The Latest From Our Scholars

The bright lights of Hollywood continue to shine brightly on Kalen Allen. Just a few weeks after receiving his college degree from Temple University, Kalen was back on TV in his biggest role yet. On June 13, he guest-hosted the “Viral Stars” episode of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” – and one of those viral stars was Kalen himself who was “discovered” in late 2017 when Ellen took a shine to his YouTube “Kalen Reacts” recipe critiques.

Click to watch Kalen’s June 13 debut as a TV talk show host.

And, click to watch his new weekly OMK! video channel on ellentube!

It’s shaping up to be a busy summer for Amari Lewis! In mid-June, she was a member of the Sumner Academy of Arts and Science team at the National Speech & Debate Association competition in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Now back home, Amari has several upcoming musical theatre performances. Mark your calendars and go see her shine in the following shows:

Urinetown: The Musical. Amari played the role of Penelope Pennywise in this Stage Right Performing Arts’ production in early July at Avila University’s Goppert Theatre. Click for information.
Hairspray. Amari auditioned for and landed one of only eight spots in the Blue Star Teen Ensemble for Starlight Theatre’s production of Hairspray, which takes the stage for six performances July 27-Aug. 2. Click for tickets and information.
Bring It On. Playing the role of Mills and understudying Danielle, Amari is in the Kansas State Thespian All-State cast of Bring It On. The musical will be performed Aug. 9-11 at Olathe South High School and at the Jan. 3-5, 2019, Kansas Thespian Festival in Wichita. Click for information.

On the heels of completing her freshman year at Lee’s Summit North High School, Lauren Howard began a busy summer. On June 4, she competed in the semifinal round of the KC SuperStar 2018 competition, singing “Unstoppable” by Sia. The following week, on June 9, Lauren was part of the NorthStrong ensemble that performed in the Lee’s Summit’s Got Talent showcase. The group also sang earlier in the month at Lee’s Summit Downtown Days.

This spring, Lauren competed at the state level in choir (received gold) and baritone sax (received silver). At the end of the school year, she acquired her letter in theatre, band and choir, along with seven medals. Keep up the great work, Lauren!