Students from Shawnee Mission School District are making headlines with their impressive performances in recent competitions. Two groups of 2D animation students, guided by Enza Ketchum, participated in a 24-hour animation competition that attracted over 550 teams, primarily from colleges and universities. Notably, the high school team \"Recover Untitled\" secured a spot in the top 10, while another team, \"Cosmic Sunflowers,\" successfully completed their challenge, showcasing their dedication and talent.

In addition to the animation success, Shawnee Mission's cybersecurity students excelled at their first competition of the season held at Wichita State University. They clinched 1st place in a 27-hour capture the flag event, which included participants from various high schools and junior colleges. Another Shawnee Mission team also achieved an impressive 8th place finish.

The district has also announced its nominees for the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year Program. Shauna Hammett, a kindergarten teacher at Apache Elementary, and Laura Caldwell, an English teacher at Horizons High School, will represent Shawnee Mission. This award recognizes outstanding educators in Kansas, and both nominees will be honored as part of the program.

Furthermore, Shawnee Mission Parents as Teachers has received the prestigious designation of Blue Ribbon Affiliate from the National Parents as Teachers Organization. This recognition highlights the affiliate's commitment to providing high-quality services to families with young children, including home visits, developmental screenings, and social activities.

Lastly, the district continues to engage the community through its podcast, Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up, which recently featured the food service team and discussions on middle school sports, including the introduction of middle school football. New episodes are released bi-weekly, encouraging community members to stay connected and informed.