Watch Kansas Teacher of the Year’s beloved holiday tradition: Student caroling

Each December, downtown Olathe comes alive with extra sparkle thanks to a tradition fostered by Rachel Marlow, the award-winning music teacher at nearby Central Elementary in the Olathe School District.

Recognized recently as the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year, Marlow told The Star in September that she aims to make music an accessible and joyful part of every student’s life. During the holidays, she leads students, this year fourth and fifth graders, into the heart of the downtown Olathe community, transforming local businesses into impromptu stages filled with warmth and festive cheer.

“It’s such a great way to bring the kids out, to get to know their local community, and just to encourage the people around here that our school is doing great things,” Marlow said.

Wearing a headset microphone and a speaker slung around her neck, Marlow, dressed in a festive red coat, brought her students to sing carols from business to business in the shadow of the Johnson County Courthouse on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Marlow’s special chorus brightened the day for everyone they encountered at four downtown businesses on Wednesday. Their caroling journey began at Park Street Pastry, where the young singers performed spirited holiday songs including “Jingle Jive,” “Shine a Light for Peace,” “Los Colores de La Vida” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” for patrons and staff.

Next, at Trinity Fellowship Church, the sound of classic carols drew employees from their offices . Continuing down Cherry Street, the students stopped at Mainstreet Credit Union, where their voices prompted customers and employees to pause and listen, then applaud.

For their final stop, Marlow guided her students up the steps of Junque Drawer Studio, a beloved local shop in a house decorated in tinsel and lights. Laura Simon, the owner, welcomed the students.

“We love it when they come here… we love that school, we love Rachel, she is so awesome,” said Simon, who donned a vintage Santa sweatshirt for the event.

For Marlow, leading these caroling journeys is more than musical instruction — it’s a way to foster connection and community spirit in the heart of Olathe.

“We love where our school is,” Marlow said. “... We just hope that our school can bring a little light to all those people that we see.”