OLATHE, Kan. – Olathe Northwest High School has been named the 2026-27 Performing Arts School of Excellence award winner by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA). After receiving commendations in 2022 and 2025, Olathe Northwest won the award for the first time this year. In total, 23 Kansas high schools are being recognized for outstanding performing arts programs during the 2025-26 school year.
The award caps a highly successful year for Olathe Northwest’s performing arts program. Santosh Subramanian and Luke Boeshart placed fourth at the Class 6A State 2-Speaker Debate Tournament, and Elsie Cordell won the Class 6A State Speech Championship in Dramatic Interpretation. Olathe Northwest had five other top-six finishes at the state speech tournament and placed sixth as a team.
At KSHSAA State Music Festivals, five large groups and 50 solos and small ensembles earned I ratings, and 34 students were selected as Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) all-state participants. Olathe Northwest earned 19 Superior Thespys with the Kansas Thespians, and its Honor Troupe received gold-level recognition.
“The Performing Arts School of Excellence Award is a reflection of a strong system,” said Eric Skoglund, Olathe Northwest debate and speech coach. “We are privileged to have phenomenal staff, hard-working students and a supportive community that understands the value of the arts. We’ve known for years how special our school is, and it is gratifying to have that recognized with this major statewide award.”
Bill Faflick, KSHSAA executive director, and Megan Hagaman, KSHSAA assistant executive director, made the announcement to Olathe Northwest staff on Aug. 25. Faflick will join Hagaman to present a plaque to Olathe Northwest’s administration and performing arts departments at a football game this fall. The date has not yet been determined.
Finalists: Andover, Manhattan, Sterling, Washburn Rural
Commended: Blue Valley North, Buhler, De Soto, Halstead, Kiowa County, Lansing, McPherson, Newton, Norton Community, Olathe North, Olathe West, Paola, Pittsburg, Salina-Central, Shawnee Mission East, Smoky Valley, Tonganoxie, Wichita Collegiate
“The Performing Arts School of Excellence Award is incredibly special and difficult to win. It requires exceptional students, staff and school system support across all aspects of performing arts,” said Hagaman, KSHSAA assistant executive director of fine arts and spirit. “Olathe Northwest has consistently demonstrated excellence in all aspects of Speech, Debate, Band, Vocal Music, Orchestra and Theatre Arts. Its programs are truly 1 of 1.”
A selection committee was formed from the following associations: KMEA, Kansas Speech Communication Association (KSCA) and the Kansas Thespians (Theatre). Leaders from these three associations along with the KSHSAA staff collaborated to discuss numerous high schools that scored exceptionally high in debate, speech, music and theater during the 2025-26 school year. The committee and the KSHSAA chose one winner, four finalists and 18 commended schools from across the state. Each of the 23 schools will receive a certificate from the KSHSAA.
Past winners:
- 2018-19 Washburn Rural High School (NFHS National and State Winner)
- 2019-20 Free State High School (First KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence)
- 2020-21 Sterling High School
- 2021-22 Pittsburg High School
- 2022-23 McPherson High School
- 2023-24 De Soto High School
- 2024-25 Olathe East High School
- 2025-26 Free State High School
