In the heart of downtown Kansas City, a moving display of Jewish pride has captured the attention of passersby: three illuminated Stars of David prominently featured in the window of Harry J. Epstein Co.’s hardware shop.

Citron Online, a Jewish-affiliated speech and debate program, has officially qualified 26 students from 12 Jewish day schools, including Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA), to the Centennial National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament, set to take place from June 16 to 20 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Local Kansas City area weightlifters will be representing Team USA at the Maccabiah Games this summer in Israel — Samantha “Sami” Goodman, a 17-year-old incoming senior at St. Teresa’s Academy; Aiden Luther, a 22-year-old from University of Kansas/Blue Valley North High School (2021); and Zachary Lerner, 45, who will be returning to the Maccabiah Games as the coach for Team USA.