Preston Hickert of Kansas City, Missouri, has passed away, he was a teacher and cross-country coach at Heritage Middle School (HMS) in the Liberty School District. He was a Rockhurst University student studying for his doctorate degree in education, Preston would have graduated in May 2025.
Preston Hickert Career
As a teacher, adviser for the student government, and cross-country coach at HMS, Hickert had a favorable influence on almost every student in his third year of teaching. In addition to spending time outside of the classroom playing hoops with students after school, supporting them at athletic events, and going to band concerts and other activities, he worked hard to make his classroom a warm, inviting, and enjoyable place.
“The children at Heritage Middle School benefit greatly from Preston Hickert’s actions both inside and outside of the classroom,” stated Christina Lively, Blue KC’s Department Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Kids are learning how to be kind to others and care about their neighborhood, as well as being told that they are valued, thanks to his influence and example.”
Hickert was enthusiastic about project-based learning and customized learning, and offered to take the lead role in HMS’s new pilot program, “HMS by Design.” Hickert sets the standard for the program by encouraging and empowering the community of learners to create their own futures through the exploration of genuine real-world experiences. Giving pupils the tools they need to contribute to their local and global communities is the aim.
Tributes
Stratton Edwards, a Liberty North High School student, wrote on X: “R.I.P. Preston Hickert or Mr. Hickert. He was a great teacher at HMS. Please pray for his family.”
