District News Releases-USD 320 - Wamego Public Schools

News Releases

Sherry Helus Awarded Presidential Award

sherry Helus

We wish to congratulate Sherry Helus, a third grade teacher at West Elementary, as a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to the best pre-college-level science and math teachers from across the country.

The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. Each year the award alternates, going either to science and math teachers in grades K through 6 (as it is this year) or to those teaching in grades 7 through 12. On July 9th President Obama named more than 100 science, math, and engineering teachers and mentors as recipients of two prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence.

Winners of the Presidential Teaching Award receive $10,000 awards from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also receive an expense-paid trip for two to Washington, D.C. for a White House awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and science agency leaders.

President Obama said, “There is no higher calling than furthering the educational advancement of our nation’s young people and encouraging and inspiring our next generation of leaders. These awards represent a heartfelt salute of appreciation to a remarkable group of individuals who have devoted their lives and careers to helping others and in doing so have helped us all.”

We wish to add our sincere thanks and appreciation for all that Sherry gives to our children and our community. We are privileged and proud to have Sherry on our team, and once again, would like to congratulate her on this landmark achievement.

Sherry Helus Meets the President

On Jan. 6, at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C., Sherry Helus, 3rd grade teacher at West Elementary, was presented with a citation from President Barack Obama for excellence in math and science teaching. Helus was one of two recipients from the state of Kansas to receive the Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. President Obama made the final decision in selecting each of the 87 nation-wide recipients of this prestigious award.

As part of the award, Helus, and her husband, Ron, were flown to Washington, D.C., where they stayed from Jan. 3-7. While in D.C., Helus attended various professional development sessions, some of which were held at the National Science Foundation. While visiting the National Museum of Natural History, she had the chance to learn about the science that went into the making of the IMAX movie, “Sea Monsters.” She was then given a copy of the movie to share with her students. She also watched a live satellite feed from New Zealand, where scientists aboard the JOIDES Resolution and Expedition were conducting ocean drilling experiments. The highlights of her trip included the opportunity to tour the White House, sit in on the “Educate to Innovate” press conference, which was televised live from the White House, and have a group picture taken with the President. She also participated in a discussion session with White House staff. According to Helus, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan led the teacher-administration discussion. The focus of the discussion was how to “educate kids today to stay competitive [worldwide].”

As a national finalist, Helus was invited to speak at a Kansas State Board of Education meeting. She also will be serving on both the Presidential Awards Steering Committee and Selection Committee for the next year and will be presenting at the Excellence in Education Awards Conference in June.

“It was an unbelievable experience,” said Helus. “I feel extremely fortunate to have had this opportunity. To be recognized for one’s accomplishments always feels great. To be recognized nationally is incredible.”

Following is a listing of the Wamego High School students and their placing in various events:

EVENT	STUDENT	Placing
Entrepreneurship	Adams, Bryan	2
Help Desk	Adams, Bryan	3

Introduction to Business	Alderson, Rikki	2
Introduction to Business Communication	Alderson, Rikki	5
Introduction to Technology Concepts	Alderson, Rikki	5

FBLA Principles and Procedures	Ayres, Kayla	3
Business Procedures	Ayres, Kayla	5

Accounting I	Barden, Allen	6

Introduction to Business	Bartell, Dakota	5
Business Math	Bartell, Dakota	6

Introduction to Technology Concepts	Bice, Bradley	1
Networking Concepts	Bice, Bradley	1

FBLA Principles and Procedures	Boeckman, Caitlin	4
Personal Finance	Boeckman, Caitlin	6

Community Service	Bonderer, Samantha	1
Future Business Leader - Ms.	Bonderer, Samantha	1
Desktop Publishing	Bonderer, Samantha	4
Business Calculations	Bonderer, Samantha	5

Accounting I	Bowser, Reed	5
Business Law	Bowser, Reed	5
Business Math	Bowser, Reed	7

Client Service	Boyda, Abbie	5
Business Calculations	Boyda, Abbie	6

Word Processing I	Boyda, Paige	6

Parliamentary Procedures Team	Calkins, Shannon	1
Public Speaking II	Calkins, Shannon	4
Economics	Calkins, Shannon	5

Marketing	Delay, Molly	7

Help Desk	Douglass, Tyler	1
Sports Management	Douglass, Tyler	6

Accounting I	Dunback, Josh	5

Introduction to Technology Concepts	Ebert, Shelby	4
Business Math	Ebert, Shelby	7

