



Chemistry students tie-dyed a variety of shirts, bandanas, and sweatshirts. Students learned that pre-soaking the fabric in a base allows permanent covalent bonds to form between molecules in the dye and cellulose molecules in the fabric. The result? Bright and cheerful clothing just in time for summer!
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MHS Shoe Drive Update!
A huge thank you to the Mascoutah community for helping us reach our goal in the 2026 shoe drive. We collected over 3,500 pairs of shoes!
Special thanks to the businesses, churches, libraries, and schools that hosted collection bins and tolerated a little extra “organized messy chaos.” Your support made a huge difference, and we are very grateful.
We’re incredibly proud of our shoe drive committee students, who dedicated countless hours organizing, collecting, and counting donations outside of school.
The funds raised will make a real impact for the children in Peru through Conapac Adopt A School and Cooperar Peru, a cause our students connected with over the summer on our travel abroad trip, and wanted to support. (https://www.conapac.org/adopt-a-school and https://cooperarperu.org/en/)
We’re also excited for summer 2027, when our students will travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, creating new connections with communities abroad. Contact Kira Budde for more information.
Thank you all for making this possible!
Kira Budde & Elizabeth Scott – MHS Teachers
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🎖️ BIG NEWS FROM MASCOUTAH AFJROTC!
We are incredibly proud to announce that Mascoutah Air Force JROTC Cadet Colonel Felix Santana III has earned a coveted appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point!
Receiving an appointment to West Point is one of the most prestigious and competitive honors a high school student can achieve. Each year, thousands of highly qualified candidates from across the nation compete for a limited number of appointments. The process demands excellence in academics, demonstrated leadership, physical fitness, and moral character—along with securing a congressional nomination. Simply put, only the very best are selected.
Cadet Colonel Santana exemplifies those standards at the highest level. Throughout his time at Mascoutah High School, he has distinguished himself through outstanding academic performance, unwavering discipline, and exceptional leadership. As the leader of our cadet corps, he guided the unit to a perfect score on this year’s Unit Evaluation—an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects his commitment to excellence and ability to inspire those around him.
Felix is a true leader among his peers—one who leads from the front, sets the standard, and lifts others to succeed. His impact on our program and school community will be felt for years to come.
Please join us in congratulating Cadet Colonel Felix Santana III on this incredible achievement. We are #MascoutahProud and look forward to watching him continue to excel as he prepares to serve our nation at West Point and beyond!
#MHSTheHighSchoolOfChoice
The MHS Student Council took a trip to the elementary schools to participate in Reading Across America. Students engaged in storytelling with both kindergarten and first grade classes at Scott Elementary, Wingate, and Mascoutah Elementary. Aside from reading, they created crafts to go with the theme of the book. So much fun was had by all, and the high school students especially loved visiting former teachers too! #MHSTheHighSchoolOfChoice






Students paddled through this one-of-a-kind ecosystem on a guided kayak tour, spending two hours immersed in the beauty and biodiversity of one of Illinois’ most unique natural areas. Along the way, they encountered a variety of wildlife species and even floated in awe of a towering 900-year-old Bald Cypress tree.
The experience continued with a guided hike through Heron Pond and Little Black Slough, home to the only untouched cypress-tupelo swamp in the state. Surrounded by ancient trees and record-holding giants, students saw firsthand what a protected wetland ecosystem looks like in action.
An unforgettable day of exploration, discovery, and appreciation for the natural world! 🌿
Thank you to Cache Bayou Outfitters for this fantastic day of celebrating our beautiful Earth and creating an unforgettable experience for our students.
Thank you, Friends of Cache River Watershed, for the grant to offset a portion of the cost to allow more students this experience.
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MHS FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) attended the IL State Leadership Conference in Springfield earlier this month. Out of 49 students that competed in various business events, 28 placed in the Top 10. Nine of students qualified to compete at the National Leadership Conference being held at the end of June in San Antonio, TX. Students who qualified for Nationals include: Kaine Climaco, Mallory Doyle, Marissa Kjellsen, Wyatt McClain, Marcus Nobles, Leilonnie Pascua, Emily Samson, Kento Thai and Logan Zurbrugg. Congrats to all! #MHSTheHighSchoolOfChoice


