By Matt Hoover
USD 475 Communcations Coordinator
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – For Washington Elementary fourth grade teacher Kaylee Cunningham, teaching in Geary County Schools USD 475 is more than the start of a career, it is an opportunity to give back to the community and school district that helped shape her. A 2022 graduate of Junction City High School, Cunningham, who also attended Junction City Middle School, is in her first year of teaching in USD 475.“I have really enjoyed returning home and beginning my teaching career here at Washington Elementary,” said Cunningham.
While roaming the halls of JCHS, Cunningham, who was the senior class vice president and graduated in the top 5 percent of her graduating class, participated in numerous clubs and activities as she was a part of the marching band and pep band, while also being a key member of the National Honor Society, KAY Club and Blue Jay Nation.During her senior year, Cunningham gained valuable classroom experience as a second-grade student intern at Lincoln Elementary, which helped to lay the foundation for her future career in teaching.Because of her exceptional work in the classroom as a student, Cunningham received several honors as a Blue Jay as she not only received the Clarinet Section of the Year award, but also a Thriving Thursday recognition for showing pride in the high school.
Following her time at JCHS, Cunningham attended and graduated from Emporia State University with a degree in elementary education. She then returned to the district where her own educational journey began, bringing her experiences as a Blue Jay and her passion for learning into the classroom as she helps inspire the next generation of students in USD 475.