Management Decision Making	Eichman, Lane	1
Job Interview	Eichman, Lane	4

Business Procedures	Ekart, Mariah	3

Introduction to Business Communication	Filbert, Cheyenne	1
FBLA Principles and Procedures	Filbert, Cheyenne	2
Introduction to Business	Filbert, Cheyenne	7

Website Development	Foltz, Cy	1
Technology Concepts	Foltz, Cy	3

Introduction to Business Communication	Gee, Kristina	5

Parliamentary Procedures Team	Gee, Krystal	1
Business Law	Gee, Krystal	5

Website Development	Gordon, Matt	1
Spreadsheet Applications	Gordon, Matt	6

FBLA Principles and Procedures	Griffitt, Rachel	5

Emerging Business Issues	Gros, Michael	1
Business Ethics	Gros, Michael	5

Business Presentation	Grothe, Sophia	1
Desktop Publishing	Grothe, Sophia	1

Word Processing I	Harken, Jackson	1
Introduction to Business	Harken, Jackson	3
Business Math	Harken, Jackson	7

Parliamentary Procedures Team	Heersink, Dustina	1

Emerging Business Issues	Hemphill, Cole	1
Future Business Leader - Mr.	Hemphill, Cole	2
Business Ethics	Hemphill, Cole	5
Sports Management	Hemphill, Cole	5

Business Law	Hitch, Casey	1
Job Interview	Hitch, Casey	2

Economics	Holle, Brett	1
Technology Concepts	Holle, Brett	1

Parliamentary Procedures Team	Hosfelt, Brittany	1
Management Decision Making	Hosfelt, Brittany	3
Impromptu Speaking	Hosfelt, Brittany	5

Management Decision Making	Kallenbach, Tylar	3
Business Law	Kallenbach, Tylar	7

FBLA Principles and Procedures	Klein, Micah	6

Management Decision Making	Kohler, BJ	1
Business Procedures	Kohler, BJ	6

Emerging Business Issues	Lindhorst, Lane	1
Business Ethics	Lindhorst, Lane	5
Sports Management	Lindhorst, Lane	7

Business Law	Long, Crystal	1
Management Decision Making	Long, Crystal	3

Business Ethics	Mackeprang, Kelsey	6

Sports Management	Malin, Calder	4
Introduction to Business	Malin, Calder	6

Desktop Publishing	Markey, Amanda	1
Business Procedures	Markey, Amanda	4

Management Decision Making	Martinez, Eliezer	1
Economics	Martinez, Eliezer	4
Client Service	Martinez, Eliezer	6

Computer Applications	Melby, Amy	2

Introduction to Technology Concepts	Milke, Jonathan	2
Introduction to Business	Milke, Jonathan	5
Business Law	Milke, Jonathan	6

Computer Applications	Modean, Trenton	1
Database Design	Modean, Trenton	1
Future Business Leader - Mr.	Modean, Trenton	1
Spreadsheet Applications	Modean, Trenton	1
Word Processing II	Modean, Trenton	1
Business Calculations	Modean, Trenton	2
Desktop Publishing	Modean, Trenton	4
Business Procedures	Modean, Trenton	7

Introduction to Business Communication	Morse, Curtis	4
Introduction to Technology Concepts	Morse, Curtis	7

Word Processing II	Nigus, Cheyenne	2
Business Ethics	Nigus, Cheyenne	6

Introduction to Business Communication	Patton, Brent	2
Public Speaking I	Patton, Brent	5

Community Service	Peterson, Kelsey	1
Future Business Leader - Ms.	Peterson, Kelsey	3

Community Service	Routh, Cassie	1
Future Business Leader - Ms.	Routh, Cassie	2
Economics	Routh, Cassie	6

FBLA Principles and Procedures	Routh, Jordan	7

FBLA Principles and Procedures	Rowden, Lakyn	1

FBLA Principles and Procedures	Seeberger, Zach	3
Computer Problem Solving	Seeberger, Zach	7

Entrepreneurship	Shaffer, Taylor	2
Client Service	Shaffer, Taylor	7

Website Development	Smith, Jason	1
Business Communications	Smith, Jason	5

Public Speaking I	Standlee, Brad	2
Introduction to Business	Standlee, Brad	3
Computer Problem Solving	Standlee, Brad	6

Word Processing I	Stewart, Mason	3
Introduction to Business	Stewart, Mason	6

Help Desk	Ten Eyck, Michael	5

Business Presentation	Warnow, Brittaney	1

Public Speaking I	White, Alex	4
Introduction to Business Communication	White, Alex	7

Business Presentation	Williams, Taylor	1
Business Ethics	Williams, Taylor	6
Personal Finance	Williams, Taylor	7

Powerlifting Team at Smoky Valley Meet

WHS Boys and Girls Powerlifting Team after finishing 1st out of 9 teams at the Smoky Valley Meet in Linsborg, KS.

