Smithville R‑II honors students named to All‑State choirs and names elementary art educator of the year

Smithville R‑II trustees recognized students named to Missouri All‑State choirs and announced that Andrea Ashelman received the Missouri Art Educator Association 2025 elementary art educator of the year.

The board applauded students who advanced to All‑State events after district auditions: Natalie Cardon from Smithville High School was selected to the Missouri All‑State Choir. Elementary students earning spots in the All‑State Children’s Choir included Avery Patton (Eagle Heights Elementary) and Kyra Howard, Micah Kanor, Emery Perman and Emma Laing (Bryson Elementary). The All‑State performances were scheduled for late January at Tan-Tar-A during the Missouri Music Educators Association conference.

The board also recognized Andrea Ashelman for statewide recognition. Ashelman was named the Missouri Art Educator Association’s 2025 elementary art educator of the year, an honor the board said is based on standards from the National Art Education Association and the nominee’s contributions to both their school and state organizations. The superintendent described the award as a recognition of “great leadership and commitment to teaching.”

Board members invited students, families and their directors forward for photographs and offered congratulations. No formal action or vote was associated with the recognitions.