JC Schools Foundation

05/28/2026

As we wrap up another incredible school year, we are grateful for the students, staff, supporters, and community who make JC Schools so special! 💙📚

Check out our latest JC Schools Foundation newsletter to see the impact we made together this year!

JC Schools Foundation Spring Update

05/14/2026

Yesterday, we awarded the 2026 Elizabeth Kohl Mudd Scholarship to Sharna Southwick, Capital City High School. Sharna will receive this scholarship to continue her education in US History and World History. Congratulations! 🤩

05/13/2026

The Final JC Renegades Student of the Month – April🌟
Congratulations to Levi Munson! Pioneer Trail Elementary

For the past four years, the JC Schools Foundation has had the privilege of partnering with the Jefferson City Renegades to recognize outstanding students across the Jefferson City School District. We are so thankful for their continued support of our students and schools, and we are excited to see them now launch their new Read Around the Bases program! ⚾📚

“Levi is POLITE, KIND, and RESPECTFUL. When new students arrive at our school, he is the first to befriend them and make them feel part of the school family. He is supportive, encouraging, and always willing to help classmates succeed. Even when challenges arise, Levi gives 100% effort with a positive attitude that inspires those around him. Levi’s RESPECT, EFFORT, and ATTITUDE allow him to SHINE, GROW, and SUCCEED. We are so proud of him for being such an outstanding leader!"

Congratulations, Levi, and thank you to the JC Renegades for investing in JC Schools' students! 💙

05/06/2026

Join us TONIGHT for Giveback Night at Big Whiskey's and help support JC Schools while enjoying a great meal with friends and family.

05/04/2026

This week we celebrate the heart of Jefferson City Schools, our teachers.

From early mornings to late evenings, you show up with patience, creativity, and care that goes far beyond the classroom. You inspire curiosity, build confidence, and make a lasting difference in the lives of students every single day.

The JC Schools Foundation is grateful for your dedication and proud to support the work you do. Thank you for all the ways you help our students learn, grow, and believe in themselves. 🍎👏

04/24/2026

This year, 94 seniors from Jefferson City High School and Capital City High School were awarded $630,150 in scholarships at the 39th Annual Common Scholarship Luncheon. An incredible commitment to their futures. 🎓

We are deeply grateful to our generous donors whose support makes these opportunities a reality. Your investment is opening doors and shaping what comes next for our students.

We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and the bright futures ahead. ❤️💙

04/24/2026

What a powerful evening at the 2026 Eisinger Teacher of the Year ceremony, made possible by a community that believes in public education! At the JC Schools Foundation, we see firsthand how donor generosity fuels opportunities to recognize and support the educators who shape student success every day. Events like this are not just celebrations, they’re a reflection of what’s possible when our community invests in its schools.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors: Don and Linda Eisinger, Central Bank, Hawthorn Bank, Jefferson Bank of Missouri, Scholastic, and Hy-Vee Floral for their continued leadership and commitment. Their support ensures we can honor excellence and elevate the work happening across JC Schools.🥳

04/22/2026

Congratulations to 2026 Eisinger Teacher of the Year, Emily Menges, and Outstanding Educator, Kristen Ferguson! We are so proud of these incredibly deserving educators. ❤💙

✨2026 EISINGER TEACHER OF THE YEAR: EMILY MENGES ✨
Emily teaches algebra, geometry, precalculus, and calculus at Capital City High School. She began her teaching career with the Jefferson City School District in 2014 when she first worked at the Simonsen Ninth Grade Center teaching algebra and geometry while also coaching girls soccer for Jefferson City High School.

Emily has taught at Capital City High School since it opened in 2019. In 2024 and 2025 her students earned a 100 percent pass rate on AP Exams for AP precalculus, AP calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC. Emily earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Rockhurst University. She also acquired a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction as well as a specialist degree in mathematics education from the University of Missouri.

“My goal, my purpose as a teacher, is to help shape and sharpen my students to become the best versions of themselves during the time I have them, so that they can be successful and fulfilled regardless of where life takes them. After 12 years of teaching, I now recognize that building a love for math is not my greatest contribution as a teacher, but rather shaping my students as people.”

✨ 2026 EISINGER OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR: KRISTEN FERGUSON ✨
Kristen Ferguson is the 2026 Eisinger Outstanding Educator. Kristen teaches orchestra to students at Lewis and Clark Middle School and several elementary schools. She joined the district in 2017 as a music teacher at Callaway Hills Elementary, where she served until taking on her current role in 2019. Kristen began her career in 2015 with the Cole R-1 School District as a K-8 music teacher.

Kristen earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Southeast Missouri State University and a master’s degree in music with an emphasis in Kodaly from the University of Central Missouri. She also earned an education specialist degree in K-12 leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.

“Music and education have shaped my life for as long as I can remember. I did not simply choose teaching; I grew into it, guided by family, inspired by remarkable educators, and affirmed by the students whose growth gives my work purpose. As an educator, my greatest contribution is creating an environment where students feel trusted, capable, and valued – not just as musicians, but as people.”

Congratulations again to our amazing Teacher of the Year finalists: 👏
- Aubrey Allen, engineering teacher at Capital City High School
- Amanda Burks, third grade teacher at Belair Elementary
- Shelley Kleene, instructional coach at Thorpe Gordon STEM Academy
- Sean Lovelace, math teacher at Jefferson City High School

Thank you to all of these wonderful educators for their tireless dedication to their students, their abundant talent, and their immense passion for education! 💫

04/16/2026

Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week by honoring a deserving teacher with a thoughtful message and a gift certificate to Almost’a Farm! Deadline to purchase is next Friday, April 24th.

Purchase your gift certificate here: https://www.jcschoolsfoundation.org/foundationappreciationsale

The selected teacher will receive a personalized message from you, along with a special certificate to enjoy, jams and jellies, a fresh bouquet, simmer pots, and more. The gift card can be redeemed at Almost’a Farm by the end of the season.

All proceeds benefit teachers and students in JC Schools. Certificates can be redeemed at the Lincoln University Farmers Market or by messaging Almost’a Farm.

Growing Champions Appreciation Sale with Almost'a Farm