Pictured: Caitlin Boeckman, Chase Conrad, Ciera Conrad, Jordan Curtis, Eric Daniels, Jessica Hobbs, Colby Jackson, Chelsea Kohler, Jayson Kugler, Jonathan Lagerquist, Amy Melby, Kelly Roberts, Phillip Ruther, Elizabeth Scherer, Marissa Streeter, Tia Tesch, Jordan Umscheid, Eric Westgate, Cody Wilson, and Riley Woodward.

Powerlifting Teams Place 1st At Smoky Valley Meet

Wamego High School’s power lifting team traveled to Lindsborg, KS on Saturday, January 23rd to compete in a power lifting competition. Twenty lifters from WHS competed at the Abilene meet. Those lifters consisted of Caitlin Boeckman, Chase Conrad, Ciera Conrad, Jordan Curtis, Eric Daniels, Jessica Hobbs, Colby Jackson, Chelsea Kohler, Jayson Kugler, Jonathan Lagerquist, Amy Melby, Kelly Roberts, Phillip Ruther, Elizabeth Scherer, Marissa Streeter, Tia Tesch, Jordan Umscheid, Eric Westgate, Cody Wilson, and Riley Woodward. Both the boys and girls team finished 1st place overall out of 9 teams.

In the boys individual competition, Daniels finished 3rd overall in the 123 lb weight class, 3rd in bench with a lift of 115 lbs, 3rd in squat with a lift of 100 lbs and 2nd in clean with a lift of 120 lbs. Kugler finished 2nd overall in the 123 lb weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 135 lbs and 2nd in squat with a lift of 170 lbs and 3rd in clean with a lift of 95 lbs. Curtis finished 2nd overall in the 132 lb weight class and 2nd in bench with a lift of 155 lbs, 2nd in squat with a lift of 205 lbs and 2nd in clean with a lift of 165 lbs. Chase Conrad finished 5th overall in the 140 lb weight class, 2nd in bench with a lift of 175 lbs, 6th in squat with a lift of 135 lbs and 5th in clean with a lift of 140 lbs. Umscheid finished 1st overall in the 148 lb weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 180 lbs, 2nd in squat with a lift of 245 lbs and 2nd in clean with a lift of 200 lbs. Colby Jackson finished 6th overall in the 156 lb weight class, 2nd in bench with a lift of 190 lbs, a scratch in squat due to not getting any good lifts and 4th in clean with a lift of 165 lbs. Wilson finished 7th overall in the 156 lb weight class, 5th in bench with a lift of 155 lb, a scratch in squat due to not getting any good lifts and 5th in clean with a lift of 165 lbs. Lagerquist finished 4th overall in the 165 lb weight class, 6th in bench with a lift of 165 lbs, 4th in squat with a lift o f 250 lbs and 2nd in clean with a lift of 225 lbs. Ruther finished 2nd overall in the 156 weight class, 2nd in bench with a lift of 205 lbs, 1st in squat with a lift of 380 lbs and 6th in clean with a lift of 175 lbs. Woodward finished 2nd overall in the 198 lb weight class, 2nd in bench with a lift of 260 lbs, 2nd in squat with a lift of 300 lbs and 2nd in clean with a lift of 215 lbs. Westgate finished 4th overall in the PWT weight class, 4th in bench with a lift of 245 lbs, 7th in squat with a lift of 285 lbs, and 5th in clean with a lift of 215 lbs.

