here are many reasons I love this time of year in our schools.

Lately, I have been especially inspired as our seniors begin making decisions about their futures. They are committing to colleges, applying and interviewing for scholarships and thoughtfully considering the next steps that will shape their lives beyond high school.

Watching our students reach these milestones is a joy. Seeing parents and families beam with pride in these moments takes me back to my own sons’ senior years. The ups and downs are real, whether it’s a surprise success or an unexpected disappointment. Big life decisions are rarely smooth at any age, which makes celebrating the wins — no matter how small — all the more important. What I have come to appreciate is that it is not just the final decision that shapes our students, but the process along the way. The conversations, the applications, the waiting, the uncertainty, the growth — these experiences build resilience and confidence. It is through those life experiences that young people discover who they are and who they are becoming.

That is what makes this season so special.

It is not simply about where our seniors are headed, but about the character, perseverance and sense of purpose they have developed along the journey.

This season also reminds me how fortunate students in USD 327 are to benefit from our commitment to support exploration and engagement opportunities.

Whether excelling in music, athletics, academics, art, leadership, or career pathways, our students are encouraged to discover their strengths, interests and passions. That exposure is a true gift — one that helps them build confidence and step boldly into adulthood, prepared for what lies ahead.

Sometimes our students discover so many interests that choosing just one path can feel overwhelming. I hope they cherish the memories of the activities and classes they loved in high school, even those they may not pursue after graduation. And as life unfolds, they may find that some of the paths they thought were firmly set will shift.

Life has a way of surprising us in the best ways.

Graduation is still a few months away, and there is much more to celebrate in the meantime. Here are just a few highlights from the past several weeks:

• We honored Natasha Florian on Jan. 28 for Board Clerk Appreciation Day. A USD 327 graduate, she serves our district daily as board clerk and business manager, and we are grateful for her dedication.

• Our first esports season as a KSHSAA activity brought Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School its first home competition. It has been exciting to see students find connection and success in this growing activity.

• Kate Rathbun and Cameron Gardner were crowned Winter Homecoming queen and king on Jan. 30.

Congratulations to all the candidates.

• Ellsworth Elementary School celebrated Kansas Day with the help of dedicated educators, volunteers and community partners.

• We accepted a generous $1,417 donation from First Bank Kansas through its community card program. Thank you to First Bank and to every cardholder who made that possible.

• Valentine’s Day was made sweeter by the Ellsworth Singers, who delivered musical surprises throughout the community.

• Our 2025 state championship tennis team was recognized at the State Capitol, a well-deserved honor celebrating their hard work, discipline and Bearcat pride.

Please join me in congratulating our talented students who performed “Once Upon a Mattress” on Feb. 21 and 22. Thank you to Connally Agency, Farmer’s Insurance and Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iola for their ticket buyout, which allowed the community to enjoy the show free of charge in our newlyrenovated Performing Arts Center. A special thank you to Mr.

Sillmon for his leadership and commitment to our students.

As we celebrate these moments, we are also reminded that time continues to move forward. Kim Whetzel, my administrative assistant, has announced her retirement effective January 2027. While we have time to plan for this transition, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the countless ways Kim supports our students, staff and community each day. She truly exemplifies our district’s motto: Better Together, Striving for Excellence.

The milestones we celebrate — whether a senior’s next decision, another outstanding performance in the PAC, or the steady dedication of those who serve behind the scenes — remind us that schools are about people. It is the relationships, the pride and the shared commitment to our students that make this work meaningful.

Thank you to our teachers and staff, and to each of you, for being part of a community that continues to support our children as they grow, discover their paths and step confidently into the future.

Deena Hilbig is the superintendent of USD 327. She can be reached at 785-4725561.