‘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