Lawrence Free State High School has been selected as the winner of the Performing Arts School of Excellence Award from the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA). This is the second time the school has earned this statewide distinction for its outstanding commitment to arts education, having also received the award in 2019. This year’s recognition marks a historic achievement for Free State, making it the first school in Kansas to earn the award twice.
KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director of Performing Arts Dr. Megan Hagaman, alongside Executive Director Bill Faflick, recently announced the award to building staff members at Free State High School.
A selection committee was formed from the following associations: Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA), Kansas Speech Communication Association (KSCA), and the Kansas Thespians (Theatre). Leaders from these associations, along with the KSHSAA staff, collaborated to discuss numerous high schools that scored exceptionally high in debate, speech, band, orchestra, and theater during the 2024–25 school year. Free State was chosen as the top high school from across the state.
The award highlights the dedication of Free State’s performing arts educators, the talent and hard work of its students, and the strong priority placed on quality performing arts education in the Lawrence Public Schools—a reflection of the core value and celebration of the arts across the Lawrence community.
- Band: Eric Bradshaw, Director of Bands and Performing Arts Chair; Michael Solomon, Assistant Band Director
- Orchestra: Dawn Herron, Director of Orchestra
- Choir: Joshua East, Director of Choirs; Olivia Henning, Associate Choir Director; Joseph Piontek, Pianist
- Theater: Bryce Jones, Director of Theater
- Debate/Speech: Parker Hopkins, Director of Speech and Debate; Michael Shelton, Assistant Director of Speech and Debate; Assistant Debate Coaches: Ezra Joseph, Katie McGaughey, AJ Persinger, Kelly Thompson, and Lauren Woodall; Assistant Forensics Coaches: Tim Huffman, Katie McGaughey, Drew Raney, and Kelly Thompson
“These folks work so hard. Their seasons never end — they go the full year, constantly dedicating so many hours to our students and doing so much to impact so many students in positive ways. This is a well-deserved honor.” — Dr. Megan Hagaman, KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director of Performing Arts
“Our community is very supportive of all arts, performing and visual. When your community members and parents continue to encourage students in the arts, and teachers have very high expectations for their students, this is the result.” — Amy McAnarney, Principal, Lawrence Free State High School
Lawrence Public Schools celebrates this accomplishment as a testament to Free State High School, their students, the community, and the District’s abiding commitment to quality arts education.
An award presentation will be held on September 5 during halftime of the Free State High School vs. Gardner Edgerton High School football game.
