Month: September 2016

‘Reasons to Believe’ honorees announced

The Kansas City, Kan., community is invited to hear about the achievements and life work of 12 outstanding alumni from the KCK Public Schools at the district’s 2016 Reasons to Believe Celebration.

The event will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at the KCKPS Central Office and Training Center, 2010 N. 59th St. The celebration is free and open to the public.

Reasons to Believe was established in 2002 to generate pride and celebrate the progress being made throughout the district. Through the program, nominations are sought for outstanding alumni to be inducted into the Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll. These alumni serve as role models whose deeds, words and images are shared to inspire and encourage today’s students. The nominations are reviewed by a Reasons to Believe Steering Committee and 12 are chosen to honor at the annual celebration.

Members of the 2016 Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll:

• Steve Bender, Realtor, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Washington High School Class of 1979
• David J. Berry, machinist, coach and community volunteer, Sumner High School Class of 1968
• Shirley Christian, journalist and author, Rosedale Junior-Senior High School Class of 1956
• Cecil D. Christwell, educator and athletic director, Schlagle High School Class of 1994
• Bernice E. Collins, wardrobe assistant for Cirque du Soleil (former Ringling Brothers clown), Washington High School Class of 1975
• Timothy L. Dupree, district court judge, Wyandotte High School Class of 1994
• Tyrone A. Garner, deputy chief of police for KCK, Wyandotte High School Class of 1987
• Marcus D. Gladdis, program manager for Cerner Corp., Sumner Academy of Arts and Science Class of 2005
• Nancy Hale, assistant principal and coach, Wyandotte High School Class of 1978
• Adolphus Clarence Lacey, clergyman and educator, Wyandotte High School Class of 1988
• Dr. Jeanette Pitts, dermatologist, Washington High School Class of 1980
• Ana M. Valdez, admissions director at Donnelly College, Harmon High School Class of 1983

To review past honor roll classes or to learn more about the program, go to www.kckps.org/recognition/alumni.

– Story from Tammy Dodderidge, communications manager, Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools

Sign-ups now under way for KCKCC’s Walk Across Kansas

by Kelly Rogge,KCKCC

Kansas City Kansas Community College is inviting students, faculty, staff and community members to participate in the Walk Across Kansas Incentive Program.

The goal of the eight-week program is to improve the health and wellness of each participant by “walking” enough miles to go across the state of Kansas. Teams will include four people and starting Sept. 26, each team member will complete at least two miles of walking, jogging or running per day. This will equate to eight miles per team each day, seven days a week or 448 miles by the end of the program.

“This incentive program keeps people engaged for eight weeks and is a great motivational tool for people to get consistency in a cardiovascular exercise program,” said Pam Hall, wellness specialist at the KCKCC Wellness and Fitness Center. “In the past many Walk Across Kansas participants have voiced their pride for completing the eight weeks, and the team component makes it fun and inspirational.”

Participants can do more or less during the Walk Across Kansas program, but can turn in no more than 21 miles per week. Those who participate should remember that the team is counting on each member to reach their goal of 448 miles by the time the program ends Nov. 20. Individuals will turn in weekly mileage tracking sheets, so that the team progress can be displayed in the KCKCC Wellness and Fitness Center.

In addition, there will be a team social in October. This is an organized walk-run at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 21, and participants must do their best to participate.

Those who would like to participate and do not have a team, may contact Pam Hall at [email protected]. Information about the Walk Across Kansas Program is also available by calling 913-288-7368. A waiver must also be completed upon registration.
Kelly Rogge is the public information supervisor at KCKCC.