The Courier-Tribune/Examiner: Athlete of the Year 2025-2026
The contest celebrates the outstanding student athletes who have gone above and beyond this season - showing dedication, talent, and true sportsmanship. SMA's male athletes of the Year are Max Thomas, Josh Wheeler, Luis Tellado, and Michael Weis.
Vote using the following link: Male Athlete of the Year
The Courier-Tribune/Examiner: Athlete of the Year 2025-2026
The contest celebrates the outstanding student athletes who have gone above and beyond this season - showing dedication, talent, and true sportsmanship.
SMA's Female Nominees are Kinley Gillihan and Addy Basler.
Vote using the following link: Female Athlete of the Year
SMA spring sport Seniors have shown us leadership and dedication. We are so proud of the example they have set and the legacy they leave behind. Once a Guardian, always a Guardian.
The SMA Class of 2026 student-athletes have lead SMA to 2 State Championships (Girls Volleyball & Wrestling), a 2nd place State finish in Girls Golf, and a State semi-finalist game in football. In addition, teams have won district and conference titles as well as qualifying for State competition as individuals. This class of Seniors signed 26 national letters of intent to play on the collegiate level in volleyball, football, golf soccer, basketball, wrestling, cheer, dance, water skiing, and debate.
The boys track and field team won the Class 3 District 7 Championship on Saturday, May 9 held at Holden High School. Colten Boulware took 1st place in the 800m, 1600m, 3200m races and as a member of the 4X800m relay (with David Rogge, Graham Hotop, and Rowen Gilbert). Other 1st place finishes included Andre Young in the 300m hurdles, Wyatt Herrman in the pole vault, and the 4x100m relay team (Reece Fredickson, Tate Jenison, Max Thomas, Beau Marchesi). Other sectional qualifying events included Fredrickson (100m Dash), Young (110m hurdles), 4x200m relay team, Marchesi (Long Jump), Rogge (1600m run), Gilbert (3200m run) , CarsonJudah (pole vault), Adam Rogers (Javelin), Cole Zeiler (Shot Put & Discus), and William McKnight (Shot Put & Discus). The Sectional Class 3 meet will be held on Saturday, May 16 at Lafayette County C-1 High School.
Julie Hyde started at SMA in 2019 as the Marketing & Communications Director before transitioning to Director of Admissions. Her dedication to our mission could be seen in her devotion to being a representative of SMA. The long list of activities Julie oversees include Open House, Middle School Nights & Lock-Ins, New Family Picnic, Freshmen Enrollment, and Student Ambassadors. Julie established the Parent Ambassadors to assist in representing SMA in the parishes and community. Under Julie’s guidance the SMA student body has continued to grow as we are now near capacity in our facilities.
Both ladies will be retiring from SMA this year. We thank them for their commitment to Catholic education and their dedication to the SMA mission. We will miss the joy they bring to all in the SMA community. May God bless Ann and Julie on their next journey in life.
The Class of 2026 was accepted to and earned scholarships from 93 colleges and universities.
The 2026 SMA Baccalaureate Mass was held at Holy Spirit Church in Lee's Summit on May 6. The Salutatorian of the class of 2026, Allison Anderson was the speaker for the evening. Allison is a member of National Honor Society, a Student Ambassador, Peer Mentor, and a House Captain for Kolbe Community. Allison is known for her baton performances during the half-times of football and basketball games. She will attend the Mizzou to study biochemistry. The evening included the tradition from our legacy school, St. Mary's, of presenting roses to someone as a symbol of courage, gratitude, respect, and love.
The Steve McCoy Memorial Scholarship is given a student who consistently expressed a joyful commitment and devotion to our SMILE students. Former SMILE Zone teacher, Nancy McCoy established the scholarship in memory of her husband, Steve McCoy, who dedicated his career to educating students with exceptional needs. Molly McNamara was honored with the 2026 scholarship. Presenters were SMILE Zone faculty members Mrs. Meg Burke and Mrs. Emily Mincher.
The Tyler Jones Scholarship is awarded to Seniors who display the qualities of dedication, determination, and school spirit in memory Tyler Jones, an O'Hara High School alum. Daniel Torres and Sophie Scarborough were presented the 2026 scholarship by Tyler's parents, Larry & Teresa Jones. Congratulations to all!
On Tuesday, May 5 the members of the class of 2026 gathered for their Senior Breakfast. Following a SMA tradition the Seniors selected a speaker for the event. Senior Allison Wiehn was chosen by her classmates based on her excellence in academics, involvement in SMA, and positive school spirit. Allison is a member of National Honor Society, a Peer Mentor, Cheerleader, Track & Field athlete, and a manager of the State Champion Volleyball team. In the fall Allison will attend Rockhurst University. The Seniors followed Allison's speech with Senior Superlatives awards and graduation practice.
King Parker Lutz, Queen Loren Adamczyk, Gianna Swingle, Ian McClintock, Addison Basler, Henry Miller, Ava Ventimiglia, and David Rogge.
All year long, our communities compete for the sword and the title of Guardian Sword Winner. Points are earned through competitions, donations, and acts of service, all leading up to the exciting Guardian Sword Day.
The winner of the Guardian Sword Day activities is awarded the Guardian Cup, and this year, St. Josephine Bakhita took home the cup!
It’s a fun and meaningful competition that highlights sportsmanship and brings our communities together one final time for the school year.
Jaxon Monte Friends University (Basketball)
Maveric Cure Warner University(Baseball)
John Lavin Calvary University (Baseball)
Ella Swearingen Rockhurst University (Cheer)
Parker Lutz Morningside University (Wrestling)
Austin Stevick Morningside University (Wrestling)
James Wilson Central College (Basketball)
Noah Hance-Johnson Rockhurst University (Soccer)
Brodie Purtle Avila University (Wrestling)
Landon Lane University of Central Missouri (Wrestling)
