Piper High School cheer team wins regional championship and honors late mother with donation

The Piper USD 203 Board Meeting on December 10, 2024, showcased significant community engagement and recognition of local achievements. The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda, which passed unanimously.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Piper High School cheerleading team, who excelled in two major competitions in November. They secured first place at the National Cheerleader Association's Missouri Regional and placed fourth at the game day spirit competition in Topeka, marking their eighth consecutive year qualifying for the finals. The team, coached by Morgan Kalinda and Ali Acevedo, received a warm round of applause from attendees.

In a heartfelt moment, Cindy Esquina announced a generous donation of a fully electric hospital bed to the Health and Life Science Academy at Piper High School, honoring her late mother, Betty Eschena. This donation reflects the family's commitment to supporting education and healthcare, aligning with Betty's values.

The meeting also featured a presentation from First State Bank and Trust, which announced an increase in proceeds from their debit card rewards program benefiting the school district. Representatives expressed gratitude for the community's support and their ongoing partnership with the schools.

Additionally, Brooke Fenton and Jennifer Duncan were honored with the Classified and Certified Hype Squad Awards, respectively. Fenton, a secretary at Piper Early Childhood Center, was recognized for her warm presence and dedication to helping families, while Duncan, an ESOL teacher at Piper Prairie Elementary, was commended for her exceptional support of students and fellow educators.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for community member input, reinforcing the district's commitment to transparency and collaboration with local stakeholders. The recognition of achievements and community contributions underscores the district's focus on fostering a supportive educational environment.