In the girls individual competition, Hobbs finished 1st overall in the 105 lb weight class, 1st in the bench with a lift of 75 lbs, 1st in squat with a lift of 135 lbs and 1st in clean with a lift of 70 lbs. Roberts finished first overall in the 114 lb weight class as well as 1st in bench with a lift of 105 lbs, 1st in squat with a lift of 150 lbs and 1st in clean with a lift of 110 lbs. Boeckman finished 2nd overall in the 114 lb weight class, 2nd in bench with a lift of 70 lbs, 2nd in squat with a lift of 110 lbs and 2nd in clean with a lift of 75 lbs. Conrad finished 5th overall in the 132 weight class, 5th in bench with a lift of 90 lbs, 6th in squat with a lift of 135 lbs and 3rd in clean with a lift of 100 lbs. Melby finished 4th overall in the 132 lb weight class, 6th in bench with a lift of 70 lbs, 4th in squat with a lift of 145 lbs and 1st in clean with a lift of 115 lbs. Streeter finished 2nd overall in the 132 lb weight class, 3rd in bench with a lift of 100 lbs, 3rd in squat with a lift of 160 lbs and 4th in clean with a lift of 90 lbs. Kohler finished 4th overall in the 140 lb weight class, 4th in bench with a lift of 85 lbs, 4th in squat with a lift of 145 lbs and tied for 4th in clean with a lift of 100 lbs. Tesch finished 5th overall in the 140 lb weight class, 3rd in bench with a lift of 90 lbs, 5th in squat with a lift of 120 lbs and tied for 4th in clean with a lift of 100 lbs. Scherer finished 1st overall in the PWT weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 165 lbs, 1st in squat with a lift of 300 lbs and 1st in clean with a lift of 165 lbs. Wamego’s power lifting team’s next competition will be on January 30th, when they travel to Royal Valley.

Results from Royal Valley Powerlifting Meet

Wamego High School’s power lifting team traveled to Hoyt, KS on Saturday, January 30th to compete in a power lifting competition. Twenty one lifters from WHS competed at the Royal Valley meet. Those lifters consisted of Caitlin Boeckman, Chase Conrad, Ciera Conrad, Eric Daniels, Alyssa Detwiler, Mariah Ekart, Colby Jackson, Mayabeth Jagosz, Chelsea Kohler, Jayson Kugler, Jonathan Lagerquist, Amy Melby, Ryan Patton, Kelly Roberts, Phillip Ruther, Elizebeth Scott, Elizabeth Scherer, Marissa Streeter, Brandon Swiger, Eric Westgate and Riley Woodward. The boys team finished 6th place overall out of 19 teams, while the girls team placed 4th out of 8 teams.

Jonathan Lagerquist performes the Clean lift at the Royal Valley Powerlifting meet

Jonathon Lagerquist performs the Clean lift at the Royal Valley Powerlifting Meet.

In the boys individual competition, Daniels finished 2nd overall in the 123 lb weight class, 2nd in bench with a lift of 100 lbs, 2nd in squat with a lift of 130 lbs and 1st in clean with a lift of 130 lbs. Kugler finished 3rd overall in the 123 lb Jr. Division weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 145 lbs, 3rd in squat with a lift of 180 lbs and 5th in clean with a lift of 105 lbs. Chase Conrad finished 8th overall in the 140 lb weight class, 6th in bench with a lift of 165 lbs, 9th in squat with a lift of 145 lbs and 10th in clean with a lift of 155 lbs. Jackson finished 6th overall in the 148 lb weight class, 6th in bench with a lift of 185 lbs, 6th in squat with a lift of 245 lbs and 10th in clean with a lift of 165 lbs. Patton finished 3rd overall in the 156 lb weight class, 3rd in bench with a lift of 205 lbs, 5th in squat with a lift of 260 lbs and 8th in clean with a lift of 205 lbs. Lagerquist finished 8th overall in the 165 lb weight class, 10th in bench with a lift of 160 lbs, 8th in squat with a lift of 250 lbs and 3rd in clean with a lift of 230 lbs. Ruther finished 1st overall in the 165 lb Jr. Division, 3rd in bench with a lift of 205 lbs, 1st in squat with a lift of 400 lbs and 4th in clean with a lift of 205 lbs. Swiger finished 9th overall in the 198 lb weight class, 11th in bench with a lift of 205 lbs, 13th in squat with a lift of 265 lbs and 8th in clean with a lift of 230 lbs. Woodward finished 5th overall in the 198 lb weight class, 5th in bench with a lift of 265 lbs, 8th in squat with a lift of 300 lbs and 9th in clean with a lift of 225 lbs. Westgate finished 7th overall in the PWT weight class, 4th in bench with a lift of 255 lbs, 10th in squat with a lift of 295 lbs and 5th in clean with a lift of 230 lbs.

Mariah Eckart performes the Clean Lift at the Royal Valley Powerlifting meet

Mariah Eckart performs the Clean lift at the Royal Valley Powerlifting Meet.

