Foundation honors Class of 2026
Harrisonville High School seniors were honored during the Senior Excellence in Academics Celebration, a joint effort of Harrisonville High School and the Harrisonville Public School Foundation, during an event on May 7. Recognitions during the event included Excellence in Academics recipients, as well as scholarship winners. The event was followed by a dessert reception.

The Foundation’s Excellence in Academics program honors students who complete the year in the top 15% of their class. Those seniors honored as first, second, or third-year Excellence in Academics recipients were Jacob Bruton, Jailei Davis, Daniel Hall, Levi Hall, Ayden Holt, Ava Kelly, Brezlynn Jones, Isaac Lake, Megan Lalman, Zaylee Lindsey, Madison Mitchell, Sophia Morris, Guillermo Ramirez, Bailey Sanders, and Lillian Wade.

The four-year recipients received a $500 scholarship from the Foundation and included Shelbie Anderson, Abigail Coffey, Ayden Cunningham, Austin Eng, Kaydence Grigsby, Dyllan Hembree, Mia Jackson, Annalise Malicoat, Emily Mercer, Garrett Parris, Aiden Pickering, Cole Purtle, Alexis Quinley, Annie Rhoney, Trenton Shrout, Tucker Snook, Ethan Stone, and Benjamin Wooten.

These four-year recipients had the opportunity to "pay it forward" by designating a school district organization, program, or department to receive a $250 Bill Mills Leaving a Legacy Grant. The students were encouraged to select a program that impacted their school experience in a positive way (see below).

Additionally, they each selected a teacher who made an impact to honor at the ceremony (see below).

The event was made possible through community donations. Corporate Subscribers for the Excellence in Academics program include Commerce Bank, Family Center Farm & Home, HES Facilities, Hunters Pride, Newkirk Novak, Pearson Family Foundation, and Sherwood Community Bank.  Scholarship Subscribers include American Heritage Realtors, Ecco Ride, Hawthorn Bank, Reece Nichols Smith Realty, and Alice Roach. Subscribers were Atkinson Funeral Home, Community Bank of Harrisonville, Direct Family Healthcare, Harrisonville Family Medicine, Harrisonville Kiwanis Club, Harrisonville Rotary Club, Ed & Gail Roberts, State Farm Insurance-Steve Croy, and Marie Vallee.

Leaving a Legacy Grant Recipients
Girls Tennis (2)
First Priority (2)
CCC DECA
Music Makers (4)
HHS English Department
National Art Honor Society
Girls Soccer
Football
Track and Field
Choir
Dance Team
HHS Drama Department
HMS Band

Influential Teacher Recipients
Christal Jackson
Amy Schroeder
Ashley Shrout
Layne Anderson
Brian Bliss
Amy Kump
Jake Kohl
Kip Mathew
Kelsey Tillotson
Jamie Crutchfield
Bill Kay

Foundation presents nearly $60,000 in named scholarships
The Foundation presented 28 named and endowed scholarships to the Class of 2026 during the Senior Excellence in Academics Ceremony on May 7. These scholarships totaled $59,700 and are made possible through 16 endowed scholarship funds, in addition to an annual gift and Foundation-supported scholarship. Recipients were:

Additionally, the Donna Pfautsch HATS Scholarship is presented to an 8th grader and distributed upon the student's graduation. On the last day of school, Larry Pfautsch named the 2026 recipient during an all-school assembly. Dawson Jones will receive the $1,000 scholarship at the end of his HHS career.

Creating an endowment with the Foundation
Donors who wish to honor a loved one, recognize a mentor or teacher, or create a lasting impact for Harrisonville students may establish an endowed scholarship or classroom grant through the Foundation.

An endowment provides permanent support for students and educators by generating annual scholarship or grant funding. The principal balance of the endowment remains intact, while only investment earnings are used to fund awards, allowing the gift to benefit future generations.

A minimum commitment of $10,000 is required to establish a named and/or directed endowment. Donors may fulfill this commitment over a period of up to five years. A fully funded endowment is designed to provide approximately $500 annually for a scholarship or classroom grant.

To allow the fund to grow, earnings from a newly established endowment are retained for a minimum of 12 quarters (three years). Donors may choose to provide annual funding for the scholarship or grant during this period so awards can begin immediately, or they may wait until the endowment generates sufficient earnings for distribution. No administrative fee is assessed during the initial three-year growth period. After 12 quarters, an annual administrative fee of 1% will be applied to the fund.

Contact Foundation Community Development Director Jill Filer - foundation@harrisonvilleschools.org or 816.738.1055 - with questions about establishing a Foundation endowment.

Sustaining donors campaign update
The Harrisonville Public School Foundation’s sustaining donors campaign is moving forward as we work toward our goal of 70 donors each making a $1,000 commitment to build the Foundation’s general endowment. We are excited to share that 27 new sustaining donors have made commitments.

The Foundation’s general endowment provides long-term, sustainable funding to support Harrisonville students and staff through programs including district and classroom grants and Excellence in Academics.

Growing the endowment ensures the Foundation can continue to support these programs, not just today but for years to come.

A sustaining donor’s $1,000 commitment can be given as a one-time gift or through flexible installments.

