By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Geary USD 475 celebrated during the annual State of Education event Thursday evening at Junction City High School. Numerous teachers and students were recognized, USD 475 Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston and State Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson spoke, and there were numerous musical performances.
An opening written statement by the superintendent set the tone. "The greatest contribution Geary County schools can make to our community is to educate children."
Four areas were highlighted including academic success, parent engagement, a culture of excellence and upcoming discussions. "We will continue to set expectations for our students, " said Eggleston. To military connected families he noted that the District has the resources available to support them and the students.
In the coming year the District will be looking at the profile of a graduate, and what does a graduate in the 21st century look like. There was also a note that 49 different languages are spoken by students in the school district.
Horizon Award recipients Denise Acosta and Easton Lager will each receive $1,000, and they were the first USD 475 teachers since 2019 to receive the honor. There were only 32 statewide recipients this year and two came from USD 475.
National Honor Society students and Thrive Award recipients were recognized. The 3.0 grade point average requirement for secondary school students in good standing to participate in extracurricular activities will be reviewed by a committee, and they will see if the District perhaps even needs to raise that requirement.
Teacher of the Year nominees including Seitz Elementary School Kindergarten teacher Christa Grider and Fort Riley Middle School Special Education teacher Michelle Irvine received $1,000. Challenge Award recipients Mallory Larsen and Kim Dressman were honored. They are principals at Grandview and Westwood Elementary schools, respectively.
Lincoln Elementary School was recognzed for receiving a Blue Ribbon School Award, along with JCHS 6A girls state champion cross country runner Linden Pickler and the JCHS boys cross country team that finished second in their 6A state competition.
Educators that are planning to retire including Deb Gustafson, Charlotte Landith and Lanise Cook were honored.
Musical performances were provided by students from Lincoln Elementary School, Fort Riley Elementary School, Junction City High School orchestra and JC Singers, Fort Riley Middle School orchestra and Junction City Middle School choir.
The event concluded with the singing of the Junction City High School fight song "Onward Blue Jays."