In the girls individual competition, Boeckman finished 8th overall in the 105 lb weight class, 9th in bench with a lift of 75 lbs, 8th in squat with a lift of 115 lbs and 9th in clean with a lift of 75 lbs. Jagosz finished 7th overall in the 105 lb weight class, 8th in bench with a lift of 75 lbs, 7th in squat with a lift of 120 lbs and 5th in clean with a lift of 85 lbs. Roberts finished 3rd overall in the 114 lb weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 105 lbs, 4th in squat with a lift of 160 lbs and 2nd in clean with a lift of 120 lbs. Detwiler finished 8th overall in the 123 lb weight class, 5th in bench with a lift of 80 lbs, 9th in squat with a lift of 105 lbs and 8th in clean with a lift of 80 lbs. Ciera Conrad finished 8th overall in the 132 weight class, 4th in bench with a lift of 95 lbs, 9th in squat with a lift of 135 lbs and 5th in clean with a lift of 105 lbs. Melby finished 7th overall in the 132 lb weight class, 9th in bench with a lift of 75 lbs, 6th in squat with a lift of 160 lbs and 4th in clean with a lift of 120 lbs. Streeter finished 6th overall in the 132 lb weight class, 3rd in bench with a lift of 100 lbs, 4th in squat with a lift of 170 lbs and 9th in clean with a lift of 90 lbs. Kohler finished 8th overall in the 140 lb weight class, 9th in bench with a lift of 70 lbs, 7th in squat with a lift of 140 lbs and 7th in clean with a lift of 100 lbs. Ekart finished 2nd overall in the 148 lb weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 150 lbs, 2nd in squat with a lift of 215 lbs and 3rd in clean with a lift of 135 lbs. Scott finished 7th overall in the PWT weight class, 7th in bench with a lift of 85 lbs, 7th in squat with a lift of 110 lbs and 7th in clean with a lift of 90 lbs. Scherer finished 1st overall in the PWT weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 170 lbs, 1st in squat with a lift of 315 lbs and 1st in clean with a lift of 175 lbs. Wamego’s power lifting team’s next competition will be on February 6th, when they travel to Basehor-Linwood.

Wamego High School PowerLiftingTeams

Compete at Basehor-Linwood Meet

Wamego High School’s power lifting team traveled to Basehor, KS on Saturday, February 6th to compete in a power lifting competition. Twenty one lifters from WHS competed at the Basehor-Linwood meet. Those lifters consisted of Chase Conrad, Ciera Conrad, Jordan Curtis, Eric Daniels, Alyssa Detwiler, Mariah Ekart, Mayabeth Jagosz, Chelsea Kohler, Jayson Kugler, Jonathan Lagerquist, Amy Melby, Bobby Miller, Ryan Patton, Kelly Roberts, Phillip Ruther, Elizabeth Scherer, Marissa Streeter, Brandon Swiger, Jordan Umscheid, Eric Westgate and Riley Woodward. The boys team finished 6th place overall out of 19 teams, while the girls team placed 3rd out of 16 teams.

Freshman Jayson Kugler performing the Clean lift during a powerlifting meet

Jayson Kugler Performs the Clean lift at the Basehor-Linwood Powerlifting Meet.

In the boys individual competition, Curtis finished 2nd overall in the 123 lb weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 165 lbs, 3rd in squat with a lift of 205 lbs and 3rd in clean with a lift of 170 lbs. Miller finished 6th overall in the 123 lb weight class, 6th in bench with a lift of 120 lbs, 6th in squat with a lift of 175 lbs and 7th in clean with a lift of 85 lbs. Daniels finished 7th overall in the 123 lb weight class, 7th in bench with a lift of 110 lbs, 7th in squat with a lift of 140 lbs and 6th in clean with a lift of 115 lbs. Kugler finished 5th overall in the 123 lb Jr. Division weight class, 3rd in bench with a lift of 145 lbs, 5th in squat with a lift of 165 lbs and 7th in clean with a lift of 115 lbs. Chase Conrad finished 8th overall in the 140 lb weight class, 3rd in bench with a lift of 180 lbs, 8th in squat with a lift of 150 lbs and 8th in clean with a lift of 140 lbs. Umscheid finished 9th overall in the 148 lb weight class, 12th in bench with a lift of 170 lbs, 6th in squat with a lift of 255 lbs and 8th in clean with a lift of 195 lbs. Patton finished 6th overall in the 156 lb weight class, 4th in bench with a lift of 205 lbs, 7th in squat with a lift of 260 lbs and 6th in clean with a lift of 210 lbs. Lagerquist finished 7th overall in the 165 lb weight class, 10th in bench with a lift of 170 lbs, 8th in squat with a lift of 265 lbs and 3rd in clean with a lift of 230 lbs. Ruther finished 1st overall in the 165 lb Jr. Division, 3rd in bench with a lift of 215 lbs, 1st in squat with a lift of 400 lbs and 5th in clean with a lift of 205 lbs. Swiger finished 6th overall in the 198 lb weight class, 8th in bench with a lift of 195 lbs, 8th in squat with a lift of 290 lbs and 4th in clean with a lift of 240 lbs. Woodward finished 3rd overall in the 198 lb weight class, 3rd in bench with a lift of 250 lbs, 5th in squat with a lift of 315 lbs and 5th in clean with a lift of 230 lbs. Westgate finished 17th overall in the PWT weight class, 15th in bench with a lift of 240 lbs, 18th in squat with a lift of 315 lbs and 14th in clean with a lift of 220 lbs.

