USD 204 Board of Education Appoints Nicole Perica Gerken to fill BOE Vacancy
The Bonner Springs/Edwardsville Board of Education appointed Nicole Perica Gerken as a school board member to replace the vacancy opened when former member Ashley Razak resigned to accept a position within the district. Gerken will serve in this position through December 2027.
A 1997 graduate of Bonner Springs High School, Gerken brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across nonprofit management, strategic communications, fundraising, marketing, public relations, brand development, and operational oversight to the position. She has worked at The HALO Foundation for the past 16 years, including serving as their Chief Operating Officer since 2016.
Gerken applied for the Board position because she believes strong schools are the foundation of a strong and thriving community.
“Through my professional work at HALO supporting homeless and at-risk children and families, I have seen firsthand how education, stability, and supportive environments shape a child’s long-term trajectory,” Gerken said. “I believe school boards play a critical role in setting vision, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, and supporting educators so they can focus on student success.”
USD 204 Board President Angie Thomas said, “The Board unanimously agreed Gerken’s expertise and leadership make her well suited to fill this role. Her skills and perspective will strengthen our board, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on USD 204 and the community we serve.”
Huge congrats to our Bonner Springs High School Forensics team for an incredible showing at the Frontier League meet held at Louisburg High School!
BSHS students delivered powerful performances across the board:
📖 Prose: Cruz Galaviz, Irie Moppin, Lily Nowak, and Joseph Wilmer
🎙️ Poetry: Cruz Galaviz, Irie Moppin, and Layla Hubbel
⭐ Program Oral Interpretation (POI): Layla Hubbel made it to the Finals!
🔥 BIG NEWS: With her stellar performance in POI, Layla Hubbel has officially qualified for State! Joining her teammate Cruz Galaviz who qualified for state last week!!✨
We are so proud of the hard work and talent this team displayed. Way to represent, Braves!
1st through 12th graders are invited to participate in the Bonner Springs Summer Weights 2026 program! There is FREE registration with a physical on file before April 20, otherwise the program is $20 (includes t-shirt, prizes and giveaways for highest attendance, and free breakfast/lunch offered daily)!
Youth Sessions (1st - 3rd graders):
July 6 - 23 (Monday - Thursday only)
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Middle School Sessions (4th - 8th graders):
June 8 - July 23, M-Th only (no workouts June 26 through July 5 due to KSHSAA Moratorium)
Session 1: 7-8 grade boys - 7 - 8 a.m.
Session 2: 7-8 grade girls - 8:15 - 9:15 a.m.
Session 3: 4-6 grade boys and girls - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
High School Sessions (9th-12th graders)*
June 8 - July 23, M-Th only (no workouts June 26 through July 5 due to KSHSAA Moratorium)
Session 1: high school boys - 6:15 - 8:15 a.m.
Session 2: high school girls - 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
*There will also be an orientation and newcomers camp for all incoming freshmen and new high school students May 15, 16, 22, and 23rd from 6 - 8 p.m. (Meet in the BSHS commons area.)
Sign up NOW using this link! (Make checks payable to BSHS Athletics)
Please feel free to email Coach Mays with any questions!
Our 2026 boys basketball team made history!
This season, our boys basketball team brought home a state championship, only the second in school history, and the first since 1984. What makes this team special goes beyond the scoreboard, they showed toughness, discipline, and a commitment to each other every single night.
Championship T-Shirts: Bonner Springs made history, and this championship hits different. This isn’t just a shirt, it’s the season we’ll never forget. Get yours and wear it proudly.
If you would like to order one of the championship shirts, here is your chance! We accept cash and card (there is a fee if you pay by card). The deadline for shirt orders will be April 12, 2026. To guarantee you receive your shirt, you need to do two things:
Complete the Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkEKWeFQIVaomeUZwy0-28fCFuDiMpNU2JjeOHjRAq1OgVAA/viewform
Submit payment: If paying cash, you will need to bring it into the high school (give it to the athletic secretary - Mrs. Kelly); If paying by card (there will be a small fee), use this link: https://gofan.co/event/6414951?schoolId=KS18100
Both steps are required for a successful t-shirt order!
We could never...
or could we?
BSHS Fall Musical 2026 - Coming Soon!
On Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9, Bonner Springs High School will partner with the Bonner Springs Police Department and Bonner Springs Fire & EMS to host our Drive Brave for Prom activities for all juniors and seniors.
These events are designed to raise awareness about safe decision-making during prom season. While we aim to keep disruptions to the school day minimal, we believe this experience is important and well worth the small adjustments to students’ schedules.
Here’s what to expect:
Wednesday (April 8):
During 5th hour, community partners—including law enforcement and emergency services—will host informational stations in the commons and gym. Students can visit these during lunch, and some classes may also attend.
Thursday (April 9):
At 8:00 AM, all juniors and seniors will report to the auditorium for a brief presentation from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Following the presentation, students will move to the student parking lot to observe a mock crash demonstration led by our local first responders. This portion will conclude near the end of seminar, after which students will return to class and resume a normal schedule.
