Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) art teacher Audrey Gilroy has been named a finalist for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) by the Kansas State Department of Education. In addition, the Shawnee Mission Board of Education recognized her as an All‑Star, highlighting educators who embody the district’s vision of serving learners, teams, and the community with excellence.
Student and parent praise
Former SMSD senior Ada Knechtel recalled how Gilroy’s classroom fostered a sense of belonging. “Every day I looked forward to going to her art classes because of the sense of community that the classroom was filled with,” Knechtel said, adding that classmates would move table‑to‑table, admiring and complimenting each other’s work.
Parent Amanda Connealy, whose child has special needs, described Gilroy’s intentional teaching. “She used my daughter’s interests and inspirations to shape art projects, helping her connect to the curriculum and experience self‑expression that was difficult in other classes,” Connealy said. She praised the inclusion, success, and joy Gilroy brought to her family.
School leadership remarks
Principal Martha Mendoza noted that the visual transformation of Westridge Middle School—from murals to framed exhibits—directly reflects Gilroy’s commitment to a student‑centered art program and an inclusive school culture. “She exemplifies excellence in teaching, advocacy for students, and believes in the power of what the arts can do for students,” Mendoza added.
Gilroy’s perspective
Gilroy expressed gratitude for the state recognition, emphasizing that it reflects the collective effort of students, colleagues, mentors, and families. “I have been fortunate to work alongside educators who inspire me every day and students who continually remind me why this work matters,” she said.
District context
SMSD, the third‑largest district in Kansas, serves Pre‑K through 12th grade across 34 elementary schools, five middle schools, five high schools, and several educational centers. The district consistently ranks among the nation’s top districts for student performance and aims to provide personalized learning plans that prepare students for college, careers, and life‑long success. The district serves a diverse student population from 14 cities within northeast Johnson County, Kansas, located about 10 miles from downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
For more information about the district and its programs, visit www.smsd.org.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
