photo by: Nathan Kramer/FSHS Senior

Top Row: Amanda Faunce, Josh East, Olivia Henning, Joseph Piontek, Parker Hopkins. Second Row: Bill Faflick, Matt Renk, Bryce Jones, Eric Bradshaw, Michael Solomon, Amy McAnarney, Dawn Herron, Megan Hagaman, Jeanice K. Swift.

Free State High School has been recognized by the Kansas State High School Activities Association as a top performing arts school, and it is the first school to win this award twice.

The award recognizes the commitment of Free State’s performing arts educators, the talent and dedication of its students and the strong emphasis the Lawrence school district places on high-quality performing arts education, according to a news release from the school district.

“Our community is very supportive of all arts, performing and visual,” Free State Principal Amy McAnarney said in the release. “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.”

The school also won the award in 2019.

“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,” Megan Hagaman, assistant executive director of performing arts at KSHSAA, said in the release. “This is a well-deserved honor.”

Free State’s performing arts educators include:

• Band: Eric Bradshaw, director of bands and performing arts chair, and Michael Solomon, assistant band director.

• Orchestra: Dawn Herron, director.

• Choir: Joshua East, director; Olivia Henning, associate choir director; and 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; and assistant debate coaches: Ezra Joseph, Katie McGaughey, AJ Persinger, Kelly Thompson and Lauren Woodall; and assistant forensics coaches Tim Huffman, Katie McGaughey, Drew Raney and Kelly Thompson

The award will be presented on Sept. 5 during the halftime of the Free State High School vs. Gardner Edgerton High School football game.