Senior Elizabeth Scherer Performing the Squat at a Powerlifting Meet

Elizabeth Scherer performs the Squat lift at theBasehor-Linwood Powerlifting Meet.

In the girls individual competition, Jagosz finished 5th overall in the 105 lb weight class, 4th in bench with a lift of 80 lbs, 6th in squat with a lift of 125 lbs and 4th in clean with a lift of 85 lbs. Roberts finished 3rd overall in the 123 lb weight class, 2nd in bench with a lift of 110 lbs, 5th in squat with a lift of 160 lbs and 2nd in clean with a lift of 115 lbs. Detwiler finished 5th overall in the 123 lb weight class, 6th in bench with a lift of 80 lbs, 6th in squat with a lift of 115 lbs and 6th in clean with a lift of 80 lbs. Ciera Conrad finished 7th overall in the 132 weight class, 5th in bench with a lift of 95 lbs, 9th in squat with a lift of 135 lbs and 7th in clean with a lift of 95 lbs. Streeter finished 4th overall in the 132 lb weight class, 4th in bench with a lift of 105 lbs, 4th in squat with a lift of 170 lbs and 8th in clean with a lift of 95 lbs. Melby finished 12th overall in the 140 lb weight class, 12th in bench due to not getting a good lift, 11th in squat with a lift of 145 lbs and 8th in clean with a lift of 110 lbs. Kohler finished 9th overall in the 140 lb weight class, 9th in bench with a lift of 90 lbs, 8th in squat with a lift of 160 lbs and 11th in clean with a lift of 100 lbs. Ekart finished 2nd overall in the 148 lb weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 145 lbs, 2nd in squat with a lift of 215 lbs and 4th in clean with a lift of 125 lbs. Scherer finished 1st overall in the PWT weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 175 lbs, 1st in squat with a lift of 315 lbs and 2nd in clean with a lift of 170 lbs. Wamego’s power lifting team’s next competition will be on February 13th, when they travel to Lyndon.

Wamego High School Power Lifting Teams

Compete at Lyndon Meet

Wamego High School’s power lifting team traveled to Lyndon, KS on Saturday, February 13th to compete in a power lifting competition. Twenty two lifters from WHS competed at the Lyndon meet. Those lifters consisted of Bryan Adams, Caitlin Boeckman, Ciera Conrad, Jordan Curtis, Eric Daniels, Alyssa Detwiler, Jessica Hobbs, Ian Jacobson, Colby Jackson, Chelsea Kohler, Jayson Kugler, Jonathan Lagerquist, Amy Melby, Ryan Patton, Kendall Poe, Kelly Roberts, Phillip Ruther, Elizebeth Scott, Elizabeth Scherer, Jordan Umscheid, Eric Westgate and Riley Woodward. The boys team finished 2nd place overall out of 15 teams, while the girls team placed 2nd out of 15 teams.

Jordan Curtis Performing the Clean lift at the Lyndon Powerlifting Meet

Jordan Curtis Performs the Clean lift at the Lyndon Powerlifting meet.

