Lansing USD 469 is proud to announce Jordan Fuller, kindergarten teacher at Lansing Elementary School, and Kevin Krouse, Debate and Forensics teacher and coach at Lansing High School, as the district’s 2026 Kansas Horizon Award nominees!

The Kansas Horizon Award Program recognizes outstanding educators who have successfully completed their first year in the classroom. Each district may nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher who demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and promise during their first year of teaching.

Jordan Fuller, Elementary Nominee

Mrs. Fuller quickly made an impact during her first year as a kindergarten teacher at Lansing Elementary School. She was selected for her positive spirit, strong classroom management, and remarkable ability to connect with students from a wide variety of educational backgrounds.

Whether welcoming students into her classroom with a smile or finding ways to help each child feel successful and supported, Mrs. Fuller has shown a natural ability to build relationships with Lansing's youngest learners.

"Congratulations to Mrs. Fuller! Her infectious personality and willingness to support students and colleagues make her such a deserving recipient of the Horizon Award," said LES Principal Chad Eshbaugh. "Thank you, Mrs. Fuller, for all that you do for our school!"

Kevin Krouse, Secondary Nominee

At Lansing High School, Mr. Krouse made an immediate impact both in the classroom and as the leader of the school's Debate and Forensics program.

Throughout his first year, Mr. Krouse created a classroom environment focused on practice, meaningful feedback, confidence, and growth. His students responded with an outstanding year of competition.

"Kevin's been an awesome addition to LHS as a classroom teacher and Debate and Forensics coach," said LHS Principal Dr. Alan Penrose. "His easygoing, supportive personality is perfect to make sure all students are successful. His debate knowledge and experience helped students win at the state and national levels."

While Mrs. Fuller and Mr. Krouse teach students at very different stages of their educational journeys, Director of Teaching & Learning Miles Azzeh said they share something that stood out immediately.

"When I visited Jordan and Kevin's classrooms last year, I never would have guessed they were first-year teachers if I hadn't already known," said Mr. Azzeh. "They were both so natural with kids, and it was easy to see how much their students enjoyed being in their classrooms. We are very lucky to have both of them in Lansing!"

The Kansas Horizon Award is a regional competition coordinated by the Kansas State Department of Education. Regional selection committees will select up to four elementary and four secondary teachers from each of Kansas' four congressional districts, for a possible total of 32 statewide honorees.

Congratulations to Mrs. Fuller and Mr. Krouse on this well-deserved recognition! We are proud to have you representing Lansing USD 469!