Recently, they led a powerful initiative centered around one simple, yet meaningful question: “What is the most important characteristic in a friend?” Students across campus shared their thoughts, sparking great conversations about trust, loyalty, kindness and respect.
In addition, students participated in a survey reflecting on their own friendships, helping them identify the difference between supportive, healthy relationships and those that may be more toxic. The activity also provided guidance on how to navigate challenging friendships and strengthen the ones that matter most.
At MHS, we are proud to see our students leading the way in creating a culture of connection, respect and belonging!
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Dawson and Bowers will crown the 2026 Prom King and Queen at the coronation ceremony on prom night.
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This has been a year long project for our MHS LIFE House students. They see people walking by e










Not only did this activity focus on scientific collaboration and data collection, but students also had the opportunity to observe how competition impacts the survival of their assigned species. #MHSTheHighSchoolOfChoice









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Mascoutah High School has something AMAZING to celebrate!!!
We are proud to share that MHS has officially been recognized nationally as a Model PLC School, an honor that reflects a deep commitment to student learning, collaboration and continuous improvement.
This recognition is a direct result of our incredible staff, who work tirelessly to ensure all students learn at high levels. Through strong Professional Learning Communities, MHS teachers consistently collaborate, analyze data, and respond to student needs, living out the belief of doing PLC Right, not PLC Light.
This is not just an award. It is a reflection of a culture built on teamwork, dedication and a shared commitment to every student’s success.
We could not be more proud of our staff and students for this outstanding accomplishment!!!
Check out https://allthingsplc.info/evidence/ to see MHS on the map!!
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#PLCatWork



The Mascoutah High School Chief’s Guard Exhibition Drill Team had an incredible opportunity to visit the Youth Center at Scott Air Force Base and perform for the amazing kids there!
Our cadets showcased their hard work, discipline, and precision through an exciting exhibition drill performance—demonstrating the dedication and teamwork it takes to succeed at a high level. More importantly, they had the chance to connect with and inspire the next generation, showing what commitment, confidence, and leadership can look like.
Moments like these go beyond the performance—they’re about setting an example, building relationships, and making a positive impact in our community. We’re proud of our cadets for representing Mascoutah High School with professionalism and pride!
#MHSTheHighSchoolOfChoice

The WashU African and African American Studies (AFAS) Department recently hosted their 3rd Annual Day in the Life of a WashU Student event for high school students. Mrs Whiteside and her MHS African American History students attended classes and activities from 10:00 AM to 2:20 PM. Students had lunch on campus, and a campus counselor spoke with them about college, scholarships, and the college experience. #MHSTheHighSchoolOfChoice



🌍✨ MHS Honors Biology students took a creative dive into Earth’s biomes—by becoming children’s book authors and illustrators!
From deserts to rainforests, they brought science to life through storytelling, then shared their books during a nostalgic “circle time” 📚🧸
The result? Informative, imaginative stories and an audience full of supportive, engaged listeners. We love seeing science and creativity in action! 💚
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MHS families!! Just a reminder that PreACT 9, and PreACT 10, and ACT testing is tomorrow!! Parents, please check our April MHS Newsletter on our website . . . Students, please check your grade level Google Classrooms for detailed information!
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MHS JROTC Spring Break Adventure: Colorado Bound!
Cadets from MHS JROTC wrapped up an unforgettable 4-day journey to Colorado Springs—and what a trip it was! From standing in awe at the U.S. Air Force Academy and the US Olympics Museum to exploring the depths of Cave of the Winds and the top of Seven Falls, every moment was packed with excitement and discovery.
They took in the breathtaking views at Garden of the Gods, reached new heights at Pike’s Peak, and faced thrills high above the Royal Gorge
This annual trip was more than just travel—it was about building leadership, strengthening friendships, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Where will next year’s adventure take us? Stay tuned… the journey is just beginning!
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