Piper Middle School student wins logo contest for entrepreneurship education initiative

During the Piper USD 203 June '25 Regular Board Meeting, significant achievements were celebrated, highlighting the district's commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement among students.

One of the standout moments was the announcement of Lily Dupree, a Piper Middle School student, as the winner of the logo design competition for the Entrepreneurship Education Initiative (EEI). This initiative, supported by the Marion Ewing Kauffman Foundation, aims to integrate entrepreneurial thinking into education across Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas Community College. Lily's design was chosen for its creativity and alignment with the coalition's mission, earning her a $500 prize.

The meeting also recognized Kaylee Mortel, a Piper High School student and member of the Arts and Media Academy, for her winning design in the Wyandotte County election office's "I Voted" sticker contest. Her artwork will be distributed to voters in the upcoming 2025 elections, showcasing the vital role of youth in democracy and civic engagement.

In addition to student achievements, the district received notable recognition from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), which awarded Piper USD 203 the 2025 Golden Achievement Award. This accolade honors exceptional work in school communications and public relations. The award specifically recognized the district's "Secure the Ship" campaign, which aims to raise $2 million for equipping the new wall-to-wall academy high school. To date, the campaign has successfully garnered nearly $500,000 through strategic storytelling and community partnerships, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities for students in various fields.

Caitlin Kaminski, the district's director of communications, will represent Piper in Washington, D.C., this July to accept the award, marking a significant milestone for the district's communication efforts and its innovative approach to education.

Overall, the meeting underscored Piper USD 203's dedication to empowering students and enhancing educational experiences through community collaboration and recognition of student talent. The district's ongoing initiatives reflect a commitment to preparing students for future challenges while celebrating their contributions to the community.