A record 230 Olathe high school seniors earned the Kansas Seal of Biliteracy for the 2025-26 school year, a 31% jump from 175 students the year before and the third straight year of growth in Olathe biliteracy achievement.
The seniors demonstrated proficiency in English and at least one of 14 languages, according to an Olathe Public Schools awards announcement, published Aug. 17. Those languages include Spanish, Chinese, Swahili, Ukrainian and American Sign Language. Each recipient gets a transcript designation, a state certificate and a medal.
The pipeline is growing, too.
Another 174 students who are not yet seniors have already pre-qualified for consideration next school year. In 2023-24, 166 Olathe students earned the seal.
Kim Wahaus named Kansas History Teacher of the Year
Olathe South social studies teacher Kim Wahaus was named the 2026 Kansas History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the organization announced Aug. 5. Wahaus now advances to the national competition, where the winner receives a $10,000 prize and a ceremony in New York City this fall. State honorees receive $1,000 and a collection of classroom resources.
"History is at its best when it sparks curiosity, discourages apathy and opens minds to amazing possibilities," Wahaus said in the district announcement.
Albrechtsen, Van Dyke honored
Olathe North art teacher Michael Albrechtsen was named the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan for August 2026. Albrechtsen worked at Hallmark Cards and spent two decades selling his own artwork before earning his teaching certificate from Fort Hays State University in 2018 and starting in the classroom at age 54. He teaches Drawing & Painting and Distinguished Scholars Visual Arts.
Student Ashlynn Adams-Crist, who nominated Albrechtsen, said his classroom is "a safe space for so many students who are having life difficulties or challenges."
Olathe West Public Safety Academy facilitator Jeff Van Dyke was named Teacher of the Year by the Kansas Association for Career and Technical Education during the organization's annual tech summit July 19-21 at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park.
Six Thespys at international festival
Olathe theatre students brought home six International Thespian Excellence Awards, pushing the district's all-time total to 23. More than 90% of participating Olathe students earned Excellent or Superior ratings.
Four students earned perfect scores and presented at festival showcases: Darby Kelley (stage management, Olathe North), Teddy Garcia (theatre marketing, Olathe West), Harper Adams (sound design, Olathe West) and Gage Pfannenstiel (solo musical, Olathe West). Olathe East Theatre represented Kansas in the Chapter Select one-act series with its production of "The 9 Worst Breakups of All Time."
The Gilder Lehrman Institute's national History Teacher of the Year winner will be announced this fall.
