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Top Stories

Stay informed with all the top stories in HMC-1! Here we highlight the most important news, events, and achievements from across the district. From major events to student successes, this is your spot for staying connected with our vibrant school community.

HMC-1 is spotlighting Ruskin Seniors Vicci Diggs

Senior Spotlight: Vicci Diggs is Turning Passion into Purpose

Some students spend high school trying to figure out who they want to become. Ruskin High School senior Vicci Diggs used her time to explore, grow, and discover a calling that will shape her future.

Throughout high school, Vicci immersed herself in opportunities that pushed her beyond the classroom. She participated in C.O.R.E., the Student Ambassador Internship, PRO-X, and the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, experiences that helped her discover both her interests and her strengths. Among them, C.O.R.E. had the greatest impact. The program introduced her to professional presenting, working with nonprofit organizations, project management, and event planning. More importantly, it opened doors to additional opportunities that helped her see what was possible for her future.

Boys and Girls Club Junior Youth of the Year 2026

Alvin Brooks Middle School Student Earns Boys & Girls Clubs Junior Youth of the Year Honor

Hard work, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference have earned one of our own an incredible honor.

Eulia Ambam has been named the 2025–2026 S. Kiki Curls Unit Junior Youth of the Year through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year program – the highest recognition a Club member can receive. This prestigious honor celebrates students who demonstrate strong leadership, academic achievement, service to others, and a commitment to healthy lifestyles.

From Hickman Mills to New Horizons: Celebrating Foundational Paths and Lifelong Friendships

For many graduates, high school memories fade with time. For Andrea Rochelle Seward Smith, a proud 2004 graduate of Hickman Mills High School, those experiences continue to shape the way she works, leads, and encourages others today.

Andrea still remembers the excitement of attending the Boys State Basketball game at the University of Missouri and the discipline she gained during JROTC boot camp in Virginia. Those moments were more than memorable events. They helped build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose that continues to guide her path.

Before Graduation, They’re Already Saving Lives

While most seniors are counting down to graduation, a group of Ruskin High School and Burke Academy students is already stepping into the healthcare workforce – licensed, trained, and ready to make a difference.

In an incredible show of focus and determination, seven Ruskin seniors from the Real-World Learning Center earned their Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) licenses with mental health certification through the University of Central Missouri – before even walking across the stage.

MCC KC Guarantee College Fund Initiative 0226

KC Guarantee to provide 2 years of free tuition at Metropolitan Community College for eligible students

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Metropolitan Community College has launched the KC Guarantee, an initiative designed to make college more accessible and affordable by guaranteeing up to two years of tuition-free education for eligible students.

Beginning in 2026, MCC will pilot the KC Guarantee program in three Kansas City school districts — Center, Grandview and Hickman Mills.

The goal is to invite additional districts, institutions and regional partners in the future.

A $14 million deficit will force students to change schools. Here’s what the superintendent has to say

As a state audit continues, the Hickman Mills School District is approving cuts and restructuring to improve its financial sustainability by the end of the 2027 school year.

Newly promoted Superintendent Dennis Carpenter is leading the Hickman Mills School District as it faces a $14 million budget deficit.

Ruskin Senior Desmond Walker Earns State Thespian Awards

Ruskin Senior Shines at State Thespian Conference, Earns Top Scholarship and College Callbacks

The Ruskin High School Theatre Department is celebrating a standout moment for senior Desmond Walker III, who delivered an unforgettable performance at the Missouri State Thespian Conference and walked away with top honors.

Big Dreams, Bright Futures: Ruskin Seniors Earn Scholarships, Honors, and National Recognition

Big news is coming out of Ruskin High School, and it’s the kind that makes an entire community proud. This year, Ruskin seniors are earning major scholarships, advancing in national competitions, and committing to paths of service and leadership that will shape their futures long after graduation.

From Classroom to Curtain Call: Warford Elementary Takes the Stage with Disney

When the lights dim and the music begins, something special happens. Confidence grows. Voices get louder. Students who once blended into the background suddenly shine. This year, that magic is coming to Warford Elementary, and it starts with an exciting opportunity straight from Disney.

Ruskin Girls Join Awesome Ambitions for Construction Tour 2026

Ruskin: Awesome Ambitions Tours Teens through Future Careers

Everyone deserves a chance to dream about what their working life might hold for them. That’s the sentiment behind Awesome Ambitions.

Founded by journalists Cynthia Newsome and Angela Curry, the program aims to make college and career paths more accessible to young women. Once a month, they meet separately with groups of eighth-graders and high school students from the Kansas City and Hickman Mills schools.

ENROLL TODAY

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Video Testimonials

Around the Mill Videos

Watch HMC-1's featured videos from all around the district right here, or visit the Around the Mill Video Center to see all of the district's videos.

School Reconfiguration Overview

Level Up: Hickman Mills Middle School Bound

Level Up: Hickman Mills Middle School South Bound

Ervin Summer School Scavenger Hunt

Convocation 2025 Welcome Back Dr. Carpenter

Back to School 2025

What is Your Why?

The Road to a Sustainable Destiny

This engagement series is an open forum for discussing the future of our schools. This is your opportunity to join students, families, staff, and community members as we collaborate to align our budget with the district's needs and develop a robust, sustainable plan for the years ahead.

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