In the boys individual competition, Curtis finished 1st overall in the 123 lb weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 165 lbs, 1st in squat with a lift of 225 lbs and 1st in clean with a lift of 165 lb. Daniels finished 2nd overall in the 123 lb weight class, 2nd in bench with a lift of 115 lbs, 2nd in squat with a lift of 170 lbs and 2nd in clean with a lift of 135 lbs. Kugler finished 3rd overall in the 123 lb Jr. Division weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 140 lbs, 3rd in squat due to not getting a good lift and 3rd in clean with a lift of 115 lbs. Jordan Umscheid finished 4th overall in the 148 lb weight class, 3rd in bench with a lift of 170lbs, 5th in squat with a lift of 260 lbs and 2nd in clean with a lift of 200 lbs. Jackson finished 4th overall in the 156 lb weight class, 4th in bench with a lift of 185 lbs, 3rd in squat with a lift of 250 lbs and 5th in clean with a lift of 165 lbs. Patton finished 2nd overall in the 156 lb weight class, 2nd in bench with a lift of 205 lbs, 2nd in squat with a lift of 270 lbs and 4th in clean with a lift of 215 lbs. Lagerquist finished 5th overall in the 165 lb weight class, 3rd in bench with a lift of 175 lbs, 5th in squat with a lift of 260 lbs and 3rd in clean with a lift of 210 lbs. Ruther finished 1st overall in the 165 lb Jr. Division, 2nd in bench with a lift of 215 lbs, 1st in squat with a lift of 410 lbs and 4th in clean with a lift of 215 lbs. Poe finished 2nd overall in the 173 lb weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 235 lbs, 2nd in squat with a lift of 270 lbs and 4th in clean with a lift of 225 lb. Jacobson finished 10th overall in the 198 lb Jr. Division, 4th in bench with a lift of 180 lbs, 10th in squat due to not getting a good lift and 5th in clean with a lift of 200 lbs. Adams finished 7th overall in the 198 lb weight class, 7th in bench with a lift of 190 lbs, 9th in squat with a lift of 230 lbs and 7th in clean with a lift of 200 lbs. Woodward finished 3rd overall in the 198 lb weight class, 2nd in bench with a lift of 255 lbs, 6th in squat with a lift of 300 lbs and 5th in clean with a lift of 235 lbs. Westgate finished 4th overall in the PWT weight class, 4th in bench with a lift of 260 lbs, 5th in squat with a lift of 320 lbs and 4th in clean with a lift of 230 lbs.

Ashley Melby performing the Clean at the Lyndon Powerlifting meet

Amy Melby Performing the Clean lift at the Lyndon Powerlifting Meet.

In the girls individual competition, Boeckman finished 3rd overall in the 105 lb weight class, 3rdin bench with a lift of 75 lbs, 3rd in squat with a lift of 105 lbs and 2nd in clean with a lift of 85 lbs. Hobbs finished 1st overall in the 105 lb weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 75 lbs, 1st in squat with a lift of 140 lbs and 3rd in clean with a lift of 80 lbs. Roberts finished 2nd overall in the 123 lb weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 110 lbs, 3rd in squat with a lift of 170 lbs and 1st in clean with a lift of 125 lbs.

Detwiler finished 5th overall in the 123 lb weight class, 4th in bench with a lift of 90 lbs, 5th in squat with a lift of 125 lbs and 5th in clean with a lift of 85 lbs. Ciera Conrad finished 4th overall in the 132 weight class, 2nd in bench with a lift of 95 lbs, 4th in squat with a lift of 135 lbs and 4th in clean with a lift of 105 lbs. Melby finished 3rd overall in the 132 lb weight class, 5th in bench with a lift of 75 lbs, tied for 2nd in squat with a lift of 160 lbs and 3rd in clean with a lift of 115 lbs. Kohler finished 5th overall in the 140 lb weight class, 5th in bench with a lift of 90 lbs, 5th in squat with a lift of 160 lbs and 5th in clean with a lift of 100 lbs. Scott finished 4th overall in the PWT weight class, 4th in bench with a lift of 95 lbs, 4th in squat with a lift of 135 lbs and 4th in clean with a lift of 95 lbs. Scherer finished 1st overall in the PWT weight class, 1st in bench with a lift of 170 lbs, 1st in squat with a lift of 320 lbs and 1st in clean with a lift of 175 lbs. Wamego’s power lifting team’s next competition will be on February 20th, when they travel to West Franklin High School in Pomona.

FCCLA help out at Christmas
Pictured: Keara Lenard and Luke Hannan of the Wamego High School FCCLA Chapter organize collected items to be delivered to Wamego Community Health Ministries.

Remembering Others

The Wamego High School FCCLA Chapter organized a Christmas collection drive at their school to gather items in need for individuals in our community this holiday season. FCCLA members modeled the “Dynamic Leadership” program in FCCLA to help them plan, organize and implement this project. Through the Dynamic Leadership program students become strong leaders by learning about leadership techniques and practicing leadership skills through projects to advocate for families, explore career opportunities and give to their community.

