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District honors two school social workers as statewide finalists and awards student scholarship
Summary
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools recognized two social workers named finalists for Kansas School Social Worker of the Year and celebrated a Schlegel High School student who won KC BizFest and a $3,000 scholarship.
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools honored staff and a student during awards and recognition at the board meeting on Thursday.
The district recognized two social workers named among five statewide finalists for the Kansas School Social Worker of the Year award. Mrs. Dunn, the district's coordinator of social workers, said districts across the state submit nominations and the association narrows nominees to five finalists; she read portions of the nomination letters praising the finalists' work with students and families.
Rachel Pollack, behavioral health social worker at Grant Elementary, was named a finalist. "Since joining Grant Elementary School, Ms. Pollock has shown exceptional dedication to supporting our students' social, emotional and mental well-being," a nomination statement read aloud by Mrs. Dunn noted. Keisha Kelly, behavioral health social worker at Arrowhead, was also named a finalist; reviewers of her nomination praised her dedication to students and families.
Student recognition: Oscar Cervantes Delgado, a student at Schlegel High School, placed first at KC BizFest and won a $3,000 scholarship for his project titled "Ugly Food." Dr. Lashonda Bilbo Irvin, executive director of high schools, said KC BizFest is organized by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and is a four-day program for grades 10'12 that teaches students to build business plans and present to panels of judges.
Additional honors and district notices: Superintendent Anna Stubblefield also announced that Lauren Sage, a biology and environmental science teacher at F.L. Slagle High School, was named the Region 3 finalist for the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year and will receive a $2,000 award; five elementary schools were recognized with a 2024 Challenge Award from the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force for strong assessment results; and the district is hosting "Art Uploaded," a virtual student art show.
Why it matters: The recognitions highlight staff work in student social-emotional support, classroom instruction and student career-readiness programs. The KC BizFest scholarship represents a tangible student award tied to a community business program; the social work finalists reflect district investments in behavioral health supports.
Ending: The board paused briefly to take photos with honorees and congratulated staff and students; principals and family members attended to support the recipients.
