by Felicia Holcomb
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — What is it really like to be a student at Bishop Ward High School here? This October, students from Holy Name, Our Lady of Unity, Resurrection and St. Patrick schools found out firsthand during 8th Grade Shadow Day.
“The purpose of the day is to expose students to a typical high school schedule,” explained Kevin O’Brien, principal of Bishop Ward. “They get to sit in classes, see the lunch period and experience what it means to be part of the Ward community.” Unlike previous 8th grade experience days, which were on nonschool days, the shadow program focuses on individualized experiences that allow students to interact personally with students and meet one-on-one with an assigned staff member.
The response from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Camila Rios, an eighth grader from Holy Name School, said, “All the teachers were really nice. Since Ward is a small school, they are all family.”
Victor Villegas, also from Holy Name, was equally impressed.
“My [high school student] was really nice to me and helped me understand more about Ward and their community,” he said. “It’s just pure joy they give out. The spirit of Ward is great and I love it.”
Luis Tovar, a future Bishop Ward Cyclone from Resurrection School, said, “I’m most excited to join the sports teams.”
Feeder school principals have noticed the difference as well.
“The kids came back really excited about Bishop Ward and are eager for the next step,” said Cally Dahlstrom, principal at Our Lady of Unity School.
Dennis Pieper, an eighth grade teacher at St. Patrick, reflected on his first-time visit to the Wyandotte County high school.
“There is great care taken to keep the school clean, bright and inviting for students and guests. The new murals are beautiful,” he said.
Located in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, Bishop Ward offers a personalized Catholic education that, as English teacher Jessica Ayres-Duff puts it, “meets the needs of every student.”
From college preparatory courses to career-focused programs, students have access to opportunities such as dual enrollment with the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City Kansas Community College and Donnelly College. The school also boasts pre-apprenticeships, job shadowing and its unique Academy of Finance.
But Bishop Ward High School is more than just a place for academics.
“Ward has helped me in my faith because [it’s] in all that we do,” explained Bishop Ward junior and Holy Name alum Kimberly Villegas.
“Our families [and students], both Catholic and multidenominational, see a daily outpouring of good works through our faith,” said Greg Duggins, director of alumni relations and community outreach. “Students experience joy and fulfillment daily, and come away with a spiritual quality that strengthens their relationship with God and others.”
Campus minister Deacon John Williams emphasized the school’s supportive community, noting that students are “walked with” through the highs and lows of high school. The school helps students form not just academic skills but “strong character.”
Bishop Ward High School is now enrolling for the 2026-27 school year for grades 9th through 12th and is also accepting inquiries from families with students in grades 5th through 8th.
For more information or to set up a tour, contact admissions director Sonya Sanchez by email at: ssanchez@ward high.org or visit the website at: www.wardhigh.org.