If you would like to be part of this growing group of supporters and invest in the future of Harrisonville Schools, then you can donate online:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/sustainingdonorscampaign

You may also mail a check:
Harrisonville Public School Foundation
503 S. Lexington
Harrisonville, MO 64701

We are grateful to the following individuals, families and organizations who recently pledged their support:

Foundation presents Major Saver funds
The Harrisonville Public School Foundation recently presented checks to district elementary schools for their participation in the annual Major Saver fundraiser.  Students sold the restaurant and entertainment discount cards in April and the proceeds from the sales are split equally between the Foundation and the participating schools.

The overall proceeds totaled $14,438.25. Harrisonville Early Childhood Center received $232.88. Harrisonville Elementary School earned $3,709.13. McEowen Elementary School earned $2,862.

The 2026 participating businesses included: El Maguey, Whataburger, Mazzio’s, The Ville Nutrition, Baked by Nina’s, Kurzweil’s, Apple Barrel, Shivers, Papa Murphy’s, The Garage, Brick House Coffee, Sonic, Applebee’s, el Puerto, Dairy Queen, Culver’s, Harrisonville Community Center, Price Chopper, Family Center, Headquarters, and Jose Peppers.

The Foundation will use its portion to fund programming including classroom and district grants, the Excellence in Academics program including the Bill Mills Leaving a Legacy grants, Advanced Degree Reimbursement, and student scholarships.  The elementary schools have used the funding for field day, technology, playground equipment, books, and more.

Grants in Action

Fall grant encourages reading for middle school students
Thanks to a Fall Classroom Grant awarded in honor of the HHS Class of 2002—whose generosity during the Homecoming Huddle Up fundraiser made this possible—sixth grade students are discovering just how enjoyable reading can be!

With these funds, classroom sets of novels were purchased, allowing students to read together, follow along in the text, and actively engage in shared reading experiences. This approach not only builds literacy skills but also helps students connect more deeply with stories and characters.

The goal of the project was simple: help students learn to enjoy reading, and it seems to be working according to grant recipient, Michael Norman, Harrisonville Middle School Communication Arts. He overheard students debating which book they had read this year was the best. When they couldn’t decide, one student suggested, “Let’s just read them all again!” He said that moments like these show a powerful shift in attitude. "It is also quite common to hear students in the hall using phrases from one of the characters in a book we read together."

The Foundation awards Classroom Grants twice each year.

2026 golf tournament set for Sept. 18
Registration is now open for the annual Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament on Friday, Sept. 18 at Hoots Hollow Golf Course. The event brings together supporters of Harrisonville schools for a day of fun while raising funds to benefit students and staff.

Individual registration is $100 per golfer or $400 per team, which includes green fees, a cart and lunch. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, ranging from $125 to $1,000. All sponsors will be recognized on tournament materials and signage.

Proceeds from the tournament directly support Foundation programs, including classroom grants, student scholarships, the Excellence in Academics program, staff professional learning opportunities and recognition initiatives such as Educator of the Year and the Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame.

Registration and sponsorship details are available on the website: https://www.harrisonvilleschools.org/about-us/harrisonville-public-school-foundation/alumni-friends-golf-tournament

Planning a Class Reunion?
Calling all Harrisonville High School alumni reunion organizers — if your class is starting to plan a reunion, let us know!

The Harrisonville Public School Foundation wants to help make reconnecting even more memorable. If your reunion is scheduled during football season, we can arrange reserved seating so your class can enjoy a Wildcat game together. We can also help coordinate a tour of Harrisonville High School so classmates can revisit favorite spaces, see what’s changed and celebrate shared memories.

Need help getting the word out? We’re happy to assist by sharing reunion details in an upcoming Foundation newsletter and posting information on the HHS Alumni Facebook page to help reach more classmates.

If your class is planning a reunion — whether it’s your 10th, 25th, 50th or beyond — reach out early so we can explore ways to support your celebration and help make it a great weekend back in Harrisonville.

To share your reunion plans or learn more, contact Community Development Director Jill Filer at foundation@harrisonvilleschools.org.

Foundation thanks outgoing trustees
The Foundation Board of Trustees is composed of 13 community members who volunteer their time on the board. As the 2025-26 school year came to a close, three trustees ended their time on the board. 

Thank you to Ryan Maid, Doug Meyer, Jeanne Middaugh, and Dr. Shera Sims for their dedication, support, and commitment to advancing the Foundation's mission.

Foundation board plans for the future
During the Foundation's annual retreat in June, trustees spent an afternoon reviewing the 2025-26 year and planning for the 2026-27 year.

To begin the retreat, building principals shared information to support their District Grant requests. This presentation is a new addition to the grant application process. It gives board members the opportunity to review the grant, hear about it, and then ask questions.

Following the grant presentations, the board divided into committees to discuss the coming year. Plans are underway for the 20th annual Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament, a new signature event in April, expanding current programs, and adjustments to administrative roles.

Contact Us
Email: foundation@harrisonvilleschools.org
Website: www.harrisonvilleschools.org/foundation
Location: 503 South Lexington Street, Harrisonville, MO, USA
Phone: 8163802727
Facebook: facebook.com/HarrisonvillePublicSchoolFoundation