Free State High School’s performing arts programs were recognized Tuesday by the Kansas State High School Activities Association as among the best in the state.

On Tuesday, KSHSAA released its list of honorees for the annual Performing Arts School of Excellence award, and Free State was one of six “finalist” schools that came just short of the top prize. The top award went to De Soto High School, according to KSHSAA’s news release, and 11 other schools were “commended” for their fine arts programs. Free State was the only school in Douglas County to be recognized.

“It is very difficult to flourish in all categories of the performing arts, and we are so proud to honor these 18 schools,” KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Craig Manteuffel said in the news release.

The awards are based on the schools’ performance in debate, speech, music and theater during the 2022-23 school year, as well as feedback from the Kansas Music Educators Association, the Kansas Speech Communication Association and the Kansas Thespians. This isn’t the first time Free State has been recognized by KSHSAA; it won the top prize in 2019, as the Journal-World previously reported.