We understand that portions of this program, particularly the mock crash demonstration, may be emotional for some students. Please know that school counselors and social workers will be available throughout the event to provide support for any student who may need it.
This program has had a powerful impact in the past, and we are grateful for the continued support of our community partners in helping reinforce safe and responsible choices for our students.
Thank you for your flexibility and support. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sometimes the story goes a little...sideways.
What are you thinking?
BSHS Fall Musical 2026 - Coming Soon!
We were able to interact with several members of the 1984 Championship Team last night, too, which perfectly demonstrates what Mr. Moulin told this year's championship team during the celebration, "You’ve connected generations of Braves and given this community a moment it will never forget."
Mayor Tom Stephens also read a proclamation honoring the 2026 Championship team.
Special thanks to the following for making this a memorable event for all:
Bonner Springs High School Band
Bonner Springs Police Department
Bonner Springs Fire Department
Bonner Springs Edwardsville Area Chamber of Commerce
Union Bank & Trust
Atmos Energy
Providence Medical Group
Cool Heat KC, LLC
American Family Insurance, Mike Holloway Agency
Alden-Harrington Funeral Home
Burdette Driving School
Third Space Coffee
CST Sweets
Winkle Berry
Nationwide Discount Printing
Spencer Davidson, emcee
and Dave Stokka, Rebecca Ruff, and Peni Gaititi for preparing the Braves Fieldhouse for the event!
Following conferences, we invite all families and community members to join us in celebrating our boys basketball team and their state championship!
Celebration Schedule:
5:30 PM – Parade from McDanield Learning Center to the BSHS campus
Immediately following the parade – Hot dogs and water will be available
6:00 PM – Short celebration in the Braves Fieldhouse
We hope you can join us for both conferences and this exciting community celebration!
At 5:30 p.m., there will be a small parade from McDanield Learning Center up Kump Avenue to Bonner Springs High School.
After the parade, the Bonner Springs Edwardsville Area Chamber of Commerce and several local businesses will provide hot dogs and water for attendees - and the Winkle Berry truck will be on-site, too!
Around 6 p.m., all are invited to gather in the PE Center/Braves Fieldhouse for a short celebration featuring the coaches, players, and special guests! The team will also be available for autographs and photos after the celebration!
Make plans to join us in celebrating this historic moment together!
Hello Braves families,
We’re excited to share that championship merchandise is now available for purchase!
The shop owner has generously offered to donate $2 from every item sold to support Orange Crush for next year. These funds will help cover student entry to away games and provide opportunities for students who may not otherwise be able to participate in Orange Crush.
Thank you for supporting our students and helping us continue to build school spirit!
Go Braves!
https://bravesstatechampsstore.itemorder.com/shop/home/
https://x.com/KCTV5/status/2033289468745069031?s=20
Flashback Friday: The year of the last boys state basketball championship for the Bonner Springs High School Braves was 1984! Jim Sechrist shared photos he took during the game his senior year!
Check out:
Mike Martin #13
Rob Stewart #12
David Hall #10
Hughes Suffern #23
Randy Reed #11
Joe Sechrist #5 jacket
Brad Palmberg #4 jacket
Coach Carl Taylor
Did you know 1984 was also the year of the original Orange Crush? (Before that, the group was called Bleacher Creatures!)
Congratulations to Superintendent Rick Moulin as he was awarded the NAACP Louisa Fletcher Excellence in Education Award for 2026!
Mr. Moulin was recognized for the following:
"Rick has grown up in this community since third grade, graduating from BSHS in 1990. He has contributed to our education system as a student, teacher, principal and superintendent, and continues to use his expertise to support its development. He has been an advocate for diversity in our schools and our community. As a BS NAACP member, he has shown his support each year for the Freedom Fund banquet, by grilling at Tiblow Days, and at the State NAACP meetings hosted by Bonner Springs, he has given the greeting addressing the support of NAACP's principles and goals. Rick is an excellent role model."
Mrs. Fletcher was an advocate for the rights of African Americans not only in this community, but at the state and national levels as well. Since 2017, BS NAACP has given a Louisa Fletcher "Excellence in Education" award.
Congratulations to our Braves boys basketball team on their win tonight! Next, they will travel to Wichita State University to play at Koch Arena this Thursday night, March 12, at 8 p.m. for the semifinal round of the KSHSAA 5A State Tournament!
Because the team is advancing and we anticipate many families traveling to Wichita to support the team Thursday evening, the BSHS and CMS Family Engagement Nights will be postponed. Originally scheduled for this Thursday, they will now be moved to Thursday, March 26th from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. (The BSHS band pre-festival solo and ensemble recital already scheduled for March 26th will continue as scheduled at 7 p.m.)
Elementary school conferences will still take place on Thursday, March 12. If an elementary teacher would like to attend the state basketball tournament they will be allowed to do so. If elementary students are impacted because a staff member is not available Thursday evening, individual teachers will reach out to reschedule parent teacher conferences. Along that same line, if your family is planning to cheer on the Braves in Wichita Thursday night, please just contact your child’s teacher to reschedule your conference appointment.
Thank you for your understanding, and please join us in cheering on our Braves as they continue their season!
