December 16, 2021 | KCPS News Details

Lincoln College Preparatory Academy sophomore Topher Rauth performs in the Kansas City Repertory Theater production of “A Christmas Carol”. He plays Teen Scrooge, Ignorance and Turkey Boy. Lou Ann Balderston / KC Representative

LCPA second year finds self-expression on stage

The lights went out and the Christmas bells began to ring. A moment later, actors in Victorian costumes were leaping into the theater, full of glee.

Among them was Topher Rauth, a sophomore at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, performing in the holiday tradition of KC representative, “A Christmas Carol.”

As part of the youth cast, Topher has three roles. He plays Teen Scrooge alongside Gary Neal Johnson, one of Kansas City‘s most respected actors. He appears as Ignorance, one of the miserable children who represents the poor and the oppressed in Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic. And at the end of the play, Topher’s character buys a turkey at Scrooge’s request and delivers it to Bob Cratchit’s family.

“The theater in general has been a way for me to have fun and express myself,” Topher said. “It really helped me a lot in school too, in terms of memorization and my commitment to something. “

This is Topher’s second year in “A Christmas Carol”. In 2019 he played Teen Scrooge.

This year, his favorite part is one of the novelties.

“Ignorance has no lines. His whole character is warning Scrooge, “If you don’t change your ways, ignorance and desire will kill you, and Tiny Tim will die too,” Topher said.

One of Topher Rauth’s roles in “A Christmas Carol” is Ignorance, a street urchin who represents the poor and downtrodden of Victorian London. Lou Ann Balderston / KC Representative

Just before Ignorance appears, the actors are on stage singing a Christmas carol by candlelight. Then it’s a quick costume change for Topher before he returns, crawling under the Christmas Gift Ghost’s robes to torment the miser Scrooge.

“During Candlelight Carol, deep in my head I’m still thinking about ignorance,” Topher said.

Even with two young actors starring in “A Christmas Carol,” Topher said it was difficult to keep up with his homework.

“I have some catching up to do. Fortunately, I have a family that supports me and pushes me to be successful. And my teachers were very understanding. I know I can always contact them, ”Topher said.

Topher’s friends also support him. He started in Lincoln last year during the pandemic and immediately found friends even though he hadn’t gone to elementary or college with any of his classmates.

“I just want to encourage everyone at Lincoln to be yourself,” Topher said. “Try not to worry so much about what other people think of you and just enjoy your high school experience.”

“A Christmas Carol” runs until December 26th. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the KC Rep box office at 816-235-2700. Topher plays with the cast of Young Ivy.

Students in the Culinary Arts class at Manual Career & Technical Center put the finishing touches on their gingerbread houses on Friday, December 10, 2021. Typically, their projects are on display at Union Station, but due to pandemic, this year they were moved to the Board of Education, 2901 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri.

A KCPS Holiday Tradition Returns: The Culinary Arts Class Gingerbread Village on Display at the BOE

Northeast High School high school student Samuel Cuong spent hours decorating the roof of his gingerbread house with sweet candies, Skittles and Tootsie Roll Pops.

“I got this idea from a photo online, but it’s not exactly the same. I created some of my ideas on it, like these doors, ”Samuel said, pointing to the graham cracker patio doors on a gingerbread balcony.

The project is a favorite of Chef Dan Hogan, who teaches culinary arts classes at Manual Career & Technical Center.

“Every year we do it. We like it. Children love it. It’s a great way to end the semester. Students have the opportunity to truly express themselves and their talent, ”Hogan said. “They have carte blanche to be as creative as they want.” Continue reading …

Two KCPS programs received grants of $ 10,000

On December 8, 2021, two KCPS programs each received $ 10,000 in grants from BeGreat Together, a nonprofit organization that provides financial support to community initiatives led by Blacks and Latinos. (Top) Success Academy teacher in Anderson, Ladanya Johnson, is expanding access to family and consumer science classes. (Below) The International Visitor Center is building a multilingual library for families.

The latest KCPS Our Voice Magazine is online!