SM North Celebrates 100 Years

As #OneShawneeMission, the community came together this month to share best wishes with Shawnee Mission’s first high school on an important anniversary.

Shawnee Mission North High School officially turned 100 years old on September 12, 2022. This was the anniversary of the day students attended their first day of learning in the building in 1922. To celebrate, Shawnee Mission North hosted several days of celebration for students, staff, graduates, and members of the community. Watch this video to see highlights of the celebration!

Over three days, Shawnee Mission North celebrated the school’s traditions of excellence and achievement, Principal David Ewers shared.

“What we have strived to be in our first 100 years is what we are going to strive for in our next 100 years,” he added.

To kick off the festivities, Shawnee Mission North held a 100^th anniversary parade. In addition to decade-themed floats built by students, graduates from various classes joined the fun. Some participants and attendees celebrated as being part of a family that had several generations of Shawnee Mission North graduates.  

It was an exciting experience to get to see everyone who came for the celebrations, senior Maya Thies shared.

“It’s really cool meeting some of the alums,” she said. “It’s been very exciting.”

The experience was all about memories noted Roma Drebets-Martin, a former Shawnee Mission North teacher.

“I still remember so much of Shawnee Mission North,” Drebets-Martin expressed. “It was the most amazing place I’ve ever taught.”

In addition to a parade, homecoming events, and an open house, North wrapped up the commemoration with a ribbon cutting. The event celebrated the start of the next 100 years of education at North.

Board of Education President Dr. Mary Sinclair congratulated the original SMSD high school on its anniversary.

“Our roots in excellence started here,” she said.

Sara Goodburn, who represents the North area of the district and serves as Board of Education Vice President noted the multiple generations of families who have attended Shawnee Mission North. She highlighted the Garcia Family, who joined the 100th parade celebrating 3 generations and more than 20 graduates from SM North.

“Generations of families have been educated in this building – loyal members of the North family who stayed in the area to raise their families and attend North,” she noted.

Current senior and student body president Gage Chapman talked about how his experience at North has been like having a second family.

“The people I’ve met have taught me life lessons and have given me memories that I will carry with me for years to come,” Chapman shared.