state championships.
FALL SEASON
Girls Tennis
• MSHSAA Class 2 State Champions
• Atra Biria, senior, and Rose Biria, freshman, MSHSAA Class 2 State Doubles Champions
Volleyball
• 1st place, Van Horn Tournament
• Lia Levin, Adele Muir and Alise Wood, senior, 2nd Team All District
• Lia Levin 2nd Team All Conference
Boys Soccer
• 1st place, Excelsior Springs Tournament
• Carson Matula, senior, 2nd Team All District, All Region Team, Academic AllState.
• Cale Williams, senior, All Conference, All District, All Metro, All State 1st Team, All Region Offensive Player of the Year
Cross Country
• Quincy Stribling, sophomore, and Elizabeth Patry, freshman, Cross Country state qualifiers
WINTER SEASON
Knight Stars Dance Team
• MDTA State Competition 1st place Hip Hop, 3rd place Lyrical
Boys Basketball
• Will Carter, senior, 1st Team All Conference
• Carson Matula, senior, 2nd Team All Conference
• Angelo Gray, sophomore, Missouri Basketball Coaches Association AllDistrict Team
Girls Basketball
• Amillia Prochnow, sophomore, 1st Team All Conference, All District
• Talia Dreher, sophomore, Honorable Mention All Conference, All District
Girls Swim & Dive
• Sydney Georgie, senior, All Conference and All District Swim Team
• Mahek Vora, senior, NAIA StudentAthlete of Character
• Ali Luetje, Class 1 MSHSAA Diving state qualifier
SPRING SEASON
Girls Soccer
• Class 1 District Championship, 3rd place Class 1 MSHSAA State Championship
• Lilly Simpson, sophomore, All Conference, All District, All Region, Region Player of the Year, All State 1st Team
• Margo Gonzalez, senior, Academic All State, All Conference, All District, All Region, Region Co-Defensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All State, State Co-Defensive Player of the Year
• Julia Luetje ’25, Alina Stribling ’25, Mahek Vora ’25, Academic All State
• Coach Scott Huppe Region Coach of the Year, State Private School Coach of the Year
Track and Field
• Norah Culver 6th place, javelin, MSHSAA State Track and Field Championship
Baseball
• Carson Matula, senior, 1st team All Conference
Boys Golf
• David Williams, 8th place All Conference, state qualifier
MORE THAN A GAME
Clockwise from top left:
1 The annual Pink Out volleyball event raised $1,864 in October, bringing the total raised for breast cancer research since 2011 to $19,102.
2 Girls soccer collected a host of team and individual awards
3 The Knight Stars dance team added trophies to the Hall of Champions
4 In March, four seniors formalized their intent to compete in NCAA: Atra Biria, Case Western Reserve University tennis; Will Carter, Central Methodist University basketball; Carson Matula, Case Western Reserve University baseball; Cale Williams, Graceland University soccer.
5 Norah Culver placed sixth in javelin at the State track meet.
POWERED BY THE BARSTOW SCHOOL
ADDITIONAL REVENUE PROGRAMS SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL FINANCIALLY AND INTRODUCE THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES TO THE VALUE OF A BARSTOW EDUCATION.
DAN & CASSIDY TOWRISS IDEA SPACE
Our STEAM learning center in Leawood, Kansas
• 28 after school classes offered for 210 students representing 19 metro school districts
• 75% year-to-year growth in Barstow middle & upper school elective enrollment
• 10 students enrolled in 2 new Project Lead the Way engineering courses + the debut of the Engineering Pathway
• “Thank you for welcoming us and creating an enriching experience for students. They loved it, as it sparked their curiosity in ways I haven’t seen before!”
— Staff member Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City
6 new community partnerships, including Boys Club and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri and Boy Scouts
• Kansas City Favorites Silver Award for Best Event Venue
SUMMER AT BARSTOW
One of the region’s most popular camp programs, enrollment in Summer at Barstow continues to grow, thanks to its excellent staff, creative offerings and adventurous spirit. In 2024:
• 1,743 campers
• 580 camps
• 40% gross revenue increase from 2022 to 2024
• Voted a Kansas City’s Favorite for third consecutive year
*Data from Summer 2025 is still being compiled as the Impact Report goes to print.
INSPIRIT AI
IDEA Space and The Barstow School offered a two-week artificial intelligence intensive in June. Developed and taught by Stanford and MIT graduates, the Inspirit AI Scholars program guided students in grades 8–12 through fundamental concepts including generative AI, complex Python coding and present and future applications. The program emphasized ethical use and social good, and culminated in real-world product presentations.
BARSTOW GLOBAL ONLINE
Our k–12 online school continues to meet the demand for non-traditional course delivery. In 2024–2025:
• 42 full and part-time students enrolled
• 43 classes offered
Mario Kart Day
BARSTOW GOES PRO Barstow presented the Sporting Kansas City match versus FC New York on Saturday, July 19, at Children’s Mercy Park. The match united students, families, faculty and staff—plus thousands of potential future families—for an unforgettable evening with one of Kansas City’s premier sports organizations.
Barstow is a Sporting KC Center Circle partner, a relationship that reflects shared values like discipline, integrity, teamwork, character and excellence. Barstow is featured at every home game, showcasing our school to a larger population of families looking for the best independent education in the region.
Clockwise from top left:
1 Flanked by referees and team captains, senior Carlos Salazar, sophomore Lilly Simpson, fourth grader Dhruv Doshi and President & Head of School Art Hall conducted the pre-match coin toss in front of nearly 17,000 Sporting KC fans.
2 Director of IDEA Space Cassie Banka ’05, Community Relations and Barstow Fund Manager Dan McNickle, Blue the Dog, Mathematics Department Chair Matt Thurman and Rhett Thompson, grade 4, greeted fans on Mazuma Plaza.
3 Trustee James Byrd and his sons, Jack (grade 2) and Matthew (grade 1)
4 Trustee Soni Patel, Amar Patel, Samir Doshi and Trustee Neha Doshi
LEGACY & LEADERSHIP
In his farewell letter published June 27, retiring President Shane Foster thanked the school community for its partnership and support for 17 years. Throughout the school year, our community thanked Mr. Foster during events that honored his dedication, innovation and achievements.
In September, hundreds of students, families, colleagues and alumni celebrated the naming and opening of Foster Athletic Center with a ceremony and reception during the annual Harvest Festival.
President Foster presided over the Founders Day celebration in October, marking 140 years since Mary Louis Barstow and Ada Brann opened their school for girls in downtown Kansas City. Fittingly, he is the second longest-serving head of school since Mary Barstow’s tenure.
He was recognized with gifts to the school on Tree Day, and as the school year drew to a close, Mr. Foster was the surprise guest at a retirement reception after the Class of 2025 Baccalaureate. Guests included current and past faculty, staff, alumni and trustees.
“We thank Shane Foster for his long tenure of exceptional leadership,” Board of Trustees Chairman Rob Rothhaas said upon the close of this chapter in our history. Mr. Foster’s final words as president are a testament to his leadership and his love for the School.
“Barstow is not just a school. It is a place where purpose meets possibility, providing students with the opportunity to be participants in their education. Your trust and support have allowed Barstow to grow while staying true to our mission. Every success we’ve celebrated has been made possible by your belief in our shared vision.”
Saturday, October 18 | 6–11 p.m. Marriott Kansas City Overland Park 10800 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Kan.
