Articles celebrating academic excellence in Lawrence and Douglas County, KS.
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Lawrence students revive local NAACP Youth Council
Wendo Kimori believes in walking the talk when it comes to equity work, so she’s doing just that. The Free State High School senior is reviving Lawrence’s NAACP Youth Council.

KU nominates 5 students for Goldwater Scholarships
KU has nominated five students for Goldwater Scholarships, “regarded as the premier undergraduate award to encourage excellence in science, engineering and mathematics,” according to a news release Monday morning.

Lawrence Youth of the Year winner to be selected at ceremony Thursday
Five candidates will give speeches on Thursday evening in front of family, friends and community members, and one will be selected as the 2023 Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence Youth of the Year.

Ovation! to spotlight talents of students in Lawrence Public Schools
Student musicians, comedians, dancers and more will hit the Lied Center stage Sunday for the seventh annual Ovation! talent show, featuring performers from Lawrence’s middle and high schools.

New exhibit traces changes over time at Haskell Indian Nations University
A local exhibit takes viewers through the years of Haskell Indian Nations University, from its origin in 1884 as a boarding school to its role as the sole intertribal university in the country.

Free State takes home hardware at state debate tournament; Lawrence High seniors cap off historic season
In a weekend featuring more than a dozen high school debaters from Lawrence, Free State took home second place in the 4-speaker division and sent a team to the semifinals in the 2-speaker division of the state tournament. Meanwhile, two Lawrence High seniors have earned the school’s first bid to the national Tournament of Champions.

Quail Run Elementary teacher wins Kansas Horizon Award for excellent teaching
Quail Run Elementary School teacher Julia Ferguson has been chosen to receive a Kansas Horizon Award for her positive impact on education in the state.

15 undergraduates from Douglas County earn research awards from KU
The University of Kansas has selected 54 students for undergraduate research awards, including 14 students from Lawrence and one from Lecompton.

Lawrence school district alumni come back to coach, cultivate new wave of sports culture
These former Lawrence High and Free State student-athletes have returned to coach at their alma maters. They’re working to improve the culture of youth sports for their athletes today.

Lawrence high school Unity Step Team encourages individuality, self-confidence
One minute the practice gym echoes with jokes and laughter, and the next, it fills with rhythmic stomping and clapping. More than just an extracurricular activity, the Unity Step Team is cherished by its members.

Lawrence High School seniors celebrate newfound scholarship opportunities
A new partner has helped 90 Lawrence High School seniors find more than $82 million in potential scholarships.

KU professor and physicist receives MacArthur Foundation genius grant
“The first feeling was definitely disbelief”: A KU professor and researcher has received the prestigious “genius grant” from the MacArthur Foundation.

Lawrence High School marching band prepares for special 100-year anniversary show
The Marching Lions’ Centennial Celebration show will feature a wide array of music that aims to highlight the culture of the Lawrence High School band and build upon 100 years of tradition and history.

Lawrence high school seniors earn academic recognition from College Board
Four Lawrence district students — two from Free State High School and two from Lawrence High School — have been awarded special recognition from the College Board.

Lawrence High to assist Special Olympics film crew with national inclusion campaign
The efforts of students in Lawrence High’s Interpersonal Skills class have not gone unnoticed. Students will be under the bright lights Wednesday when a Special Olympics film crew visits the school.