October 11, 2026
OLATHE, Kan. — An Olathe West High School teacher is moving on to statewide competition after being recognized for an outstanding first year in the classroom.
Ireland Enos has been selected as Olathe Public Schools’ secondary Horizon Award nominee, an honor that recognizes exemplary first-year teachers.
“We are thrilled to share that OW teacher Ireland Enos was selected as the district’s Horizon Award winner for secondary education and will go on to compete at the state level,” Olathe West said in announcing the honor. “If you know Ms. Enos, you know this is well deserved.”
Enos teaches social studies at Olathe West.
The Kansas Horizon Award, administered by the Kansas State Department of Education, recognizes outstanding educators early in their careers. Each district may nominate one elementary teacher and one secondary teacher for statewide consideration.
Statewide recipients are selected from four regions across Kansas, with up to 32 teachers honored each year.
Enos now advances to the next stage of the competition, where she will be considered for the 2027 Kansas Horizon Award class.
Olathe West congratulated Enos on the recognition, adding: “Owl Power!”
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