Through the Christmas collection drive, the following organizations assisted in gathering items for the Christmas Bureau and the Wamego Community Health Ministries; Kay’s Club, FEA, Culinary Arts Teams, and Mrs. Peterman’s classroom. Items collected included personal items, school supplies, and toiletries. The collections of goods were donated to the Community Health Ministries on December 11th for distribution to the community.

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical in-school student organization with the family as its central focus. Participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.

FCCLA members 2009
Members of the Wamego High School FCCLA Chapter attend Fall Leadership Academy on November 4th at Wabaunsee High School.

Wamego High School FCCLA Chapter Receives Award at Fall Conference

Twenty nine members of the Wamego High School Kansas Association of Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and their advisor, Tammy Biswell attended District D’s Fall Leadership Academy (FLA) in Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at Wabaunsee High School. This year’s theme is “Leader Strong”. Nearly 321 members, advisors, and special guests experienced games, projects, friendship and a lot of excitement. They also enjoyed inspiration from a motivational speaker and activities, which helped them achieve the Ultimate Leadership Experience.

Ryan Schwaninger from R5 was the keynote speaker. Ryan used his personal story combined with video and humor, to challenge the audience to live to their full potential and dreams. Part of the day’s activities included the District-wide Community Service Project. Every chapter brought blankets that will be donated to Charity. The executive council added up the number of blankets each chapter donated. The winning chapter was Washington County High School. Each chapter also brought the chain links that they had sold at their school. The strips of paper for each chain were $0.50. All profits were donated to the Children’s Miracle Network. The chain links were all collected into one big chain and will be taken to the State FCCLA meeting in the spring and connected with other districts to show how much Kansas FCCLA cares.

The Wamego High chapter was responsible in leading members in a relaxer activity during the morning meeting. During the executive meeting chapters were recognized for their past year achievement. Wamego High School received the “Active Chapter Award” for their involvement in FCCLA during the 2008-2009 school year. Individual students were also recognized for their individual achievement. Chelsea Boatwright, Ashley Maike, Monica Devora, and Shannon Calkins were recognized for the completion of the “Power of One Model”; Family Ties.

FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is a dynamic and effective national student organization that young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences Education. FCCLA had more than 220,00 members and nearly 7,000 chapters from 50 state associations and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The organization has involved more than ten million youth since its founding in 1945.

FCCLA teaching children about the H1N1 Flu
FCCLA chapter members Courtii Carley and Daniele Wilson visit with children at Central Elementary about the H1N1 flu virus.

Members of the WHS FCCLA Chapter organized an informational campaign to make students in our school district aware of the H1N1 flu virus this winter season. The project became a joint effort with the partnership of Jill Deters from the Pottawatomie County Extension Service. FCCLA has scheduled classroom visits in November and December to Wamego Middle School, Central and West Elementary to present information on staying germ free and the use of proper hand washing. During the classroom presentations, students are engaged in learning activities to help them grasp the importance of staying healthy. The FCCLA chapter will wrap up their informational tour on December 15th at Wamego High School in the commons area during lunch time.

USD320 Food Service Receives Award

Central Kitchen Staff
Pictured LtoR: Principal Brenda Page, Central Manager Brenda Brazzle, Food Service Director Laura Fails, Area Consultant, Child Nutrition & Wellness, KSDE Barb Depew, Central Staff Brenda Anderson.

West Food Service
Pictured LtoR: West - Principal Amy Flinn, West Staff Kathy Blackford, West Manager Cindy Ebert, Food Service Director Laura Fails.

The USD320 Food Service Department is proud to announce that both Central and West Elementary Schools were recognized as Silver Level Team Nutrition Schools in the national HealthierUS Schools Challenge. The Challenge is a voluntary school nutrition and wellness initiative established by the Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutritional Service for schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program.

These schools demonstrate the attributes of the HealthierUS School Challenge: being enrolled as a Team Nutrition School, offering reimbursable lunches that demonstrate healthy menu planning practices and principles of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, providing nutrition education to students, providing opportunities for physical education, maintaining an average of 70% or higher for reimbursable lunches, and adhering to the guidelines established by Food Nutrition Services for foods served and sold in schools outside of the National School Lunch Program.

In recognition of these awards, each school was presented with a large banner and will receive a plaque for permanent display. Only two other schools in the state of Kansas have received this award.